SCEC closure could mark end for some
SCEC closure could mark end for some
The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC) closure may threaten the viability of some agencies who will be forced to compete from a smaller pool of business during the three year re-development, it has been revealed.
In a wide-reaching interview with The Nibbler this week, Concept Event Management (CEM) directors Mark Wallage and Susannah Gallagher highlighted a number of challenges to be introduced by the SCEC closure from 2013 to 2016.
With suitable alternatives for large scale events yet to be secured, Wallage said a number of larger conferences will be put on hold while the centre is closed.
But smaller companies will feel it most as larger companies step on their territory to fill the gaps, Wallage added.
“We will see larger companies who usually do those events also chase smaller events. So effectively, the bigger companies will be playing in the same backyard for 200-800 pax conferences,” Wallage said.
Gallagher added that the effects could be devastating for smaller companies who are already struggling to find business.
“We won’t be surprised to see more businesses close because they can’t compete in a market dominated by global financial turmoil in a city without a convention centre,” Gallagher said.
Infrastructure NSW project director Tim Parker insisted that Sydney would remain “open for business” and most events would go ahead during the SCEC closure.
But with some alternative venues yet to be confirmed, Meetings and Events Australia chief executive Linda Gaunt said CEM’s concerns were “warranted”.
“There is a possibility that some businesses will go under because they won’t be able to compete during the SCEC re-development, but we have to be careful not to get ahead of ourselves,” Gaunt said. “We are doing all we can to keep what business we can in Sydney,” she added.
Infrastructure NSW could not confirm how many events will be put on hold from 2013 to 2016. However, it will release a review on alternative facilities in the “next few weeks”.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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