The association for the business events sector in Australia says securing these strategic partnerships, alliances and memberships is putting business events at the table of key decision-making forums in a sign of growing industry unity and the strengthening of its impact.

“Advocacy happens at different levels and speeds, however we first need to be in the room with the right people and places to be considered an important part of the puzzle,” says ABEA CEO Melissa Brown.

“Our work with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as Austrade, gives distinction to our important sector from sister industries such as tourism.

“We’re also deriving direct benefit in the form of additional research capabilities from Austrade and closer working relationships with those who inform policy.

“The support we have received from Business Events Australia has been exceptional. They have championed us from day one and continue to do so.

“Our membership of the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA) is a critical pathway that enables us to voice the needs, concerns and specific issues of the thousands of small businesses that are the backbone of business events.”

Brown says ABEA’s international partnerships are crucial for forging strong ties to the global business events industry.

“Global associations such as ICCA, AIPC, UFI and IAPCO provide direct links to the latest research, education, trends and insights into our industry,” she says.

“Having representatives speak at our Leader’s Forum in February at AIME 2025 was extremely valuable for the year ahead.

“We have partnered with AIPC to bring to Australia the first AIPC Academy, and we’ll be working closely with our international colleagues in the lead up to our national conference [4-5 December 2025].

“These partnerships reflect the commitment we have to our members, firmly cementing ABEA as the voice of the industry.

“We are also in discussions with other organisations to keep growing in influence and impact.”

ABEA’s industry associations and partners include Accommodation Australia; Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Austrade; AIPC; Business Events Australia; COSBOA; IAPCO; ICCA; Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA); and UFI.

Image at top: iStock/Mikolette.