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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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.
The Australian Event Awards and Symposium will return to Coffs Harbour in 2026 with entries and registrations now officially open for the industry’s premier national program. Bringing together the …
A new analysis from the University of Technology Sydney shows that attending Australia’s multi-day music festivals costs far more than the ticket price. Travel, camping or accommodation, food and time off work all shape who can participate, with affordability varying widely across events.
Throughout the network of destination bureaux, Australia has secured 366 international business events for the future, representing 1,791 event days, 1,249,027 delegate days and an estimated $743.5 million in …
A few weeks ago, as tensions escalated into direct conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, I raised a familiar question—quietly at first—across the business events sector: Are we …
The Australian Event Awards is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Jones AM as Co-Chair, joining current Co-Chair Peter Rix in leading the program as it continues to …
ENTECH, the only event for AV and entertainment technology professionals that visits every major population centre in Australia and New Zealand has launched its new “From Roadshow to Experience” …
Reinforcing its position as Australia’s longest continuously owned and most enduring independent exhibition and conference organiser, Expertise Events has entered 2026 with momentum, announcing the launch of four new …
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has lodged two formal submissions to the Federal Government related to expanding the Business Events Bid Fund Program and to help establish a National Business Events …
Regional events serve as the backbone of their communities, bringing people together and playing a vital role in keeping communities connected. They also generate economic impact and strengthen a …
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has launched new membership categories, expanding access and support for individuals working with, or aspiring to work in, the business events industry. The …
ENTECH has started the year of its upcoming roadshows with a bang by announcing that it has expanded and upgraded its 2026 roadshow sites across two countries and five …
As global uncertainty, rising costs and shrinking budgets reshape the exhibition landscape, exhibitors are being urged to rethink how they show up, not just show up. Expertise Events has …
John “Johnny” Allen AM (10th June 1943 – 22nd Dec. 2025) Johnny Allen passed away at home on 22nd December following a long illness after contracting COVID at the …
Sydney Royal Easter Show (the Show) Head of Entertainment, Lynelle Smith IFMG, CFE, has become the first person outside of the United States to be recognised as Certified in …
When it comes to driving the visitor economy, who has the biggest impact — a global pop superstar or one of Australia’s biggest sporting events?Peter Jones crunches the numbers …
Novatech has been named the National Winner for Production Company of the Year at the 2025 Australian Event Awards, celebrating innovation, creativity, and excellence in event production across some …
Event organisers today must address a wide range of responsibilities – from occupational health and safety (OH&S) to accessibility, inclusion, and more. But there’s another crucial issue that often …
The Australian Event Awards presentation returned to a regional centre after eight years (the previous one – Sunshine Coast). This year was Coffs Harbour’s turn with the awards presented …
The 2025 Qantas and Jetstar TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards at the Cairns Convention Centre on October 24 celebrated the 50th anniversary of Tourism Tropical North Queensland with 350 guests …
The Australian Centre for Regional Events (ACRE) today announced the launch of Eventfolk, a vital new national community designed to combat the intense isolation and burnout faced by regional and rural event …
Exhibitor applications have opened for New Zealand’s leading business events industry showcase, MEETINGS at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) from 16 to 18 June 2026. The NZICC …
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) and the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Australia and New Zealand Chapter have announced a new three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to …
Australian Regional Tourism (ART) is pleased to announce that Busselton, Western Australia will be the host destination for the 2026 ART Convention to be held from 20-23 October 2026. …
Against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical attention in the Middle East, Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has announced internationally renowned leadership and resilience expert Dr Alia Bojilova as the …
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has been named Oceania’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre in the World Travel Awards 2025. Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards celebrate excellence …
The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is one step closer to opening its doors with events now booked for the world-class venue – backed by the Allan …
The Australian Event Awards & Symposium is thrilled to announce Qantas as its newest Partner – joining a line-up of reputable experts and leading organisations across the events industry. …
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has today opened registrations for the 2025 ABEA Conference, to be held from 3 to 5 December 2025 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition …
FACTS Festival, Australia’s gathering for Aviation, Corporate Travel, Business Events and Travel Payments professionals, has announced its highly anticipated 2025 program, taking place 25-26 November 2025 at ICC Sydney. Building …
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has officially opened entries for the 2025 Australian Business Events Awards, which recognise and celebrate the people, companies, teams and innovations shaping Australia’s …
Registrations are now open for this year’s Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) 2025 Conference set for Cordis Auckland on 26 and 27 November. Preceded by the Business Events Expo …
ENTECH founder Julius Grafton has stepped aside, with Kate McKenzie appointed CEO. McKenzie, who joined in 2017, has managed and delivered every ENTECH event across Australia and New Zealand …
After seven years of reflecting Australia’s photographic landscape, PHOTO Australia has confirmed it will close, with the Board announcing PHOTO 2026 will not proceed. Founded in 2018, the festival …
BESydney has welcomed the release of the NSW Government’s new Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 by NSW Premier Chris Minns and the Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper. It’s …
FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E), the world-renowned dedicated global meetings and events division of FCM Travel, has unveiled its cutting-edge Reporting & Analytics Tool. Crafted to reshape the …
Raine & Horne’s spectacular NSW/ACT State Awards Night 2025 – Our Place in the Landscape – has been announced as one of five national finalists for Best Corporate Event …
AIME 2026 is already shaping up to be a standout event, with more than 80% of exhibition space sold or reserved and hosted buyer applications now officially open for Asia Pacific’s premier business …
By Marlise Beasley, General Manager / Account Director, Zadro Trust and assurance are what customers look for when faced with countless suppliers to choose from. They want to know …
As previously reported the cash strapped Sydney Star has sold The Star Event Centre to Foundation Theatres, owners of the Sydney Lyric and Foundry Theatre, also at The Star. …
It was all sunny side up for business events professionals who flew in from Sydney and Melbourne to sample a showcase of the region’s premier venues and attractions. The …
With the colder months typically seeing reduced visitation to the region, Te Pae Christchurch is again highlighting the value of its contribution to the local economy, turning the ordinarily …
Reports of the decline of Victoria’s events industry have been greatly exaggerated. Yes, challenges exist – workforce shortages, shifting audience behaviours, and the aftershocks of Covid – but the …
Taking its investment in sustainability beyond the event space, Sydney Showground has announced a 12-month partnership deal with ocean conservation organisation, Ocean Crusaders in an exciting project for the …
The 2025 Sydney Boat Show came to a close on Sunday, capping four successful days at the Sydney Showground, attracting strong crowds and industry support from 14 to 17 …
A recent article in The Australian claimed that the number of event organisers in Victoria, particularly compared with New South Wales and Queensland, is in decline, and that the industry is slowly being killed off. #eventprofsau #businessevents
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has today released two major research papers: the State of the Business Events Industry Report (2024) and the Forward Bids Calendar 2025. Together, …
Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef has launched a new funding program to attract and secure business events to the region over the next four years, with the …
Tourism New Zealand confirmed 64 international conference wins in the past year, worth an estimated $78.8m to New Zealand’s visitor economy. The Tourism New Zealand Business Events team closed …
Portable chargers and power banks have become a carry-on essential to keep devices charged up for work or entertainment while travelling. But, with airline changing on-board battery policies, travellers …
Adelaide’s Novatech Creative Event Technology continue to lead the way in staff wellbeing and recognition in the production industry, capitalising on their location in Australia’s ‘lifestyle superpower’ capital city. …
Maritime mecca the Bay of Islands will host GeoHab 2027, the international conference for Marine Geological and Biological Habitat Mapping. The event, taking place in Paihia in 2027, will …
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) proudly sponsored the Starlight Children Foundation’s Five Chefs Dinner last Thursday, welcoming five of Melbourne’s top chefs to raise enough funds to grant …
Legends ASM Global (APAC & MENA) Chairman & CEO Harvey Lister AM has been inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame in recognition of outstanding contribution to …
New Zealand’s biggest trade show for the business events industry, MEETINGS 2025 continues to gain momentum in attendance and reputation as next year’s venue prepares for opening.Over 1,200 people …
One of the most successful entrants in the Australian Event Awards recently has been The Shift Corp with three Public Event Management Company of the year wins, along with …
In response to increased growth in the number of Indian corporations enquiring about Sydney for their next incentive destination, Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has announced the appointment of Devanshi …
Auckland is roughly the same latitude as Melbourne and shares the same reputation for four seasons in one day. At Meetings 2025 that is just what we experienced. Day …
When Meetings was held in Auckland in 2019 the farewell event was held at the Auckland Convention Centre, this was also the final event to be held in this …
One of the important aspects of events held in New Zealand is the acknowledgement and involvement of the Māori. During my visits to NZ for the Meetings expos I …
Melbourne and Auckland are at roughly the same latitude and one thing they have in common is the unpredictability of their weather. Any event producer knows all too well …
The venue for the nautical themed closing celebration of Meetings 2025 was the Viaduct Events Centre which opened in 2011 as a multi-purpose events centre. From 2018 to 2022 …
Australian Regional Tourism (ART) is pleased to announce that the Adelaide Hills in South Australia will be the host region for the 2025 ART Convention to be held from …
A new industry survey from Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) and Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council shows workforce growth is predicted for New Zealand’s business events sector and …
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) is pleased to announce the board appointment of Colette Baini to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Colette Baini Colette Baini is the …
Rising exhibitor costs aren’t just squeezing businesses – they’re threatening the survival of entire shows. Without exhibitors, there is no show. It’s time for the industry to stop pretending …
Venues and experiences across regional NSW took centre stage at Destination NSW’s annual Business Events NSW Showcase, reinforcing the state’s position as Australia’s number one regional destination for business …
Could artificial intelligence — often seen as a threat to traditional industries — actually spark the next big boom for face-to-face events? According to billionaire entrepreneur and investor Mark …
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins has been appointed to the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) APAC Regional Advisory Board (RAB) for a two-year term. Hopkins …
New Zealand’s biggest business events showcase, MEETINGS 2025 closed on a high with a celebration event at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre for 700 guests, following 8,000 meetings across two …
Tourism New Zealand is aiming to achieve its highest ever value target for international conferences in FY26, with a goal of making 110 bids valued at $185m.The target was …
Key industry and government leaders, global sector leaders and media have been hosted to a high-impact leadership conversation (Kōrero) exploring the future of New Zealand’s business events industry at …
An additional $3 million investment by the Government to attract international business events to New Zealand has been welcomed by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) as a strong signal …
New Zealand’s largest business events showcase has opened at Auckland Showgrounds, where more than 550 buyers will meet exhibitors on 253 stands representing 18 regions. They were welcomed to Auckland …
Australian Business Events Association announced Angie Becker from Victorian Convention and Event Trust, will join their Board effective immediately. Becker takes up the venue representative position made vacant by …
The dissolution of Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) highlights crucial lessons about governance and adaptation in the events industry. Established as a key organization in 1975, MEA faced challenges, including financial turmoil, identity issues, and competition. Its collapse serves as a reminder of the importance of solid governance and strategic evolution for associations.
Wellington, New Zealand will host the ICCA Business Workshop – International Destination Marketing Sector, 12-14 February 2026. The event enables valuable relationship-building with high-level association executives, as well as …
Sydney has retained its position as the world’s favourite Australian destination for business events according two global rankings announced in Frankfurt overnight. The city was confirmed the Australian destination …
Amid an increasingly volatile global landscape, 88% of associations and not-for-profit organisations believe that geopolitical instability will impact their operations - with 85% stating it already has. These are among the headline findings of new research released today by The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau in collaboration with the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE).
Australian Business Events Association (ABEA), has secured ten strategic partnerships in under two years, a sign of growing industry unity and ABEA’s leadership in strengthening the sector’s impact.
Amway China Leadership Seminar wrapped up in Melbourne at the end of last month, with the event hosting almost 16,000 delegates, making it the largest incentive to ever be held in Australia.
Under the re-emerging influence of Donald Trump and his tariff-heavy policies, doing business with or within the U.S. is increasingly being viewed as complex, unpredictable, and in some cases, prohibitively expensive. For international companies and associations seeking neutral, commercially viable ground, Australia’s geographic and economic profile suddenly looks more attractive.
What makes an industry association relevant in 2025? This deep dive explores what Australian event professionals want from their peak bodies — from accreditation to advocacy, and what comes next after COVID and the rise of ABEA.
Entries are officially open for the 2025 Australian Event Awards, marking the start of the nation’s most prestigious celebration of excellence in the events industry. Event professionals, producers, suppliers and creatives from across Australia are invited to submit their best work for the chance to be recognised on the national stage.
