The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) is collaborating with Meetings & Events Australia (MEA), Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) and its member convention bureaux network to support small tourism and events business owners across Australia.

Through a partnership with Beyond Blue led by AACB, the collective will promote support available through the NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO) program to the business events industry, offering free and confidential mental health coaching.

On Monday (11 October) Mel Novak, Small Business Engagement Manager at Beyond Blue will share key details on the program for small business owners experiencing challenges via an online webinar presentation during National Mental Health Month.

More information including registration details are available here.

This mental health coaching program, jointly conceived by Beyond Blue and the Australian Small Business and Family Ombudsman (ASBFEO), is fully funded by the Australian Government, and was specifically developed to provide much needed support for small business owners and sole traders during these challenging times.

As COVID-19 continues to challenge travel and events through lockdowns, border closures and gathering restrictions, the resulting uncertainty is placing undue stress on an otherwise dynamic industry.

AACB CEO, Andrew Hiebl said, “The visitor and events supply chain, predominantly made up of small businesses, are integral to the return of business events and ultimately the successful rebound of our industry into the future.

“The need to collaborate and support each other has never been more important and this initiative will provide much needed support for small business owners across the country”.

Peter McDonald, CEO at MEA added “Mental health is an increasingly endemic issue for our society. For many in our sector, the COVID pandemic has amplified their exposure to it. Bringing awareness of the help available from Beyond Blue through its NASBO program is one way in which we and other events industry bodies can be united in supporting our individual memberships and the greater sector.”