The Australian Business Events Association appoints inaugural CEO

The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has announced the appointment of its inaugural CEO, Melissa Brown.

Brown brings to ABEA a professional background ranging from start-ups and non-profit organisations to medium-sized enterprises and multi-nationals; Brown’s diverse international experience and exceptional skills align perfectly with the Board’s vision of bringing a unified approach to the role.

The Board identified Brown’s passion for building teams and her proven track record in managing diverse stakeholders as key attributes that will enable her to be a champion for the varied organisations and interests that form the business events industry.

Peter King, chair of ABEA, expressed his enthusiasm for Brown’s appointment and her important role in driving positive change.

“Melissa brings a combination of energy, confidence, innovation, and broad global commercial experience that we are excited to embrace in this early phase of ABEA’s development.”

With a career that has spanned the globe, including the UK, USA and Hong Kong, Brown has worked with renowned organisations such as Telstra and Talent International; recently returning to Australia to contribute her expertise to a cyber security start-up, Sapien Cyber. Notably, she played a pivotal role in managing the Australian Chamber of Commerce in London, where she built a significant associate membership and advocacy program through skilful stakeholder engagement.

“We know that in appointing Melissa, we will be on a good path towards achieving our goal for the business events industry to be recognised as the valued and powerful driver of the Australian economy that it is,” said King.

In reflecting on her new role as CEO of ABEA, Brown is looking forward to welcoming new members to the Association.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to represent an industry as sizeable and important as Business Events. I will work closely with members and stakeholders on research, policy, skills, training, events, and advocacy with the Government to provide impactful member services.

“A huge effort has gone into creating the Australian Business Events Association and I am thrilled to take on the role of inaugural CEO,” said Brown.

The ABEA Board looks forward to the leadership and vision that Brown will bring to the organisation as they strive to elevate the business events sector’s prominence in the Australian economy. Her proactive approach will enable Brown to gain valuable insights and build strong relationships within the industry from the outset.

Brown will assume the role of CEO on 4 September 2023 and will immediately begin engaging with ABEA members and stakeholders.