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/

ABEA launches Associate Memberships to support emerging talent and in-house planners

The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has launched new membership categories, expanding access and support for individuals working with, or aspiring to work in, the business events industry. The new categories, Student Membership and In-house Planner Membership, reflecting the growing number of professionals delivering events outside traditional event companies. Melissa…

https://www.specialevents.com.au/abea-launches-associate-memberships-to-support-emerging-talent-and-in-house-planners/

ENTECH expands and upgrades 2026 roadshow event sites

ENTECH has started the year of its upcoming roadshows with a bang by announcing that it has expanded and upgraded its 2026 roadshow sites across two countries and five time zones creating its biggest events ever. ENTECH celebrates its thirty-second birthday this year and moves its events into the month of May for the first time. The roadshow for AV and entertainment technology professionals that visits every major…

https://www.specialevents.com.au/entech-expands-and-upgrades-2026-roadshow-event-sites/

Expertise Events offer free training to help businesses win in a tougher, noisier market

As global uncertainty, rising costs and shrinking budgets reshape the exhibition landscape, exhibitors are being urged to rethink how they show up, not just show up. Expertise Events has announced the rollout of its refreshed Exhibit Success Training; a free, high-impact program designed to help exhibitors gain a real competitive edge in a market where simply “being at the show” is…

https://www.specialevents.com.au/expertise-events-offer-free-training-to-help-businesses-win-in-a-tougher-noisier-market/

The passing of an event industry pioneer

John “Johnny” Allen AM (10th June 1943 - 22nd Dec. 2025) Johnny Allen passed away at home on 22nd December following a long illness after contracting COVID at the 50th Anniversary of the Nimbin Aquarius festival. Rob Harris was a longtime friend and colleague of Johnny and penned this tribute. Johnny was my friend and a mentor to many within the Australian event industry.

https://www.specialevents.com.au/the-passing-of-an-event-industry-pioneer/

Sydney Royal Easter Show’s Lynelle Smith becomes first Australian to obtain IAFE Management qualification

Sydney Royal Easter Show (the Show) Head of Entertainment, Lynelle Smith IFMG, CFE, has become the first person outside of the United States to be recognised as Certified in Management through the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). The IAFE Institute of Fair Management Graduate Track in Management is an advanced program designed for industry…

https://www.specialevents.com.au/sydney-royal-easter-shows-lynelle-smith-becomes-first-australian-to-obtain-iafe-management-qualification/

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

https://www.specialevents.com.au/taylor-swift-vs-the-afl-grand-final-whos-the-real-winner-for-melbourne/