THE Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA) has revealed plans to merge with the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) and Australian Convention Centre Group (ACCG) to form a new entity.
The announcement came after a Special General Meeting took place on Thursday 08 December, during which the association’s members voted in favour of the idea.
The EEAA Board then met with leaders of the AACB and ACCG to discuss the plan, which will begin to take shape next year as the organisations team up to work towards designing and establishing the governance, structure and operating body of the new entity.
“This is a special milestone for the industry,” EEAA President Nicole Walker said. “The Board has always had its members interest at the forefront of its charter. This move will strengthen our ability to serve our members.”
The association said it would ensure the protection of EEAA members’ interests throughout the process, emphasising that any changes made would “support member prosperity”.
AACB President Michael Matthews, who believes there are strong advantages to presenting a ‘united front’ and ‘one key voice’ for the industry, said, “directors of the AACB commend EEAA for their leadership on this important opportunity for our industry”.
“In parallel, AACB is committed to establishing a well-resourced industry peak representative of the entire business events community across Australia,” he added.
The EEAA said it will be in contact with all its members before Christmas to discuss the plans for 2023. In the meantime, members will continue to be served by the EEAA Board for now.
“This is a vote to plan and work towards having a new super group, and until that happens, I have the clear mandate to continue to serve our members,” EEAA CEO Domenic Genua said.
