@specialevents-au.bsky.social

4 months ago

Taylor Swift vs the AFL Grand Final: Who’s the Real Winner for Melbourne? 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 Recent hotel data out of Melbourne might surprise even the most seasoned event professionals, showing that one-off mega events can rival, and even surpass, our traditional tourism powerhouses. The Surprising Winners…

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?
#eventprofsau #TaylorSwift

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

5 months ago

Novatech named Production Company of the Year     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 of Australia’s most high-profile live event experiences. As an Adelaide-based, family-owned company, this national recognition highlights the strength and passion of our 70+ full-time event professionals who continue to set benchmarks in technical delivery, creative design, and client collaboration.

Novatech has been named the Production Company of the Year at the 2025 Australian Event Awards, celebrating innovation, creativity, and excellence in event production across some of Australia’s most high-profile live event experiences.
#eventprofsau #AustralianEventAwards #Novatech

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

5 months ago

Corruptible Events: Why Festivals and Events Foster Misconduct 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 goes overlooked: corruption. Bill O'Toole Festivals, concerts, and even academic conferences - being international, cross-border, multi-funded, and temporary - are especially vulnerable to corrupt practices. As public events grow in size, number, and impact, they increasingly attract illegal activity.

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 goes overlooked: corruption.
#eventprofsau

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

5 months ago

Australian Event Awards celebrated in regional NSW 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 at the Wiigulga Sports Complex. The venue, owned by the City of Coffs Harbour, opened in December 2022 and is in Woolgoolga, a 20 to 30 min drive from the centre of Coffs Harbour.

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 at the Wiigulga Sports Complex. #eventprofsau #AustralianEventAwards

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

5 months ago

Tourism Tropical North Queensland celebrates 50 years 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 at the gala event. The organisation’s first Chair George Chapman and General Manager Bill Cummings were among the former staff and Board members attending alongside industry representatives to mark 50 years of working together to promote Tropical North Queensland.

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 at the gala event.
#eventprofsau

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

5 months ago

Australian Centre for Regional Events Launches ‘Eventfolk’ 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 organisers. Eventfolk is ACRE's answer to the rising pressures threatening the survival of events across regional Australia - from escalating costs and climate change challenges to overwhelming compliance and volunteer fatigue.

Australian Centre for Regional Events Launches 'Eventfolk' to Combat Organiser Burnout and Give Regional Events a Collective Voice
#eventprofsau #regionalevents

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

5 months ago

Busselton, WA to host 2026 Australian Regional Tourism Convention  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. A gentle 2.5-hour journey south from Perth, Busselton rests where forest meets ocean — a coastal town cradled by the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay. Long regarded as the northern gateway to the Margaret River Region and its fine wines and produce, Busselton continues to evolve as a place of vitality and vision, where heritage and innovation sit side by side.

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.  #eventprofsau

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

5 months ago

ABEA and SITE sign MOU to advance research, advocacy & young leaders’ development 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 foster shared goals of industry development, research contribution, talent growth, and sector visibility. The collaboration formalises their commitment to advancing the business events and incentive travel sectors by supporting emerging talent, expanding access to research and education programs, and amplifying the voice of the business events industry through unified advocacy.

ABEA and SITE have announced a new three-year Memorandum of Understanding to foster shared goals of industry development, research contribution, talent growth, and sector visibility.
#eventprofsau

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

5 months ago

Nyaal Banyul announce first four events 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 Labor Government. Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced the first four events that will be held at the $450 million state-of-the-art venue – covering a range of topics such as leadership, education, culture, and community in July and August 2026.

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 Labor Government. 
#eventprofsau #NBGCEC

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

6 months ago

Qantas partners the 2025 Australian Event Awards and Symposium 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. This exciting partnership means travelling to Coffs Harbour for the Symposium and Awards this October has never been easier. With Qantas offering discounted airfares exclusively for delegates and guests, the journey to the Coffs Coast is simple and accessible from across the country.

