Of the grand order of folio leviathans, the Sperm Whale and the Right Whale are by far the most noteworthy. They are the only whales regularly hunted by man. To the Nantucketer, they present the two extremes of all the known varieties of the whale. As the external difference between them is mainly observable in their heads; and as a head of each is this moment hanging from the Pequod's side.
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Industry Issues
Gary FitzRoy looks at the price increases being foisted on expo organisers. In a concerning development for the exhibition industry, some of the government owned venues are imposing double-digit rental increases for next year. These substantial rate hikes come at a time when many event organisers are still recovering from the economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to fears that these increases may be the final …
October 17, 2023
I enjoy checking out reports and photos from the annual Burning Man Festival held in a normally barren desert. This year that desert turned into mud In the Nine newspapers on Sunday journalist Nell Geraets looked at the implications for festivals in Australia as they struggle to deal with unpredictable (and extreme) weather conditions. Here are some of the pertinent points and follow the link below to the full …
September 12, 2023
To the Industry, The AWISA Board are disappointed to advise that the AWISA Exhibition planned for July 2024 has been cancelled. This position was reached over the last few weeks when the majority of the large machinery exhibitors withdrew from the show. These machinery companies represent a large and important part of the exhibition footprint, attracting many attendees to the show to negotiate and buy new equipment. The AWISA …
August 31, 2023
The international standard for event sustainability (ISO 20121) is up for a ten year review. ISO 20121: Event Sustainability Management Systems is framework to help event organisers systematically manage sustainability. It can be implemented by event organisers, event venue managers, and event suppliers. Event management training platform rEVENTS Academy is part of a committee made up of event industry representatives in Australia that is seeking feedback on the proposed …
August 18, 2023
Gary FitzRoy shares his conceren about the future of the exhibition industry
August 15, 2023
The events industry has always been a dynamic and ever-evolving field, subject to various factors that shape its trajectory. As we approach the midpoint of 2023, it becomes increasingly apparent that a significant shift is on the horizon. Recent developments, such as the Victorian Government’s surprising announcement to withdraw from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, raise questions about the future of large-scale events. These occurrences, combined with mixed messages …
July 25, 2023
VTIC welcomed the separate $150 million fund to support development of worker accommodation in regional Victoria, which has been an enormous hurdle to the recovery of the state. Finding and housing an adequate labour force in our regional areas has been a crucial missing link impeding growth potential for the sector. The $150 million tourism package also announced by Premier Daniel Andrews today is welcome investment in the industry, however …
July 19, 2023
Despite rising costs and inflation, 76% of event professionals plan to increase their total volume of events in 2023, highlighting critical importance of face-to-face experiences to drive business
July 14, 2023
Following the disruption of 2020 – 2021 (which is still being felt in 2022) is the Australian event industry back on track? The formation of the Australian Business Events Association without MEA and the PCOA feels like a lost opportunity. Would a broader association that embraced the entire event industry be more successful, or even possible given the fractious nature of the industry associations? The MEA Evolve conference felt …
June 19, 2023
Industry Issues Archives | Australasian Special Events
How much should you pay for power to an exhibition stand?
The monopolistic price gouging by certain suppliers and venues is poised to cause significant and lasting repercussions within the industry and the following is a real example that calls it out! While the economy’s impact is substantial, it’s the exploitative practices of a few that will truly set the industry back for years to come. I’ve consistently highlighted the unjustified price hikes and opportunistic tactics adopted by companies, initially …