The new council chairs will take over roles representing Tasmania, Northern Territory and the sector pillar venues.

Alfred Merse, conference sales manager at Federal Group, has been appointed as Tasmanian council chair. With 40 years’ experience in tourism and business events, he brings extensive connections across the state and is a driver of the Tasmanian business events industry.

Jessie Rayson, general manager at Fusion Exhibitions, is the new Northern Territory council chair. With extensive expertise in delivering high-quality, customised event solutions, she is perfectly positioned to boost the Northern Territory’s prominence within the national business events arena.

Sarah Goldfinch (pictured, above), general manager at Adelaide Convention Centre, has been appointed as venues chair. For nearly 30 years, her strategic leadership has directed the success of major venues and advanced business events throughout South Australia.

ABEA has also welcomed new membership manager Hayley Beveridge, who joins the secretariat team. She brings more than 15 years of business events industry experience to the role.

“Hayley takes on a critical role in our team, focusing on bringing new members into the ABEA community, providing support through member services and driving value for members nationally,” says ABEA CEO Melissa Brown.

“We have a full suite of leaders representing our community in every sector and region.

“Their combined experience and knowledge is hugely valuable and will help us drive the business events agenda across all sectors, states and territories in Australia.

“We recognise the exceptional leadership of our outgoing council chairs: Marnie Craig (Tasmania), Peter Savoff (Northern Territory) and Nigel Keen (venues).

“Their dedication was instrumental in establishing the councils and driving momentum in ABEA’s first year of operation.”