The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA), the peak body for the Business Events industry, proudly announces the appointment of two additional industry leaders to its Board of Directors. 

Penny Lion, Non-Executive Director of Racing SA and Adelaide Venue Management Corporation (AVMC) and the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association, joins industry luminary Dr Leo Jago OAM, Director of Tourism and Business Events International, who was appointed to the Board last month.  

Melissa Brown, ABEA CEO, expressed her enthusiasm for the latest additions to the ABEA Board.  

“All directors appointed have garnered acclaim as industry leaders, with our latest appointments being no exception. Each director is uniquely positioned to propel the Association towards its goals.  

“In Penny Lion we have a wealth of industry connections and influence, business vision and planning, and in Dr Leo Jago, an abundance of research and advocacy knowledge and guidance.  

“With nine of the eleven Board positions now occupied, ABEA is galvanised with a representative Board, comprehensively reflecting, and addressing the industry.  

“We invite Business Events leaders with a passion for championing our industry and serving our members to join us. We want to see the final two positions on the Board filled by high calibre individuals who, together with our current directors, will represent the full scope of our industry.” said Brown. 

Penny Lion is well recognised for her dedication to the business events industry, championing excellence and driving global partnerships through astute strategy and masterful stakeholder engagement. Her governance experience spans NFP, government and the private sector, including 11 years leading Business and Industry Events at Tourism Australia. Penny’s extensive global network within the Business Events industry affords ABEA a unique opportunity to drive the Australian industry forward.  

Dr Leo Jago is Emeritus Professor at the University of Surrey in the UK and an Adjunct Professor at Griffith University, specialising in assessing the economic impact and legacy of business events. With over 25 years of active involvement with international organisations, including the UNWTO, JMIC, and ICCA, Dr Jago’s accolades include chairing the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA).  

With these appointments, the Australian Business Events Association continues its unwavering commitment to the growth and success of the business events industry in Australia.