Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) has announced it will cease operations after entering voluntary administration on March 27, 2025.
The news, originally reported by Australian industry media, marks a significant moment for the industry as MEA was set to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. The annual MEA National Conference that was to be held in June 2025 in Sydney has also been cancelled.
MEA chair Vanessa Green stated that MEA has been unable to secure the necessary cash sponsorship to maintain its activities.
Historically, MEA relied on the generous support of sponsors and government partners to keep membership accessible. However, in recent years, funding and sponsorship from state and federal government agencies and bureaus have been withdrawn.
Simultaneously, MEA’s core base of small to medium-sized enterprises, and corporate members, have faced tighter financial margins, making it difficult for them to bridge the funding gap.
Green also highlighted that MEA’s financial struggles reflect broader challenges within the events sector, including rising operational costs and reduced external support.
The emergence of new industry bodies, such as the Australian Business Events Association, has also contributed to a redirection of funding from traditional supporters, including convention centres and government agencies.
Despite its impending closure, Green emphasised the legacy of MEA over the past 50 years, where the organisation has helped shape the careers of many professionals, delivered nationally-recognised education, and championed excellence through mentoring programmes, awards, and industry events.
The 2025 MEA Awards will proceed as planned.