The final report of the Select Committee on the 2026 Commonwealth Games Bid has been tabled in the Legislative Council of the Victorian Parliament The report is scathing of …
Applications close next week for hosted buyers to MEETINGS 2025, New Zealand’s largest and longest running business events exhibition run by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA). The two-day event …
The collapse of Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) has sent shockwaves through the industry, raising serious questions about the future of professional representation. While other associations remain, such as …
Following the record-breaking success of the 2025 Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), independent post-show research and analysis projects $400 million (AUD) in business transactions between exhibitors and …
PCMA and Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) have signed a two-year strategic alliance further strengthening the APAC region’s collaboration for driving social and economic progress through business events. The …
The board of MEA has announced that the association is to be wound up. The board announced the decision in a letter to members this morning. “It is with …
Gympie Music Muster has been named a finalist for Festival of the Year in both the inaugural Countrytown Awards and the Queensland Music Awards (QMA), cementing its reputation as …
As tourism grows, there is an increasing need to recognise that tourism is more than just an industry that generates revenue; it is a powerful enabler of community development, …
The International Congress and Conference Association (ICCA) has today announced a new Industry Partnership with the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME). The partnership is focused on the …
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) is kicking off its 11th BE Mentored Programme on Wednesday 19 March, with an in-person launch for mentees in Auckland at the All Blacks …
Simon Thewlis shares his thoughts on event consulting One of the most important lessons I learnt early on in my event career was to involve people with more knowledge …
New funding to attract international business events is excellent news for the sector and for the country, Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) says. New Zealand’s business events industry body, …
AIME owner, the Melbourne Convention Bureau, and the event manager, Talk2 Media & Events, were certainly delighted with this year’s event as AIME 2025 broke records for its size, …
The AIME Welcome Function has two main proposes – to showcase a Melbourne venue, food, wines and entertainment, and networking. This year’s event was held at il Mercato Centrale …
Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) is excited to announce Cvent as the 50th Anniversary Premium Gold Event Technology Partner for 2025. This year-long partnership underscores a shared commitment to driving innovation …
Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) is delighted to welcome EventsAir as the exclusive sponsor of the Event of the Year Awards at the MEA National Awards 2024 and the MEA State/Territory Awards 2024, …
Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) is excited to announce Lateral Events as the 2025 MEA Mentor Program sponsoring partner. In the 50th Anniversary year of MEA, the 2025 MEA …
Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is ramping up recruitment ahead of opening to the community in 2026. Venue operator, Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET), are building …
Melbourne is getting a new hotel. That is hardly newsworthy these days. However, this a hotel with a difference. 1 Hotels is a new brand for Australia, joining a …
The Positive Impact of Business Events Report is an overview of the immense value that business events deliver. From significant economic contributions, to community engagement and sector growth, to …
Te Pae attracted over 80,000 visitors to attend more than 220 events in the 2024-year, with a strong pipeline of bookings for 2025, 2026 and beyond. The convention centre is also making a broad contribution to the city and wider region – from promoting local businesses to increasing awareness of New Zealand as a destination. According to the organisation’s delegate surveys, over 80% of international convention attendees intend to return to New Zealand for a holiday over the next five years.
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) is a united force representing the dynamic world of business events. ABEA enhances member’s success and elevates the industry at large through strategic advocacy, research, community development and community. As a powerful, united voice, ABEA lead advocacy efforts with data-driven insights that quantify the business events industry's impact and influence, shaping informed policy based on the needs of the entire industry. ABEA fosters a vibrant, supportive community that empowers business events professionals at every career stage, providing opportunities for growth, networking, and collaboration.
Australia is set for a massive year of live music, with the likes of Billie Eilish, Drake, Luke Combs, Green Day, Dua Lipa, Metallica and Oasis set to hit our stages. However, with numerous music concert cancellations and incidents in the last year, venue scheduling conflicts, disruptions, and geopolitical uncertainty, a leading entertainment travel expert is urging touring and production companies to sharpen their contingency planning – or risk another year of frustrated fans and last-minute cancellations.
by Peter Jones AM The recent announcement that Melbourne has secured the (US) NFL games over Sydney made me chuckle when the NSW Premier, dismissed the deal by stating, …
Lyn Lewis-Smith, chief executive of Business Events Sydney, and Gary Grimmer, chair of GainingEdge, have been awarded the inaugural The Iceberg Excellence Awards for Advocacy of the Business & Professional Events Sector at the AIME Leaders Forum hosted by Australian Business Events Association (ABEA).
The first phase of ChristchurchNZ’s three-year research program—The Conference Legacy Project—has revealed the positive impacts of four international conferences held in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2024.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) is welcoming news of the confirmed February 2026 opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC). BEIA Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins says the …
Foundation Theatres have purchased The Star Event Centre for $60M allowing the new owner, Stephen Found, to proceed with his plan to turn the venue into a two-level, 1550 seat proscenium arch theatre and a separate 1000 …
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has today revealed the theme and location for its 2025 Welcome Event on Monday 10 February: AIMalfi FESTA at il Mercato …
Rachel Cook has been appointed Chair of the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Approved Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Group. She is the Business Director of Conference Innovators (CI) and …
In the late 1990s Melbourne’s Docklands was very well known around the world for the dance music events that were held in the old sheds by promoters such as …
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has long been the pinnacle of the business events industry in the Asia Pacific, and its 2025 edition promises to set …
Peter Jones’s article about the financial viability of major events raises good points. The mentioned increases in costs of 30+% are common across most kinds of events. And, at …
Event organisers of AUSjet 24 are reeling at what they are calling an outrageous “rip-off” as Melbourne Showgrounds caterer Dean & McPherson quoted a staggering $27.60 for a single …
The ASM Global managed Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), in conjunction with the International AIDS Society, took out top honours at the inaugural Australian Business Events Awards. The …
The reports highlighted a key issue: "The cost of delivering the events has risen faster than the additional income that can be generated."
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) has been awarded Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign at the prestigious Australian Business Excellence Awards (ABEA), held this week at the International …
Organisers of the Australian Event Awards and Symposium have signed a three-year deal with the City of Coffs Harbour which will see the destination host the pivotal gathering of …
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) took home Venue of the Year at the inaugural Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) Awards last night, further cementing its leading position in …
The industry came out in force last night for the inaugural Australian Business Events Awards at ICC Sydney to celebrate the impact and outstanding achievements of the sector. Peter …
The PCOA Conference is heading to New Zealand for only the second time in its history, with over 400 leading conference and event organisers from Australia and New Zealand expected to attend.
The Australian Business Events Association has released its International Business Events Forward Calendar 2024, which provides an analysis of bids won, lost, and the bid pipeline based on data …
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has concluded 2024 on a high as the team celebrates securing over 30 events in the final half of the year worth an estimated direct expenditure (DE) of almost $100 million for Sydney. This cements a pipeline to 2030 of 76 events attracting 111,000 delegates, generating an estimated $451 million in DE. Of the 76 pipeline events, 31 will be held in 2025.
ASE took the opportunity to capture some comments from a selection of winners at the 2024 Australian Event Awards Two lifetime achievement awards were presented this year Brenda LaPorte …
Applications open on Monday 2 December for MEETINGS 2025, New Zealand's largest and longest running business events industry tradeshow.
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for financial year (FY) 2023/2024 where it announced strong results for the fiscal period and an even stronger forward …
Laissez-faire Catering has been named National Caterer of the Year at the 2024 Australian Event Awards, a prestigious accolade celebrating the best in the events industry. The Sydney-based caterer received the …
New Zealand’s leading business events industry showcase, MEETINGS 2025 is expected to be another sell-out show and the biggest yet in the exhibition’s 29-year history. Exhibitor applications are open …
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Aylett as the General Manager of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. This appointment …
A new visualizer clip featuring Australian World Music Star Mitch Tambo at AIME 2024 in Melbourne has been lauded for its futuristic innovation. The clip was released for the …
Associations Forum proudly hosted the successful Association Leaders Symposium at the International Convention Centre Sydney on Tuesday, 22 October 2024 with a large gathering of industry professionals and association leaders from around Australia.
As the landscape of global business events continues to evolve, the upcoming Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) stands at the forefront as the premier business event in …
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has been awarded Best Exhibition or Trade Show at the 2024 Australian Event Awards. It is the third year running AIME …
TDC – Technical Direction Company has been awarded Production Company of the Year and Event Supplier of the Year at the 2024 Australian Event Awards. #eventprofsau #TDC #AuastralianEventAwards
Winners for the 2024 Australian Event Awards were announced at a ceremony packed with the best of the Australian events industry at Le Montage in Sydney.
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has announced the release of its first Annual State of the Business Events Industry (2023) Report, fulfilling a key commitment to its members …
This week’s Australian Event Symposium will close with a discussion of how to maximise the opportunities of Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Industry pioneer Roslyn McLeod OAM will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Australian Event Awards on October 23, recognising her decades’ long contribution to the business events industry.
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has announced two keynote speakers for its highly anticipated 2025 Knowledge Program to take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition …
Australian Regional Tourism (ART) is pleased to announce that the Adelaide Hills in South Australia will be the host region for the 2025 ART Convention to be held from …
The New Zealand Business Events Awards 2024 have celebrated 40 industry leaders and academics who have won international conferences worth $48.7m for New Zealand.
A business session followed by a lunch is a very standard type of event. The traditional approach is to use two spaces. And, if you have high production values, …
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) will feature leading strategists and thinkers, each of whom brings a unique perspective on future trends and organisational growth, as keynote speakers of …
This week was a pretty sad and frustrating one for Victoria’s Event Industry. It is the week that saw confirmation that the 2026 Commonwealth Games – that were to …
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has announced the appointment of three new Council Chairs and the introduction of a new Membership Manager, solidifying its team and strengthening its …
New Zealand has boosted the professional development of business events by hosting Australasia’s first in-person ICCASkills Training Programme. In all, 18 business events professionals from New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, …
Registrations are open for the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) 2024 conference to be held in Taranaki for the first time from 25 to 27 November 2024. This year’s …
ABEA was founded to create a single, cohesive body representing the diverse and dynamic business events sector. The success of the initiative is now evident through its rapidly growing membership base and the support of the membership.
There’s been a huge program reveal from the Australian Event Symposium, with most of the agenda announced this week ahead of the October 23 event. The one-day Event Symposium …
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has today announced details of its highly anticipated Knowledge Program for the 2025 event to be held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in Australia in February.
The Schwartz Family Company has completed the acquisition of the established Leura Gardens Resort in the New South Wales Blue Mountains.
Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) is excited to announce that a second 2024 opportunity of one-on-one professional coaching for members via our mentor program is now OPEN for enrolment. …
Australia’s peak industry body for the meetings and events sector, Meetings and Events Australia, announces that Peter McDonald has resigned as CEO and will be leaving the association at …
However the report has drawn criticism for lacking contextual nuances, particularly when it comes to accounting for individual country conditions like inflation, it’s important to emphasize the limitations of such reports.
2023 and 2024 revenues expected to grow by 20% and 17% on average globally year on year • 48% of companies plan to increase staff numbers in the coming …
After a record-breaking event in Rotorua this year, MEETINGS, New Zealand’s premier trade show for the business events industry, is moving back to the country’s largest city, Auckland for …
We’ve been rightfully proud of the brilliant results so many of our athletes are achieving at the Paris Olympics. Its so good to see. This has been in juxtaposition …
Chairman and Chief Executive of ASM Global (APAC), Harvey Lister AM has announced the appointment of venue management professional and entertainment industry specialist, Meagan (Meg) Walker, as Group Director …
The Opening Ceremony was divided into thematic chapters that were used as prompts to underpin each section of the sprawling, epic ceremony. #eventprofsau #paris2024
embodying the large-scale complexities and challenges inherent in public events with thousands of participants—including technicians, designers, artists, composers, performers, and, most importantly, athletes. It was a spectacle of monumental proportions, but did it deliver?
By Di Henry From the sewers to the rooftops, this event was very French, fanciful and provocative with more surprises than expected and it certainly got conversations started. That …
By Peter Jones AM I’ve been fortunate to attend six Olympic Opening Ceremonies, each uniquely memorable. The common feature of each one is that they all took place in …
With no official program or synopsis available via the official Olympics.com website here is a complete rundown of the opening ceremony sourced from Wikipedia (edited) #eventprofsau #Paris2024
The official press release from Paris 2024 sheds some light on the thinking behind the event
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET), operators of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre have taken a significant step …
It’s time to get to work. If you’ve been putting off your Event Awards entry – or entries – we advise getting your cogs whirring now. There’s three weeks …
I was recently working on an event at an expo and cabling up my lights when the guy installing the electrical power distribution asked if I had installed a …
The nine stars of Matariki welcomed MEETINGS 2024 manahuri (guests) to Rotorua’s Sir Howard Morrison Centre last night (18 June) in a ceremony guided by local Māori iwi, Ngāti Whakaue. …
New Zealand will celebrate its first national business events awards in 2025, with a bi-annual event to be held in conjunction with the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) conference. …
The Professional Conference Organisers Association Inc (PCOA)and Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding that aims to enhance the business events industry across Australia …
In 2007 a renegade AV start-up announced their arrival via the MEA national conference at the grandly named Hobart Convention & Exhibition Centre at The Hotel Grand Chancellor. The …
Sydney Showground has been named ‘Best Event Venue, Capacity more than 1,000’ at the Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) National Awards held in the Hunter Valley last night, thanks …
Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) acknowledged and celebrated the excellence and achievements of the industry during 2023 at the awards dinner last night held at the Rydges Resort Hunter …
89% of young Australians said multiple reasons are deterring them from music festivals 31% would rather see a headline act in a city stadium Flight bookings to Swift’s concerts …
Geoff Donaghy, Chief Executive of ICC Sydney, will step down on August 30 but remain an advisor until year-end. Harvey Lister of ASM Global praised Donaghy's 30 years of service, especially his leadership at ICC Sydney. Donaghy reflected proudly on the team's achievements in diversity, innovation, and economic impact.
