Joyce DiMascio

December 8, 2021 · Sydney, Australia

MEA’s new Chair hopes to leave a legacy

Leadership changes, staffing changes and strategic reviews have been all part of the landscape in 2021 for business events peak bodies in 2021.

Following the Annual General Meeting and Board elections in November, Michael Firman, General Manager of Exhibitions at Harry the hirer, stepped up to become Meetings and Events Australia's new Chair, replacing Nigel Collin.

micenet spoke with Firman about his new role and his commitment to leaving a legacy. Read more

Opinion

Stay tuned for part two of this story tomorrow.

Bronwen Largier

December 8, 2021 · Sydney, Australia

Get Local sells out

The first major trade show for the business events industry in Australasia since the pandemic began, Get Local, taking place February 15 and 16, 2022, in Sydney, has sold out its exhibition space. Read more

Opinion

Interesting to see there is healthy interest in a local show even with the prospect of international borders reopening.

Bronwen Largier

December 8, 2021 · Sydney, Australia

Global incentive society to host first Australian conference in February 2022

The Society of Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) will deliver its first Australian conference for local incentive planners on February 14 at the Shangri-La Sydney. Read more

Opinion

An opportunity for inspiration and learning ahead of a year which should hopefully see a major return of the incentive market.

Warwick Merry

December 8, 2021 · Sydney, Australia

You may be ready for face to face, but are your delegates?

Slowly but surely more face-to-face events are happening. For those of us in events there is a lot of smiles and celebration. But how do the delegates feel? Read more

Opinion

Some nice tips here for keeping some of the inclusivity of the virtual event environment.

Bronwen Largier

December 3, 2021 · Sydney, Australia

Major new event venue opens at Royal Randwick in Sydney

The Australian Turf Club (ATC) held a preview of its new $46.6 million WINX Stand for industry last night at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, kicking the event off with a five-piece band at the entrance and putting an Australian icon on stage to celebrate the opening. Read more

Opinion

Great to see a venue booked out for the first month of opening in a pandemic year.

Graeme Kemlo

December 3, 2021 · Sydney, Australia

Why the Australian Open is so loved by Melbourne

Regardless of where you sit on the argument about international and local players needing to be vaccinated to play at the Australian Open Grand Slam in January, behind the scenes it is the data analytics that confirm why Melbourne is determined to protect and grow this major event. Read more

Opinion

I'd be hanging onto this event too, if I were Melbourne!

Bronwen Largier

December 3, 2021 · Sydney, Australia

Unabating pent-up demand as Destination Gold Coast reports business events results

Destination Gold Coast won 104 conferences in the last financial year, worth an estimated $99.3 million for the region’s economy.

“In an undeniably tough year for our industry, it’s heartening to see these results which signal a positive outlook towards a robust recovery,” said Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan. Read more

Opinion

This is an impressive result for a pandemic year.

Bronwen Largier

December 1, 2021 · Sydney, Australia

Applications open for Business Events Sydney’s subvention funding

Those looking for a share in $6 million of funding for business events in Greater Sydney, Wollongong or Newcastle need to get in quick, with applications open now for Business Events Sydney’s Accelerate program, and closing in less than three weeks. Read more

Opinion

No time to waste for this opportunity.