Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has appointed Samantha Glass, Founder and Principal of Glass Advisory, to its Board, following the resignation of Penny Lion due to other professional commitments.
A recognised leader in corporate affairs, government engagement and industry advocacy, Glass brings to the Board more than 20 years’ experience spanning business events, strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
As the former Director of Corporate Affairs, Communication and Sustainability at ICC Sydney, Glass spent more than a decade on the venue’s founding executive leadership team. During her tenure, she led government relations across Australian and NSW Government portfolios and helped build ICC Sydney’s reputation from pre-opening into an internationally recognised brand.
Glass previously served on the ABEA Board representing venues and chaired the Association’s Sustainability Special Interest Group.
Peter King, Chair of ABEA thanked and praised out-going director Penny Lion.
“Penny’s professionalism and experience has been invaluable. She has contributed at so many levels including being the chair of the nominations committee,” he said.
“On behalf of ABEA we thank Penny and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
On Glass’ appointment, King said her expertise in advocacy, communications and government engagement make her an outstanding appointed addition to the Board.
“Samantha has dedicated her career to bringing together industry, government and key stakeholders to advance the business events sector,” he said.
“She has an exceptional ability to translate research and industry priorities into meaningful advocacy, while her experience across communications, sustainability and stakeholder engagement will further the work ABEA is doing on behalf of members.
“We’re delighted to welcome Samantha back to the Board and look forward to the contribution she will make.”
Glass said she was pleased to rejoin the ABEA Board.
“ABEA has played an important role in bringing our industry together under a single national voice, and I’m excited to support its continued advocacy on behalf of members,” she said.
“Business events create lasting economic, social and community benefits, and I look forward to working with the Board to continue strengthening the industry’s voice and demonstrating its value.”
Through Glass Advisory, Samantha advises organisations on corporate affairs, government relations, stakeholder engagement, sustainability and impact measurement.
She is also a practitioner-researcher and PhD candidate at the University of Technology Sydney, where her research explores the broader societal value of significant events and strengthens the evidence base for industry advocacy.
