Former executive general manager of events at Tourism Australia Penny Lion has joined the ABEA board, as has Leo Jago, who was chair of the Business Events Council of Australia before it was dissolved to make way for this new association.
Lion, who wrapped up her time at Tourism Australia in June 2021, in a role which also saw her head up the agency’s specialist unit Business Events Australia, is currently a non-executive director of Racing SA, Adelaide Venue Management Corporation (AVMC) and the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association.
Jago, who joined the board last month, is an academic who has worked across Australia and the UK, specialising in assessing the economic impact and legacy of business events. He has head up research efforts for the industry in both countries over the past three decades. Jago was the inaugural chief economist and general manager of Tourism Research Australia, a post he held for three years, and received an OAM in 2016 for his contributions to tourism and education.
“All directors appointed have garnered acclaim as industry leaders, with our latest appointments being no exception,” said ABEA CEO Melissa Brown.
“Each director is uniquely positioned to propel the association towards its goals.
“In Penny Lion we have a wealth of industry connections and influence, business vision and planning, and in Dr Leo Jago, an abundance of research and advocacy knowledge and guidance,” she said.
Two board positions remain open on ABEA’s board, with industry stakeholders invited to apply for these spots.
“We want to see the final two positions on the Board filled by high calibre individuals who, together with our current directors, will represent the full scope of our industry,” said Brown.
Given the business events industry is mostly made up of small businesses, micenet hopes to see representatives from smaller industry businesses raise their hands for these two roles.
