The Australian Business Events Association Ltd (ABEA) is the leading industry body responsible for representing and supporting the prosperity of the organisations and people that work in, or benefit from the Australian Business Events Sector.  ABEA represents the unified ambitions of the Australian business events industry and its people. We will drive real impact regarding sector growth and development through advocacy, member support and innovation. How was it formed? The work to spearhead the new Association has been led by a Project Development Group, comprised of directors from the three Associations. They have announced that widely respected industry stalwart, Peter King has been appointed as Chair. King was most recently the CEO of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) was formed by the unification of the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB), the Australian Convention Centres Group (ACCG), and the Exhibition & Events Association of Australasia Ltd (EEAA). Why was the Australian Business Events Association founded?  The business events industry of Australia called over many years to unify the sector. The most recent research conducted in 2022 revealed that 84% of survey respondents wanted a unified body representing the sector to government, and the broader business community. It was deemed that the duplication of services by numerous associations resulted in inefficient use of industry funds, with multiple advocacy voices creating confusion with stakeholders and diluting industry messaging.  Multiple consultations revealed the industry wanted one organisation to represent the interests of the sector.