In a significant move to strengthen the global exhibitions and events ecosystem, the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) and the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) have signed a transformative three-year Strategic Partnership agreement. The collaboration aims to drive sustainability, professional growth, and knowledge-sharing across the exhibitions and events industry on an international scale.
The agreement establishes a robust framework for shared initiatives that promote best practices, education, and mutual industry advancement. This partnership aligns ABEA’s national agenda with IFES’s global reach, fostering stronger connections between Australian businesses and the worldwide events community.
ABEA’s CEO, Melissa Brown, emphasized the partnership’s potential to bolster the Australian exhibition industry. “This collaboration with IFES, focused on the needs of exhibit designers and trade show providers, underlines ABEA’s commitment to fostering a connected and sustainable industry. ABEA members will now have access to world-class sustainability programs and education, including IFES’s renowned Better Stands initiative, strengthening professional capabilities and delivering measurable impact,” Brown said.
IFES President, Jörg Zeissig, also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “This agreement reflects IFES’s ongoing mission to create a more sustainable and interconnected international events community. Working with ABEA allows us to share knowledge and embed sustainability principles that have already yielded positive outcomes globally,” said Zeissig. “Together, we’re building stronger bridges between Australia and the global exhibition and event services community.”
The Strategic Partnership will focus on several key areas, including:
- Education and Professional Development: Joint participation in conferences, access to mutual certifications and educational programs, and sharing of industry insights.
- Young Leaders Initiative: Support for programs such as the IFES Talent Team and ABEA’s Peer XChange, helping nurture the next generation of event leaders.
- Advocacy and Engagement: Aligning advocacy efforts to amplify the industry’s voice and promote sustainable business practices.
- Mutual Promotion and Membership Development: Promoting each organization’s events and initiatives, fostering reciprocal membership support.
- Communication and Visibility: Coordinating joint communications to highlight the impact of the partnership on the global industry.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in ABEA’s expanding network of international partnerships, ensuring Australian businesses gain access to top-tier educational resources, sustainability programs, and global networking opportunities. With a shared commitment to advancing the exhibition industry, ABEA and IFES are poised to drive positive change across the sector.
