The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) is delivering an important program of events for Q4, as part of its strategy responding to the ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns and pathway to recovery.

Claudia Sagripanti, EEAA Chief Executive said “In these turbulent times due to the pandemic, the EEAA recognises the critical importance of remaining connected with our members and the broader business events community. The series of free-of-charge Expert Power Sessions has been incredibly successful in attracting a large audience of business event professionals from around the country.”

“In addition, the EEAA has recently hosted the return of the Special Interest Groups, focusing on the specific needs of Organisers/Association and Suppliers. A separate SIG discussing operational capability is in planning, and we are in the process of setting up a separate group focused on Skills and Training. These open and constructive discussions have generated a number of recommendations which will be included in the next iteration of its 2021-2022 strategy, the industry preparedness plan and reflected in the requests for Government support.”

The EEAA roadmap to recovery includes:

• Readiness to operate events based on the 70% and 80% vaccination rates of the eligible population
• Updating the Risk and Safety/Safe Operating Framework with new operating procedures
• Supplier Health & Support, including pitch sessions
• Events cancellation insurance
• Staff engagement, attraction, and retention activities for both casual and permanent staff.
• Other professional development for sales, marketing, and operations.

EEAA President, Spiro Anemogiannis said, “The Events & Exhibitions industry drives a huge amount of business not just for the event organisers and venues, but for the businesses  exhibiting and selling at the shows, through to all the associated  businesses  in the supply chain, whether that is caterers, sign-writers, security, stand-builders, staging and rigging – the list goes on. We have been prosecuting the case for whole-of-industry support.  Finally, the vital role of the Business Events sector in driving visitation to the CBD and regional centres and supporting economic activity is being recognised as a result of the EEAA’s lobbying and advocacy.”

Expert Power Sessions

Session 1 – Government Grants and Incentives, with Sameer Kassam, Partner and Glenn Rhynehart, Tax Specialist, CharterNet Advisers

Session 2 – Marketing in Challenging Times with Felicity Zadro, CEO, Zadro

Session 3 – For RUOK Day – Managing Mindset in Uncertain Times with Jahan Kalantar, TedX speaker, human rights and defence lawyer, and Managing Partner, Executive Legal

Session 4 – Is talent retention keeping you up at night? Learn about Attraction, Retention and Attrition with Sophia Symeou, CEO & Founder, INS

Members and non-members are encouraged to register via the EEAA LinkedIn page. Access to the video recordings are available on request from EEAA