Australia’s peak industry body for the meetings and events sector, Meetings and Events Australia, announces that Peter McDonald has resigned as CEO and will be leaving the association at the end of October.

“On behalf of the MEA Board, I’d like to thank Peter for his service to MEA and the industry over the last three years. During a challenging period, Peter has been a stable and trusted executive officer, ensuring we’ve been able to serve our members and the industry through a time of upheaval” says Vanessa Green, Chair, Meetings and Events Australia.

“Our vision is to ‘lead, empower and connect’ – Peter’s leadership has provided a platform to deliver on this mission and one that we look forward to continuing to expand upon. We have a bright future ahead, with all the board members and leadership team united in our drive to create a dynamic and engaged association for our members” continues Green.

With 2025 marking Meetings and Events Australia’s 50th year of representing the Australian events industry, a change in leadership represents an opportunity to build upon past success, while evolving to better support member needs. In addition to recruiting for a new CEO (information available here), MEA will be working with members and industry leaders via a survey to gather input on their needs as we support their growth and success. 

“Under challenging circumstances including the global COVID pandemic and subsequent recovery period, I leave knowing I have led and served MEA with full commitment and as best I’ve been able. I’m proud to have overseen Evolve come back to life with year on year improvement in delegate satisfaction, and the reinstatement of the industry’s most prestigious awards program. I’ve consolidated the organisation’s financial performance by delivering three consecutive financial year positive results, returning the FY end balance sheet to ‘black’. With MEA’s 50th anniversary year approaching, a new leader’s fresh enthusiasm and energy will well serve the business’ next chapter,” says Peter McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Meetings and Events Australia.

Meetings and Events Australia looks forward to continuing and building upon the success of the past 50 years, with strong opportunities to grow sponsorship, increase industry programs, and increase membership benefits. This is on top of continuing a well-established program of industry events, education and continuing professional development, a mentoring program, industry awards, job directory and more. In addition, the MEA accreditation program will be returning in 2025, providing members and industry with further credibility and reassurance.