Business Events Sydney and the PCMA Foundation released a study on female advancement in the business events industry, noting the significant gender disparity in leadership roles. The biennial report, first shared at Convening Leaders 2024, identifies barriers to women's progress at personal, organizational, and societal levels. Recommendations include enhancing negotiation skills, implementing inclusive leadership development, and establishing mentorship programs. Leaders advocate for immediate action towards gender equity, emphasizing its necessity for the industry’s future success.
Arinex, an Australasian event management leader, has enhanced its presence in the New Zealand market by acquiring Auaha, a reputable business events agency and BEIA Approved PCO. This acquisition, reflecting a strategic expansion within the MICE industry, combines their strengths to offer expanded solutions and drive innovation. CEO Nicole Walker and Auaha’s Sandra Julian both emphasize the enhanced value and growth opportunities this partnership will foster, ensuring continuity in client services and cultural integrity.
Ignatius Jones, renowned event producer and artistic director, notably for the Sydney Olympic Games, has passed away in the Philippines after a short illness. Celebrated for his vibrant career, he contributed significantly to the arts in Australia and internationally, earning an Order of Australia for his achievements. His extensive career also included directing major global events and leading various entertainment groups. Jones's legacy as a dynamic force in the cultural world leaves a lasting impact.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has significantly surpassed expectations since its opening on May 2, 2022, hosting 458 events with over 200,000 attendees in two years. With a variety of events including international conferences and local gatherings, it has boosted local economy and tourism, especially in off-peak periods. The center enters its third year with a promising schedule, underlining its vital role in revitalizing central Christchurch and promoting local and international business interactions.
The Associations Forum National Conference, held at the Canberra National Convention Centre from April 30 to May 1, celebrated its 20th anniversary. Over 400 industry leaders and professionals attended, exploring future trends in associations. Keynotes addressed economic challenges, while Independent Senator David Pocock discussed small business support. Celebrations included a dinner at Old Parliament House.
MEETINGS 2024, hosted in Rotorua on June 19-20, is New Zealand's largest business events industry gathering, featuring 246 stands and 205 businesses. The event emphasizes educational opportunities for day and hosted buyers with sessions on multiple relevant topics. These sessions will also be accessible post-event via recordings. Additional attractions include a CSR team-building workshop, diverse presentations in the Tourism New Zealand Knowledge Hub, and practical experiences for students from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology. Day buyers enjoy free registration with various benefits.
Jakki Govan Jakki Govan from Clockwise Consulting has been appointed to the position of PCOA24 Program Management. This year marks the second consecutive year of the PCOA implementing a …
ASM Global has been contracted to operate ICC Sydney for a further 10 years of the 25-year Public Private Partnership at International Convention Centre Sydney, following a gold star …
New Zealand's business events sector has united in a collaborative effort to launch Pīata Mai, a national statement of strategic direction outlining a focused vision for the industry over the next decade.
The Gympie Music Muster has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Queensland Music Award for Festival of the Year, cementing its status as Australia’s premier music and camping event. The …
Technical Direction Company (TDC) announces the expansion and revitalisation of its in-house training program, TDCT, with the engagement of Graham Henstock as Training Consultant. “Technology constantly improves and evolves, …
ASM Global has announced the appointment of entertainment industry specialist Matthew Lazarus-Hall, as the group’s Executive Vice President, Entertainment & Content. Matthew Lazarus-Hall Mr Lazarus-Hall is a dynamic entertainment …
Barry Neame, the President of the Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA), is delighted to announce Denise Broeren as the incoming PCOA Councillor for Victoria. Denise Broeren Denise Broeren, the …
Peter Jones looks at the “Outside Your Control” factors impacting our events.During a recent discussion session with first-year event management students, I presented the following examples of events that …
I love it when an event producer gets the essentials right. For a welcome event, that includes time to network at the beginning of the event, easy access to …
Associations play a vital role in shaping economies and acting as conduits between industries, governments and communities. They are seen as invaluable platforms for collaboration, innovation, advocacy, and facilitating …
Erwin Matheeuwsen, Research Coordinator at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is honoured to be awarded the 2023 ICCA Researcher of the Year Award. The International Congress and Convention …
AIME 2024 has been touted as “The biggest AIME in a decade” with 33 countries represented at AIME, 17,000 meetings, over 4,000 visitors, more than 570 exhibitors, 600 hosted buyers, 22,000 …
by Linda Tillman* Six key challenges were raised by 130 event organisers and Council Event Officers from across regional Australia who attended a recent webinar on ‘Optimising Community Events.’ …
The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) is proud to announce the launch of its First Peoples Engagement Guide, a valuable resource aimed at assisting event planners in creating culturally enriching …
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) and International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) have signed a memorandum of understanding today at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) …
I do love Taylor Swift, but have been getting nauseous about the numerous claims that her concerts here make Melbourne one of ‘the world’s greatest major event cities’. We’ve …
Cost of living and the knock on effect of COVID are being blamed for the cancellation of events around Australia. The most severe impact of cancellations appears to be …
Organisations looking to host conferences in Wellington NZ now have expertise on hand to assist with conference legacy projects. Business Events Wellington (BEW) has officially launched its legacy programme …
AIME has announced the theme and location for its 2024 Welcome Event on Monday 19 February: AIME Neon Carnival at Grazeland. Grazeland is an outdoor foodie playground that showcases the …
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has today announced that the 2024 event will be the biggest AIME in a decade. The event, to be held in …
Evolve 2024 and the 2023 MEA National Awards Dinner will be held over 12 and 13 June 2024 at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley. It will be delivered under the …
Australian Regional Tourism is pleased to announce that Mackay, Queensland will be host to the 2024 Australian Regional Tourism Convention to be held 9 – 11 October 2024. This remarkable achievement …
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) and the world’s largest association for business events strategists, PCMA, released the findings of a new global study into Advancing Women in Business Events in …
It’s been a few weeks since I’ve done an update and for good reason. Like the rest of the event industry my photography business is currently flat out. So …
The nation’s most versatile venue isn’t afraid of the toughest turnarounds – story by John Cain Arena Venue Manager, Kerry Gassner When it comes to versatility, John Cain Arena …
At its 2023 Annual General Meeting on 21 November, Meetings & Events Australia announced that Oliver Sheer, Benjamin Ferry and Craig Watson have been elected by its membership to …
The theme for AIME’s 2024 Knowledge Program is “The 4Ps of GLOCALISATION” and will explore the relationship between global insights and local nuances. In his keynote presentation, Australian-born, LA-based …
As part of Business Event Sydney’s (BESydney) Change Starts Here agenda, it has engaged a Social Impact Specialist to drive the Social Impact strategy from the bidding stage all …
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland welcomed women from across the world for a conference on the importance of diversity and inclusion of women within the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and …
During 2020 and 2021 I did my best to keep readers up to date with how COVID-19 was impacting our industry. One of my most trusted sources for information …
After 29 years as the national voice for business events, the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) has been voluntarily de-registered – recently confirmed by the Australian Securities and …
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA), the peak body for the Business Events industry, proudly announces the appointment of two additional industry leaders to its Board of Directors. Penny …
In 2022-23, the first full year of operation since the pandemic, MCEC exceeded expectations, hosting 694 events, welcoming more than 2.6 million visitors and generating $805 million in economic …
After a very competitive tender process, Doltone House is thrilled to announce that we been selected as the successful ‘Venue Management Catering Services’ exclusive hospitality partner for the iconic …
Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) is thrilled to announce Tourism Australia will sponsor the Outstanding Contribution Award category of the 2023 MEA Awards. With a rich history of recognising …
AIME Event Director, Silke Calder takes a deep dive into AI As the AIME Event Director, I am constantly immersed in the world of large-scale event planning and conferences. …
Well it depends on who you talk to. As you would expect the organisers, Destination NSW and the main venue all claimed it was a great success, however there …
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has unveiled its new Change Starts Here strategic agenda aimed at sharing the depth of possibilities for powerful global change when hosting business events in …
LED screens are becoming a must-have for important corporate events, creating a dramatic presence far beyond projected images. They act as both screen and stage set, giving camera images …
An exclusively female technology team from Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre produced the Chief Executive Women (CEW) Leadership Summit, which was held at the venue last month. According to …
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 …
With a history of recognising excellence in the events industry, Meetings & Events Australia’s Awards Program has celebrated the achievements of the Australian events sector since 1983. This year’s …
So some observations. There are four streams – Tech & Innovation, Games, Music and Screen. From the point of view of an event industry veteran what would these streams …
Photo: UC Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva, Professor Bronwyn Hayward and Professor Shaun Ogilvie — co-convenors of AF2025. An international climate adaptation conference will bring together the world’s top scientists, …
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has won the inaugural Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) and #MEET4IMPACT Impact Award for destination management organisations committed to legacy and impact through business events. …
Vale Rodd Craig In mid-2020 I had a call from Rodd Craig who shared his concern for the mental health of workers in the events industry. Rodd talked about …
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has been awarded Best Exhibition or Trade Show at the 2023 Australian Event Awards & Symposium. At a gala event held …
New Zealand’s first Business Events Week launches today (18 September 2023) with the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Annual Conference in Marlborough, followed by policy and business forums in …
Milestone Creative Australia took out the National Award for “Best Achievement in Marketing or Communications” at the prestigious Australian Event Awards. Alana Hay One of 34 companies to be …
The 2023 Australian Event Awards were presented on Wednesday night in suburban Bankstown. 33 awards were presented. The major winners included Vivid Sydney 2023, Destination NSW who took home Best Tourism …
Following the recent announcement of three accomplished graduates, Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) is delighted to shine a spotlight on yet another exceptional student who has completed its Diploma …
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 …
In just two days, the curtain will be lifted, unveiling the best of the best at the 15th Australian Event Awards Ceremony. Ahead of this staple of the annual …
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 …
As a concerned, long-time member of the event industry I felt that someone had to represent the industry at the Senate Inquiry into Australia’s preparedness to host Commonwealth, Olympic …
After recently announcing two new graduates, Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) is thrilled to announce that it has graduated yet another student from its event management course. A fortunate …
In a turn of events that has left the exhibition industry reeling, the country’s largest annual event for the Wood and Cabinet industry (AWISA), has been cancelled for the …
With only a week to go until the music officially begins, the Gympie Music Muster site in the Amamoor State Forest is quickly taking shape thanks to the assistance …
Just read Fitz-Roy’s brave takedown of the exhibition suppliers. Gutsy! As a three decade veteran of trade shows, I recall planning my first event and falling over when the …
Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading annual business events exhibition, MEETINGS broke records this year for the projected value of business it generated. Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) post-MEETINGS buyer survey …
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 …
When the announcement came out about Australia and New Zealand winning the hosting rights to the FIFA Women’s World Cup it was not treated with a lot of excitement …
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 …
The Australian Business Events Association have been busy with a roadshow to each state to explain the purpose of the association – and to drum up membership. This week …
Gary FitzRoy shares his conceren about the future of the exhibition industry
The expert judging panel of the Australian Event Awards have named the best Events in Australia, together with a host of achievements and companies who collectively make up the …
Sydney has secured the second edition of the FIFA Women’s Football Convention from 18 – 19 August 2023 to conclude the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM which ends with …
Business Events Industry Aotearoa welcomes the lifting of all New Zealand’s COVID-19 restrictions from today (15 August 2023). The New Zealand Government says over the past month reported COVID-19 …
ASE was pleased to visit Wellington New Zealand as a hosted media for Meetings 2023 – first, some general observations For the first time New Zealand’s annual Meetings expo …
Meetings 2023 was hosted at the Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre. This venue is owned by the Wellington City Council and managed through Tākina Events, a partnership combining the Tākina …
Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre is owned by the Wellington City Council and managed through Tākina Events, a partnership combining the Tākina and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa …
Incentivise Live, the Society of Incentive Travel Excellence ANZ one-day conference in Sydney on Monday, August 7,will be asking some big questions and providing plenty of insights into the changing …
After a week of connecting and doing business, the MEETINGS 2023 finale for 675 guests was all about celebrating, in true Wellington style. The farewell celebration was held at …
There is a lot being said in the mainstream media about Dan Andrews pulling the plug on the Melbourne Comm Games that cover a number of aspects The budget …
Wētā Workshop is an award-winning film effects company that service the world’s creative industries. Their crew have worked on many well-known and much-loved films and TV series, such as The …
Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu at the lower end of New Zealand’s South Island. It is a pristine area renowned for adventure sports and tourism. Tourism is …
OK Helen Rosamond is not the first dodgy event manager to surface in Sydney (I reckon that would have been a member of the rum corps) but she is …
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 …
A new partnership agreement signed between the Schwartz Family Company and Spectapular Enterprises – organisers of the Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular (GABS) – is set to turbocharge regional craft beer and …
Registrations are open for Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s (BEIA) annual conference in Marlborough which kicks off New Zealand’s inaugural Business Events Week on 18 September. ‘Experience Extraordinary’ is the …
The Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct development is a step closer to reality with the selection of the preferred bidder to deliver the much-anticipated project, along with the …
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 …
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has today announced the appointment of its inaugural CEO, Melissa Brown. Melissa Brown brings to ABEA an impressive professional background ranging from …
FCM Meetings & Events General Manager, Simone Seiler, said the ‘Future is Neon’ theme was fitting as it complemented FCTG’s commitment to supporting the ‘Brightness of Future’ of all employees.
