Hi Melbourne – we really didn’t want to stuff it up for you again, and we feel for you.

And just putting it out there – I reckon the Sydney lockdown will tighten this weekend.

“Dictator Dan” was decisive yesterday while “Gold Standard Gladys” is still dithering.

However, the language at this morning’s presser from both the NSW Premier and Dr Chant is certainly pointing to a harder lockdown sooner rather than later.

So what would that mean for the event industry?

As we are already shut down there will be no immediate effect, however according to the epidemiological modelling we should come out of lockdown earlier. So that is at least a positive.

Sydney COVID-19 outbreak extended significantly by minor non-compliance, modelling shows

In my own photography business I’ve seen all events in Sydney rescheduled from July and August with most looking for new dates in October and beyond.

Anyone old enough to remember learning about the Brisbane Line? This was the fallback position if the Japanese invaded the Australian mainland during WW2. It feels like we are in a somewhat similar, though reverse, situation now (tenuous connection I know) because now only areas north of Brisbane seem to be safe from COVID. Along with our islands including Tasmania, Lord Howe, Christmas Island, etc.  

How have the industry associations reacted?

Joyce DiMascio has spoken to them for a report in mice.net  in the article BECA Vice Chair and ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy “stressed discussions were continuing at all levels of government in the face of the difficulties being experienced by our sector.”

There has been plenty of chatter about live events opening up in the UK and USA but interesting to note that ILEA Live 2021 is being described as an ‘unconference’ embracing transformation – online only on August 10^th – 12^th.

In the London the Events Industry Summer Ball was abandoned “Due to the uncertainty over the lifting of lockdown restrictions and the resultant lack of leadtime…”

And what is the local industry up to?

Get Local have optimistically rescheduled to 24^th – 25^th August at ICC Sydney– good luck with that.

The MEA conference is planned for a one day event on September 8th in Melbourne with satellite events in Sydney and Brisbane. MEA have secured Holly Ransom as the MC and keynote speaker.

The Australian Festival Industry Conference has a new slot at Sea World Gold Coast for 10^th 12^th November

And that seems to be about it.