Last month’s Federal Budget missed a clear opportunity to back Australia’s business events industry by investing in a national convention bid fund, especially given the latest results of the ICCA rankings, showing that Australia’s global position has slipped yet again...<read more>

Image (left to right): Lyn Lewis-Smith (AACB President), 2016/17 winner, Samantha Thompson (Gold Coast Tourism), Penny Lion (Tourism Australia), Andrew Hiebl (AACB)

This scholarship is designed to offer middle to senior level bureau staff an opportunity to demonstrate their professional commitment, delivery of high quality service and dedication to the business events industry. A successful applicant will receive a $5,000 cash grant and free international return flights to undertake a proposed project of career development that brings benefit to their bureau and AACB members. Sponsored by Qantas and Tourism Australia...<read more>

AACB Congratulates IMEX on their largest and most innovative show in Frankfurt yet. The show saw a total of 3,942 hosted buyers from 86 countries and 4,943 trade visitors from 99 countries. See the 2017 Show Statistics. 

5 of AACB’s members attended IMEX Frankfurt as stand partners on the Australia stand, managed by Tourism Australia’s Business Events Australia team, including:

- Business Events Sydney
- Melbourne Convention Bureau
- Gold Coast Tourism
- Brisbane Marketing
- Adelaide Convention Bureau

Tourism Australia launched its new Business Events website, with the aim of delivering relevant up to the minute information on Australia in the most accessible and appealing ways, giving visitors an enhanced user experience. 

Visit www.australia.com/businessevents

The Australian business events industry is invited to submit applications for Tourism Australia’s Advance Program FY2017/18. Managed by Tourism Australia’s business events unit, the Advance Program delivers specific, measurable, and achievable marketing activity within a specified financial year. Deadline is AEST, Friday 7 July 2017...<more information>

Congratulations to AACB member, Business Events Geelong on their to the 2016 MEA Industry Awards Hall of Fame in the category of Regional Destination marketing Organisation...<read more>

Image (left to right): Mark Day (Business Events Geelong), Elise Getson (Business Events Geelong), Brett Ince (Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine)

We caught up with Sasha Andersen at the MEA Conference, winner of the AACB & MEA Young Professional Scholarship. She commented: "The top two highlights from the MEA Conference for me would be the inspiration and motivation I gained from the sessions and the ability to connect with likeminded people...I’m very grateful to AACB for the opportunity and hope Bureaux encourage their young staff to apply next year"...<read more>

Image (left to right): Sasha Andersen (Melbourne Convention Bureau) and Annika Hofsink (AACB)

To advertise bureau positions here, contact annika.hofsink@aacb.org.au

Director, NT Convention Bureau
In partnership with NT industry operators, drive the strategic growth of the Northern Territory as a Business Events destination. The NTCB comprises a small geographically-dispersed team which works closely with industry operators, 
national and international organisations, the local business community and across government to shape activities and achieve outcomes...<more information>