Is it Time for a Strategic Rationalisation of Associations? The journey of the Australian Business Events Association
On the 3rd of July, the Australian Business Events Association was launched, heralding three associations' unification.
The business events industry of Australia has called for 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 from numerous associations resulted in inefficient use of industry funds, with multiple advocacy
voices creating confusion with stakeholders and diluting industry messaging.
Peter King is the inaugural Chair and will share with delegates how the Australian Business Events Association was formed and what other
similar sectors may need to consider remaining relevant and sustainable.
Peter King
Peter King has a diverse and extensive professional background having spent 20 years leading multinational
businesses across the Asia Pacific region for consumer brands including Puma, Coleman and Sunbeam. For the last 15 years he has
been a leader in the venue and events industry globally as CEO of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and before that leading
the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW which was responsible for the management of the largest annual event in Australia (Sydney Royal
Easter Show) along with the Showgrounds arena hosting AFL, BBL, music promoters and other content providers. He is Vice President
of AIPC, the International Convention Centres industry association and the inaugural Chair of the Australian Business Events Association
(ABEA). Peter was a Melbourne Cricket Club cricketer, two-time premiership player and captain coach. He played first class cricket
for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield and one day formats. He is the current Chair of the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame and
on the MCC Cricket subcommittee.