National Event Alliance (NEA) are delighted to announce the appointment of Doug MacColl as the interim CEO following overwhelming positive feedback from their first Forum held recently in Sydney.

Doug was previously Finance and Transformation Director at Reed Exhibitions APAC, with many years in the Industry. In welcoming the appointment Doug said that “National Events Alliance are keen to give a voice to the 2,198 direct businesses [1] involved in the industry and the thousands more who rely on the industry for revenue. “

“Businesses in the industry have declined over the last 5 year and this is accelerating with IBIS world predicting this decline will almost double this year. The forum and member responses highlighted the wide diversity and large number of businesses that represent up to 68% of an Exhibitors spend outside of registration and space fees[2]. They currently don’t feel that they are adequately represented and feedback was that they wanted an accessible independent body to represent the whole industry like the National Event Alliance. I am proud to be asked to help”

With a number of other announcements due shortly on the advisory panel Doug wanted to thank all those who had put their hand up to help and was keen to assure all those who were part of the alliance that “National Events Alliance will continue to be true to its vision of being all inclusive and affordable. So far it had been able to be funded from member contributions and whilst this continues it will not charge high fees which could act as a barrier. It would also promote its vision of the Industry working together to find common solutions for the large number of businesses who have been impacted”.

Following consultation the NEA priorities and strategy are delivering actions on

1. Confidence of exhibitors to commit and visitors to attend
2. Working with Government on their road map and being able to give the Industry clarification on border closures, what exceptions for business are allowed and, definition of a hot spot so Industry can react quickly and exclude only those impacted and not have to cancel the whole event.
3. National consistent approach to covid rules so shows can work across the whole country
4. Support for people in the Industry through a Mental Health and wellbeing program and an industry job board
5. Tax and business support for exhibition industry
6. National marketing program to promote effectiveness of Events, exhibitions and conference for sales results and to source new products

Doug outlined that as interim CEO he was looking forward to shortly making announcements on the successes NEA has already been able to secure and assured the members that “The NEA will work with BECA, MEA and extend further invites to EEAA to participate in supporting a united approach to getting the industry immediate support as it is hit by continuing uncertainty over lockdowns and to secure more longer term support. “

If you are interested in becoming part of National Event Alliance you can contact us via the web page and Doug is happy to speak to those who have been impacted and want further information on 0410 656275.

[1] IBIS world  – Firms in the industry include exhibition and conference centres that host a range of events, exhibitions and conferences, and companies that organise these types of events April 2021

[2] EY – The Value of Business Events to Australia report for Business Events Council of Australia