THE LAST FEW MONTHS OF 2002 HAVE
been very hectic on the lobbying front, as the
business events associations, including MIAA,
press for a better deal for business events.
In the build up to the release of the Green
Paper, the Minister for Small Business &
Tourism, Joe Hockey has painted a very
sobering picture of the current health of the
tourism industry. Statements attributed to the
Minister made the front pages of the major
dailies and caused quite a reaction in Canberra.
In amongst all of this posturing, the
business events sector has been quietly but
firmly pressing a message that conferences and
events can do a great deal to even out the
fluctuations caused by troughs in leisure
tourism, and the early indications are that we
are being listened to.
As reported in the last issue of mice.net,
MIAA, the Business Events Council of
Australia and the Australian Association of
Convention Bureaux (AACB) have submitted a
detailed proposal to government for the
creation of a body with a title like Australian
Business Events Corporation (ABEC) to
coordinate a "whole of government" approach.
ABEC would develop and implement
marketing strategies, coordinate bidding,
identify research and assist in the regional
dispersion of business events. Business events
that can promote export growth and increase
the number of business visitors could be
significantly boosted by an organisation such as
ABEC, operating effectively.
During September, the business events
sector held talks with the Minister for Trade
Mark Vaile, as well as senior advisers working
with a number of Cabinet Ministers. MIAA
also attended the Tourism Leaders Summit
which was held in mid-September. In October,
MIAA followed this activity up by hosting a
function for the influential backbencher group,
Friends of Tourism. This was a timely activity
given the imminent release of the Green Paper.
It is to be hoped that the final outcome of
the Government's strategic review will be
positive for our sector.
BUSINESS EVENTS LOBBY
HEADS TO CANBERRA
meetings
meetings
issue no.20 October 2002
Minister for Small Business & Tourism, Joe
Hockey has been very receptive to the needs of
the business events sector.
AS I WRITE THIS
I am coming to the
end of my two year
term as President of
MIAA. Whilst this
will not bring to an
end my active
involvement in our
association it does
bring to a close an extremely rewarding phase.
The last four years initially as Vice-
President and then President have provided me
with the opportunity to work with and learn
from an extremely talented and committed
group of meetings and events industry
practitioners. This involvement both personally
and from a business perspective has enabled me
to have interaction with our industry at all
levels and to listen to ideas and views that have
contributed significantly to the success of both
the association and my business.
Our industry has experienced many
changes over the last four years and being
actively involved with MIAA has provided that
information early warning system that enables
one to respond quickly and to maintain a
competitive position. The next few years will
prove no less challenging and I believe that
active participation in the industry and in
MIAA by many members of my staff and
myself will ensure that our business continues
to be a success.
The side benefits of the learning
experiences and the personal development
opportunities that arise for all involved are also
invaluable. On the basis of what I have gained
from MIAA I would encourage you all to
become members and more importantly active
members because the benefits of such an
involvement far outweigh the investment
required to participate.
Leigh Harry
National President
P R E S I D E N T ' S M E S S A G E
Diary Note:
The National AGM is being held on Monday 25th November in Sydney at the Sebel PierOne (Mirvac)
commencing at 11am with a NSW ClubMIAA luncheon following.
