ACCI works to “mobilise the ideas, influence and passion of people in business to achieve policy outcomes in the national interest”, according to its purpose statement.

The organisation has chapters in all Australian states and territories and a membership which includes more than 80 associations and some of Australia’s largest and most powerful corporations.

Commonwealth Bank, Uber, Pfizer, Visa and Mastercard are all members. On the visitor economy association front, Accommodation Australia, the Australian Tourism Export Council and Cruise Lines International Association are all members, as is the new Australian Business Events Association.

PCOA is hoping to raise the profile, representation and advocacy issues of PCOs in a national business context through the chamber.

“We strongly believe there are a range of benefits ACCI membership will deliver the PCOA – including advocacy and lobbying to the federal government, particularly for our industry sector,” said PCOA president Barry Neame.

“In addition to providing a voice to the country’s policymakers, we will be members alongside Australia’s highest profile businesses and brands, which at the end of the day, are the very organisations with which we work to organise their conferences and/or events.”

“We are very much looking forward to participating in meaningful policy and advocacy conversations via ACCI with the federal government and other important stakeholders.”

ACCI’s CEO, Andrew McKellar, confirmed PCOA’s membership would elevate the chamber’s advocacy on issues impacting PCOs.

“PCOA is a highly regarded industry body in a critical sector of the visitor economy, and business events, and the work they do to facilitate trade, investment and innovation is valuable,” McKellar said.

“Providing a voice for PCOA membership into ACCI’s for advocacy to government is a critical consideration.”

Read the full story on micenet – https://mice.net.au/pcoa-joins-national-business-advocacy-body/