The collapse of Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) has sent shockwaves through the industry, raising serious questions about the future of professional representation. While other associations remain, such as PCMA and the Venue Management Association (VMA), attention now turns to the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA)—an organization already grappling with internal challenges.
What Has ABEA Achieved?
Beyond networking events and state-based social gatherings, what tangible impact has ABEA made in advocating for the industry? Despite its grand launch, evidence of meaningful progress remains scarce. MEA’s demise highlights the fragility of industry associations and raises the question: is ABEA truly equipped to fill the void, or is it merely another membership club with little real advocacy?
Moreover, how effectively does ABEA represent the key sectors of venues, organisers, and contractors? Venues appear to have the strongest voice, despite already being represented by VMA. With their financial and operational clout, venues arguably achieve more on their own than ABEA can offer. Meanwhile, organisers have lost identity and visibility, overshadowed by venues within the association’s structure. As for contractors, they remain little more than a financial contributor to the system, with no clear benefits or targeted support. What exactly are contractors and service providers gaining from ABEA’s representation?
Prepared for the Next Crisis?
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of the business events sector and underscored the importance of strong government relationships, particularly at the state level. While federal policies play a role, it is the states that control venues, land, and industry-defining decisions. If another crisis were to emerge, does ABEA have the political influence to fight for the sector’s survival? Right now, the answer remains unclear.
The End of Associations as We Know Them?
MEA’s downfall also raises a more fundamental question: do event professionals still need traditional industry associations? Or has the model become obsolete? In a world where professionals can connect and access resources independently, is the classic association structure still relevant? Or should the industry shift toward specialized groups that truly understand and advocate for their members? If membership is nothing more than a badge of convenience—like an unused gym subscription—perhaps it’s time to rethink industry representation altogether.
MEA may have fallen, but the real concern is whether any organization is stepping up to fill the void—or if the industry is witnessing the slow death of formal representation itself.
As Julius said a big problem is that the industry is so fractured but we absolutely should have associations that act as a voice for a misunderstood and poorly funded industry. Governments at all levels have never properly listened. Businesses do not look at their employees as event professionals and the associations themselves are tone deaf. I was recently asked to join ABEA. The author knew nothing about me, my experience, my requirements, my aspirations. So I didn’t bother replying. I want to join an association that will hold professional development that teaches me something. I want to be represented at government level and looked at as a valuable contributor. I want the industry to protect businesses from cowboys. I want to be differentiated from some 18 year old who calls themself an event manager when they are in fact a function sales coordinator in a venue. I want my association to fight for me when times are tough and fight for our rights. And I want my colleagues in the industry to stop being self important and think that one association is better than another. Is that too much to ask?
MEA’s collapse is a stark reminder that an association’s survival depends on more than just good intentions. It has to deliver real, visible value to its members – and evolve as their needs change.
This isn’t just about one association. The bigger issue is that the traditional association models don’t fits in today’s world. Members want action, influence, and relevance – not a badge and a newsletter. And if they’re not getting that, they’ll vote with their feet.
Associations have existed in different forms for thousands of years – evolving as societies evolve. The idea of associations – and collective action – is still relevant. But it is time for associations to evolve yet again.
MEA’s closure is a loss – but also an opportunity. This sector needs bold, future-focused leadership that can genuinely represent all players, not just the loudest ones. It will be interesting to see if ABEA fully realise the opportunities it has.
Gary hits the nail with precision, in fact his laser melted it! Even if we did need and want an organisers association, we’d be too factionalised to ever get one or agree on anything. Until we get another Pandemic, then the teardrops will do little more than short circuit our laptop.
Brilliant article.
Now do one on the absolutely useless Events Industry Association (EIA) in Perth WA. Their Facebook page is full of advertising for community markets. Annual membership fees are a joke at $1000 and $500 with only an annual networking event reach year. They do nothing at all in advocacy work and like to delete comments and block anyone on their Facebook page they disagree with.
About the EIA
The Events Industry Association of Western Australia (EIA) formed in 1995, is a not for profit association representing the state events industry and is dedicated to fostering high professional standards in the delivery and management of events.