The conference and awards – which Spice is an official media partner of – will be held across two days at International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).

The theme for the ABEA conference is “Focused on the Future”, an event which aims to bring togetherleaders, innovators and stakeholders from the business events industry, and promises to deep dive into the latest trends, insights and strategies essential for thriving in a dynamic market.

A platform for collaboration and progress

As the business events sector solidifies its role as a vital economic pillar in the Australian landscape, the ABEA Conference reflects a shared vision for sustained growth and impact.

Through a comprehensive agenda focused on sustainability, technology, economic impact and the power of storytelling, the conference seeks to equip delegates with tools to navigate and shape the future.

The event is inclusive, inviting participation from all industry levels and fostering a collaborative ecosystem that encourages cross-sector connectivity.

Key sessions and immersive experiences

From plenary discussions and pillar meetings to targeted special interest groups, the ABEA Conference line-up includes:

• Plenary sessions: Opening the conference with a comprehensive overview of the industry’s current landscape, these sessions will offer insights into emerging trends and the future of the industry.
• Pillar meetings: Tailored sessions for event organisers, suppliers, bureaus and venues will allow sector-specific discussions on best practices, challenges and innovative solutions, creating an open forum for sharing insights and fostering collaborative problem-solving.
• Special interest groups: Delegates can engage in dedicated forums on topics including sustainability, career pathways, work health and safety, and risk management. These groups will provide an in-depth look at critical issues shaping the industry, featuring expert speakers and focused discussions.
• Educational sessions: With 12 diverse subjects offered across three session blocks, participants can choose topics that align with their interests and professional goals, ensuring actionable takeaways relevant to their work.
• ABEA garden and expo: A unique, experiential space to network, interact and recharge, the expo will feature hands-on displays and industry showcases designed to stimulate ideas and foster relationships.

Insightful keynotes from future-focused pioneers

ABEA Conference 2024 boasts a line-up of visionary keynote speakers, each a trailblazer in their respective fields:

• Mark McCrindle: As a respected social researcher and demographer, McCrindle will offer data-backed insights into societal and industry trends, helping attendees anticipate and navigate future shifts.
• Dawid Naude: Co-founder and CEO of Pathfindr.ai, Naude brings a wealth of knowledge on artificial intelligence and innovation, illustrating how these technologies are reshaping business events.
• Michael McQueen: Known for advising global brands such as Google and Mastercard, McQueen will share his expertise on adapting to market changes, highlighting strategies for resilience and sustainable growth.
• Rosie Yeo: An inspiring strategist and author, Yeo will serve as MC, bringing her signature forward-thinking approach and encouraging delegates to consider bold strategies for the future.

Key industry themes

Each of the key industry themes – and their respective panel and speaker sessions – represent an essential pillar in the business events industry’s future, providing attendees with a roadmap to harness innovation, build resilience and create a sustainable, impactful future.

• Sustainability case studies: Led by Jess Zickar, Steve Steenson and Bernie Stephens, this session will showcase inspiring case studies and actionable strategies from industry members who have successfully reduced their carbon footprint while positively impacting their communities.
• Resilience, risk and reward: Luke Achterstraat, CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), will outline strategies for resilience, discussing pathways for small businesses to thrive despite economic pressures, and provide invaluable insights into navigating risk and seizing growth opportunities.
• Crafting actionable business plans: Join Jarther Taylor from 24HR Business Plan in an engaging masterclass where he will demonstrate how to drive growth, align teams and help businesses stand out in a competitive landscape.
• The collaboration conversation: This moderated panel with pillar leads will serve as a candid discussion about key industry issues, bringing together diverse perspectives. As a unified group, industry leaders will collaborate to identify goals, confront challenges, and discuss actionable outcomes for creating a resilient future for business events in Australia.
• Socially impactful events of the future: Desmond Campbell, CEO of Welcome to Country, will lead a discussion on creating events that drive social impact, joined by Julie Turpie from Destination NSW and Peter Savoff from Darwin Convention Centre. This session will explore how socially impactful events can shape the industry.
• Introduction to scalability for events business: Tom Stimson, founder of the Intentional Success framework, will share his insights on how to scale event businesses sustainably, overcome the “feast or famine” cycle and manage projects with minimal overhead, leading to year-round profitability.
• Building cyber resilience and digital confidence: Luke Achterstraat will introduce Cyber Wardens, and help attendees build confidence and resilience in their digital security practices, an essential defence against increasing cyber threats.
• Getting started with AI for marketing and business development: Dawid Naude, CEO of Pathfindr.ai, will cover how AI can elevate campaign effectiveness, automate processes and boost customer engagement, helping event professionals drive attendance, attract sponsors and foster higher engagement rates.
• Environmentally sustainable events of the future: Bernie Stephens from Harry the Hirer, Lorelle Chittick from Brisbane Economic Development Agency, and Philip Wells from Adelaide Venue Management will share best practices and outline how the industry can achieve carbon-lite events moving forward.
• Getting started with AI in operations: Hosted by Dawid Naude of Pathfindr.ai, this session will provide operations professionals with actionable strategies to leverage AI in everyday processes, ultimately enhancing productivity and reducing administrative burdens.

Awards Gala: Celebrating impact and excellence

Following the first day’s proceedings, the evening of 10 December will host the Australian Business Events Awards, a gala honouring the industry’s best and brightest.

The awards dinner promises to celebrate impactful contributions across various categories, recognising achievements that exemplify best practices and dedication to excellence.

This prestigious event not only highlights individual and organisational achievements but reinforces the broader importance of the business events industry in driving economic growth and innovation.

Help shape the future

With a forward-focused agenda aligned with the industry’s most pressing needs, the ABEA Conference and Awards 2024 aims to be a catalyst for progress.

As attendees gather at ICC Sydney, they will celebrate the present and build a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future for Australia’s business events sector.

The Australian Business Events Association invites all who are passionate about shaping the future to attend, engage and make an impact.