Tough road ahead for Sydney: EEAA

Sydney’s exhibition industry is in for a “challenging” year ahead, with a 35% increase in new shows as the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre prepares to close its doors later this year, the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia has said.
New EEAA data released at AIME this week revealed that the number of new shows has jumped by more than a third, with 27 new expos to be launched this year alone.
Organiser optimism has also jumped 64%, and 62% of suppliers have reported increased turnover during the last financial year.
EEAA general manager Joyce DiMascio described the figures as an encouraging sign, but added that the growth comes at a “difficult time” for Sydney.
“This will set a challenging year ahead for industry and government to ensure the growth rate of the industry continues as we prepare to transition major shows from Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre to Sydney Harbour Expo @ Glebe Island,” she said.
“It is vital that all parties, especially the NSW government agencies, work together to ensure business continuity and a quality experience are delivered at the temporary site,” she added.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, DiMascio also highlighted the need for the industry to work collaboratively to achieve adequate recognition.
“It’s very hard to cut through with government with many voices, so together we have to work hard to build a story of our impact,” she said. “We can prove the weight we have and the impact we have for the economy of Australia.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News

ETM scores gold at the NTIAs
Event Travel Management has struck gold. We're unsure if the company collectively shouted eureka after winning, however.

Routes Asia to jet into Perth in 2025
Routes Asia is heading to Perth! It doesn't matter Perth isn't in Asia, the WA Capital is the place to be!

MEA announces new board of directors and office bearers
MEA's new board looks quite exciting! No worries about this board leaving you bored.

The Sebel launches new premium offering in the heart of Sydney’s CBD
Don't let this subtle entrance fool you, the Sebel has just changed the game in Martin Place.

Australia, New Zealand named amongst study into World’s “friendliest hotels”
Are the Aussie and Kiwi hotels friendlier than Faulty Towers? We surely hope so!

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus stars at AAA’s Women In Airports Forum
The forum was a standout on our 2023 calendar and we can't wait for 2024's edition which promises to be event bigger!

Hilton Adelaide welcomes new general manager
"Hello Hilton," the new GM yelled as they walked in the door! Well, maybe... We're not sure if they said that.

Gen Z’s most trusted and favourite airlines revealed at StudentUniverse annual awards
Which airline would have Gen Z's swiping right?

Business Events Perth honours the best and brightest at 2023 Aspire Awards
Despite considering ourselves the best and brightest, The Nibbler did not get a mention. We'll get 'em next year.

AHA (WA) welcomes WA Government’s short-term accommodation reform
Looks like a warm welcome has not been extended to Airbnb. Not like you get much of a warm welcome anyway.

Dreamtime’s 2024 location and new name revealed!
Any clue on what it could be called? We guessed 'Awaketime' but unfortunately that was not it.

Rodeo Drive lighting celebration kickstarts festive season attractions in Beverly Hills
The event is free of charge, unlike anything else on the street, which you'd probably need a bank loan for.

Australian Business Events Association welcomes two directors to its board
The association goes by ABEA, which is incredibly similar to ABBA, spurring the team to hum 'Dancing Queen'.

Woman suing Ritz-Carlton claiming employee ejaculated in her water bottle
The woman says she drank the water before realising it had been “defiled by a criminal deviant.”

Nature’s gifts and small-city charm meet in Perth, Western Australia
There's no better place to come and say g'day than in the WA. Hooray!

Pan Pacific Perth to unveil a $50m transformation
With an investment like this it'll only be the fluffiest towels and nicest pillow mints for Pan Pacific Perth goers.

ATEC announces keynote address by Matildas star Elise Kellond-Knight
Relive the thrill, excitement and national unity that was the Matilda's stellar run at ATEC's upcoming event.

FCM: Business sector driving growth in Aus/Asia aviation market
Zoom meetings are so 2020, in 2023, the rage is a business trip to Asia. We certainly wouldn't be complaining.

Why does the government want to keep airfares high?: Flight Centre boss
Skroo's come in with the million (or multi-billion) dollar question that perplexes us all.

Exhibitor applications open for MEETINGS 2024
Get them in quick! Stands at MEETINGS 2024 are going like hot cakes next to a stoner convention.

Adelaide Convention Centre becomes first convention centre to EarthCheck’s Master status
Unlike Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars films, the Adelaide Convention Centre has become a master.

Bonza means business with new group bookings arm
Bonza bolsters its business and events offerings with a move that's broken barriers for the airline.

FCTG Independent launches first ever global conference with inaugural destination
FCTG’s Independent Division is launching their first ever global conference, bringing together independent travel agency owners and mobile advisors from across Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and South Africa. Santiago, Chile, has been revealed as the destination for the first conference, which will take place from 1 – 4 May next year. The FCTG […]

The sunny spot to spice up your next conference
Where could this sunny spot be? If your guess was the Sunshine State then you're off to a good start.

International visitors top priority for delegates at Australian Tourism Export Council Meeting Place event
If this story doesn't get you in the mood for the weekend, we're not sure what will. Maybe a glass of bubbles?

Five star luxury in Western Sydney: Pullman Sydney Penrith review
What's the difference between a good 5 star hotel and a great one? You'll have to read this to find out!

W Sydney officially opens its doors
We're not sure what was more anticipated, the opening of W Sydney or Avatar 2!

Delegates keen to return for Cannes in Cairns
Crikey! Cannes in Cairns is ready to kick off like a croc in a sock!

Darwin Showcase 2023 flaunts the NT
There's no better way to lure people to the NT than a showcase. Go see for yourself how it's 'different in every sense'.

Geelong’s getting sustainable with major tourism overhaul
These massive changes are guaranteed to have you flabbergasted! Or just slightly excited. It's one or the other really.

Qantas chairman Richard Goyder to go after repeated calls for his resignation
The industry said "he's Goyder go" and he listened. Well, we're unsure if they made the pun but the sentiment was there.

The senate inquiry’s verdict is in! Here’s how to fix Australian aviation
Spoiler for the story but, unfortunately, wider seats and no screaming babies don't make the list.

Visitor stats up: Tourism Australia asked the world to Come and Say G’day, and they said okay!
We know where the bloody hell they are now. They're here.

Perth bumps Melbourne as fastest growing city for international business travellers
Move over Melbourne! Your coffee and graffiti laden alleyways can only get you so far with global business travellers.

Pullman Penrith and Western Sydney Conference Centre play host to triple NRL premiers end of year awards
As you would imagine, the awards night for the triple premiers was a blast, and we were there to be part of the fun!

New partnership established to support Indigenous Australians across Queensland’s tourism + hospitality industries
This is one of the best partnerships since garlic and butter! Ooft, some garlic bread sounds good about now!