The International World Mining Congress has come to Australia for the first time since the association was formed in Europe in 1958. As congress chair, Dr Hua Guo acknowledged …
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
Joanna Matthew named as incoming Chief Executive Officer of Associations Forum Joanna Matthew Joanna was previously at Save The Children Wellington and South Pacific, Surf Lifesaving NZ, Library and …
Joyn, a leading event technology platform, has announced that it has acquired Arinex, the largest Australian owned business event management company. The combined group will be called The Arinex …
Rotorua has been named host city for New Zealand’s 28th national business events showcase, MEETINGS to be held at the Energy Events Centre on 19 and 20 June 2024. …
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has officially kicked-off and to mark the occasion has released its first 90-Day Plan to ensure a strong and successful launch. The release …
New Zealand’s only national tradeshow for the business events industry has been dubbed a triumph for the capital, celebrating many milestones and winning praise from attendees, organisers and media. …
Tourism New Zealand are targeting a record $135m worth of international conferences that will support sector and country recovery over the coming years.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s MEETINGS 2023 winds up in Wellington today after two days packed with over 6,000 meetings, networking functions and knowledge sessions. MEETINGS has connected 224 exhibitors …
Aotearoa New Zealand’s business events sector is set to celebrate and collaborate this September during a week-long forum focusing on future growth. Spearheaded by peak industry body Business Events …
A group of 680 leading business events professionals were welcomed to New Zealand’s capital last night (Tuesday 20 June) with a spectacular opening ceremony for MEETINGS 2023 at Te …
Over 1,000 business events industry professionals have arrived in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, New Zealand for Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s MEETINGS 2023 exhibition. New Zealand’s two-day annual industry trade event is being …
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 …
At the recent MEA Evolve conference ASE caught up two members of the board to discuss the future of the event industry and of MEA. Michael Firman is the …
The 2023 MEA conference saw the welcome return of the MEA Awards with the qualifying period covering both 2021 and 2022. Read the full list of winners here ASE …
Excellence in event management proved the winning formula for Susan Harris, Managing Director and Event Director of Absolute Events & Marketing. She has been awarded two prestigious awards at …
We all know events have an extensive planning process. Sydney WorldPride 2023 showcased how to incorporate diversity and inclusion into major events. Lily Stokes We spoke to Lily Stokes, …
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has revealed its Membership Prospectus geared towards engaging all sectors of the business events industry. The Association’s goals of inclusivity are exemplified by …
A new report from the USA exhibition industry may support growing concern that the industry could face significant challenges and could go backwards over the next 18 months compared …
30 years after he founded ENTECH, now a national touring roadshow for the audio visual industry, Julius Grafton has branched out offering PCO services along with roadshow management for …
New Zealand’s capital, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington is set to host New Zealand’s largest business events showcase MEETINGS 2023 next week, the first time it has been held in the …
Australia’s longest operating and largest events industry association, Meetings & Events Australia (MEA), has acknowledged and celebrated excellence and achievements in the industry during 2021 & 2022. Held at …
Simon Baggs shares his observations about the current state of industry representation. Simon Baggs In my perfect world, all sectors of the event industry (sport, theatre, arts, festivals, business …
Australasia’s oldest professional conference organiser ICMSA has had plenty of industry firsts in its 57 year history but has never managed three meetings all starting on the same day. …
The Australian Business Events Association, the newly formed peak body for the business events industry announces its board of directors and launches its new logo in the lead up …
Peter Jones responds to the formation of the ABEA Back in 2020 – 21 the events industry was in chaos, especially in Victoria which suffered the longest lockdowns in …
Welcome to this week’s update MEA Awards program The MEA awards program appears to be struggling to make a comeback after COVID. NSW is always the strongest state in …
Arinex has marked its 50th anniversary by launching a refreshed brand with new logo, and paying tribute to its visionary founder. Arinex Managing Director, Nicole Walker with founder Roslyn …
About 100 members gathered at Jones Bay Wharf for a cocktail function to celebrate the NSW state winners in the MEA Awards. Networking was definitely the order of the …
One played out like a three act opera and the other was a three day party. The Coronation of King Charles III ranged from the bizarre to the extraordinary. …
The amalgamation has been announced of AACB, EEAA and the ACCG into the Australian Business Events Association. The current peak body, BECA, described Business Events as generally made up …
One of Australia’s leading names in fashion and a Southern Highlands local, Collette Dinnegan, has been part of the judging panel for the Hessians on the Field competition at …
In 1973, the Aquarius Festival, the bi-annual festival of the Australian Union of Students, was held at Nimbin in northern NSW, now known widely as the Rainbow Region. Now …
Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) acknowledges the creation of the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) as a new body in the greater Australian events industry. MEA recognises that ABEA …
All businesses are dependent on sales and they are currently facing unprecedented uncertainty and volatility in their day-to-day business. Expertise Events have created the Expertise Academy for their clients …
The business events industry will converge on New Zealand’s vibrant capital in June for the first time in the event’s 27-year history. Run by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), …
Associations Forum returned to Sydney last week for its premier association sector National Conference with over 550 attending from across the country. The conference was hosted at the new …
Over 230 leading business event organisers from Australia, North America, Singapore and New Zealand have been confirmed as fully hosted buyers for the first MEETINGS exhibition in Te Whanganui-a-Tara …
In the biggest shake-up of the business events association landscape in over a decade, the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB), the Australian Convention Centres Group (ACCG), and the …
Chip chip hooray! The home of the Big Potato will once again be the staging ground for the Robertson Potato Festival – an opportunity for spud lovers to celebrate …
Following industry consultation, the Australian Event Awards Team have introduced 15 new categories and reintroduced 6 categories to recognise the entire events industry, their creativity, contribution, innovation and excellence. …
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is the second largest free public event in Australia (after Sydney NYE). But unlike NYE, and many other events, the Mardi Gras …
Host city Sydney designed an itinerary that highlighted Sydney’s harbour for the Business Events Australia Asia Mega Famil Showcase this week as Business Events Sydney (BESydney) and its industry …
Australasian event management company Arinex has become the first to trial a new reforestation project open to business event groups visiting Tropical North Queensland. While in Cairns for the …
The Federal Government has today confirmed a $2 million allocation to measure the impact and benefit of business events. The project is being rolled out in two phases, including the …
The Business Events Australia Asia Mega Famil Showcase has kicked off today with the first group of international planners arriving in Australia for a pre-famil visit ahead of the Sydney program with host city partner Business Events Sydney
AIME has today released new insights into the success of their 30-year anniversary show which took place over three days at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in February …
I love arts festivals and I love Adelaide (I was born there) so it is fantastic to see another successful Mad March with Womadelaide, Adelaide Festival and Adelaide Fringe …
Nicole Walker In a significant milestone in the 50th anniversary year of Australasian event management company Arinex, around 55 team members will gather in Cairns next week for their …
The Event Awards has released the opportunity to host its prestigious Ceremony and the associated Event Symposium to all Australian destinations, venues, States and Territories for 2023, 2024 and …
Exhibitors and buyers are lining up to be part of New Zealand’s premier business events showcase, MEETINGS 2023 run by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) on 21 and 22 …
Australian Regional Tourism is pleased to announce that the City of Newcastle will be hosting the 2023 Australian Regional Tourism Convention (ARTC) to be held 10 – 12 October …
A major milestone in the lead up to opening of Tākina was celebrated this week with Wellington City Council receiving the keys to its new convention centre. The venue …
MEA’s mentor program is back to once again connect event professionals across the country in its tried and proven capacity for fostering skill and expertise sharing, and enhancing career …
What a weekend! – Sydney is alive again thanks to World Pride. And on Saturday night it was great to be back on the sidelines covering the Mardi Gras …
I’ve now attended around 25 welcome functions for AIME and like all events there are a few simple things that make the successful ones stand out. Arrival – a …
Australia’s leading conference for event professionals, Evolve 2023 will descend on the Gold Coast over Wednesday 7 – Thursday 8 June 2023 for what’s shaping as a fantastic 1½ …
I asked ChatGPT to write a history of AIME – this is what came back. I’m interested in your thoughts, comments and fact checking – my thoughts are in …
Let’s face it AIME has had its ups and downs over the previous 30 years (as I reflected in the lead up) so it was great to feel such …
The New Zealand stand at this week’s AIME trade show sets a benchmark for a more sustainable future. Tourism New Zealand General Manager NZ & Business Events Bjoern Spreitzer …
Gold Coast’s brand-new eBook The Imagination Collective has been unveiled at Asia Pacific’s leading trade event for the meetings and event industry as Destination Gold Coast launches the next …
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has taken the next step in its sustainability journey, drafting an agreement with Toitū Envirocare as the Centre commits to reducing its environmental footprint. …
BESydney has welcomed a new Independent Director, Amy Glancey, to the strategic event bidding organisation’s Board. Announcing the appointment, BESydney Chair The Hon. Bruce Baird AM said, “Throughout the …
Tourism Australia has announced Adelaide will be the host city for Dreamtime 2023, its signature incentive showcase designed to increase awareness of and interest in Australia as an outstanding …
Today I’m packing to head to Melbourne for AIME. I always try to get down on the Saturday to take in Melbourne offerings (my favourite was White Night). Tomorrow …
The fourth quarter of 2022 wrapped up the corporate travel industry’s year of recovery, kept buoyant by strong growth in both Q2 and Q3, with specialists FCM Meetings & …
First up… Congratulations to two event industry figures named in the Australia Day honours list Anthony BASTIC AM – For significant service to the special events industry and Gregory …
This year AIME celebrates 30 years and I reckon I have attended around 25 of them. At that time of the first AIME in 1993 I was working as …
The Australian Convention Centre Group (ACCG), comprising representatives from the nation’s leading convention and exhibition centres, have passed a resolution to support the amalgamation of relevant industry associations, in …
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) team, in partnership with the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), are delighted to announce that Marvel Stadium will play host to the …
Today, the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) held a special general meeting of its members to vote on the future representation of Australia’s business events industry, and the …
Anthony BASTIC AM – For significant service to the special events industry. Anthony is best known as the creator (with Mary-Anne Kyriakou) of Vivid Sydney in 2009. His company, …
From the archive – first published in 2000 The Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games were hailed as the greatest Games ever staged. When the world stopped to watch …
Tasmanian motorsport lovers are shocked at the news of the cancellation of the Longford Grand Prix Expo less than two months out from its debut. The event organiser DX …
This time last year we were all approaching 2022 with uncertainty. Could COVID still derail the event industry? Are lockdowns truly over? Will events bounce back? Should we put …
Evolve 2023 will make its return to the Gold Coast, across Wednesday 7 – Thursday 8 June 2023 with the support of Destination Gold Coast.
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event announced details of its highly anticipated Knowledge Program for 2023 which will include an address from Australian tennis star, Jelena Dokic. The …
COVID devastated what was a thriving and successful industry. The ramifications of the crisis rippled out and was experienced by event professionals physically, mentally and emotionally. While the crux …
And so 2022 draws to a close. At the beginning of this year the event industry was still looking at an uncertain future. Although going back into lockdown was …
Lateral Events, the multi-award winning, independent, creative and diverse full-service event management company, celebrates 25 years with a change in ownership. Simon Baggs will assume the role of Chairman, …
In a fantastic celebration of the Australian events industry, event venue Sydney Showground was awarded Best Venue Team at the 2022 Exhibitions & Events Association of Australasia (EEAA) Awards for …
Expertise Events just closed the door on their 26th live event across four states and one territory this calendar year, quite an achievement for a small family business!
Australia’s leading conference for event professionals, Evolve 2023 will return to one of the world’s fastest growing regions, the Gold Coast, for the first time since 2006 on Wednesday 7 – Thursday 8 June 2023.
For over 30 years, Meetings & Events Australia (MEA)’s Awards Program has celebrated the best of the best across the latitude of the greater Australian events industry. MEA is …
Premier event venue, Sydney Showground, has launched its new food and beverage menu today, with the organisation elevating its connection to premier wine, dairy and fine food brand Sydney …
The Australian Event Awards delivered a night to remember on Wednesday night by recognising the best Australian events and achievements that took place in the 12 months prior to …
Events are back but is the industry at risk again? COVID? What COVID? Everyone in the industry knows that events are going gangbusters at the moment. A combination of …
Everyone in the industry knows that events are going gangbusters at the moment. A combination of pent up demand and the catch up of postponed events. This has led …
In addition to being AIMEbassador for AIME 2023, Paula Rowntree is Head of Events, Australian Psychological Society and Founder, The Business Events Network. Paula Rowntree She is a passionate …
Roslyn McLeod OAM, Founder of Professional Conference Organisation Arinex, has been presented with an Honorary Membership of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). The prestigious global award was …
I made a brief visit to Sydney CBD last weekend and felt quite a buzz. Following lockdowns and wet weather it great to see so many people around again. …
Nicole Tingey has been elected Society for Incentive Travel Excellence Australia and New Zealand president, replacing Colette Baini who steps down after a two year term. Nicole was most recently SITE ANZ VP of Sponsorship, working with other board members to successfully deliver the inaugural SITE ANZ Conference in Sydney in 2022.
