Over two days buyers and exhibitors gathered at the ICC Sydney – for some it was to showcase or check out products and services and for many it was a chance to catch up face to face.

More on that in a later post but here is a summary by Andrew Klein

And there was a welcome function – yay!

The Destination Degustation by Doltone House reflected the states of Australia, all of whom were represented at the expo – including the Republic of Western Australia (a line by MC Andrew Klein).

Doltone House CEO Anna Cesarano was upbeat and pleased to be hosing the industry again. This is an edited version of her speech to the guests at the welcome function.

The last few years was a time when even an entry level role in our industry needed to familiarise themselves with the intricacies of law and how they related to strike a fair balance between both parties of an event agreement.  Every phone call related to a cancellation or postponement request, I now call it the times of ‘recycled revenues’.

The terminology of Force Majeure, Public Health Orders, Square Metre Rules, Distancing, Vertical Consumption rules, Mandates, and that list continued for our sector.  Always the first to be heavily restricted and even prohibited from trade and generally the last to re-open or have restrictions eased.

Whilst we accommodated and continue to accommodate some amazing Hybrid events, surely now the majority wouldn’t want to receive another Zoom event link, right?  

We met our deadline of opening three large event spaces out West a few weeks ago, known as Doltone House Marconi, which was so gratifying to be able to achieve during a pandemic.  We opened this very venue, Darling Island, during the year of the GFC!  

The resilience we have had to endure during these uncertain times is sure to be enough to take on any challenge that comes our way.  Really, could there be any greater imminent challenge in sight, than that of the pandemic’s impact over the last two years to our sector?  I still remember vividly having to stand down some 300 staff in March 2020 and that feeling will probably never escape me. 

And just prior the Omicron hurdle in December, we all could really feel it returning, so it will come back strong.  Whilst this places some additional pressure on being able to commit to deadlines for all stakeholders and suppliers, I am sure we all stand ready to rebuild the events industry and make it a time to really treasure and be grateful for.

So whilst today and tonight we say Get Local, from tomorrow let’s just say “Get On With It”   Cheers to our industry return!

Enjoy this photo gallery by Oneill Photographics who covered the event for Get Local