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 unlikely it could not be ruled out. The big question was – would business confidence return, and with it, events?

Anecdotally, that confidence, and events, did return – but with shortened time frames. The short booking times were then compounded by staff shortages. The hospitality and crewing sectors that rely extensively on casuals (and students in particular) were struggling to find enough staff. Meanwhile skilled staff, such as technicians, were in such strong demand that they could pick and choose which jobs to take.   

Personally, the last six weeks were the busiest I’ve ever been and my photography business set a new monthly turnover record in November.

And that dear reader is why I’ve not been posting for the past few weeks.

I felt guilty about attending the new menu launch at Sydney Showground a month ago then not having time to write up a review. So here is a one sentence appraisal…

Having worked on the Easter Show in 2018 – 2000 I became very aware that competition extends beyond woodchopping, birds and animals, arts and crafts, and horse-riding skills. The major food and wine competitions are held in the lead up to Easter. The chefs at the Showground have unique access to the most awarded ingredients and beverages, but they haven’t really promoted that knowledge. The dinner for suppliers, clients and media set out to correct that with a menu and matching wines that featured produce that had been awarded Champion, Gold, Silver or Bronze in the various competitions.  This is then typical of a menu that can be provided for corporate events held at the Sydney Showground.

And here is the media release about the event…

Sydney Showground launches new menu, elevating Sydney Royal Fine Food ties.

Sydney Showground also shone at the EEAA Awards

Sydney Showground wins Best Venue Team at the EEAA Awards

And…

MEA have announced details of the 2023 conference and awards

MEA announces 2023 conference destination

MEA launches 2021-22 Awards program

Taking a leaf out of the Doctor WHO playbook –

Lateral Events turns 25 and regenerates

Finally…

Readers might be aware that in addition to letting Gary FitzRoy have his say via our humble publication I also work with Gary and his son Zac providing photography and on-site printing services for Oz Comic Con around the country.

I can now reveal that Gary has other talents. Expertise Events produced a Christmas edition of Oz Comic Con in Melbourne and Zac thought it would be a good idea to have a Santa for the attendees to have their photo with.  Have a close look behind the beard in this photo.

Now I don’t know of many CEOs who would do that at their own event.

In between punching out opinion pieces for ASE, Gary also managed to produce 26 expos in 2022 – so he got his PR company to tell us about it…

Expertise Events celebrates with 26 events in 2022

Let’s hope things settle down in 2023 so we can all look forward