Entries and Registrations Now Open for the 2026 Australian Event Awards and Symposium

The Australian Event Awards and Symposium will return to Coffs Harbour in 2026 with entries and registrations now officially open for the industry’s premier national program. Bringing together the best and brightest from across Australia’s $17+ billion events industry, the program recognising excellence, innovation and leadership while providing a platform for connection,…

https://www.specialevents.com.au/entries-and-registrations-now-open-for-the-2026-australian-event-awards-and-symposium/

The Bluesfest cancellation in 2026 is cited in the context of cost pressures across production, logistics, and demand, underscoring the industry-wide affordability squeeze.
The UTS study’s scope (18 NSW festivals in 2025) provides a comparative lens on pricing ...

https://www.specialevents.com.au/the-real-cost-of-attending-australias-multi-day-music-festivals-more-than-just-ticket-prices/

ABEA warns future wins are at risk without stronger Bid Fund support

Throughout the network of destination bureaux, Australia has secured 366 international business events for the future, representing 1,791 event days, 1,249,027 delegate days and an estimated $743.5 million in delegate spend, according to new data from the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA). The findings, released today in ABEA’s International Forward Calendar 2026, show a strong pipeline of…

https://www.specialevents.com.au/abea-warns-future-wins-are-at-risk-without-stronger-bid-fund-support/

Can the Events Industry Handle Another Shock Outside Its Control?

A few weeks ago, as tensions escalated into direct conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, I raised a familiar question—quietly at first—across the business events sector: Are we staring down another disruption cycle that no one in this industry can control? Covid in a different jacket? This is not a call for panic. Nor is it fearmongering. The data so far paints a measured, but undeniably serious…

https://www.specialevents.com.au/can-the-events-industry-handle-another-shock-outside-its-control/

Do you have a favourite child?

Peter Jones ponders his favourites If you do, chances are you’d never admit it out loud. What I’m about to ask feels a bit like that. Do you have a favourite Melbourne event? Perhaps it’s the Australian Open? Or the Australian Grand Prix? Maybe it’s the AFL Grand Final or perhaps the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is more to your liking:

https://www.specialevents.com.au/do-you-have-a-favourite-child/

Peter Jones AM Appointed Co-Chair of the Australian Event Awards

The Australian Event Awards is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Jones AM as Co-Chair, joining current Co-Chair Peter Rix in leading the program as it continues to recognise excellence across Australia’s events industry. Peter Jones is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading event producers, with more than three decades of experience creating and delivering major events. Based in…

https://www.specialevents.com.au/peter-jones-am-appointed-co-chair-of-the-australian-event-awards/

ENTECH launches 2026 events

ENTECH, the only event for AV and entertainment technology professionals that visits every major population centre in Australia and New Zealand has launched its new “From Roadshow to Experience” offering as it opens this year’s registrations. ENTECH CEO Kate McKenzie explained, “ENTECH is officially no longer just a touring exhibition, it is now a complete industry experience combining theatre, interactive demo zones and live technical…

https://www.specialevents.com.au/entech-launches-2026-events/

Deborah Evans joins Expertise Events as CEO

Reinforcing its position as Australia’s longest continuously owned and most enduring independent exhibition and conference organiser, Expertise Events has entered 2026 with momentum, announcing the launch of four new events alongside a purposeful leadership evolution designed to power its next chapter of growth. Expertise Events has always demonstrated a commitment to developing amazing events in both B2B and B2C markets. At…

https://www.specialevents.com.au/deborah-evans-joins-expertise-events-as-ceo/

ABEA urges federal support to expand the Bid Fund and establish a National Business Events Data Hub

The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has lodged two formal submissions to the Federal Government related to expanding the Business Events Bid Fund Program and to help establish a National Business Events Data Hub and Dashboard to support the collation and transparency of key data across government and industry. ABEA CEO Melissa Brown has called for the Hon…

https://www.specialevents.com.au/abea-urges-federal-support-to-expand-the-bid-fund-and-establish-a-national-business-events-data-hub/

The Vital Role and Evolving Landscape of Regional Events

Regional events serve as the backbone of their communities, bringing people together and playing a vital role in keeping communities connected. They also generate economic impact and strengthen a region’s visitor appeal. Recent data from an industry survey by the Australian Centre for Regional Events reveals a significant shift in the sector; while many organisers were previously struggling to survive, there is…

https://www.specialevents.com.au/the-vital-role-and-evolving-landscape-of-regional-events/