A NEW “well-resourced peak body” will be created that can exert more influence for the business events sector following a unanimous vote by members of The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) this week.
The change will see the AACB combine efforts with the Australian Convention Centres Group (ACCG) and the Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA), with the groups agreeing that more positive change be effected if efforts and resources are pulled together.
“Currently, the industry voice is splintered across multiple associations, which can at times make it challenging to advocate the sector’s value,” the EEAA said, adding that its members agree that the business events sector would benefit enormously from a single, amalgamated peak body to support growth and industry development.
Meanwhile AACB President Michael Matthews said the outcome would be a positive step as the sector continues to face future challenges and strive for growth towards 2030 targets together in a difficult climate.
“With greater investment in research and advocacy, we will be able to better demonstrate the economic contribution and social impact of business events as the true trusted experts and representative ‘one voice’ of the industry,” he said.
