ICCA and ABEA Sign MOU to Propel Diversity, Sustainability and Talent

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) have signed a memorandum of understanding today at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) to strengthen their partnership through a commitment to work together on three key issues facing the Australian business events industry. 

ICCA and ABEA will collectively amplify their core values and positions on three pillars: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); Legacy and Sustainability; and Talent Development and Retention by the publishing of white papers, access to programmes and information sharing, and developing key opportunities for emerging leaders.

Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA, said that the Australian Business Events Association had led the way with its unification of industry bodies, providing a powerful entry point into the Australian sector. 

“We are delighted to work with the Australian Business Events Association team to take strong, practical, and impactful steps to supporting the success of the Australian industry. 

“ICCA brings world-class programmes, connections and experience that we willingly share with our Australian colleagues. This is an exciting partnership, and we look forward to its ensuing success,”said Gopinath.

Peter King, Chair, ABEA, said that as the leading voice for business events, this was an opportunity to harness well-renowned international expertise and connections to amplify the work of ABEA for its members.

“We know our members are needing to embed DEI principles, sustainability, and develop talent to thrive in the competitive marketplace. Our partnership with ICCA is designed to provide unparalleled opportunities for our members, and the sector, to tackle these challenges head on. 

“No one organisation can do this on their own. By joining forces with ICCA, the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry, we can pool our resources and focus to achieve the outcomes we all need,” said King. 

The MOU details the work that the two organisations will complete together under the three pillars. 

Pillar One: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. ICCA and ABEA will support members and associations in their DEI practices by:

• Collecting and sharing case studies. 
• Co-publishing a White Paper focusing on the impacts and opportunities of multiculturalism in the Business Events industry. 
• ABEA members will have access to ICCA’s International Business Events Preceptorship Programme that facilitates educational mentoring opportunities with ICCA global members (Preceptors), allowing ABEA members the opportunity to learn about global best practices.

Pillar Two: Legacy and Sustainable Industry. ICCA and ABEA are united in their goal to advocate to government and stakeholders on the importance of the Business Events industry as a key economic and social impact driver. 

• ICCA to initiate cross-regional collaboration on Business Events legacy impact with ABEA through case studies and other information sharing. 
• ICCA and ABEA will host quarterly meetings to discuss progress, stakeholder engagement and advocacy programmes.

Pillar Three: Talent Development and Retention. This pillar works to address workforce challenges. 

• ICCA and ABEA to collaborate on the Emerging Leaders Challenge at AIME 2024. This programme aims to provide recognition and a voice for emerging leader professionals to share their ideas on refining the Business Events proposition in the area of talent attraction and retention. 
• The winner will be awarded ICCA’s scholarship to pursue the ICCASkills certification as a Certified International Convention Specialist (CICS). 
• ICCA and ABEA will review the Emerging Leaders Challenge in 2024 to address how the programme will be delivered for 2025.

The MOU commenced 19 February 2024 and will be reassessed in December 2026.