Melbourne will host an international congress on ageing which is expected to attract more than 1,200 delegates, injecting more than $6 million into the Victorian economy, Minister for Senior Victorians, Lisa Neville announced today.

Melbourne rolled out red carpet for star studded awards - 13th Dec

The Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre played host to some of Australia’s biggest celebrities on the 5^th and 6^th December for the L'Oreal Paris 2007 AFI Awards.

Industry leaders debate issues at AIME 2008 - 12th Dec

The Asia-Pacific’s premier meetings and incentive event will open on Tuesday 19 February in Melbourne, Australia with the AIME 2008 Business Events Forum, entitled ‘Do we have to stop meeting like this?’.

Dreamworld caps off an eventful year - 10th Dec

Australia’s favourite playground becomes Queensland’s favourite place to do business

Sydney Ready to Make a Big Impact at AIME 2008 - 10th Dec

Sydney has doubled the size of its stand at the 16th Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) in February, bringing a record number of exhibitors to showcase the most exciting event options available in New South Wales.

Explosion at Howard & Sons factory - 10th December

Statement from Andrew and Christian Howard
Media reports

Winners announced at the 2007 EEAA Awards for Excellence - 4th Dec

Nina Vidale of Reed Exhibitions Australia was the proud winner of the Richard Geddes Young Achiever Award at the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia’s (EEAA) annual gala dinner last night.

Brisbane proves its pulling power - 4th Dec

Brisbane has once again proven its pulling power in the business events industry staging a highly successful foray into the southern states.

AIME 2008 sets a new benchmark as a climate neutral event - 29th Nov

AIME 2008, 16th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, will set a new benchmark for exhibitions in Australia, following the announcement today that it will be a Climate Neutral event.

National exhibitors return to the Australian Events Expo for another year - 29th Nov

On Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 May 2008, the Australian Events Expo will return to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour for a second year.

Bumper crop of conferences for Newcastle in 2008 and 2009 - 29th Nov

Figures released today indicate that Newcastle and the surrounding region, can look forward to a couple of ‘bumper years’ of conferences in 2008 and 2009.

Delegates to Melbourne secured in one year would fill Telstra dome! - 28th Nov

At today's AGM, Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) released its 2006/07 results which show that more than 53,000 business visitors to Victoria were secured by the Bureau in the 2006/07 financial year - enough to fill Melbourne's Telstra Dome.

Airport chief is new chairman of the board of MCVB - 28th Nov

Chris Barlow, former chief executive of Melbourne Airport accepted the position as the new Chairman of the Board of Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau at today's AGM.

Melbourne cements its name as Australia's business events capital - 27th Nov

New figures released at EIBTM which starts today in Barcelona show that Melbourne has cemented its name as Australia's business events capital.

Australians get behind Melbourne’s centre to tune of $450 million - 27th Nov

Australians have shown strong support for the new Melbourne Convention Centre, with predicted national conventions to date injecting an estimated $450 million to the Victorian economy.

Stylish Bayside Lounge Wins Prestigious Prize - 26th Nov

The stylish Bayside Lounge at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has won an award in the Master Builders Association 2007 Excellence in Construction Awards.

RAS NSW announces new chief executive - 19th Nov

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Peter King to the role of Chief Executive.

NIDA Event Management course

NIDA is offering a part time Event Management course with a focus on technical production.

Kiwi corporates receive royal treatment in Adelaide - 15th Nov

A group of seven key corporate buyers from New Zealand were recently hosted to a lavish 3-day familiarisation in Adelaide and adjacent regions of South Australia.

Exhibitions & Trade Fairs acquires nine exhibitions - 15th Nov

Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF) has announced that it has entered into agreements to acquire nine trade exhibitions in Australia and the United Kingdom, expanding its exhibitions services.

ETF Acquires Australian Events Expo - 15th Nov

Exhibitions and Trade Fairs Pty Limited (ETF) and Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) are pleased to announce that the Australian Events Expo (AEE) previously owned by SCVB has been acquired by ETF.

Centre Shines in Culinary Challenge - 14th Nov

Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre chefs have taken out the gold medal in the Sydney Culinary Challenge for the third consecutive time.

The Australian Events Expo returns in 2008 - 14th Nov

On Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 May 2008, the Australian Events Expo will return to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre

Accor to manage Doherty hotels in Hobart & Ballarat - 12th Nov

Australian hotel group, Doherty Hotels, has appointed Accor to manage their two hotels – the historic Hadleys Hotel Hobart and the Doherty Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre in Victoria.

