Sydney's back in business

Good news to wrap up the year with attendee cap lifted for events sector.

BESydney has rescheduled 70% of meetings from this year into future years, and has 85 meetings and incentives confirmed from 2021 to 2026.
BESydney has rescheduled 70% of meetings from this year into future years, and has 85 meetings and incentives confirmed from 2021 to 2026.

Business events are officially back in Sydney, with the New South Wales Government easing state-wide social distancing requirements.

Previously, indoor event attendance was capped at 300 people — or one person per four square metres, severely affecting the economic viability of businesses. With this new announcement, corporate events can now take one person per two square metres, with no caps on attendees.

"This is a fantastic outcome for business events in NSW and is what the whole industry has been working so hard towards. This change is a major milestone in building business confidence to commit to restarting business events again," said Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO, Business Events Sydney (BESydney).

In October, the bureau launched the 'It’s got to be Sydney' campaign to attract delegates back to the harbour city, with a focus on the domestic market — albeit with their hands still tied, due to tight social distancing restrictions.

Looking further ahead, BESydney has rescheduled 70% of meetings from this year into future years, and has 85 meetings and incentives confirmed for Sydney from 2021 to 2026.

“This year has been one of the most challenging for our industry to date. I’m thrilled to see this huge step being taken as we look forward to once again welcoming business visitors back to Sydney and NSW in the months ahead, to connect people, ideas and knowledge, and drive economic, social and educational benefit."