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Peter KingAustralian Business Events Association Unveils Board of Directors and New Brand, Paving the Way for Industry Growth.

In a significant development for the business events industry, the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has announced its board of directors and unveiled its captivating new brand. With its official launch set for July 3, 2023, the ABEA aims to become the leading peak body supporting businesses of all sizes, from small to large corporations. The composition of the board, comprising esteemed industry and business leaders from across the country, underscores the association’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation.

Leading the charge as Chair of the ABEA is Peter King, a well-respected figure in the industry. King expressed his confidence in the newly appointed directors, highlighting their ability to propel the association forward, spearhead advocacy efforts, and deliver impactful services that empower members to thrive. “We have gathered an extraordinary group of dedicated directors who are renowned leaders in their respective fields,” said King. “They possess an unparalleled understanding of the business events landscape and bring a fresh perspective and unwavering energy to the table.”

Joining Peter King in steering the ABEA is Matt Pearce, the CEO and co-founder of Talk2 Media & Events, who has been appointed as Deputy Chair. Together, they will be joined by industry luminaries Janet Hamilton, General Manager of the Cairns Convention Centre; Nigel Keen, General Manager of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC); Michael Matthews, CEO of Canberra Convention Bureau; Julia Swanson, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau; and Nicole Walker, Managing Director of Arinex.

These seven distinguished professionals are pivotal in establishing the Australian Business Events Association. However, the board’s expansion plans do not stop here. The ABEA intends to increase its board to 11 positions, with a formal recruitment process to appoint three additional directors commencing shortly.

Excitement is building around ABEA’s brand-new logo, perfectly encapsulating the industry’s essence. The contemporary icon features bold, impactful colours, symbolizing the significance of human connection, collaboration across diverse sectors, and the relentless drive for progress that underpins the business events realm and its members.

Matt Pearce, one of the driving forces behind the ABEA’s creation, emphasises the industry’s growth potential and the association’s pivotal role in showcasing expertise, talent, and technological innovations to a global audience. “With the establishment of the Australian Business Events Association, we now have a unifying entity that will champion and promote our sector, elevating it to national and international recognition.”

Board member Janet Hamilton brings a wealth of experience from her previous board positions in the industry, tourism, and arts organizations. Reflecting on her career, Hamilton asserts her deep understanding of the sector’s needs and challenges. She pledges to leverage her extensive knowledge to support the industry’s businesses and individuals, working tirelessly to drive their success and prosperity.

The Australian Business Events Association is the result of a collaborative effort between the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB), the Australian Convention Centres Group (ACCG), and the Exhibition & Events Association of Australasia Ltd (EEAA). Its highly anticipated launch on July 3, 2023, marks a significant milestone for the industry, poised to usher in a new era of growth, influence, and collaboration.

As the ABEA prepares for its official launch, an independent committee has been tasked with the search for a CEO. The association has already commenced recruitment to announce the appointment by early July.

With its visionary board, vibrant new brand, and unwavering dedication to its members, the Australian Business Events Association is set to redefine the business events landscape and shape a prosperous future for the industry.

Introducing the Australian Business Events Association Board.

Janet HamiltonJanet Hamilton, General Manager of the Cairns Convention Centre, is a senior executive in business events, her roles including General Manager of the Darwin Convention Centre and External Relations Manager for Energy Resources of Australia. The breadth and scope of her experience reflect her dedication to an invigorated and booming business events industry.  

 

Nigel Keen

Nigel Keen has been General Manager of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) since 2012, where his connections with influential associations and passion for promoting the business events industry enable him to maintain key stakeholder relationships with government and industry nationally and internationally. 

 

Michael MathewsMichael Mathews, CEO of the Canberra Convention Bureau and President of the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB), brings 30 years of international meetings and tourism industry experience to the board. The relationships and connections he’s built over this time will be integral to the reputation of the new Association. 

Matt Pearce

Matt Pearce is the CEO and co-founder of Talk2 Media which runs trade and consumer exhibitions throughout Australia. He has held senior positions in media companies internationally, including his role as Managing Director of Diversified Communications Asia. Matt is a Board Member of the Exhibition & Events Association of Australasia, Vice Chairman and Board Member of the Business Events Council of Australia. 

 

Julia SwansonJulia Swanson has contributed enormously in her role as CEO to the growth and success of the Melbourne Convention Bureau in the global business events market. Among her many executive roles, she is on the Executive Committee of the Board of the BestCities Global Alliance, an alliance of 12 leading global cities that harness the power of collaboration and community to create a positive impact through business events. 

 

 

Nicole Walker, Managing Director of Arinex, has developed in-depth knowledge of conferences and operations whilst gaining a reputation as a leader in the global events industry. Leading the first event management company in Australia to be carbon neutral, Nicole is committed to sustainable event delivery and working in collaboration with member-based associations to drive long-term benefits for Australia’s business events and exhibition industry. 

 

 

 

 

Written by: William Trevan

 

 

 

 

 

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