Pressure on to deliver premium facility: EEAA

Pressure on to deliver premium facility: EEAA
By admin


The Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has stressed the need to deliver a stellar first round of events at the Glebe Island Expo facility to secure repeat bookings for the future.

During an extensive interview with The Nibbler this week, EEAA general manager Joyce DiMascio said the industry had renewed confidence following the announcement that Sydney Harbour Expo@Glebe Island will oversee the development of the new Glebe Island interim facility.

Plans for staffing, transport, and food and beverage services are now being finalised, with marketing and booking processes also yet to be confirmed.

Describing the announcement as an “exciting win” for the industry, DiMascio said the plans are a big step up from the “bleak outcome” which faced the industry months before, when the SCEC closure was confirmed with no fallback plan.

However, she said the pressure was now on the industry to deliver a premium venue in order to secure the long term success of Sydney’s conference and exhibitions sector.

“We need to make sure the first events in 2014 are a success. Only then will events be rebooked in 2015 and beyond,” she said. “All eyes are on the government, developers and organisers to make sure we get it right.”

DiMascio was confident the industry would strike the right balance, but added there was still “a lot of work to do”.

“The next step is to refine details surrounding the site, but more importantly we have to ensure the interim site is marketed correctly,” she said. “The demand is out there, but we need to make sure we can pick up the bookings for 2014 and beyond.”

The EEAA will collaborate with the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Business Events Sydney and Infrastructure NSW to market the site and “bring the major players to the table”.

But DiMascio was optimistic of a promising outcome: “This is a win on many fronts, and with the good will and determination in the industry out there, we have all the right ingredients for a really good outcome for Sydney.”

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. […]