Keynote speakers announced for ABEA Conference

The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has announced its keynote speakers for the inaugural ABEA Conference in December 2024.

Change strategist Michael McQueen (pictured, above) and social researcher and demographer Mark McCrindle will headline the conference at ICC Sydney, from 10-11 December, that will feature leading strategists and thinkers who bring unique perspectives on future trends and organisational growth.

Under the theme of “Focused on the Future”, the ABEA Conference aims to deliver insights, strategies and opportunities for the business events industry to think, plan and strengthen collaboration, while providing a platform for the events community to come together to hear new ideas, network, and share news and updates.

“The ABEA Conference will work to enhance and secure the role of business events as a vital economic pillar for Australia,” says ABEA CEO Melissa Brown.

“We will focus on sustainability, technology, storytelling and creating lasting impact.

“As the business events industry navigates rapid changes and unprecedented challenges, this year’s conference theme aims to offer insights and strategies to ensure we are all best placed to face the future successfully.”

McQueen is a multi-award-winning speaker and author of 10 books, who has helped global brands such as Google, Toyota and Mastercard stay ahead in evolving markets.

His research explores the psychology of change and its importance in leadership and innovation.

McCrindle is an author and TEDx speaker who offers insights into emerging social trends and their impact on the business events landscape.

He will provide conference attendees with a data-driven look at the future of the business events industry.

Strategist Rosie Yeo will be the ABEA Conference MC. She is the author of Go for Bold: How to Create Powerful Strategy in Uncertain Times and is renowned for guiding organisations through complex decision-making processes to inspire forward-thinking strategies.

During the conference’s plenary sessions, industry experts will share insights and strategies, and in the pillar meetings, sector-specific discussions will take place on critical issues.

Attendees can also participate in special interest groups focusing on sustainability, education, career pathways, workplace health and safety, and risk management.

The conference’s education sessions will provide actionable takeaways for immediate business application, while the ABEA Garden & Expo will offer a sensory, interactive experience showcasing the latest innovations in business events and networking.

On the evening of 10 December, the 2024 Australian Business Events Awards will take place, also at ICC Sydney.

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