Program
The Australian Business Events Association Conference 2026 is where the leaders, teams, and innovators of the industry will meet to shape the future of business events.
Schedule
Time | Subject | Room |
8:00 am | Registration Open | ABEA Village |
8:00 - 5:00 pm | Education Streams Full-day capability streams, each designed for a specific role and career stage. Choose from leading well for emerging leaders, people management for those leading teams under pressure, sales and negotiation for business development professionals, marketing and conversion for communications and events teams Education streams are available as an add-on and are not included in the standard conference registration. | Various Rooms |
6:30 - 8:30 pm | Dinner Extend your Day 1 experience with a sponsored dinner designed to deepen the connections you made during the day. The Table You Need, Not the Table You Know pairs you with peers and industry leaders you wouldn't normally sit across from — because the best conversations often happen outside your usual circle. | Various Locations |
Join us for the Australian Business Events Awards, celebrating the exceptional work of the business events industry
Speakers
ABEA Conference 2025 is where bold ideas meet practical solutions, and where the business events community comes together to learn, connect and create impact that lasts well beyond the conference floor.
The ABEA Conference 2025, themed Partner with Impact, will bring together leading experts from across Australia to explore the most pressing issues shaping our industry. From artificial intelligence and accessibility to sustainability, collaboration and the future of work, delegates will gain unparalleled insights into the evolution of our industry.
Attend the ABEA Conference to hear from globally recognised speakers
Keynote
Holly Ransom
CEO of Emergent Global, author & global leadership expert
Education & Pillar Group Streams
Actionable takeaways for every role
With a lineup of Plenary Sessions and Special Interest Groups, covering the critical areas of sustainability, risk management, education and career pathways, each team member will walk away with specific, practical knowledge they can apply in their roles
Industry connections
The conference is designed to foster connections between industry professionals, innovators and thought leaders. The interactive ABEA Garden & Expo will offer a unique sensory experience of cutting-edge innovations in business events – an invaluable space for networking and collaborations.
Ensure industry leadership & growth
The ABEA Conference is not just about learning – it’s about setting the direction for the future of our industry. Attending as a team will position your organisation as a leader, empowering your people with the insights they need to thrive and shape the business events landscape.
Invest in your team’s professional growth to help your organisation stay competitive and ahead of industry trends.
What to expect
Plenary sessions
Immerse yourself in the industry with a focus on future thinking and how we can prepare for change.
Pillar meetings
Organiser, Supplier, Bureaux and Venue sector issues will be unpacked and discussed, and best practice and opportunities sought.
Special Focus Sessions
lots of concurrent education sessions and workshops with practical learnings or tools for your role, tribe or business. You choose what’s right for you.
Networking
Delegates at all levels and from all areas of the industry are invited to experience genuine connection amongst our community.
ABEA Village
An immersive experience space to network, learn, interact, relax, connect, exchange, eat, drink, view, feel, flavour, challenge and be challenged!
Awards Gala
The opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional work of our members and to highlight those setting the standards of excellence in the industry.