In this week’s news wrap-up, we’re covering everything you need to know about the latest industry events, new support payments for NSW businesses and more.

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New date for Events Uncovered 2021!

In light of the current restrictions in Sydney, Events Uncovered will move to a new date in 2021, to ensure the industry can come together safely and with renewed confidence.

Now set to take place on Thursday 2 September 2021, the rescheduled Events Uncovered will follow the same format, including the highly anticipated in-person exhibition, speaker program and networking events.

“Moving the dates was the right thing to do,” said event director Bethanie Tobin, “and it’s great news that we’ve secured the same venue, Sydney Masonic Centre, to run the complete program we originally envisaged.

“With a revised date, Events Uncovered will be able to welcome a greater portion of our industry and with higher levels of confidence.”

Here’s what you can expect from the full program:

Thursday 2 September 2021
Sydney Masonic Centre
8am-10am: The Breakfast Club
10am-6pm: Free Exhibition
10.45am-5pm: Spice Knowledge Sessions
6pm-8pm: Wrap Party

Explore the full program and secure your tickets here.

Perth Event Show returns in August 2021

The Western Australian business events community will come together next month, when the Perth Event Show makes its return.

Taking place on 18 and 19 August 2021 at Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, the exhibition is open to new and seasoned event professionals looking to gain inspiration, knowledge and grow their network.

Read the full story here.

Support available NSW businesses impacted by lockdown

The NSW Government has announced a new grants package to support small businesses and people impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions.

The package includes grants of between $5,000 and $10,000 for small businesses, payroll tax deferrals for all employers, plus an extension to the Dine & Discover program.

The new grants will be divided into two streams:

1. The Small Business COVID-19 Support Grant is available to businesses and sole traders with a turnover of more than $75,000 per annum but below the NSW Government 2020-21 payroll tax threshold of $1,200,000 as at 1 July 2020. Businesses must also have fewer than 20 full time equivalent employees.

2. The Hospitality and Tourism COVID-19 Support Grant is available to tourism or hospitality businesses that have a turnover of more than $75,000 and an annual Australian wages bill of below $10 million, as at 1 July 2020.

Find more details and apply here.

PCOA announces keynote speaker

The PCO Association has announced Matthew Findlay, director – global markets at Ailevon Pacific Aviation Consulting, as the keynote speaker for its annual conference, PCOA21.

Findlay has considerable experience in the airports and aviation industry, having worked in a variety of roles and countries since joining the sector in 1996.

PCOA21 program director Paula Leishman said Findlay is a great fit for the program.

“He is able to speak on a broader aviation view of the world, including where the aviation industry might be headed, how can we as partners of the aviation industry contribute to the recovery, what can we expect in the future and what are the airlines doing to help the recovery of the business events industry,” she said.

More information and tickets are available here.

Penny Lion departs Tourism Australia

Tourism Australia has confirmed a number of changes to its business events operations, including the departure of Penny Lion following more than 10 years with the organisation.

Penny Lion

The changes will see a reorganisation of Tourism Australia’s international, events and business events operations from 1 July 2021, as a result of a recent global review of the agency’s business plans ahead of the next financial year.

Lion said working at Tourism Australia and with the business events sector has been a great honour.

“Australia has a fantastic business events offering and there will no doubt continue to be strong demand to host international meetings, congresses and corporate incentives here in the future once we get beyond the immediate crisis,” she said.

“And the advantage of business events are the long lead times so that the work of Tourism Australia with industry can continue to deliver successful business outcomes in the future.”

Following her departure, Lion will continue to assist Tourism Australia in an advisory capacity for business events.


Featured image: WA event industry will come together for the Perth Event Show