In announcing the move, Gary Fitz-Roy, the company’s founder said, “To a large extent, especially during the last passage of time, Zac, like all of us, has had to perform a number of cross over responsibilities so this is natural progression and makes way for him to take over the running of the business.”
To me tourism falls into three broad categories – 1 visiting natural attractions, 2 visiting man-made attractions and 3 events. Yes there are international and local visitors, business and …
The winds of time are changing too quickly while we struggle to recover. The announcement this week of the sale of Exponet is significant and it reminds me how …
The Grey Nomad Awards has launched two new gongs for 2022 – one that recognises those caravan and camping spots where Fido also has fun and another for stays …
The Australian Regional Tourism Convention, convened by ART, was held in Ballarat last week, incorporating the inaugural Australian Agritourism Conference. Here’s 10 surprising take-aways in the eyes of the …
Welcome to the wrap. Remember back in January I published an article looking at where the money from the Business Events Grant scheme went? Who benefited from the 2020 …
Back in 2020 I declared that if anything, the overall government response to COVID proved once and for all that the Australian Federation is fucked. Essentially Australia has eight …
The Hon. John Brumby AO, Chair of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, has today announced the appointment of Natalie O’Brien AM as Chief Executive of the Melbourne Convention …
Nominees Released for Event Awards 2022 Today, the expert judging panel announced the best Events in Australia, together with a host of achievements and companies that make up the …
Tourism Portfolio is celebrating 20 years this month, with founder Donna Kessler reflecting on the challenges and successes and the changing face of the business events sector. Ms Kessler …
It appears that many Australian event producers were pretty impressed by the funeral of QEII. I didn’t get to watch it live because I had a job on that …
Australia’s peak industry body uniting various business events industry segments, the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA), is leading a review to explore the opportunity to create a larger, …
In three short years the world has seen more changes and impacts than most of us have seen in our lifetime! A lot has been written post covid about …
Owner and Managing Director of ICMS Australasia, Emma Bowyer, has been named a Finalist in the Woman of the Year – Business Services category in the 19th annual Stevie® …
Over 4 billion people watched the Queen’s funeral, making the event the most watched broadcast in history; even more than Princess Diana’s funeral and the moon landing by Apollo …
Event industry coming to terms with snap public holiday. The snap public holiday to mark the “National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty The Queen” – yes that is …
Victoria’s National Business Event Program is back: Applications Now Open – Cash grants available to offset organisers costs for business events hosted in Melbourne and regional Victoria – Applications …
Technical Direction Company has a newly focused training and support initiative to support students and graduates of the VET (Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services) and BFA (Technical …
I was very fortunate to be involved with three events attended by Her Majesty the Queen and have vivid memories of some memorable moments from behind the scenes, which …
Expertise Events has thrown its weight behind Lifeline Australia, announcing that they will raise awareness of mental health issues, create change and drive financial support for the service. Expertise …
“Every success story is a tale of constant adaption, revision and change”. Sir Richard Branson The market has changed. What we buy has changed. The way we shop has …
Business Events Grants Program Back when we were investigating the Business Events Grants Program we raised the issue of who designed the scheme, and why the industry was not …
My favourite marketer has another great post this week and I think this line should be writ large on the wall of every event manager… “How do you get …
It’s been interesting to see the Queensland and NSW governments played off against each other by NRL boss Peter V’landys. The Courier Mail reported the NRL would make $10 …
We often focus on environmental aspects of sustainable events, but social capital – referring to diversity, equity, access and inclusion – is another important sustainability pillar. Diverse and inclusive …
The Gympie Music Muster enhances its community engagement again this year, giving opportunities for our young students to get hands-on educational experiences. The Muster welcomes Year 11 and 12 …
Fast factsWhat: Perth 5 Star Event Industry ReSparkWhere: Frasers State Reception Centre, Kings Park, PerthWhen: Wednesday 13th JulyWho: High End Corporate clients and members of the Event Industry. Over …
Is there light at the end of the COVID tunnel? Positive news reports this week from the Chief Health Officer and the Minister for Health. On RN this morning …
Readers are very aware I have been concerned about what I consider to be price gouging led by a couple of the main contractors in the expo supply chain. …
After an extremely popular showing, the inaugural Luna Light Journey, AURORA, wrapped up on Saturday, July 23 after a 4-week run over the school holidays. AURORA, an outdoor, journey-style …
It is the first thing visitors see upon arrival, creating an inviting vibe and setting the scene for a great stay – and now you can showcase it on …
I was listening to an interesting podcast between Joe Rogan and Silicon Valley Billionaire Marc Andreessen, founder of Netscape and now Duolingo, the largest language platform on the planet. Andreessen …
Tourism Australia’s latest research confirms the levels of confidence and comfort for event planning across Australia continues to grow. With 84 per cent of business decision makers now planning …
Following the announcement from a ‘mainstream organiser’ that an event planned to run in the next month has been cancelled – under the guise of ‘COVID concerns’ – I …
First up – events are back and businesses are recruiting so I’ve introduced a jobs board with an introductory offer of $70 per listing. Your listing will appear on …
The event industry is once again being affected by COVID as governments and unions call for working from home where possible, with the flow on effect on events of …
This week around 40 industry people got together for a Christmas in July dinner in Sydney. This ad-hoc group started with ex ISES members getting together a few years …
The much-anticipated William Angliss Institute Open Day returns to the Melbourne CBD campus on Saturday 13 August 10am – 3pm headlined by Angliss alumni, Shannon Bennett. Prospective students will …
Is now the right time to come together? Once upon a time, when the world was a very different place, when marketing budgets meant that if a company wanted …
Geez COVID sucks! After catching COVID in Melbourne two weeks ago I’m finally coming good. Bloody crook for about three days and still have an annoying sniffle and cough. …
There has been a lot of talk around suppliers walking away from shows with little notice even with long term relationships; in other cases some have used it as …
Finally meeting in person again. Around 300 delegates attended the MEA Evolve conference at the Sofitel Melbourne. The conference kicked off with an evening soiree featuring gorgeous food by …
Events are back and event management companies are busier than ever. Certainly there is an appetite for events and people are keen to attend meetings, expos, festivals, art exhibitions, …
As the world recovers from the pandemic and the unemployment rate in Australia plummets to 3.9%, staffing is the hot topic globally, closely followed by cost-of-living increases. Production companies, …
Back when the event industry was evolving in Australia a bunch of people got together to form the Australian chapter of the International Special Events Society (now known as …
This is and open invitation to Sydney based event professionals to meet for dinner, networking and some of fun. Not a lot of other industry networking opportunities available at …
I’ve attended nearly every MEA conference for over 25 years – that’s a lot of destinations, a lot of presentations, a lot of awards and a lot of networking. …
I note of late that some of the major expo contractors are talking about how costs have risen due to staff availability and the cost of fuel and how …
Sarina Roppolo Navarra passed away quietly last Sunday after a long battle with dementia. She was a lady ahead of her time, an immigrant to Australia in 1959 at …
It looks like the two biggest issues affecting the event industry are staffing and transport. We have talked about staffing issues a few times but the transport issue has …
The time an event starts, finishes, meals are served, acts perform – everything. And if you are running a roadshow or just an event in a different city, then …
Remember back to March 2020 – when all venues were shut down and the event industry came to a halt. The initial health advice was that COVID-19 was spread by …
Recent announcements made by the MCEC and BCEC about changes to senior management opens the door to some interesting changes that will no doubt play out in the coming …
ASM Global APAC has activated long-held succession plans for Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC). Harvey Lister AM, Chairman and CEO of ASM Global (APAC) said the executive restructure …
Welcome to the mid-Weekly Wrap. Events are coming back and I’ve been busy – a good position to be in. So the wrap will now be random – and …
Last year ASE reported on the previous government’s Business Event Grants program, and the fact that there seems to be no accountability regarding how the grants were used, or …
Last night I watched two and a half hours of spectacle (interspersed with commercial breaks every 5 mins). The Platinum Jubilee Concert was produced by the BBC and goes …
My company has recently completed several events across three states and we have another in the next two weeks. I am left wondering when will the industry stop using …
The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) congratulates and welcomes new Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell. Minister Farrell proactively maintained close engagement with the …
I had intended for this week’s update to go out this morning but WordPress had other ideas. My website is automatically updated by my hosting platform, so when ver …
If you told me in 2019 of the challenges that lay ahead of our business at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) I would never have believed you. …
The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) congratulates the new Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, and his team on their election victory over the weekend. …
No matter what the result is from tomorrow’s election there is much more the federal government can do to support the broader event industry. The first is to acknowledge …
Last October NSW Premier Perrottet’s reopening of the state of NSW was met with celebration. As we emerged double vaccinated to ‘live with Covid’ we all anticipated getting back …
It’s fun to walk past the amazing sites along the 8km Vivid Sydney Light Walk and view the spectacle of culture and art. Ever wondered what it’s like to …
Gary Fitz-Roy is concerned that things are not as rosy as some are making out as events return – short staffed and with rising costs There has been a …
The industry was shocked this week to learn of the sudden death of Toby Travanner with tributes pouring in via his Facebook page. Planning is underway for an industry …
For a number of years now I have volunteered as a stage/venue manager at the National Folk Festival (NFF). I enjoy the camaraderie of the team and the festival …
The New Zealand Prime Minister’s announcement that borders will open to all international visa holders from 1 August is welcome news for the NZ business events industry. Business Events …
The event industry is in shock as news came out that one our favourite people died suddenly on Sunday. Toby Travanner was not only an excellent MC; he was …
Events are back and our industry is recovering but COVID is still rampant. In this week’s Coronacast Dr Norman Swan pointed out that Australia has now recorded over 5,000 …
New industry research has revealed that buyers placed/expect to place $120M in business as a result of their attendance at AIME 2022. This is a 20 per cent increase …
Hessians on the Field, a Spud-a-Dome, potato peeling competition, more hot chips than you can eat, all wrangled by the Spud Squad enduring wild weather one day and a …
Peter King, Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), has announced that he will leave his role after eleven years. Peter has had an incredibly successful tenure …
Centrepiece is a new venue in the Melbourne tennis precinct. During the Australian Open it is the media centre, for the rest of the year it is Melbourne newest …
Music festivals are back Music festivals have bounced back over Easter with Bluesfest attracting over 100,000 punters, the Rabbits Eat Lettuce festival attracting a younger crowd and the National …
Australia’s leading conference for event professionals, Evolve will take place over 29-30 June this year in the city of Melbourne, proudly supported by major partners Melbourne Convention Bureau, Accor …
Following a series of postponements over the past two years due to the pandemic, the conference will be held across Tuesday 30 August – Thursday 1 September 2022 at …
For some time I have pointed out that the industry will see changes this year that will impact us until 2024 when I predict is when we will really …
EEAA recently ran a panel discussion in support of UFI Asia-Pacific Week entitled ‘The Bumpy Road to Recovery’. Gary FitzRoy has some observations with what was presented. Having raised …
This week some interviews from AIME where over 320 exhibitors and 350 buyers have connected, to deliver a total of 6,540 meetings over the past two weeks. I took …
Peter King is the long term CEO of MCEC and Melissa Sweetland is the relatively new Chief Commercial Officer. They are very pleased that the MCEC is now host …
Chair of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, The Hon John Brumby AO, reflects on the opportunity to drive innovation and economic activation through events such as the upcoming …
Across Australia business confidence is returning, and with it, an increasing desire to reconnect in person with teams and networks. From today, the NSW Government is providing them with …
ESTA and PLASA announce the release of an updated Version 2.0 of the International Code of Practice for Entertainment Rigging (ICOPER), which is available as a free download at …
The Memorial for Shane Warne was pulled together in just nineteen days and involved almost 200 production crew. Peter told ASE “I’ve worked with a lot of amazing teams …
Silke Calder waited a long time for her first AIME to eventuate. From a home office, and with an all-female team, Silke was relieved and excite to deliver AIME …
The MCB is a part of Visit Victoria, which in turn is the primary tourism and events company for the State of Victoria. Julia Swanson’s first AIME as CEO …
Just a short post this week – I’m currently working on some interviews I did last week at AIME and will have them posted next week. It has been …
Simon Thewlis was a prominent voice in the Save Victorian Events campaign. Now that events are back Simon is marking 40 years since he started in the event industry …
On Saturday night I was at the Small Business Champions Awards at The Star Event Centre. It was fantastic to see close to 1,000 people in one room for …
It was great to be in Melbourne again and to see so many people meeting, mingling, networking and partying. The show floor Yes it was sparse. Nowhere near as …
Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) owners, the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) have fuelled the business event’s industry revival for Asia Pacific as the city concludes a massive Uncover …
The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) welcomes yesterday’s announcement by the Morrison Government to extend Tourism Australia’s highly successful bid fund program by AU$5 million as part of an …
The New Zealand government’s announcement ending vaccine mandates from 4 April, and increasing indoor event capacity to 200 from this Friday, 25 March is a step forward for the …
Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), the leading meetings and conventions event in the Asia Pacific region, has today opened its much-anticipated 2022 show. Kicking off the three-day …
Tourism Australia’s specialist business unit, Business Events Australia, has launched two marketing campaigns to assist the business events industry in its recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic. A new …
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is excited to welcome the return of APAC’s largest business events gathering for the Asia Pacific Incentive and Meetings Event (AIME) this week …
Two years on from the initial shutdown there is definitely a feeling that events are back. Get Local heralded the return of events and expos to ICC Sydney and …
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) says today’s announcement enabling vaccinated visitors to enter New Zealand without isolation is news the industry has been waiting to hear. BEIA Chief Executive …
As part of the Tourism Industry Reference Panel’s Interim Action Plan, the Queensland Government has launched a $7 million program dedicated to attracting business events to the three state-owned …
Special events, business events, corporate events, sporting events, weather events, traffic events, military events, sales events – everything is an event these days, so just what is the event …
While the start of 2022 brought some uncertainty as Omicron case levels rose across the country, the meetings and events industry was anticipating a very busy year, that is …
This weekend marks the second anniversary of the event industry’s “Black Friday” when, on the 13th March 2020 PM Scott Morrison announced that venues would essentially be shut down indefinitely. The following week I wrote that the announcement would effectively shut down the whole event industry for at least six months. For most of us it was much longer.
