Aus set for good year ahead
Over 40% of Australian event companies expect to see strong growth of up to 10% in their operating profit, according to the 20th Global Exhibition Barometer by The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI). The report shows Australia to be one of the most optimistic business event markets.
Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) chief executive Joyce DiMascio said the report highlighted a strong year ahead for the local sector as she welcomed Australia’s inclusion in the survey for the first time. “Suppliers are very positive about 2018 with a wide-range of new shows to be launched across new industry sectors,” she said.
The report showed 29% of Australian MICE businesses reported the state of the economy to be the most important issue facing the industry, followed by 26% concerned with competition from within the sector.
Events to shape policy
The Federal Government has appointed key members from the business events sector to help shape future tourism policy as part of the Beyond Tourism 2020 Steering Committee. The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) president Karen Bolinger and AEG Ogden chief executive Harvey Lister have both been appointed to the committee.
AACB ceo Andrew Hiebl said, “the AACB has played a leading role in advocating to Federal Government on behalf of the business events industry, identifying and addressing issues and opportunities for industry recognition and growth”.
Appointments were made by Minister for Tourism and Trade Steven Ciobo.
ETG Staging Connections unveils rebrand
China-based technology and event staging company ETG Staging Connections has announced a rebrand and will now be known as Encore Event Technologies. The president of parent company Freeman Audio Visual, Ken Sanders, said the Encore name reflected the current landscape and would help the outfit achieve future success.
The company said Encore’s new chapter would appeal to current and new clients in Australia and across the globe.