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.
#eventprofsau #eventawards

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

6 months ago

Registrations now open for the ABEA Conference 2025 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 Centre (MCEC). Following a highly successful inaugural event in 2024, the ABEA Conference returns as the national meeting place for Australia’s business events community. Designed to engage professionals across venues, bureaux, suppliers, organisers and more, the 2025 event will deliver three days of insights, learning and genuine industry connection.

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 Centre (MCEC). 
#eventprofsau #ABEA

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

6 months ago

FACTS Festival to cover Aviation, Corporate Travel, Business Events and Technology 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 on the success of its debut in 2024, the Festival continues to break new ground, bringing together four powerhouse summits under one roof, uniting leaders, disruptors, and innovators from across the globe.

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.
#eventprofsau

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

Spotlight on NZ business events industry this November 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 and coinciding with The Bizzies awards night, the BEIA Conference is set to attract the who’s who of New Zealand’s conference, incentives and business events industry for two days of knowledge sharing, networking, and celebration in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Registrations are now open for this year's Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) 2025 Conference set for Cordis Auckland on 26 and 27 November.
#eventprofsau #eventprofsnz #beia

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

ENTECH announces leadership transition as roadshow expands 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 since then. Kate Mckenzie Founded by Grafton in 1993, ENTECH grew into a major tradeshow occupying more than 10,000 square metres at the Sydney and Melbourne exhibition centres. The event was sold to Kerry Packer in 2003 and later repurchased by Grafton, who transformed it into the ENTECH Roadshow — a streamlined touring format now running annually each May across Australia and biennially in New Zealand.

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 since then.
#eventprofsau #entech

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

Australian Business Events Awards 2025 now open 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 business events sector. Returning for its second year, the Awards will take place on Thursday 4 December 2025 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre as part of the 2025 ABEA Conference.

The Australian Business Events Association has officially opened entries for the 2025 Australian Business Events Awards, which recognise and celebrate the people, companies, teams and innovations shaping Australia’s business events sector.
#eventprofsau #abea

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

Another Victorian festival closes 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 set out with what organisers describe as a “bold vision: to bring photography into public life through free and accessible programming.” Across three editions (2021, 2022 and 2024), PHOTO Australia showcased more than 400 artists and attracted over 600,000 visitors to Melbourne and regional Victoria.

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.
#eventprofsau #PHOTOaustralia

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

New funding to grow Tropical North Queensland business events 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 initiative projected to deliver a $54 million direct economic impact. Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) General Manager of Partnerships and Events Tara Bennett said the program would support new business events proposing Tropical North Queensland as a destination, with a minimum of 150 delegates staying in the region for three nights.

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 initiative projected to deliver a $54 million direct economic impact.
#eventprofsau #tnq

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

Business Events Sydney welcomes NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 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 an ambitious roadmap, which sets a clear target to generate $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure and generate an additional 150,000 jobs by 2035. The Strategy, which was developed following extensive consultation with over 500 NSW stakeholders, including BESydney, focuses on five key pillars to accelerate growth.

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.
#eventprofsau #besydney

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

Sunshine Soiree treats PCOs to the Sunshine Coast 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 annual Sunshine Soiree was fully subscribed by leading business events bookers, who traversed the region accompanied by the trademarked sunshine and the finest of hospitality. Beginning in Sunshine Beach – home to former prime ministers and media celebrities – the…

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.
#eventprofsau #sunshinecoast

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

Bumper offseason reinforces Te Pae Christchurch’s local contribution 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 quiet shoulder season into a hive of activity for the city. Te Pae Christchurch is in the midst of its busiest season since the convention centre held its first conference in May 2022.

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 quiet shoulder season into a hive of activity for the city.
#eventprofsau #ChristchurchNZ

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

New Zealand books $78.8m in conference business 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 out its 2025 financial year hitting record bid targets enabled by a $3m government funding boost announced in March 2025. It exceeded its stretch target of 110 bids worth $170m, making 112 bids worth $173m.