Arinex has become the first Australian event management company to gain carbon neutral certification. The company says it is excited about the benefits for its clients, as certification will …
OK we need it on the recovery table. We can win the battle but loose the war and if the major stand builders and furniture suppliers continue down the …
Dear Business Events Industry Professionals, I am writing this letter as a concerned member of the Business Events Industry who continues to see an industry determined to keep professionalism …
Over the years I have attended hundreds of awards presentations and heard the stories of many recipients – some are inspiring, others emotional or just enjoyable. So, why would …
A new host city, a brand new venue and a host of new exhibitors are set to be unveiled at Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s MEETINGS 2022 on 15 and …
Greetings from soggy Sydney. On Wednesday night it was great to catch up with colleagues at Royal Randwick for the MEA NSW kick off function. There is definitely a …
Two mice and two small people can probably help us, or can they? International borders have reopened, even WA is reconnecting to the mainland despite them now having increasing …
Australian Regional Tourism (ART) has this week unveiled a comprehensive online professional development training program for Local Government and tourism professionals at a meeting of regional tourism organisations in Melbourne. Tailored …
With restrictions lifted and people encouraged to return to their workplaces, it is now time for Victoria to get back to business. At the forefront of this drive is …
‘Regional Australia – Paving the way for a stronger Visitor Economy’ Australian Regional Tourism and convention partner, City of Ballarat, is pleased to announce that Ballarat, Victoria will be …
The big event for this month was Get Local when around 700 buyers and exhibitors got together at ICC Sydney and Doltone House Darling Island. It was so good …
New Zealand will be showcasing its new venues and activities to the Asia Pacific meetings and events industry with a new hybrid stand at this year’s AIME trade show. …
The buzz was evident as industry exhibitors and buyers got together over two days at ICC Sydney for Get Local last week. Exhibitors came from every state and territory …
Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) is proud to announce the launch of the 2022 MEA Mentor Program. Thanks to the much-appreciated continued support of Tourism Australia, the 2022 program …
We are all desperate for the chance to travel again; to laze by a gorgeous pool, visit some beautiful cities, sip a Mai Tai on a foreign rooftop bar… …
The timing of the rescheduled Get Local turned out to be on the mark – just days before NSW, Victoria and ACT announced the end to most restrictions – …
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 …
I’m often asked what elements make a truly memorable event for everyone who attends – Is it a superstar performer, amazing AV, great food and wine, a beautiful setting …
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) is welcoming news today of Government support for the business events industry, severely impacted by ongoing COVID-19 restrictions
The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) is excited to announce the appointment of Dr Leo Jago OAM as the new Independent Chair of the peak industry body. Dr …
ASE put a number of questions to Austrade regarding the BEGP – we thank them for their response. One important question still remaining (because it was outside Austrade’s remit) …
WA ticketing and events management technology provider, Megatix, is joining the chorus of WA based businesses asking for a greater degree of certainty from the government so business can …
Delivered in partnership with Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and Meetings & Events Australia (MEA), the AIME Knowledge Program is a curated mix of keynote and breakout sessions. The …
This week I was back covering the Local Business Awards (via EventPix) – it was great to feel the vibe in the room as small business owners and their …
It is envisaged that COVID variants will remain circulating around the world until at least the end of 2023. This means we still have a long road to travel …
Following on from our story on the Business Events Grants last week we have had a chat with Austrade and they will be responding to our questions soon. One …
In the recent Australian Day Honours, Rachel Argaman was awarded an Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to Tourism and the Hospitality Industry. Rachel Argaman OAM This award …
Russell McIntosh has spent over 20 years in the event industry and most recently helped clients apply for the Business Events Grants – this was his experience. The Business …
Despite having a Law Degree, Zac FitzRoy decided to join the family business. Not just the landscape of events and organisers, but the people within the industry – specifically …
Can we just ignore the government and the nightly TV headlines and agree that events are back? Industry events are locked in – Get Local in Sydney in February …
Nicole Walker is CEO of Arinex and President of EEAA Consumer confidence is the real question our industry is seeking answers to. At the end of the day the …
The Australia Day Live concert was a joy to behold. Great talent on stage, on country, on water and in the air. Great production bringing in all those feeds …
CEO Talk2 Media & Events, Matt Pearce, shares his hope for the year ahead The optimism of November and December and the sense that Business Events were bouncing back …
Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) today announced that its 2022 annual conference, Evolve, will be held over 29 and 30 June. The Melbourne Convention Bureau will be a major …
You may have noticed a considerable number of annual conferences and expos have been “postponed” to around the same period 12 months later. Doesn’t that just mean that particular year has been cancelled?
In response to the Government’s draft long-term tourism strategy to 2030, the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) pitched the case that the visitor economy must be valued and …
In an Australian first, Get Local has ordered over 2,000 Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to be used for all exhibitors, visitors and staff on arrival, further instilling confidence in …
Get Local is going ahead as planned on 15th, 16th February 2022 and co-owner Donna Kessler has a message for the industry. “We as an industry need to change …
Mark McGowan’s announcement last night should come as no surprise as it reflects his whole way of operating for the last two years. However the impact on the events …
Save Victorian Events has released the results of a snap survey of Victoria’s Event Industry. This is the fourth survey we have done of the event industry in the …
“Australian Open is more important than any one player” – Rafael Nadal Couldn’t have said it any better myself. OK, it is all done and dusted and we know …
Australia’s biggest summer sporting event has been getting plenty of coverage this week thanks to Novak. Meanwhile the Sydney Festival has been targeted by political activists. Unfortunately these activists …
The big issues affecting festivals at the moment will also impact expos and conferences – which usually do not kick in again until February. So it’s worthwhile having a …
Victoria is the only state so far to launch an insurance package for the broader event industry. However there are numerous aspects that question whether it is just a …
With out-of-control COVID numbers, future testing requirement uncertainty, plus the ethical need to close the conference if any delegate, staff person or onsite supplier tests positive at any stage …
After a decade in exhibitions, Doug is now CFO at Scalabrini, a NFP organisation that manages six aged care villages in NSW Like many I am no longer working …
Almost all of Australia’s Convention Bureaux will be participating in AIME 2022, taking place on 21–23 March in person and 28 March–1 April online. With 17 Convention Bureaux confirmed, …
Although I live in western Sydney where gangland shootings are too common (the latest was about 2K from where I live) that is not the bullets I’m referring to. …
It sounds like Groundhog Day. The threat of covid spreading faster than a brush fire and again creating uncertainty and lack of confidence around events. This has certainly been …
As we kick off 2022 the event industry has been delivered a new ball game and one that offers less certainty and support than the last two years and …
The Little Prince is a fantasy book written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and published in 1943 and is one of the best-selling and most translated books ever published. A stage production opened at …
As we say goodbye to 2021 we must ask “are we heading to freedom or disaster?” First an explanation about the lack of posts via ASE over the past …
The AIME Insider is excited to reveal some industry whispers from buyers attending the 2022 event. What piques their interest I hear you ask? Well, we sat down with …
ASE asked some of our contributors to sum up the year, look forward, or just make a comment. Here is what they had to say. Peter Jones – Peter …
Ruth Lilian has been managing The VERVE Symposium for many years. The 2021 event was her most challenging yet. Each year I manage an annual conference – The VERVE …
The Victorian events community closed the door on what has been a terrible 20 months for the Exhibition and Event industry as a result of the COVID19 pandemic. At …
This weekend, Sydney Showground returned to pre-pandemic bliss, welcoming two consumer events, Expertise Event’s Oz Comic-Con Homegrown (OZCC) and the Sydney Disability Expo, to the venue. Injecting life back into …
There is a saying that goes along these lines, “judge your friends during the tough times as this is when their true colours will show, because in the good …
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Dan Tehan, has today released a proposed strategy for the visitor economy, THRIVE 2030 (The Re-Imagined Visitor Economy). Austrade is seeking stakeholder views on …
So, I needed a calculator to work it out but it’s a scary number. It has been 616 days since the Melbourne Grand Prix was cancelled on the 13th …
The events sector across Australia has experienced considerable collateral damage as a result of COVID-19. However, with high vaccination rates being reached across the country and with borders opening …
OK, so they have been back in other states for quite some time now but NSW and Vic where the hardest hit by the Bondi virus outbreak, so in …
While business events are not expected to return until March, Sydney Showground and the MCEC will be buzzing with costumed fans over the first two weekends of December as …
We are happy to be able to share that today the Victorian Government has finally announced a $230 million Covid-19 event cancellation insurance scheme. Save Victorian Events began campaigning …
This week I ask what our industry can learn from the demise of the professional photography industry association. James Bartold on how sports sponsorship has been affected by COVID …
I’ve been a long time member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers (AIPP). This association has a lot in common with our own industry associations. In both instances …
James Bartold, Group Director Brand Partnerships Bastion Experience responds to the question – How does sponsorship play its role in driving brands and events back to consumers? Bartold recently …
I love the line in Crocodile Dundee where Paul Hogan talks about a problem and he says to Linda Kozlowski, “I tell Wal and he tells everyone and the …
This week, representatives of the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) including Deputy Chair Geoff Donaghy (ICC Sydney), Kate Smith (Waldron Smith Management), Matt Pearce (Talk2 Media & Events) and Andrew …
NSW and Victoria reopening. Currently the vaccination rate in Australia’s two biggest states is lagging far behind the two most populous ones and that has repercussions for the event …
On the 10th September, following a number of phone calls to get access to an email address that worked, I wrote to the NSW Health Minister regarding the then …
There is no doubt that the global COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world. It has changed the way people live their lives and has also caused the corporate world …
NSW Premier Perrottet’s reopening of the state of NSW has been met with jubilation whilst also underscoring the extreme shortage of trained hospitality staff. International borders remain locked for …
Sunday 31 October marked the final night of the Australian Event Awards 12-day celebration of the best events and most innovative achievements in Australia’s Events Industry since 1 July …
Over the past few weeks our focus has been on business recovery in NSW. Now the focus is on Victoria. Last Sunday Dan Andrews announced the recovery roadmap for …
Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has announced CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park will host its 2022 Welcome Event, to be held on 21 March 2022. Located only …
The Victorian Government is backing the return of a packed calendar of crowd-pleasing public events in regional and rural areas in 2022, bringing thousands of visitors and creating local …
Arinex’ Incentives and Special Events team is readying for the return of international travellers, launching a new destination website and exhibiting at IMEX America. The team has designed the …
On Sunday the Victorian Premier, Dan Andrews announced the process for coming out of Victoria’s lockdown. The announcement was welcomed by the representative group for business events in Victoria …
The hard work is only just starting and the reform being discussed falls way short to what we really need. I raised back on the 8th October that the …
It has been a very long, hard and frustrating road for Victoria’s event industry to get to the point where we are today – where there is finally a …
The Business Events Reference Group today welcomed the announcement by the Victorian Government of its roadmap to recovery for the state’s $13 billion business events sector. After nearly two …
The big news this week for businesses in NSW was the announcement of a $530m funding package for tourism and events that premier Dominic Perrottet said “would bring back …
Victorian artists are set to take centre stage for close to 4,000 gig-goers as the joy of live music returns to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl as part of …
Food, tourism, hospitality and events industries have a reason to celebrate with specialist training provider William Angliss Institute named the Large Training Provider of the Year at the Victorian …
Yesterday’s announcement by the NSW government promising to “turbocharge the recovery of tourism and events” has been generally welcomed by the event industry; however, as usual, the devil will …
This joint statement by theatres in Sydney acknowledges the significant and specific impacts that COVID-19 pandemic has had on the performing arts industry around the world, and specifically in Sydney during …
Today’s launch of the ‘COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan’ by the NSW Government will play a significant role in rebuilding business confidence and incentivising event organisers to book their in-person …
Starting tonight, and continuing until 31 October, short video broadcasts, announcing the Finalists and National Winner of each category, will be published on the Awards’ YouTube channel each evening. …
More than $530 million will be invested in reviving events across the state and getting tourism back on track as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan. …
Loud, joyous wedding bells tolling throughout NSW is the sound that echoed from NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet’s announcement that weddings no longer will be capped now the state has …
Artists, musicians, theatres, venues, festivals and cultural organisations in NSW will be supported with $86 million in funding from the NSW Government to reopen with confidence and welcome back …
It seems we can’t take a trick, over the weekend it has been announced live performance theatre shows, music and arts all have funding and support along with Agriculture …
A late wrap this week – I went out for lunch today for an actual face to face business meeting. The new NSW premier is determined to make his …
Federal Agriculture Minister, David Littleproud was in Brisbane on Tuesday to announce a second round of funding to support agricultural shows and field days around the country. “The Federal …
There has been a lot of chatter about bars and restaurants reopening in Sydney this week, but how are things looking at Sydney’s biggest venue? ASE checked in with …