Events New South Wales a Welcome Boost for Business Events and the SCVB - 12th Nov

The Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) has welcomed the appointment of a high-profile board to oversee the newly created Events New South Wales, paving the way for renewed energy in the State’s events sector.

SCEC voted Australasia’s leading Conference Centre - 7th Nov

The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has been voted Australasia’s Leading Conference Centre in the annual World Travel Awards for the second year in a row.

SCVB Welcomes New Board - 7th Nov

The Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced the results of its 2007 board elections, the first under new Chairman Col Hughes.

Novotel Barossa Valley Resort a winner - 7th Nov

South Australia ’s Novotel Barossa Valley Resort has bagged multiple awards at the recent South Australian Tourism Awards – reinforcing the world-class resort’s standing as an industry leader, particularly in the arena of conference & business tourism.

Stage One head down under with new Australian company - 7th Nov

In an exciting new move Stage One is extremely pleased to announce that they have established a brand new company called Qmotion® Australia Pty Ltd, based in Sydney, Australia

Events Industry Association applauds Eventscorp securing major event - 6th Nov

The Events Industry Association was thrilled to hear the announcement yesterday that the State Government backed bid for the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships was successful.

Gold Plate award to Perth Concert Hall - 5th Nov

The Hospitality Industry gathered at the Perth Convention Centre on Monday 29^thOctober for the 40^th Annual Gold Plate Awards.

Sydney to Lead Quest for Tomorrow’s Sustainable Cities

Sydney will take centre stage in the quest to combat climate change and develop a sustainable future when it hosts 1000 international experts for the first World Congress of the Renewable City in 2009.

Sydney Showground unveils new look - 2nd Nov

Sydney Showground is rebranding and unveiled its new logo on 1 November 2007, reinforcing the venue as a key player in Australia ’s corporate events marketplace and marking a new era for the multi-award-winning venue.

Applications Open for ICCA Youth Forum at AIME 2008 - 2nd Nov

Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has announced that it will once again host the ICCA Youth Forum at AIME 2008 in Melbourne, Australia. It will be the eighth staging of the popular Forum that brings together young industry professionals from the Asia Pacific region to learn more about the global business events industry.

Staging Connections acquisitions in UK and Singapore - 1st Nov

Staging Connections Group Limited (ASX:STG) has acquired 100% of UK based Essential Lighting Group Limited for a cash consideration of A$17 million and acquired the 30% minority interest in Singapore based The Event Company for A$3 million in cash and shares. The acquisitions, which are effective from 1 November 2007, are expected to boost annual EPS by 2 cents, given the mix of cash and shares used and based on pro-forma annualised performance for the 12 months to 30 June 2008.

The Tiger’s roar good for Conferences in Newcastle - 30th Oct

It was announced yesterday that Tiger Airways has selected Newcastle Airport as its only NSW destination. Twice daily flights to Melbourne are scheduled to commence on January 8^th 2008.

Staging Dimensions announce the appointment of Ms Bobbie-Jo (BJ) England as Business Development Executive.

Sydney Shines with A$47m Surge in Business Events - 23rd Oct

The Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau has opened the new financial year with spectacular results, achieving A$47.1 million in new conference business in the first quarter.

Darwin Convention Centre update - 20th Oct

Opening in mid 2008, the Darwin Convention Centre has announced two additional senior executive management appointments to join their pre-opening team.

Melbourne's Business Tourism Industry Celebrates - 19th Oct

Melbourne's business tourism industry gathered this week at a gala luncheon to celebrate 30 years of the successful promotion of Melbourne as Australia's premier business events destination.

REED Exhibitions Australia appoints new managing director - 19th Oct

Reed Exhibitions has announced that Debbie Evans will assume the role of Managing Director, Reed Exhibitions Australia, effective January 2008.

AIME introduces Master Classes - 19th Oct

Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has announced a new program of Master Classes to be held at AIME 2008, 16th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo. Five Master Classes will be held each day (19-20 February, 2008) and topics are based on feedback from visitors regarding the type of education they are looking for at exhibitions.

EEAA Industry Conference - 18th Oct

Mark McCrindle, social researcher, futurist and psychologist; and Toby Travanner, corporate trainer and Director, The Learning Company, will share their respective expertise at the EEAA Industry Conference

New National Convention Centre sets benchmark for venues - 18th Oct

Canberra will set a new benchmark for Australian events venues with the opening the newly refurbished state-of-the-art National Convention Centre on October 18, 2007.

