The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) is calling on all affected by the Iran War to gather and share information with them on how the Middle East conflict has specifically impacted their businesses, and what government support would help.
ABEA CEO Melissa Brown said: “We are encouraging all stakeholders – members and non-members – in the business events sector to share concrete examples of how the conflict is affecting them and where government support may help so we can continue building the evidence needed to advocate credibly and effectively.
“The government is receptive to hearing from the visitor economy as one voice.”
Alongside other visitor economy peak bodies, ABEA has met with senator the Hon Don Farrell, minister for trade and tourism and other government officials.
“The strong relationships we have built with the Australian Airports Association, Tourism & Transport Forum Australia, the Australian Tourism Export Council and others, have been critical in helping the sector understand both our shared and specific challenges.
“For example, collectively, we represent thousands of small businesses. We will continue feeding insights from our small business members to COSBOA and Austrade to support broader advocacy that benefits the sector as a whole,” Brown said, also underlining that members had shared concerns relating to uncertainty around delegate attendance, airline access, rising food and beverage costs, increased fuel and freight expenses, and tighter event budgets.
“Industry feedback has included incidences where to manage risk, suppliers are acting cautiously, including purchasing earlier than usual to avoid shortages, building larger cost buffers into event budgets, and looking at alternatives around international speaker access and travel.
She added that when the visitor economy speaks with one voice, it was better placed to secure government attention and practical support, while making clear the specific challenges facing each part of the sector.
“At a time of global uncertainty, Australia cannot afford to overlook the value of business events or the businesses that deliver them. Targeted government support may be critical to protecting the sector’s contribution and ensuring Australia remains competitive.
“Our industry has faced major challenges before, and we know what can be achieved when we act together with clarity and purpose,” said Brown.
