Exhibitions & Trade Fairs (ETF), the organisers of the Australian Business Events Expo, have propelled their major MICE-industry trade show to a new level via a strategic alliance with Business Events Sydney forming an Advisory Board.

Together, they have formed the Australian Business Events Expo Advisory Board which is made up of 11 leaders in business events who will oversee the continued development and progression of the Expo. In the initial meeting this Friday (3 June), board members are expected to provide consultation, advice and insights into issues surrounding the Expo. The representatives from venues, accommodation, air travel, marketing, event organisers, association and tourism bodies will also endorse the event.

The Australian Business Events Expo has teamed with Business Events Sydney to form an Advisory Board for the event.

‘The Expo has been and will be a must-attend for anyone in the industry, but there’s always room for improvement. Being on the Advisory Board is an opportunity to be further involved and assist in shaping the event for 2011 and beyond,’ said Advisory Board members Amanda Anker of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Representing hotels and conference rooms is Stephen Ricardo, regional director – sales & marketing – NSW, Mirvac Hotels & Resorts. Ricardo welcomes the opportunity to be on the board and contribute his ideas about what to expect from the trade show.

‘There are many elements to the trade show that could be built on, such as the topics for seminar sessions, complimentary activities or networking opportunities and visitor promotion strategies. By having key industry players on the Advisory Board, we will be able to deliver highly-relevant content to delegates and have better access to our own target groups,’ said Ricardo.

The Advisory Board is an additional commitment by the convention bureau Business Events Sydney to the Australian Business Events Expo which also sponsors the VIP Hosted Buyer program of the Expo.

Head of Stakeholder Relationships, Business Events Sydney, Simon Shaw sees immense value in the establishment of the Advisory Board, particularly with the view of current developments in the market.

‘The Australian Business Events Expo provides the sector with the unique opportunity to get the industry together and facilitate business collaborations, advancement and forward thinking. Being on the Advisory Board will give us an entirely new scope of input.’

Jodie Richmond, CEO and general manager, Exhibitions & Trade Fairs, is committed to providing the industry with the tools they need to stimulate innovation.

‘With the growth of the business events industry, an increased focus on Australia as a meetings destination and the easing of the global financial crisis, it is pertinent that we stop and take stock to ensure the platform that accelerates our industry is the best it can be,’ said Richmond.

The 11 members of the Australian Business Events Expo Advisory Board are:

• Amanda Anker, Director of Marketing and Sales, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre
• Anthea Somerville, Relationship Executive, Qantas Airways
• Dr Caroline Hong, Business Events Sydney Ambassador
• Delwin Kriel, Event Manager for Australian Business Events Expo, Exhibitions & Trade Fairs
• Felicity Zadro, Managing Director, Zadro Communications
• Gary Daly, General Manager Sales, Luna Park Sydney
• Jodie Richmond, CEO and General Manager, Exhibitions & Trade Fairs
• Linda P. Gaunt, Chief Executive Officer, Meetings & Events Australia
• Penny Lion, Head of Business Events, Tourism Australia
• Simon Shaw, Head of Stakeholder Relationships, Business Events Sydney
• Stephen Ricardo, Regional Director – Sales & Marketing – NSW, Mirvac Hotels & Resorts

Taking place on 10-11 August at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, co-located with Sydney’s Event Showcase: RSVP 2011.

For more information on the Advisory Board, click here.