Brisbane’s complete meeting and incentive experience - 16th Oct

Corporate groups looking to add adventure, adrenalin and outcomes to their business events are signing up for Brisbane ’s complete meeting and incentive experience – the Climb and Clubhouse Package

Crown Towers Voted Top Hotel – Australia/ Pacific by Condé Nast Traveler Readers - Oct 07

Crown Towers Melbourne has been voted Top Hotel – Australia / Pacific at the prestigious U.S. Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in New York. The results are derived from the largest independent poll of consumers’ preferences, the Readers’ Choice Survey, second in size only to the U.S. census. With a record number of more than 28,000 travellers voting this year, the list shows an even greater global variety and depth.

Staging Connections expands ownership in Asia and acquires leading Australian design agency - 9th Oct

SCGL Chief Executive, Michael Gardner , said the Company’s full ownership of businesses in China and South East Asia is central to its growth strategy in the region and reinforces SCGL’s ongoing commitment to increasing shareholder value through fiscally responsible commercial transactions

The EIBTM worldwide technology watch is awarded to the new SPOTME - 8th Oct

The WorldWide Technology Watch (WWTW) winner is Shockfish SA with the New SPOTME ®.

Recognition and Success for Cleanevent at the 2007 Governor of Victoria Export Awards - 5th Oct

Cleanevent has been awarded “Winner” of the prestigious Services Award which recognises Cleanevent for outstanding export achievement in the Services Industry in recognition for our sustained achievements in the export of Australian talent to major International venues, events and facilities. It is the second time we have been decorated by this coveted award, the first in 1993.

Quality suites Clifton on Northbourne awarded national prize at the AHA awards - 5th Oct

National Award for Best Suite/ Apartment Hotel Accommodation at the Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence on Thursday

Melbourne confirmed as top convention city in Australia - 2nd Oct

According to a report recently released by The Union of International Associations (UIA), Melbourne has overtaken Sydney as the top congress city in Australia.

Spending on Incentives hit $46 billion - 1st Oct

Figures released last week by Frank Katusak, President of the Incentive Foundation in the US have stunned major players in the Incentive industry worldwide.

New Crown Hotel for Melbourne - 1st Oct

Crown Melbourne Limited announced today it has sought planning and building approvals to construct the biggest hotel in Australia at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne.

ePoster technology launched at major scientific meeting - 1st Oct

Leading meetings and events management company Tour Hosts will introduce its ePoster technology to the Australian conference industry at a major scientific meeting in Melbourne this month.

B risbane bid outclasses B angkok and A uckland - 27th Sep

In a $1.1 million coup, Brisbane has outclassed Bangkok and Auckland to secure the rights to host the 10^th Asia-Pacific Intelligent Transport Systems Forum.

Sydney to Host World Leaders in Genetic Research - 26th Sep

Sydney will take its place in the next frontier of medical discovery in 2010 when the city hosts 2000 of the world’s leading experts in the cutting-edge field of proteomics.

Test drive your next speaker at AIME - 25th Sep

You wouldn’t buy a new car without a test drive, so why would you engage a speaker without hearing and seeing them in action first?

Adelaide convention bureau posts record annual result - 24th Sep

At its Annual General Meeting held on September 24^th, the Adelaide Convention Tourism Authority (ACTA) announced its most successful trading period in the company’s 35-year history.

MEA moves into a new era with the granting of accreditation as a RTO - 17th Sep

MEA is the Industry Association for the conference and business events industry. This industry generates thousands of jobs and more than $17 billion a year for the Australian Economy.

APEC effect on business events industry - 21st Sep

In the lead up to APEC we were promised that the hassle would all be worthwhile because of the benefits that would flow on to Sydney. Among these promises were suggestions that it would be like the Olympics all over again.

Scholarship winner to research incentive opportunities in India - 20th Sep

The Adelaide Convention Tourism Authority’s (ACTA) North Asian account manager, Siddarth Ketkar has been announced as the winner of Australia’s most lucrative Meetings Industry scholarship.

Sydneysiders wowed by weekend in Melbourne - 19th Sep

Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) hosted some of Sydney's top corporate clients for a three day action-packed tour of Melbourne and Victoria - highlighting why Australia's most sophisticated city has taken the mantle of business events capital.

