ABEA and IFES plan to advance global collaboration across exhibitions and events
submitted by Robyn d’Alessandro, on behalf of IFES
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) and the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) have signed a landmark three-year Strategic Partnership agreement to strengthen collaboration, education and sustainability across the global exhibitions and events ecosystem.
The partnership establishes a framework for shared initiatives that promote best practice, professional growth and mutual industry advancement, that will bring ABEA’s national agenda in line with IFES’s international reach and expertise.
ABEA CEO, Melissa Brown, said the collaboration with IFES, which is specifically dedicated to the needs of exhibit designers and providers of tradeshows reinforces ABEA’s commitment to building a stronger, more connected exhibitions and event service.
“ABEA members now have access to world-leading sustainability programs and education, including IFES’s Better Stands initiative. This partnership gives our industry a direct link to tested, globally recognised resources that strengthen professional capability and drive measurable impact,” said Brown.
IFES President, Jörg Zeissig, said the agreement reflects IFES’s mission to support a more sustainable and connected international events community.
“By working with ABEA, we can share knowledge, empower local businesses, and embed sustainability principles that are already improving outcomes worldwide. Together, we’re building stronger bridges between Australia and the global exhibition and event services community,” said Zeissig.
The Strategic Partnership builds on ABEA’s expanding network of international collaborations, ensuring Australian businesses have access to world-class education, sustainability programs and global opportunities for connection and growth.
Key areas of collaboration
Education and professional development: Joint conference participation, mutual access to certification and programs, and exchange of industry knowledge.
Young Leaders Initiative: Jointly support programs such as the IFES Talent Team and ABEA’s Peer XChange, creating opportunities for the next generation of event leaders.
Advocacy and engagement: Align advocacy activities to strengthen the industry’s collective voice and advance sustainable business event practices.
Mutual promotion and membership development: Promote each organisation’s initiatives, events and educational programs, and explore reciprocal membership support.
Communication and visibility: Coordinate joint communications through shared media channels to highlight the partnership’s achievements and industry impact.
About ABEA
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) is a united force representing the dynamic world of business events. ABEA enhances member’s success and elevates the industry at large through strategic advocacy, research, community development and community.
As a powerful, united voice, ABEA lead advocacy efforts with data-driven insights that quantify the business events industry’s impact and influence, shaping informed policy based on the needs of the entire industry. ABEA fosters a vibrant, supportive community that empowers business events professionals at every career stage, providing opportunities for growth, networking, and collaboration.
ABEA: United for real impact. abea.org.au
About IFES
The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) is the global representative of national associations and individual companies active in the design, conception, production and show services for temporary structures used at exhibitions and trade shows. It is the only organisation dedicated to the specific needs of exhibit designers and providers of trade show services, representing more than 320 members in 47 countries.
The organisation champions global collaboration, education and gives orientation on sustainability through initiatives such as the Better Stands program and the Net Zero Carbon Events roadmap, advancing excellence and responsible practice within the international exhibitions and events industry. ifesnet.com