Regional Arts NSW is thrilled with the recent announcement of $3.4 million in funding from the NSW Government for the Regional Arts Network after campaigning for increased funding over …
There has been quite a bit of talk about a shortage of casual workers in hospitality (in particular, along with cleaners and security) as Sydney retail reopens. ‘Hunger Games’ …
The resilience of exhibitions and events cannot be under estimated. It wasn’t so long ago the sector’s long term existence was in question when the internet and various social …
I don’t want to flood your inbox. Sometimes I post a number of stories in a day but I don’t send an email link to all of them. However, …
The Hospitality Industry as a whole had to do a double take on NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet’s recent roadmap to freedom announcement as we come out of lockdown next …
The announcements by the new NSW Premier should put a skip in every event company step whether a venue, organiser or supplier! Like many I have been conflicted with …
Since Dominic Perrottet took over as premier there have been a few minor tweaks to the NSW restrictions roadmap. All roadmap freedoms at 70% and 80% will continue to …
The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) is collaborating with Meetings & Events Australia (MEA), Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) and its member convention bureaux network to …
After extensive consultation with the Industry, and in the face of ongoing travel restrictions and uncertainty, the Event Awards decided to turn October into a month-long, online celebration of …
Peter Jones looks at the associations issue. Before I start, I will declare my interests. I am a member of MEA, VTIC and a long suffering Demon’s supporter. It’s …
The Covid pandemic has had a profound impact on everyone in Victoria over the last 18 months. It has taken a huge toll on people, organisations and communities. Communities …
Over the past four months I’ve been critical of Gladys’ handling of the latest COVID outbreak in Sydney, which has since spread to the rest of NSW, Victoria, ACT …
The hardest bit first. Who are we? We all do things that inform, provoke, and make people feel. We help to change their perception of something. Sounds ‘lofty’, but …
On the 28th I posted an article around Making every day count. In it I raised awards, not surprisingly I had a large number of emails and calls saying …
At the beginning of this year I took ASE in a new direction – no more press releases from companies that just want to flog their latest offering , …
The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) is deeply concerned and disappointed with the Federal Treasurer’s announcement yesterday to withdraw COVID-19 Disaster Payments in line with vaccination targets being …
As New South Wales heads towards a 70 per cent vaccination rate by October 11, Sydney Showground is preparing to resume operations and deliver events this side of Christmas …
The NSW Government has announced that venues can reopen on Monday 11th October at one person per 4 sqm and that limit will be increased to 2 sqm on …
The NSW hospitality industry is preparing to surge back to some sort of normality following the tight lockdown restrictions this year, although it is a half-hearted cheer as restrictions …
Once again the federal government has delivered a smackdown to workers in the events sector. Over the last three months many event businesses have managed to keep staff on …
Gary Fitz-Roy on staffing, associations and the future. We all know that planning and preparation are the cornerstones to effective performance, and there are several things you can do …
Talking to venue managers about the reopening in Sydney and a big concern is how to manage unvaccinated people wanting to enter venues when they reopen. There are two …
Providing the public health risk of Covid-19 remains relatively stable over the next two weeks, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said lockdown would end as planned on October 15th …
55% of respondents to the NZ Event Associations latest survey stated that the recent COVID-19 response has had a considerable financial impact on their organisation, whilst a further 23% …
The NSW Premier today announced the three stage roadmap to lifting restrictions. However, once again, the announcement was short on detail. So here is what we know regarding events. …
Spare a thought for Melbourne’s best known event producer and AFL tragic. In the podcast I did with Peter Jones he told me about being born into the Melbourne …
While city events get the most notice, regional events are often ignored. However events are for more important to the regional towns and cities than they are in capitals. …
Brett Bower has been involved in the event industry for a long time – both on the production side and performing as a cartoonist and sand artist. Brett Bower …
Meetings & Events Australia is pleased to announce the winners of the 2020 MEA State & Territory and National Awards at the 2020 MEA Awards Night held at Scene …
Isn’t it funny how we come to miss something only after we no longer have it? I raise the point because it reflects the sentiments of exhibitors who have …
Ruth is an organiser. She became one of Australia’s first In-house PCOs through her work as a Practice Manager for a group of doctors then went on to manage …
I grew up in a country town of around 8,000 people; there was a small airport near the town. In 2001 Gander, Newfoundland had a population of around 10,500; …
Here is a summary of the Victorian Roadmap as it affects events and entertainment Hospitality Phase A: Hospitality businesses can offer takeaway services only. Phase B: Hospitality businesses will …
A story of the pandemic roadmaps – with apologies to Charles Dickens Chapter I – The Period It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, …
Peter Jones assesses the Victorian Roadmap Hope for the best but expect the worst. The proverb kind of sums up the Victorian roadmap released yesterday when it comes to …
Regional areas across the country are at risk of not only huge economic losses, but Australian Regional Tourism warns recovery for many is no more than a pipe dream. The …
Today marks 12 weeks that Sydney has been in lockdown – 3 bloody months – now we know how Victorians feel. But let’s celebrate! The MEA Awards will be …
The Australian Festival Industry Conference (AFIC) has postponed its 2021 conference to Tuesday 30 August – Thursday 1 September 2022, due to the ongoing national covid-19 crisis. “It is …
Experiential agency George P. Johnson Australia & New Zealand (GPJ A/NZ) announces the upcoming departure of Managing Director Caleb Bush as he takes on the role of Executive Vice …
Arinex’ Digital Conference Organising (DCO) team is celebrating a busy first year in operation, marked by a spate of virtual events and successful client outcomes. The DCO team has …
International Convention Centre Sydney has welcomed the industry’s inclusion in the New South Wales government’s roadmap to reopen and is preparing to welcome in person events back to the …
Now you might remember that the federal treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, said it would be up to businesses to decide if they let unvaccinated patrons into their premises. Well, it looks like …
After extensive consultation with the Industry, the Event Awards 2021 Ceremony will join the long list of 2021 events to move online due to effects of Covid-19. In a …
By Nicole Walker, CEO Arinex As we look for ways to rebuild our industry while Australians line up to get vaccinated, it is clear our industry also needs a …
Andrew Walsh is a storyteller who has produced some of the biggest events in Australia and the world. In this wide ranging interview we cover how Andrew started in …
The NSW Roadmap to Freedom for the fully vaccinated has a serious discrepancy regarding weddings and funerals To quote relevant sections from the media release Hospitality venues can reopen …
So, NSW has a plan as to how events will look once we get to the magical vaccination rates. Lots of influencing factors that may impact it, but I …
The NSW Roadmap to Freedom was finally released this week and when you come down to it, despite the cries of “we always take the health advice”, this was …
There has been a lot of reaction to the release of the NSW “Roadmap to Freedom” so here are some links to coverage that I think is relevant to …
With the anticipation of the NSW road map announcement the events industry was waiting in the hope we may be able to stick a few events in before the …
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 …
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released a recovery roadmap that they want the Victorian Government to adopt. The framework calls for events and entertainment to start returning to …
I’m sure that most people involved in events in Sydney watched the premier’s presser this morning. Here is the gist of what the “Roadmap to freedom” looks like – …
Over the last week Info Salons have advised clients they are closing their Australian operation. Info Salons was founded by Jo-Anne Kellaway in 1990 and pioneered event registration software …
Dr Jerry Schwartz, owner of one of Australia’s most popular family resorts, Paradise Resort Gold Coast, will make vaccinations mandatory for hotel staff to ensure staff and guests – …
A move to a more restricted Level 2 for regions outside of Auckland will make additional support crucial for the business events industry, says Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA). …
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® has announced that CES® 2022, the world’s most influential technology event, will require in-person attendees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. CES 2022 will take place in Las Vegas on January 5-8, 2022. For those who …
The Business Visits & Events Partnership (BVEP), the umbrella body and advocacy group representing the UK events sector, has today published its Shape of Events Report. The report was …
It’s time for a reset. The one thing we have learnt with covid over the last 18 months is how quickly things can change and the importance of being …
This week we revisit the interview with Johnny Allen We start with Johnny’s career running music venues in Sydney and the 1973 Aquarius Festival in Nimbin. Then a year …
It has been another hell of a week with COVID cases spiralling in NSW and Victoria and a big push from industry groups calling on the state governments to …
Visions in Style owner, Michael Cartwright has developed a rapid antigen testing system for events and business. Covid-19 has absolutely devastated the meetings and events industry and restricted leading …
Sydney’s business events industry is calling for a NSW Government plan to safely restart its operations for fully vaccinated people and warns inaction threatens the survival of jobs across …
The PM and Premiers are promising things will be very different when we reach 70% and 80% fully vaccinated. But how will we get there? Weddings are allowed again …
We can all remember waiting for each of the COVID restrictions to end and then we knew it was a four to five week lag before we got back …
This week Save Victorian Events released the top line results from our second detailed survey of the Event Industry. We had a very strong response to the survey from …
New Zealand’s Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Conference 2021 will be going ahead, three weeks later than planned, in Hawke’s Bay from 1 to 3 November. BEIA Chief Executive, …
Following the Victorian Premier’s presser yesterday the Victorian Chamber Chief Executive, Paul Guerra wrote to his members. Some of his comments are relevant to Victorian event industry business owners. …
This week started off with the promise that we would get a better idea of what will happen when NSW and Victoria get to 70% and 80% vaccination rates, …
The team at Sydney based Event Management Company, Lateral Events, have united over a common cause – to get vaccinated and to do their bit to get the events …
Di Henry’s first parade involved 1000 sheep and a bullock train trundling through the Sydney CBD to promote the Royal Easter Show, and she brought out Robosauraus to the …
The industry have been so focused on various aspects of recovery, namely insurance and a road map to re-open. However, it’s important that we also maintain effort on a …
Event Producers and suppliers work across business events, public events, private events, festivals and entertainment. They can be broadly split into two camps – those who work locally and …
It is a very challenging time in Australia’s Event Industry with two states in extended lockdown, many border closures, and a huge amount of uncertainty. Please complete the survey …
Up until late June, there seemed to be a path back for the events industry, but now uncertainty prevails again despite the Prime Minister and the NSW Premier both …
For those of us living in NSW or Victoria some light relief was certainly needed and last night we could sit back and enjoy the somewhat kooky Paralympics Opening …
I’ve been following Ian Whitworth’s blog “Motivation for Sceptics” since he started it as “Kill all MBAs”, but long before that I followed the antics of his marketing stunts …
To coincide with this week’s Tokyo Paralympics here is the second half of the interview with Sandy Hollway where he reflects on the highlights of the Sydney Olympics (including …
So we can put our own situation into perspective here is a quick roundup of COVID news around the world thanks to The Guardian These reports are from Sunday …
MORE than 80 per cent of people support both domestic and international vaccine passports to open a return more rapidly to business travel, according to polling results just released …
What a week – COVID is now rampant throughout NSW, ACT and Victoria and we are still getting mixed messages from Gladys Berejiklian and Scott Morrison. Scott Morrison has issued …
As founder of the National Events Alliance, Gary Fitz-Roy welcomes the recent meeting of BECA with Minister Tehan. Their language is now in line with how others in the …
John O’Brien has a go at dissecting the Victorian Inquiry John has professional experience within many areas of AV (control, lighting, video, audio) and construction (planning, management, on the …
Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) today announced the difficult decision has been made to defer its annual conference ‘Evolve’ to 2022. The continuing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, …
Yesterday, representatives of the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) met online with the Hon Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment to plead for targeted support for businesses …
Libbie Ray left school at 15 to become an apprentice chef in her father’s restaurant. Today she is co-owner of AV24/7 and expanding the business in the time of …
Over the past few days I’ve been talking to a number of people in the industry about their planning for the rest of this year. The common story in …
Last year the Australian Government put out a 3 STEP FRAMEWORK FOR A COVIDSAFE AUSTRALIA. This framework spelt out how each industry sector would progress from Step 1 to …
Sydney Showground has announced Darryl Jeffrey as its newly appointed General Manager following the retirement of Peter Thorpe in early July. Darryl Jeffrey As the venue’s Chief Operating Officer, …
University of Melbourne epidemiologist Antony Blakely has told the state parliament inquiry into the NSW government’s response to the pandemic that Sydney may need to stay in a form …
There is a lot being written and reported about the vaccine rollout and how that will get us out of the current lockdowns. Gary Fitz-Roy thinks there are some …
With the conclusion of the 2020ne Tokyo Olympics it seems like a good time to revisit the interview I did with Sandy Hollway During his career in the Australian …
The Tokyo Olympics showed large sporting events could safely be held in a pandemic and challenged policy makers to show why such events should not be held – rather …
The Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony was even more downbeat then the opening. Which was disappointing because they actually had plenty to celebrate – they pulled off an event that …
This week’s slew of information regarding lockdowns, vaccinations and much more took a bit of deciphering – so here is a summary. The key message of the week is …
Peter Jones shares his reaction to the publication of the Victorian Events Industry Enquiry Peter Jones Well, we knew it was coming and we knew what it was going …
Venues NSW* is seeking government approval to require patrons to prove they have been vaccinated in order to attend events at their venues. Chairman Tony Shepherd told Ben Fordham …
Ever since the cancellation of Bluesfest in March the calls for COVID cancellation insurance for events has ramped up. The live music sector has been a leading voice but …
