MEA showcases new logo at AIME

Tight security and a veil of secrecy surrounded the launch of the new look, with security men in dark glasses guarding the shrouded stand ahead of the official announcement by Mike Williams, president of MEA and Jenny Lambert, CEO of the association. A new logo retains elements of the former imagery in a more stylised look that reflects the vitality of the industry, according to Williams. "The brand now embraces the diversity of our 1,800 members and strengthens the important of the internationally recognised term 'meetings' and achieve greater cut through." Over the next two years a key focus of Meetings and Events Australia will be public and government relations and the powers that be in the association believe a strong image will be presented to the public, key stakeholders and the business community. The assocation's wesite has been redesigned and renamed as — www.meetingsevents.com.au. Services listed include a search for suppliers, meeting planners, accredited members, job vacancies, industry news and details about MEA's National Conference in Perth, 3 to 5 April 2005. One of the first acts of the new body was to co-ordinate collections. The Australian business events sector has donated $50,000 to CARE Australia's disaster appeal in the wake of the Boxing Day tsunami in Southeast Asia. "Thanks to the generous support of ICMI Speakers and Entertainers, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, mice.net, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and other donors, we have a substantial donation," said Williams of MEA.