THE Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has announced Melissa Brown as its new Chief Executive Officer effective 04 September, following the industry body’s official launch earlier this month.
Brown brings extensive experience to the position, having worked in roles across the globe, including the UK, US and Hong Kong, with renowned organisations such as Telstra and Talent International. She also played an important role in managing the Australian Chamber of Commerce in London, where she helped develop the associate membership and advocacy program.
Her latest role saw her move back to Australia to lead the marketing and communications division at cyber security start-up, Sapien Cyber. Additionally, Brown offers her time and expertise to the University of Technology Sydney as an Ambassador.
“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to represent an industry as sizeable and important as business events,” Brown said, speaking on her new appointment. “I will work closely with members and stakeholders on research, policy, skills, training, events, and advocacy with the government to provide impactful member services.”
Chair of ABEA Peter King also expressed his excitement about the announcement, and said Brown “brings a combination of energy, confidence, innovation, and broad global commercial experience that we are excited to embrace in this early phase of ABEA’s development”.
“We know that in appointing Melissa, we will be on a good path towards achieving our goal for the business events industry to be recognised as the valued and powerful driver of the Australian economy that it is,” he enthused.
