Friday, March 28, 2025
After half a century of service, Meetings and Events Australia (MEA), the iconic industry body championing Australia’s vibrant business events sector, has announced it is ceasing operations. On 27 March 2025, MEA formally appointed an administrator due to financial challenges, officially cancelling its highly anticipated 2025 National Conference scheduled for June in Sydney.
MEA Chair Vanessa Green announced the decision with profound regret, acknowledging the deep sadness across the events community. Despite record engagement, growing event attendance, increased professional development offerings, and the anticipation of celebrating MEA’s 50th anniversary, the organisation has found itself unable to overcome significant financial shortfalls.
“MEA is no longer in a financial position to continue,” Green stated candidly. “This difficult decision is in no way a reflection of the passion and dedication of our community. On the contrary, recent initiatives—including new educational short courses, professional webinars, and milestone celebrations—received enthusiastic support. Yet, we faced persistent barriers in securing essential cash sponsorship.”
Historically, MEA relied heavily on financial backing from corporate sponsors and federal and state government agencies. However, recent shifts in government funding priorities have impacted MEA’s sustainability. Official federal and state websites such as Austrade and Business Events Australia outline evolving strategic priorities, reflecting why support traditionally directed to MEA diminished, instead channelling funding towards emerging bodies like the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA).
Additionally, despite ongoing sponsorship enthusiasm for signature MEA events—particularly the National Conference and Awards—the nature of sponsorship has shifted significantly. Green noted that while numerous organisations generously offered in-kind support, critical cash contributions necessary for operational stability dwindled, reflecting broader economic pressures affecting the entire events industry.
“This financial challenge mirrors wider difficulties faced by event professionals nationwide, with rising operational costs and constrained external funding,” Green elaborated. Indeed, broader economic factors influencing Australia’s business events sector have been acknowledged in government analyses available from agencies such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics and state tourism authorities.
Vice-Chair Megan Peters emphasised MEA’s significant legacy, highlighting its transformative role in fostering industry careers, shaping education through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and recognising professional excellence. MEA’s prestigious national awards and acclaimed mentor programs have supported thousands of Australian event professionals, leaving an enduring imprint on the industry.
“The relationships forged, knowledge shared, and the standards set by MEA over the past five decades will remain vital cornerstones of our industry’s ongoing evolution,” Peters said.
Despite this closure, the MEA Awards for 2025 will still be announced shortly, honouring excellence and innovation within the industry for one final time.
MEA’s board expressed sincere gratitude to members, sponsors, and partners whose enduring support shaped the organisation’s five-decade legacy. As operations conclude, MEA’s closure signifies a moment of reflection, pride, and optimism for the future resilience and dynamism of Australia’s events sector.
