Australian event and convention associations to merge

December 9, 2022

Events / Hospitality / Tourism / Venues /

Members of the Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA) met for a Special General Meeting on Thursday 8th December 2022 to discuss and vote for a resolution that would allow its Board to proceed with planning for the evolution of the association and a significant change to its operations and future.

The members approved the resolution: ‘That the Board of Directors of the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) be given the authority to proceed with actions as required to merge the Association, and its assets, together with the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) and Australian Convention Centre Group (ACCG), into a new entity.’

Critical to this resolution was the desire to emphasise that the process would ensure EEAA members interests were protected, with any changes designed to support member prosperity.

The next year will include the work to design and establish the governance, structure and operating body in place; the members discussed the need to not underestimate the volume of work ahead.

Nicole Walker, President EEAA advises “this is a special milestone for the industry. The Board has always had its members interest at the forefront of its charter. This move will strengthen our ability to serve our members.”

The Project Working Group who have, to this point, been influential in protecting the Association and the member’s interests, will now continue to the next phase of planning.

Immediately after the Special General Meeting the EEAA Board met with leaders of the AACB and ACCG to discuss the resolution.

Michael Matthews, AACB President, said a united front will have substantial benefits for sector advocacy, with one key voice fighting for industry growth and support.

“Directors of the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) commend EEAA for their leadership on this important opportunity for our industry. In parallel, AACB is committed to establishing a well-resourced industry peak representative of the entire business events community across Australia.”

For the short term, members of the EEAA will continue to be served by the EEAA Board and team with a full calendar of activities in the works for 2023.

Domenic Genua, Chief Executive EEAA, said that while there is a clear vision for the future, for the moment, it is business as usual adding “The vote today gives us certainty about our future, however our work to serve our members doesn’t stop. 2023 will see us delivering all our services as normal, if not more. This is a vote to plan and work towards having a new super group, and until that happens, I have the clear mandate to continue to serve our members.”

The EEAA will be contacting all members prior to Christmas regarding to discuss the plans for 2023.

Read more about EEAA and its activities at advocacy work.

Image: Nicole Walker, President, EEAA credit: Oneill Photographics

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