Arinex Launches INNOVATE Reconciliation Action Plan

Arinex has launched its INNOVATE Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2026–2028, following formal endorsement by Reconciliation Australia and establishing a structured framework for advancing reconciliation across its business and event operations.

The Australian event management company has announced the launch of its INNOVATE Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2026–2028, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to meaningful reconciliation and to strengthening the role of the business events industry in fostering cultural understanding and opportunity.

Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the plan provides Arinex with a framework through which reconciliation can be embedded more deeply into its operations, workplace culture and event delivery. The company says the RAP will focus on strengthening relationships, deepening cultural understanding and creating more meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and businesses.

The initiative reflects Arinex’s recognition of the capacity of business events to contribute to broader social and cultural outcomes. Through conferences, exhibitions, incentive programmes and corporate events, the sector can provide platforms for sharing First Nations cultures and perspectives with audiences from Australia and around the world.

A central element of the new RAP will be the development of a Reconciliation Event Framework, described by Arinex as a first-of-its-kind approach designed to introduce minimum reconciliation standards alongside optional cultural enhancements across events managed by the company.

Co-designed with First Nations advisors, the framework will provide guidance across areas including cultural acknowledgements, engagement of First Nations suppliers, opportunities for delegate education and culturally respectful event practices. Its purpose is to translate the principles of reconciliation into practical considerations that can be incorporated into the planning and delivery of events.

Jessica Ferguson, CEO of Arinex, said the RAP represents both a responsibility and an opportunity for the organisation.

“Through the events we deliver, we have an opportunity to showcase the richness of First Nations cultures to audiences from around Australia and the world. We are committed to ensuring reconciliation continues to be an integral part of how we do business and how we create experiences.”

The development of the RAP has been supported by First Nations leaders and advocates, whose guidance has helped shape the company's approach. Among them is Erica Smits, a Gamilaroi and Euahlayi woman and member of the Arinex RAP Working Group.

Smits has served as an advisor and supporter throughout the RAP development process. She recently graduated with an MBA (Social Impact) from the University of New South Wales and was honoured as the first Indigenous graduate invited to deliver the Acknowledgement of Country at a university graduation ceremony, described as a significant milestone in the institution’s history.

Her involvement reflects Arinex’s stated emphasis on elevating First Nations voices and perspectives as the company works to translate reconciliation commitments into organisational practice.

Over the next two years, Arinex will focus on three principal areas: strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders; increasing cultural capability across its workforce; and sharing its learnings with clients and industry partners.

The latter is intended to extend the potential impact of the RAP beyond Arinex itself, with the company seeking to contribute to wider conversations and practices around reconciliation across the business events sector.

Virginia Loyola, Director of Sales & Partnerships and RAP Champion, emphasised the importance of maintaining that commitment over the longer term. “This RAP is about moving beyond intent and ensuring reconciliation is embedded into our culture, our decision-making and the events we create.”

Through the RAP, Arinex aims to strengthen its own organisational practices while contributing to a business events industry that is more inclusive and culturally connected. The company identifies clients, delegates, suppliers and communities among those who can benefit from the meaningful outcomes it seeks to create through the programme.

Founded in 1973, Arinex is one of Australasia’s leading event management companies, delivering conferences, incentive programmes, corporate events and exhibitions. With teams across Australia and New Zealand, the company works with associations, corporations and other organisations to deliver events connecting people, ideas and communities across Australasia and internationally.
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.