OK I’m going to try to unpick the federal government’s National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response We keep hearing about the transition from Phase A to Phase …
BECA supports Australia’s urgent COVID-19 vaccination rollout to #GiveBEaShot.BECA and its network of industry association members continue to advocate for business events to federal and state governments, seeking industry …
Today saw the final report of the Victorian Parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Victoria’s tourism and events sectors tabled in parliament. Save Victorian Events worked really …
In a move that has left many in the event industry questioning a double standard, Gary Fitz-Roy asks why the Federal Government has extended special funding for Qantas to …
Born in the north of England Karen came to Australia as a ten pound Pom. Karen Bollinger takes to the stage for the AIME “Strictly Melbourne” event Karen remembers …
Dull and boring are a couple of descriptors I’ve heard, however I want to go a little deeper. If I had to use one word it would be “sparse”. …
I’ve previously blogged about events in Sydney not recommencing until after Christmas. Unfortunately today’s developments reinforce that view. First, yesterday’s statement by PM Scott Morrison that lockdowns would become …
Until lockdowns “become a thing of the past” the event industry cannot plan ahead without the government providing cancellation insurance. PM Morrison said today that he believes the vaccine …
As expected the lockdown in Sydney is to be extended for another four weeks. I figured that now is a good time to reflect on how we got to …
Arinex Incentives and Corporate Events Senior Account Manager Leonie Ferris-Tonge shares why you should consider a travel reward program to motivate your staff. Leonie Ferris-Tonge Staff are unlikely to …
As we are back into lockdown I’ve taken the opportunity to get some more interviews completed. The new interviews will be dropped each four weeks with repeats from last …
I’ve listened to and read a lot of commentary and concerns from within the event industry over the past year or so and I want to sum up the …
The experiments are both on humans. Experiment #1 commenced on Monday – Boris Johnson’s so called Freedom Day. ASE checked what this meant for the event industry in the …
Entertainer James Bustar has compiled a heart rending video in which members of the arts community tell of the devastation of the pandemic on lives and livelihoods and the need for further government income …
The construction industry is up in arms because they have finally been shut down. Welcome to lockdown boys and be thankful that you do not work in sectors that …
Part two of the interview with Roslyn Mcleod looks a the Olympics and the 21st century Share this: Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on X …
Over the past few weeks I’ve been observing the tradies working on building sites as I go for my morning walk. This morning those sites were quiet. Welcome to …
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 …
On ABC RN this morning medical epidemiologist Mike Toole was talking about the modelling done by the Burnett Institute on the Victorian second wave. There have now been a …
Currently our political leaders are all telling us that they are “listening to the medical advice” before making decisions on lockdowns. But in the end the decision they make …
Roslyn Mcleod OAM started her first business providing tour guides for the 1971 Rotary International Convention in Sydney. That business developed through supplying tour guides and interpreters to then …
Gary FitzRoy has had plenty to say about the situation we find ourselves in as an industry. He went on to create yet another industry association – the National …
You were right Trevor; July 2021 does still look a lot like March 2020 and that’s still having an impact on the events industry. Peter Jones We all knew …
Once again this morning has seen wall to wall media conferences by state premiers and the federal treasurer. The big news is that the Sydney lockdown will continue for …
Business events might account for 79% of Victoria’s event industry in economic terms, but frustratingly today they again didn’t get a mention. Simon Thewlis The government trumpeted that 40,000 …
National Event Alliance (NEA) are delighted to announce the appointment of Doug MacColl as the interim CEO following overwhelming positive feedback from their first Forum held recently in Sydney. …
We are saddened by the loss of every event – whether it is a conference for a not-for-profit group, a product launch, a community festival, or the Grand Prix. …
Philip Carr was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. In this interview Philip talks about growing up in apartheid South Africa, how started in business with his mother and catering …
How nice that Our Beloved Leader has released a National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response. Which looks like this Which looks very much like this one released …
Doug MacColl discovers that 100,000 people have lost their jobs in the events sector A Nine Newspapers investigation into inbound arrivals into Australia has highlighted, as a by-product, the …
Currently over half of Australia’s population is under lockdown restrictions of some sort. It appears that the only safe place to hold an event at the moment is Tasmania. …
In the second half of the Peter Jones interview we discuss some of the great events he has delivered – and the effect of COVID on his business and …
First held in 1823, the Sydney Royal Easter Show (SRES) is Australia’s largest annual ticketed event, attracting over 828,000 attendees on average. The RAS has a full time staff …
In March 2020 the events industry was the first to be shut down when the 500 pax limit was put on events, followed by more limits until no events …
The business events industry’s leadership convened at ICC Sydney earlier this month to prepare for the future of business events in Australia. The Business Events Industry Roundtable was jointly …
Peter Jones is Melbourne born and bred; a dedicated Melbourne Football Club fan, despite the team having a miserable track record when it comes to winning. Peter’s career in …
At the recent National Events Alliance Meetup at Sydney Showground Gayle Dickerson shared insights into how business sees events coming back. ASE spoke to Gale about some of those …
The latest Victorian outbreak has started to have real bite and again the exhibition and event industry is left in disarray, with many on the brink of closure, yet …
This week the Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula, announced new grants for event organisers saying, “Event organisers have done it tough and they deserve this across-the-board …
Media release from Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula Event organisers, hosts, suppliers, producers and cinema businesses will benefit from a new support package of grants …
The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) has announced that Independent Chair of the peak industry body, Dr Vanessa Findlay, has stepped down from the role after leading the business events industry’s advocacy and federal government lobbying efforts throughout the turbulent period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the 2020 lockdown I started a podcast – in 2021 we are revisiting those chats. Lena Malouf grew up in Canowindra in regional NSW and learned retail from …
While training at the William Angliss Institute Anne failed egg boiling but managed to run a catering business on the side. Anne Jamieson Anne relives her career in hotels …
Event organisers are a responsive, take-it-in-your-stride type. Throughout the last 14 months we have found ways to continue meeting despite uncertainty and the imposition of last-minute restrictions. Now with …
You don’t expect page 7 of the Sunday Herald Sun ($) and the back page of the Sunday Age to be scary reading in relation to events but yesterday …
As Victorians enter week two of lockdown 4.0 I became aware of massive failure and a missed opportunity. The failure We have been told that contract tracing is the …
The organisers of the Australian Event Awards are providing an opportunity for a State, Territory, venue, government bodies or partnerships thereof who wish to boost their region and promote …
Trina Butler is Senior Director, Global Accounts at HelmsBriscoe Trina works with clients in Legal, Medical, Corporate, High Tech, Government and Association Markets in the US, South East Asia …
IN 2020 there were no evens to cover so I took the opportunity to have a chat with industry colleagues. In 2021 I’m revisiting those interviews. Andrea is a …
The Victorian government’s announcement of $20m in Event Assistance is a modest, but long needed, step in the right direction. It is also a very welcome acknowledgement of …
We all have memoires of the childhood story of the Little Engine That Could who pushed to get over the mountain and kept saying I think I can, I …
The Acting Premier of Victoria James Merlino has just announced a seven day ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown of Victoria. The lockdown covers “Hotels, clubs, TABs and the casino will be closed, …
How exhibitions drive economic recovery by enabling growth and recovery is the key theme for this year’s Global Exhibitions Day 2 June 2021 #GED21, which will be marked by …
In 2020 I did a series of interviews for a podcast series. The idea was to get to know the back story of people in our industry. This week …
Someone has to come out and say this so it might as well be me. Time to say enough of the never-ending doom and gloom. Enough of the Victorian …
The latest budget papers show that over the next year the Victorian government will give $10.2 million to Melbourne Convention Bureau (a division of the government owned Visit Victoria) …
Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) welcomes the Victorian Government’s commitment to long-term investment in Victoria’s Business Events Program through the announcement of $42.913 million over four years, to support the …
At Wednesday’s hearing of the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Support for the Tourism and Events Sectors, we heard Norwest CEO Matt Jones talk with great pride about his audio …
Yet again the exhibition and event industry has been left wondering what they have to do to get recognition and any kind of acknowledgement from governments, both state and …
To celebrate 20 years of publication in 2020 I set out to interview 20 interesting people in our industry and this year we are revisiting those interviews before adding …
Exactly one year ago today, we were advised that Australia had moved up to 12th place in the world for hosting international association conventions through the ICCA Statistics Report …
In March and April 2021, the Australian Event Awards Team reached out to the industry across the country for input about the Australian Event Awards for 2021, whether it …
Originally from Perth, David moved to Sydney with dreams of being a successful rock musician. When that didn’t eventuate he became a roadie and met Stevie Wonder on his …
This week I’m back to reviewing the COVID situation – How it affects us personally and how it is affecting events. First up on the personal side. Our governments …
Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) CEO, Andrew Hiebl, expressed the key role that the health sector will play in the recovery of Australia’s business events industry at STR Insider, …
The tragic preventable death of 44 Israeli citizens during their religious celebrations is just another link in the long ugly chain of crowd crush disasters. The Lag B’Omer event …
The exhibition industry has been one of, if not the worst affected industries as a result of Covid. Unable to operate from March last year, and now battling to …
The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA), calls for the Commonwealth Government to extend the money available under the Business Events Grants Program to the industry immediately. As …
Music industry charity Support Act is encouraging anyone working professionally in music across the arts and who is in financial difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, to …
In March 2020 our industry was shut down and so most of us who could still work, did so from home. Zoom meetings proliferated and so did webinars and …
NEA Emerge Meet Up is not about feeling dwelling on negativity, it’s about putting in place positive actions to rebuild and regrow along with taking on the challenges head …
Tourism Australia’s specialist business events unit, Business Events Australia, has today made a series of announcements to further bolster the Australian business events sector and drive demand for future …
The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) welcomed yesterday’s announcement by the Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, and thanked Tourism Australia for its continued …
My name is Simon Thewlis. I’ve proudly been a member of the event industry in Victoria for 39 years – including 30 years as a business owner. I’ve produced …
At 10am this morning (Wednesday) Simon Thewlis from Save Victorian Events will be appearing, along with Tiny Good from ShowTech Australia and Howard Freeman from CrewCare, as the first …
Melbourne Convention Bureau has announced today a new funding initiative to encourage interstate organisations to hold their events in Australia’s event’s capital Melbourne. Under the National Business Events Program, …
Professor Joe Goldblatt reviews The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. Professor Goldblatt is the author, co – author and editor of 39 of books in the field of …
There is no question one of the biggest unspoken impacts of the pandemic was on health and mental well-being. Expertise Events family, staff, industry, and the communities we work …
The cancellation of Bluesfest is devastating for so many in our industry. Sadly, it is just one of the many events cancelled due to the Brisbane lockdown. Please ask …
It’s not just COVID. The industry is tearing itself apart as well. In scenes reminiscent of the shutdown of the 2020 Melbourne Grand Prix, last night television news bulletins …
The National Events Alliance (NEA) today has released its logo, vision, mission and objectives for the future. The National Events Alliance is a new events alliance launched to proactively …
As JobKeeper ended on 28 March, the latest insights published by the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) highlight the difficult situation that the business events industry finds itself without the …
Report to members by Chris Porter, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council As Victorians prepare to embark on the Easter long weekend holiday, the events …
The revelation from BECA that only $8 million from the $50 million Business Events Grant Program has even been earmarked for distribution comes just days after the Federal Government …
March 28 has now passed and so too has JobKeeper, the vital support mechanism that supported the Business Events Industry over the months that saw its revenue streams decimated …
On the day Job Keeper is removed and Qld goes into lockdown again, we are already hearing about redundancies within our sector as independent Australian family businesses are hitting …
In 1996 the people of Australia were jubilant over having won the right to host the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney. Legacy volunteers from the Melbourne Summer Olympic …
Yesterday, a group of event industry suppliers – led by Damian De Jong from Action Events – organised for 40 branded event vehicles to circle parliament house with horns …
A large number of Events Industry people are driving their trucks and signwritten vehicles down to Parliament House, Spring Street Melbourne, this Thursday between 9am – 10:30am. We have …
It’s now just on one year since Friday 13 March 2020 when not even the Village People could stop what was about to happen. And it wasn’t just the …
I bet most people in our industry can remember exactly where we were on Friday 13th March when the PM announced that our industry was about to be shut …
The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) acknowledges the announcement from the Federal Government yesterday in relation to the changes to the Business Events Grant Program as part of the National …
The Federal Government’s latest tourism package to support tourism and the flow onto restaurants, bars, taxis, supermarkets etc. is another on support package for that sector. Residents are being …
Even though business events – worth $35.7 billion per year – account for one third of the tourism sector, the Event Industry was once again left empty handed today.The …
Do you have a favourite child?
Peter Jones ponders his favourites If you do, chances are you’d never admit it out loud. What I’m about to ask feels a bit like that. Do you have …
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