Bringing Associations Together To Boost Performance

Menu

News Archive

News from November 2014

AACB weighs in on International Business Events study

The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) has answered the Australian Government’s Productivity Commission's call for comment on Australia’s international tourism industry. The study was titled “Australia’s International Business Events Sector: The Economic and Strategic Value Proposition” and examined the benefits of international business events. Deloitte Access Economics partnered with AACB in producing the study. “AACB has been working hard to advocate for a strong…

New Board for Biometrics Institute

The Biometrics Institute has unveiled its new Board, and can boast a wide variety of representatives. The newly appointed Board members come from organisations such as Immigration New Zealand, the FBI, Spanish Ceca Bank and UK Home Office, to name a few. Likewise, there is a unique mix of representation from biometric user (operator) organisations. Arron Baker from Immigration New Zealand said he was honoured to be re-re-elected as Chairperson and outlined a forward-thinking agenda…

Bill introduced to repeal the 100-member rule to call a general meeting

The Corporations Legislation Amendment (Deregulatory and Other Measures) Bill 2014 has been introduced to repeal the “100-member rule” need to call a general meeting. The bill does not include changes to the dividend provisions of the Corporations Act 2001.  The government released an exposure draft earlier this year, which contained reforms to address the difficulties associated with s 254T and the current dividend test, but these reforms were not included in the final bill. This introduction…

ibtm Capitalises on Rebrand

Media release Reed Travel Exhibitions has announced that it has undergone a re-brand of the IBTM portfolio which will now become “ibtm events – connections mean everything”. At the same time 6 of the current 8 events will also have a new brand image and logo identifying them by region (excluding AIME and ICOMEX). Notably, EIBTM is to become “ibtm world” in line with its status as a global industry event. As the world’s leading provider of events for the meetings industry and…

ICC Sydney's Professional Additions

With the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) on track for its December 2016 opening, AEG Ogden has announced the appointment of two new business development managers. Tina Eggers has been appointed National Business Development Manager and Michelle Nahas has been appointed the Corporate, Government and Events Business Development Manager. ICC Sydney CEO and AEG Ogden Group Director for Convention Centres, Geoff Donaghy said the appointments were timed to capture the…

New CEO for Australian Gift and Homewares Association

The Australian Gift and Homewares Association (AGHA) has appointed Omer Soker as CEO.  Previously, Mr Soker served as Executive General Manager to the AGHA board from December 2013. AGHA President Nigel Kirby praised Mr Soker’s appointment and past service to AGHA. Under Mr Soker’s guidance, Australian wholesalers and retailers will be given more support and ongoing challenges such as globalisation and structural threats will be addressed. With…

Sue Blundell steps down from English Australia

After 12 years as Executive Director, Sue Blundell has announced her intention to step down from her role in September 2015. Marc Weedon-Newstead, Chair of the Board of English Australia, said that Ms Blundell had provided strong leadership to the association in its representation and support of the English Language Sector. “All who are involved in international education will be well aware of Ms Blundell’s outstanding contribution, not only to the English language sector but to…

IPSHA announce new Board

The Independent Primary School Heads of Australia (IPSHA) have unveiled their 2014-2016 board. Jill Bosanquet will continue her role as Secretary and Carl Salt will stay on as Treasurer.  Garry Brown OAM has been announced as President elect, and incoming State Presidents have also been elected. Judith Butcher was elected IPSHA (NSW) President for NSW. Ms Butler highlighted the fostering of collegial friendships and professional development as benefits of joining IPSHA. Bruce…

Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) appoints new CEO

Former CEO at Domestic Violence NSW (previously Women’s Refuge Movement NSW) Tracy Howe has been appointed the new CEO of NCOSS. Ms Howe has extensive experience in the homelessness sector and early intervention for women and children experiencing domestic violence. During her time at Domestic Violence NSW, Ms Howe brought about organisational change and left the peak body in a stronger position to achieve outcomes for women and children and advocate for the broad range of members working…

AIME 2015 to be held in Melbourne

The Asia-Pacific Incentives Meetings Expo (AIME) is the place for suppliers and buyers in the business events industry from Australia, Asia-Pacific and the rest of the globe to connect and do business.  The 2015 AIME Conference will be held in Melbourne on the 24-25 February. Here are some of the statistics that the event produces  93 per cent of Exhibitors…

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre set to open

The largest conference and events centre in the Hunter Valley has booked it’s first event and is set to open in January 2015. Described as having a light-filled design, the 2,000m of pre-function, meeting and exhibition space is set to market the Hunter Valley as a leading Australian Conference destination. The Centre overlooks garden spaces and golf course greens within Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley and will be comprised of flexible conference rooms that can be broken into separate…

Gary Nye appointed SPASA Australia CEO

The Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA Australia) has elected Gary Nye as CEO. Mr Nye has previously held several senior executive positions in the fast food, general merchandise and food industries at companies such as Bilo Supermarkets, Coles Myer and Target. Most recently, Mr Nye was COO of Clark Rubber as well as President of SPRAA for the last two years, where he assisted in developing the Certificate III and IV in Swimming Pool and Spa Service. SPAS Australia…

Auckland Advocate Program launched

Statistics New Zealand has released new figures showing the number of visitors to the country for a conference or convention has risen 4.4 per cent.  Tourism NZ international business events manager Bjoern Spreitz said the findings were valid and warranted. “Tourism New Zealand has significantly increased its efforts in the business events sector of the last few years and the country is now bidding for, and winning, more international conventions than ever before.”  Mr Spreitz…

ACNC releases annual report

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC) has released its annual report. More than 60 000 registered Australian charities are eligible for Commonwealth charity tax concessions and must go through the ACNC before being granted reductions. It is the second annual report of the ACNC and the first time the report has been submitted to Parliament.  ACNC Commissioner Susan Pascoe AM said she was proud of the work the ACNC had achieved in meeting the regulator’s legislative…

Association Crossover as NRMA welcome NSW Farmer's Association President to Board

The NRMA board will welcome a new director in the wake of Graham Blight’s exit. Mr Blight will reach his 12-year board term limit in early 2015, making way for NSW Farmer’s Associations and Liverpool Plains farmer Fiona Simpson. Mr Blight said local councils desperately needed more money from state and federal governments for road infrastructure, making Ms Simpson a good fit. Ms Simpson said her time at the NSW Farmer’s Association will affect her work at the NRMA and she will be prioritising…

Nexia FEB & MARCH 2024
Ready Membership MARCH 2024