This White Paper from MayvinGlobal association consultancy contains a case study on the journey undertaken by the Australian Business Events community to create a unified industry body, the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) in 2023, to ensure the sector had an authoritative voice that would be taken seriously by national government and other policymakers.
Former Events Director at International Gas Union Rodney Cox has strong views on the all-too-frequent under-utilisation of exhibitors at international association events, to the detriment of the event owner, the delegates, and the host destination. Far too many organisers build exhibitions as a matter of habit rather than intent. “I like the word intent,” states…
From its pioneering beginnings in 1983 to a world-class event hosting thousands, AIME has grown into a powerhouse for connection and collaboration. AIME 2026 brought together industry leaders, associations, and innovators to spark over 25,000 meaningful conversations in just two days. Beyond meetings, it is a catalyst for ideas, partnerships, and economic growth—driving opportunities across…
60 years young: that’s the spirit of Melbourne Convention Bureau, one of the world’s most successful and innovative DMOs. The MCEC – Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre – is a relative youngster with only 30 years under its belt, but the venue laid out its ambitions at birth by achieving a six Green Star sustainable…
From HQ Magazine: Since opening in 1996, Australia’s largest convention and exhibition venue has brought together the world’s forward thinkers, hosting more than 20,000 events ranging from international summits and global congresses to community celebrations, cultural gatherings and immersive art experiences. The centre has been a significant driver of economic activity and knowledge exchange, hosting…
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has announced a new 30th Birthday initiative in partnership with Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ) to support Queensland and Australia’s research and commercial uptake in across health, biomedical and agritech bio-innovation. LSQ is the Queensland peak body for medical and agricultural science and investment attraction in one of Australia’s fastest…
AIME has opened its 2026 edition, recording record growth in buyers and exhibitors and highlighting strong progress toward its long-term sustainability commitments under the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative. Exhibitors from 36 countries and territories are attending, with more than 25,000 meetings scheduled to take place between buyers and exhibitors across the two-day tradeshow.
The Iceberg Partner & Ambassador, Matt Pearce, extends a sunshine-filled welcome to join the party for the 2026 edition of the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) from 9-11th February supported by the full suite of industry associations including AIPC ICCA – International Congress and Convention Association IAPCO PCMA UFI, The Global Association of…
The Knowledge Program, taking place on 9 February, is built around the theme, Expertise Matters!, highlighting the credibility, clarity and strategic influence that business events professionals bring to a rapidly changing global landscape, featuring high-impact keynote presentations and an extensive series of breakout sessions designed to sharpen skills, elevate strategic thinking and strengthen industry capability.
Victorian Convention and Event Trust, operators of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, released its Annual Report and Impact Report for the 2024-25 financial year. MCEC hosted 714 events, attracting 3.2 million visitors, reflecting its direct economic impact, and the social and environmental contribution of these events.
UN Tourism has presented Professor Larry Dwyer with the prestigious Ulysses Prize in recognition of his commitment to using knowledge to guide action and creating lasting, positive change. The prize was awarded during a special ceremony at the University of Technology Sydney, where he serves as Professor and Adjunct Fellow.
When international conferences take place in Sydney, their influence extends well beyond industry networking and economic return. Through a strategic partnership between BESydney and the NSW Department of Education, business events are being translated into real-world impact, inspiring students, equipping teachers, and preparing communities for the jobs of tomorrow. From Boardroom…
International meetings have become the critical platform for increasing implementation and broadening understanding of the societal importance and key concepts behind Circular Economies and related business practices. As with any complex process, the fastest way to learn and generate new ideas is face-to-face, bringing together technical experts, policymakers and business leaders. From From CMW…
What if a conference could alter the trajectory of a student’s life? Influence public policy? Spark a regional movement for women’s safety or accelerate the next major scientific breakthrough? These possibilities are no longer hypothetical, they are the foundation of BESydney’s Social Impact Strategy, a pioneering framework that redefines the role of business events…
As Asia-Pacific’s growing energy needs and economic goals intersect with geopolitical risks, conferences become crucial. By hosting global energy industry gatherings, Brisbane offers a neutral ground for Asia, Europe, and North America to exchange expertise and forge collaborations that inform policy and investment, reducing risk and boosting mutual understanding across the region. From Boardroom…
Business NSW’s gain is also a win for the Business Events sector, recognising the importance of meetings in a destination’s economic strategy… Business NSW is pleased to welcome Lyn Lewis-Smith OAM GAICD to the Board, appointed as a director on 1 September 2025. Lyn has served as a Business NSW State Councillor since February and…
From Carolin Lenehan, BESydney: If there was ever a single graph to demonstrate a knowledge economy benefit of global conferences this is it. The International Astronautical Federation‘s Annual Congress returns to Australia this September. The last time it visited our shores in 2017, the Australian Space Agency was born. On the announcement Sydney was to…
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) welcomes the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which aims to generate A$91 billion in annual visitor spending and 150,000 new jobs by 2035. Developed with input from over 500 stakeholders, the strategy emphasises “Drive Growth Through Events.” BESydney has already secured 66 upcoming events, bringing 46,000 delegates, 174,000 delegate days,…
Tourism faces constant challenges, but political instability has emerged as a critical disruptor. How do political shifts affect travellers and how can destinations stay resilient? TOPOSOPHY’s research, based on a 6-country survey and case studies, explores traveller perceptions and offers smart strategies for destinations to build trust and adapt, whether facing a crisis or preparing…
From Boardroom: Associations are under pressure. Technology moves fast, members want different things, politics are unstable, and the climate crisis is ever-growing. Association leaders must make difficult decisions about what relevance means and how to partner strategically for impact. In this context, Sydney’s Leadership Choices: Driving Societal Change into Associations event served as a hands-on…
IAPCO is the global community for accredited PCOs. At AIME in Melbourne this year, the organisation’s immediate past president and CEO of ICMS Pty Ltd, Sarah Markey-Hamm, shares the importance of curiosity in achieving the most potent outcomes – and storytelling – being sought from the organisation’s member-facilitated events. Markey-Hamm and the organisation’s PR lead,…
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