PCOA and EventsAir step up partnership
Event tech provider EventsAir has boosted its partnership with the Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA).
Having already collaborated for 12 years, EventsAir has become a Platinum Partner of the PCO association in 2026.
“Our partnership with PCOA reflects our deep commitment to the business events community and the professionals who make this industry so impactful,” said EventsAir CEO Paul Trappett.
“By stepping up as a Platinum Partner, we’re proud to further support PCOA’s mission and contribute to the growth, capability and global recognition of our industry.
“At EventsAir, we believe technology plays a powerful role in enabling event professionals to create meaningful experiences, and we’re excited to continue championing the people making a real difference across the sector.”
PCOA president, Barry Neame, said EventsAir had been a longstanding and valued supporter of the association.
“Their decision to step up as a Platinum Partner demonstrates a strong commitment to our members and to the ongoing development of our industry.
“Partnerships like this help us deliver greater opportunities for education, collaboration and innovation for event professionals across the region.”
Conference locations announced for ABEA and UFI
The Australian Business Events Association has announced it will hold its 2026 conference and awards in Adelaide.
The event will be hosted at Adelaide Convention Centre from November 30 to 2 December.
Meanwhile, UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced the destination for its Asia Pacific conference in 2027, following the close of the 2026 event in Bangkok, Thailand.
In 2027, the Asia Pacific conference will be held in Bali, Indonesia, hosted by IECA, the Indonesian Exhibition and Convention Association.
Entries open for the Australian Event Awards
Entries are now open for the Australian Event Awards, which recognises the full scope of the national events industry, from business events to major festivals, and the planners and suppliers who bring these events to life.
The awards have 34 categories open for submissions in 2026. There are plenty for the business events industry, including two conference categories alongside individual categories for best corporate, brand, incentive and association events as well as an exhibition category.
Categories for marketing and communication, catering, venues, design, production, hire, exhibition builds and destination marketing cover off many of the companies working in the business events ecosystem. There are also categories for corporate event agencies, in-house managers and PCO businesses.
“If you’ve delivered work you’re proud of, I encourage you to take the time to enter – the awards are an opportunity to reflect, recognise your team and share your work with the broader industry,” said co-chair of the Australian Event Awards independent judging panel, Peter Rix AM.
Events and achievements taking place between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026 are eligible for the awards.
Entries are open until July 16, with an early starters discount available for those who start and pay for their entries by June 1.
Winners will be announced in Coffs Harbour on October 21. The awards ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the Australian Event Symposium. There is currently a super saver rate available for Event Symposium registrations.
