“We are encouraging all stakeholders – members and non-members – in the business events sector to share concrete examples of how the conflict is affecting them and where government support may help so we can continue building the evidence needed to advocate credibly and effectively,” said ABEA CEO Melissa Brown.
Brown said industry had already been reporting issues including concern around delegate numbers, airline access and rising costs for food and beverage, fuel and freight.
“Industry feedback has included incidences where to manage risk, suppliers are acting cautiously, including purchasing earlier than usual to avoid shortages, building larger cost buffers into event budgets, and looking at alternatives around international speaker access and travel.”
Along with other bodies from the visitor economy, ABEA met with the federal tourism minister, Don Farrell, and the assistant minister for tourism, Nita Green, yesterday.
“The meeting was convened by Minister Farrell and Assistant Minister Green to hear directly from industry leaders about the biggest pressures facing the visitor economy and identify practical solutions.”
“The government is receptive to hearing from the visitor economy as one voice.
“In meeting with Minister Farrell and Assistant Minister Green, it was clear that one of the lessons from COVID still holds true: when the visitor economy speaks with one voice, we are better placed to secure government attention and practical support, while still making clear the specific challenges facing each part of the sector.”
Brown called on members of the industry to support each other.
“At a time of global uncertainty, Australia cannot afford to overlook the value of business events or the businesses that deliver them.
“Targeted government support may be critical to protecting the sector’s contribution and ensuring Australia remains competitive.
“Our industry has faced major challenges before and we know what can be achieved when we act together with clarity and purpose.”
Impact feedback can be emailed to ABEA.
