13 December, 2022

EEAA members vote to merge with AACB and ACCG

Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA) members met for a special general meeting last week to discuss and vote on its plan to merge with the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) and Australian Convention Centre Group (ACCG).

Members approved a resolution that would allow EEAA’s board to proceed with the merger, and become one single 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 of EEAA said the vote was a 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,” she said.

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’s 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,” Matthews added.

“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, CEO of EEAA, said that whilst there is a clear vision for the future, for the moment, it is business as usual.

“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,” Genua said.

“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 to discuss the plans for 2023.

Image: Nicole Walker, president, EEAA (Photo credit: Oneill Photographics)

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AACB ACCG Association of Australian Convention Bureaux Australian Convention Centre Group eeaa Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia merger