Educating the Venue Industry

Partnership between the Venue Management Association and TAFE NSW – South Western Sydney Institute

Sydney Showground plays host to earth movers and shakers - 17th Sep

AIMEX 2007, one of the world’s top mining exhibitions, was held at Sydney Showground this month. Alongside the exhibition, the AIMEX International Mining Conference 2007 (Mining 2020) featured speakers from the highest levels of government, academia and the mining industry.

Lauded Tasmanian chef joins Wrest Point team - 17th Sep

Much-lauded Tasmanian chef Luke Stepsys will join the Wrest Point food and beverage team as Chef de Cuisine of their fine dining restaurants The Point Revolving Restaurant and Pier One Restaurant and Bar.

Sydney’s Appeal Proves a Winner - 12th Sep

From its warm, sunny weather to its warm, friendly people, Sydney’s many attributes are providing a winning platform for associations planning their international conferences in the harbour city.

Industry Internet Page 30 Years in the Making! - 4th Sep

Lighting industry pioneer and leading event production consultant Colin Baldwin has relaunched the on-line edition of the ‘30 Year History of Rock Lighting and Sound’, originally compiled in collaboration with Graham Harrison and Julius Grafton.

An addition to the Solution RED themeing team

Howard’s win Malaysian International Fireworks Competition - 3rd Sep

Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics have won the Malaysian International Fireworks Competition and the prestigious Merdeka Gold Trophy in Putrajaya.

Sydney Wins World Sheep and Wool Congress - 29th Aug

Australia’s world-class sheep industry will soon be in the international spotlight, following the announcement that the World Sheep and Wool Congress will be held in Sydney in 2010.

Sofitel Wentworth Sydney to unveil $10m enhancement - 29th Aug

New Club Sofitel and Restaurant to debut in Sydney

freshcatering wins prestigious award - 28th Aug

The chefs and team at freshcatering have been awarded top honours at the prestigious NSW Restaurant & Catering Awards of Excellence 2007.

Fusion Marketing to represent Infinity Yoga & Wellbeing and Club Med Asia pacific properties

Fusion Marketing sales representation company has been appointed to represent Infinity Yoga & Wellbeing to the Australian meetings, events and incentive industry.

Start planning your end of year party now, with these top ten tips from the ECI Group - 27th Aug

Spring is springing, the days growing longer and the party planners planning – now the silly season starts to swing into action with the most fabulous venues booking out early for December festivities.

Turtles, tiny trees and technology bid wins for Brisbane - 27th Aug

Brisbane has once again shown its diversity as a business events destination, winning the rights to host a trilogy of conferences covering the vastly different topics of turtles, tiny trees and technology.

Peninsula opens at Central Pier Docklands - 23rd Aug

Peninsula at Central Pier Docklands is Melbourne’s largest and most avant-garde waterside event space, set to redefine the event experience in Victoria in terms of culinary innovation and design.

think creative events expands into Asia - 16th Aug

Innovative Australian company think creative events today announced its expansion into South East Asia.

New Melbourne powerhouse injects millions to business events industry - 16th Aug

An exclusive club set up to boost Melbourne’s business events industry has a lot more to celebrate than its impending second birthday.

Scene Change Wins In-House AV Contract at WIN Entertainment Centre Wollongong - 15th Aug

After a competitive pitch, new AV group Scene Change has won the contract for in-house AV at the Wollongong Sports and Entertainment Centre (WSEC), a complex that contains a 6000 seat venue and St George Dragons home ground WIN Stadium.

Col Hughes new chairman of Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau - 13th Aug

Col Hughes has just been appointed the new Chairman of the Board, at the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB), effective immediately.

Howard & Sons represent Australia at International Fireworks Competition - 13th Aug

Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics will be representing Australia at the inaugural Malaysian International Fireworks Competition to be held in Putrajaya, near Kuala Lumpur Malaysia in August 2007.

Centre’s Apprentice Training Showcased - 13th Aug

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre’s commitment to apprentice training was showcased recently, with a visit to the venue by the Federal Member for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek.

The Forum Group Appoints New Managing Director - 9th Aug

One of Australia’s leading corporate events management firm has appointed Leanne Constantino as its new Managing Director. She is responsible for growing the business nationally and managing her team of experienced event managers.

Creativity rewarded at the Telstra Business Awards - 8th Aug

Brisbane based j2 ideas & events took out the Australian Government Micro-Business Award at last night’s Telstra Queensland Business Awards held in Brisbane.

