On 20th June 2018, a formal organizational meeting was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi. Representation from various sectors of the Business Events industry in Kenya was invited. They included Venues, Hotels, Professional event planners, Exhibition organizers, Academia and Associations.

In attendance were Vickie Muyanga, Charles Campell-Clause​, Wanjiku Kandie, Beatrice Makawiti, Jeffers Miruka, Gregg Talley and Smith Rabong’o

• The group reviewed and discussed the business plan for the creation of a formal nonprofit entity in Kenya to promote and provide research and education to and for the business events industry

• They also agreed that the organization will target a union of private sector businesses and public/private partnership entities in the industry.

• They also agreed that the ultimate vision is to position Kenya as a leading business events destination in Africa.

• They also agreed to work with the government and the private sector to grow knowledge and improve the infrastructure conducive for business event services and workforce.

• The group agreed to formally recommend the creation of KABE – the Kenya Association for Business Events.

“It is suggested that the organizing begins with a goal of the first Board meeting to be held in mid to late September 2018 in Nairobi to review the progress of registration” the meeting concluded.

The second meeting that brought together additional stakeholders was held on 20th September 2018 at the Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi where an update was discussed and a future business plan was also deliberated.

On 5th December 2018, a formal application to register KABE was submitted for registration at the Register of Societies. A few days later, the application was returned and advised that KABE should change the name to omit any name starting with “Kenya”. A quick email followup with the stakeholders agreed that KABE be replaced with AKBE. Association for Kenya Business Events (AKBE). That marked the birth of AKBE.