The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA), in partnership with Tourism Australia’s dedicated business events unit, Business Events Australia (BEA), has launched the 2026 Leadership Development for Emerging Leaders Program, providing 30 sponsored scholarships to support the next generation of leaders across Australia’s business events industry.
Delivered in partnership with Leading Well and Turnkey Event Solutions, the program is designed to help emerging leaders build the skills, mindset and confidence required to lead in an increasingly complex and fast-changing business environment.
Through BEA’s support, 30 scholarships are available for ABEA members and business events professionals to partially support their participation and investment in the program, which combines face-to-face learning sessions, individual coaching and leadership development modules focused on mindset, communication, relationship building, wellbeing and systemic leadership principles. The program will be delivered in Sydney and Adelaide, with each intake limited to 15 participants to ensure maximum value and individualised support.
ABEA CEO Melissa Brown said investing in future leaders is critical to ensuring the long-term strength and sustainability of the industry.
“ABEA is committed to supporting our emerging leaders because they will be the driving force behind our industry in the years ahead.
“The business events sector continues to face challenges attracting, retaining and nurturing talent, making leadership development more important than ever.
“We’re grateful for Business Events Australia’s support in helping us invest in the next generation of industry leaders,” said Brown.
Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager Industry & Business Events, Sally Cope said strong sector leadership plays an important role in Australia’s continued success as a world-class business events destination.
“People are at the heart of every successful business event in Australia, and supporting emerging leaders is critical to ensuring our industry continues to innovate, grow and compete on the global stage.”
The program will be led by Leading Well Executive Coach Dan Londero and will explore leadership through the lenses of mindset and wellbeing; helping participants develop the skills required to lead both themselves and others. The topics include communication, relationship building, feedback, leadership performance and navigating complexity in modern workplaces.
Successful participants will also receive individual coaching and be recognised during the ABEA Conference & Awards in December 2026.
The initiative complements BEA’s broader support of industry development and future talent, including its sponsorship of the Future Leaders Award in the Australian Business Events Awards.
Applications for the 2026 Leadership Development for Emerging Leaders Program are now open.
The program will be delivered in Sydney on 18 and 19 August 2026 and Adelaide on 30 November and 1 December 2026 (leading into the ABEA Conference), with a one-on-one coaching session included following completion of the face-to-face program.