Tourism New Zealand confirmed 64 international conference wins in the past year, worth an estimated $78.8m to New Zealand’s visitor economy.
#eventprofsau #TourismNZ

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

FCM Meetings & Events unveils Reporting & Analytics Tool 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 MICE sector for clients around the world, this innovation promises to enhance operational functionality, deliver confirmed savings, enable informed decision-making, and ensure comprehensive peace of mind. “As global corporate environments continue to evolve rapidly, it’s important for organisations to adopt leading-edge solutions that boost seamless operations while generating substantial value,” said Simone Seiler, Global General Manager, FCM Meetings & Events.

Crafted to reshape the MICE sector for clients around the world, this innovation promises to enhance operational functionality, deliver confirmed savings, enable informed decision-making, and ensure comprehensive peace of mind. #eventprofsau

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

Spectacular Raine & Horne Awards Gala is recognised nationally after delivering a 25% attendance jump 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 at the Australian Event Awards. Staged at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on 8 March, the sold-out gala was the grand finale of Raine & Horne’s State Awards series – a celebration of the brand’s 142-year legacy that toured Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane before culminating in Sydney.

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 at the Australian Event Awards. #eventprofsau #AustralianEventAwards

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

Applications for AIME 2026 Hosted Buyers open as show expands again 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 events trade show. Taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 9–11 February 2026 , AIME will return with an expanded footprint across 16,500 sq m to accommodate more than 700 exhibitors, 700 hosted buyers, and more than 20,000 pre-scheduled appointments—marking what will be the biggest edition yet delivered by Event Director Silke Calder and her team at Talk2 Media & Events.

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 events trade show. #eventprofsau #AIME2026 #MCEC #MCB

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

Accreditation advantage: Turning trust into business growth 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 that the businesses they engage with are reputable, reliable, and deliver on their promises. One of the most effective ways to establish that trust? Industry accreditations and memberships. Marlise Beasley From tradies to professional service providers, being accredited or a member of a recognised industry body isn’t just a stamp of approval, it’s a powerful marketing tool.

From tradies to professional service providers, being accredited or a member of a recognised industry body isn’t just a stamp of approval, it’s a powerful marketing tool. #eventprofsau #zadro

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

The Star Event Centre lives on – as the Sydney Event Centre 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. Foundation Theatres, who took over the venue at the beginning of this month had previously indicated that they planned to convert the space into another lyric theatre. However, General Manager of Foundation Theatres, Graeme Kearns told ASE that the venue will continue in its present form for some time, at least for another 12 months, and that plans for redevelopment are still some way off.

After purchasing three venues at The Star Sydney this year, Foundation Theatres officially takes over operations of the Event Centre at The Star this September. #eventprofsAu #TheStarEventCentre #DoltoneHouse #FoundationTheatres

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

ABEA hits back at report in The Australian 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 idea that this industry is in freefall is not only misleading, it’s damaging. Negative headlines may grab attention, and sell papers, but they don’t tell the whole story. More importantly, they don’t help the thousands of professionals and businesses working tirelessly to deliver outstanding events every day.

Negative headlines may grab attention, and sell papers, but they don’t tell the whole story. More importantly, they don’t help the thousands of professionals and businesses working tirelessly to deliver outstanding events every day. #eventprofsau #businessevents #ABEA

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

Sydney Showground partners with Ocean Crusaders, investing in sustainability 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 premier event venue. As part of the deal, Sydney Showground will directly sponsor Ocean Crusaders, and its 100% electric, zero-carbon emission, TP52 racing yacht, Ocean Crusaders J-Bird, supporting its entry into the iconic Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, along with a clean-up project on the Parramatta River.

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 premier event venue. #eventprofsau #sydneyshowground

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

Sydney Boat Show move to the west pays off 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 August. Exceeding all expectations the four days delivered an impressive 23,525 attendees through the doors.  Across the event’s expansive 21,000 square metres, visitors explored more than 130 exhibitors, 400 boats and thousands of accessories, gadgets and technologies.

The move to Sydney Olympic Park for 2025 was a carefully considered decision made in consultation with industry and visitors, and provided a pivotal opportunity to evolve the 56-year legacy of the Sydney International Boat Show. #eventprofsau #sydneyshowground #sydneyboatshow

@specialevents-au.bsky.social

7 months ago

Is the Event Industry actually dying? 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

Is the Event Industry actually dying?

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