The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has today opened registrations for the 2025 ABEA Conference, to be held from 3 to 5 December 2025 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). 

Following a highly successful inaugural event in 2024, the ABEA Conference returns as the national meeting place for Australia’s business events community. Designed to engage professionals across venues, bureaux, suppliers, organisers and more, the 2025 event will deliver three days of insights, learning and genuine industry connection. 

Under the theme “Partner with Impact”, this year’s conference explores how collaboration and alignment between sectors, regions, organisations and individuals, can lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the industry. As the national peak body, ABEA positions itself as both a partner and a catalyst, convening the people and conversations that will shape the future of business events in Australia. 

The program features an energising mix of keynote speakers, interactive education sessions, sector-specific meetings and structured networking opportunities. Highlights include journalist and broadcaster Tracey Spicer AM, global leadership voice Holly Ransom, mindset and innovation expert Nigel Collin, technology strategist Dawid Naude, generational futurist Scott Millar, behaviour change leader Dominic Thurbon, performance poet Joel McKerrow, and Awards Gala MC and entertainer Faustina “Fuzzy” Agolley. 

The program will include discussions on topics such as sustainability, WH&S, and workforce pathways, as well as education streams delivering practical, actionable takeaways for every sector within this multifaceted industry.  

The conference will also feature two cornerstone evening events: the Welcome Reception on opening night, and the Australian Business Events Awards on Thursday 4 December, an opportunity to recognise and celebrate industry excellence. 

Register at conferenceandawards.abea.org.au to secure the Early Bird rate before 15 October, and go into the draw to win a $1,000 Visa Gift Card. All professionals working in or adjacent to the business events industry are encouraged to attend.  

“Partner with Impact is more than a theme, it’s an invitation,” said ABEA CEO Melissa Brown.  

“This conference is where meaningful partnerships are formed, future visions are shared, and our community comes together to advance a prosperous and sustainable business events industry.” 

ABEA invites organisations interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at the event to get in touch. Bespoke sponsorship opportunities are available. Confirmed partners for 2025 include Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Coleman Group, EventsAir, and Microhire. 

To register or learn more visit conferenceandawards.abea.org.au