The Event Awards is now accepting bids from across the country to host the events industry for its annual Symposium and Awards extravaganza for 2019, 2020 and 2021.
The Symposium and Awards Ceremony are opportunities for venues and destinations to showcase themselves to over 20,000 events industry professionals representing a huge range of events from around Australia.
Following a successful bid in the last Search for a Home, the Sunshine Coast has hosted the event since 2016. In 2017, 67 percent of delegates travelled to Queensland from interstate, exposing the region to many key event players.
Simon Latchford, CEO of Visit Sunshine Coast, said the event had generated an economic impact in excess of $1.2 million for the regional Queensland destination.
“This is undoubtedly one of the toughest audiences to impress because they’ve seen just about everything there is to see in the events space, but you can be certain after the last three years they will leave the Sunshine Coast knowing that we can deliver world-class events.
“We have been able to demonstrate that we can offer the same level of service and innovation as a capital city, but with the added benefits of the breath-taking landscapes and accompanying activities that you don’t come across in a big city,” added Mr Latchford.
Sunshine Coast Council Tourism, Sport and Major Events Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the staging of the national awards on the Sunshine Coast reinforced the region’s reputation for hosting major events.
“Some of the brightest talent in the Australian events industry have attended the Awards on the Sunshine Coast in 2016 and 2017 and will again visit the region in 2018,” Cr O’Pray said.
“We’ve been delighted and honoured to stage the Awards on the Sunshine Coast, as it has provided a great opportunity to showcase both our region and our capability to host major events.”
Managing Director of the Australian Event Awards Ian Steigrad praised the Sunshine Coast for their contribution as the Destination Partner for 2016-2018.
“The team at the Sunshine Coast have consistently gone above and beyond to help us make the Awards and Symposium a success. It has been an exciting first two years taking the event to a regional location, and I’m looking forward to celebrating the Awards 10th anniversary on the Sunshine Coast this year.”
“In terms of a home for the event in 2019-2021, we are open to going anywhere in Australia. The decision will come down to which bid presents the best opportunity for the Event Awards and Symposium to grow and to celebrate Aussie events in style.”
“Traditionally collaborative bids have fared best, so I really encourage organisations to consider partnerships with each other and their destination.”
More information about the Search for a Home and bid documents can be accessed here.
The Sunshine Coast is the current host of the Australian Event Awards and Symposium | Photo: Visit Sunshine Coast