Australia’s peak industry body for the meetings and events sector, Meetings and Events Australia (MEA), announces it will be entering Voluntary Administration after 50 years of service to the Australian events industry.

The country’s longest-standing industry body for the events sector, has today announced it will cease operations, and an administrator has been appointed.

The announcement comes during a time of celebration for MEA, as the association marks its 50th anniversary, a milestone reflecting five decades of service, education, recognition and advocacy for Australia’s event professionals.

“It is with great sadness and immense pride that we share this news,” said Vanessa Green, Chair of MEA. “MEA has been a cornerstone of the Australian events industry for half a century. We close this chapter with gratitude, for the extraordinary legacy and community we’ve built together.”

In recent months, MEA has launched new education short courses, welcomed growing membership, and prepared for a contemporary take on the National Conference, alongside the prestigious MEA Awards, which will still be announced in the coming days.

“We’ve been heartened by the industry’s renewed engagement, from increased ticket sales to record award entries. There’s been genuine excitement around our 50th year,” said Green. “Unfortunately, despite this support, MEA is no longer in a position to continue operating.”

Over many years, MEA’s ability to deliver national programs such as its highly regarded events qualifications through its RTO, professional development events, and national awards, has depended on a mix of membership income, ticket sales, and significant cash sponsorships from corporate partners, convention centres, and state and federal government bodies.

In recent years, that government and corporate financial support has diminished or been redirected, and while many organisations continue to offer in-kind sponsorship, the level of cash contributions required to sustain MEA’s operations has not materialised. MEA has strived to remain accessible, especially for small businesses, independents, and individual professionals, but with rising operating costs and declining financial backing, it has simply become unsustainable.

“This is not the outcome any of us wanted, but we are deeply proud of what MEA has delivered for the industry, from nurturing careers and shaping education, to building networks and recognising excellence through our national awards. The relationships, learnings and legacy of MEA will endure,” said Megan Peters, MEA Board Vice-Chair.