Big or small, innovation is king: experts

Big or small, innovation is king: experts
By admin


a

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Big or small, innovation is king: experts

Big or small, innovation is king: experts
By admin


Experts remain divided on whether small event agencies are better off teaming up with larger companies, but agree that it’s critical to move forward to stay in the game.

Following an in-depth discussion as to whether smaller event agencies should “get big or get out” at the recent Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) conference in Sydney, The Nibbler this week re-visited the topic to set the record straight.

In an exclusive interview, MCI Australia managing director Ray Shaw highlighted the benefits of partnering with big players, such as financial security and access to greater capital.

Larger companies also have a greater capacity to deal with insurance, solvency and fidelity issues, he said, adding that legal red tape had forced smaller traders to close up in the past.

Shaw stopped short of admitting that bigger business was better, but said the stronger foundations of larger companies allowed them to take risks which smaller business could often not afford.

“Larger companies have the foundations in place which are vital to survive in this industry,” he said. “It’s important for smaller companies to think big, because if you are standing still you are going backwards and you will eventually fall by the wayside.”

Meanwhile, WALDRONSMITH Management managing director Kate Smith conceded that size wasn’t the key to success. Instead, she said finding a niche market was the best way forward.

“Big doesn’t necessarily mean better. It all comes down to recognizing your strengths and setting yourself apart,” she said.

Confident that smaller businesses would continue to have a place in the MICE market, Smith said there was enough room for big and small event companies to sit “comfortably” in the mix.

However, businesses which fail to deliver creative business and react to market conditions would open themselves to failure, she added.

It’s all about the value you bring to your clients regardless of the size of your organization, but forward thinking is vital if you want to survive,” she said.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest News

  • Conferences

Cvent Accelerate Sydney finds event growth will come from pre-, during and post-event data

Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider, has concluded its third edition of Cvent Accelerate in Sydney, where technology’s role in catapulting growth was front and centre. The 341 attendees were challenged to think how they are currently using data and additional ways to unlock its potential, particularly across marketing, in scaling event […]

  • Food & Beverage

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney popular Aperitivo returns to Grain Bar

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is relaunching its popular Aperitivo, now located in the George St venue’s award-winning Grain Bar. Originally launched into Mode Kitchen & Bar in 2023, Aperitivo is inspired by the classic Italian evening ritual where guests enjoy a cocktail, paired with traditional Italian antipasti bites. It became a much-loved offering for Sydneysiders […]

  • Hotels

nb_ OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa completes US$60 million renovation

Hawai’i’s OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa has completed its US$60 million (AU$90 million) renovation as is once again ready to welcome guests to Keauhou, a name that signifies “New Era”. The revitalised 511 guest rooms/suites and meeting spaces blend the property’s heritage and reverence for voyaging with modern aesthetics. The concept of “koi au” inspired […]

  • Events

Merlin Venues Sydney partners with bespoke catering

Merlin Venues Sydney, the events arm of Merlin Entertainments, has announced a new partnership with Sydney-based culinary experts, Bespoke Catering ahead of its event season. Merlin Venues Sydney hosts a range of unique public and private events across their four leading attractions in the city. These include the iconic SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE […]

  • Business
  • Events
  • Exhibitions

Sprintr launches world’s first 100% recyclable kiosk for delegate registration

Sprintr has launched its sustainable, lightweight, modular EcoKiosk for delegate registrations, to support the events industry in reducing its carbon footprint. Made from Re-Board® Technology, a durable, versatile, lightweight, printable and 100 percent recyclable product, this impressive design gives the business events industry the option to reduce their environmental impact and deliver on sustainability KPIs. […]