ASIA-PACIFIC representation increases at EIBTM - 8th Aug

An increased number of exhibitors from the Asia Pacific region will be exhibiting at this year’s EIBTM. Nepal, Korea and New Zealand are returning to EIBTM and Hong Kong and Thailand have increased their space.

MCVB launches Melbourne Planner's Guide 2007/08 - 7th Aug

Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau has officially launched its 2007/08 Melbourne Planner's Guide. The Guide is the flagship publication for Melbourne's business events industry, essential for meeting planners and event organisers.

Nominations open for 2007 EEAA awards for excellence - 6th Aug

Nominations for the 2007 EEAA Awards for Excellence – Australia ’s premier exhibition and event industry recognition program – will open Monday 20 August 2007

Sofitel Mansion & Spa introduces the first Lancôme Beauty Studio to Australia - 2nd Aug

Sofitel Mansion & Spa, in collaboration with Lancôme Paris, has launched the first signature Lancôme Beauty Studio in Australia.

Exhibition and Event industry offers $1.2bil in ‘added value’ to Australian economy - 1st Aug

The exhibition industry contributed more than an estimated $1.2 billion in ‘added value’ to Australia’s economy in 2006, according to recent research released by the EEAA.

Golden Chefs Shine at Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre - 1st Aug

Two young chefs from the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre have won the New South Wales final of the Nestlé Golden Chefs Hat Award, beating 18 junior and apprentice teams from around the state.

Malki, Chugg and O’Neill are making it happen for FEA - 31st July

The 2007 Festivals and Events Association Summit is presenting an outstanding programme featuring event industry leaders Joseph Malki, Michael Chugg and John O’Neill .

Sydney Forges Science Partnership with Research Australia - 31st July

The Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau has put its support behind Australia’s successful science and research sector, leading a new partnership with national advocacy group Research Australia.

New GM for Staging Connections Canberra - 30th July

Andrew Shaw has been appointed to the position of General Manager Staging Connections Canberra.

Revamped Sydney Showground venue launched at state of the region address - 26th July

Sydney Showground officially launched its recently refurbished Badgery Pavilion today, when NSW Premier Morris Iemma and 300 business and government representatives gathered at the venue for the 2007 State of the Region Address for Western Sydney.

Centre Joins OzHarvest to Feed the Needy - 26th July

The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is working with local ‘food rescue service’ OzHarvest to ensure that any excess pre-packaged food from the venue does not go to waste.

New manager for Cradle Mountain Chateau - 26th July

The Managing Director of the Federal Group, Mr Greg D. Farrell, today announced that Mrs Cecily Broadhurst will be joining Pure Tasmania as Manager of Cradle Mountain Chateau.

Rural Retailers head to the City of Newcastle for 2008 & 2009 Conferences - 25th July

Newcastle has recently won the bid to host the Australian Independent Rural Retailers (AIRR) Conference for two consecutive years.

Sydney Conference Card Hits the Streets - 25th July

More than 15,000 conference delegates are about to hit the streets of Sydney armed with the SCVB’s new discount initiative, the Sydney Conference Card.

Melbourne Convention Centre hits two new highs - 24th July

The tallest freestanding crane on any Australian building site is shaping the new Melbourne Convention Centre.

Entries close 15 august for EIBTM 2007 meeting and incentive industry awards - 23rd July

Entries for the 2007 EIBTM Meeting and Incentive Industry Awards will be accepted until 15th August 2007. The awards recognize the contribution, creativity and dedication of a meeting and incentive professional and will once again reward excellence, innovation, creativity and skill across all events and marketing campaigns.

Coveted international wine list award for The Terrace - 20th July

The Terrace Restaurant at Country Club Tasmania in Launceston has been recognized as having one of the most outstanding wine lists in the world, being awarded two coveted goblets in the international Wine Spectator magazine’s annual wine list awards.

EIBTM and ICCA call young professionals to premier educational event - 20th July

EIBTM and ICCA are once again seeking enthusiastic young professionals with a full-time job in the events business, to join their peers from across the world and participate in the annual Forum for Young Professionals (FYP) from 24-27 November 2007 in Barcelona.

Sydney Heads to Melbourne for AccessNSW Showcase - 18th July

The best of Sydney’s events industry is heading to Melbourne next month as the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau stages a showcase for Victorian meeting and event planners

MECC supports young business entrepreneurs - 17th July