The members of the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) have unanimously voted to dissolve the association, which will officially cease operating at the start of the new financial year.

Until then, BECA will continue to represent the business events industry to the federal government and assist in implementing the $2 million Business Events Economic Contribution project in collaboration with Tourism Research Australia.

In a special general meeting held last week, the majority of BECA’s member groups expressed their preference to support a new peak body organisation starting from July 2023, which has impacted BECA’s future financial viability.

BECA chair, Dr. Leo Jago, acknowledged the remarkable accomplishments of the organisation during its 30-year tenure as the peak body for business events.

“BECA has built a stellar list of achievements; it has been the unified voice in the industry’s advocacy to government and has been the key driver of the industry’s vital research studies to demonstrate the size and scope of the sector. BECA has made these achievements despite its limited resources; it has punched well above its weight,” Jago said.

The Australian business events industry has encountered numerous challenges in recent years, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic underscored the vital role of BECA’s advocacy work, such as lobbying for JobKeeper support and the Business Events Grants Program from the Federal Government. These efforts underscore the importance of continued collaboration within the industry to foster growth.

In response to the pandemic challenges and to ensure the financial sustainability of a peak body for business events, BECA underwent a structural review. The objective was to establish a better-equipped organisation capable of delivering essential research, advocacy, and training to facilitate industry growth.

To support this review, the BECA board engaged independent expert consultants to provide guidance on the most suitable operating model based on an assessment of BECA’s current structure and operations. This assessment resulted in the establishment of the Australian Business Events Association, which will succeed BECA as the new peak body for business events.

“The global pandemic challenged Australia’s business events industry and highlighted the need for a well-resourced peak body to foster the growth of business events via a focus on research, advocacy, and professional development,” Jago said.

“BECA and its many achievements provides a solid platform upon which a new and better resourced peak body will support business events in the decades to come. BECA’s legacy will live on.”