Before the onset of the pandemic, the business events sector in Western Australia was estimated to deliver AUD$2.5 billion in direct economic impact to the national economy. Photo Credit: Getty Images/NeoPhoto
Business Events Perth is urging more event owners to take advantage of the AU$50 million (approx. US$37 million) fund set aside for Australia's business events industry since November last year, with just 20 local events approved so far.
The first of these events is AOG Energy, happening this week (10-11 March), with more across 2021 until December.
“As we all know the Covid pandemic has caused monumental challenges to the business events industry, with gathering restrictions and the inability for international and interstate visitors to come to WA, sparking widespread postponements and cancellations of events over the past 12 months,” said Business Events Perth chief executive, Gareth Martin.
“By reducing the cost for buyers and sellers to meet, connect and collaborate at a business event, this programme is not just aiding in the recovery of the events sector, it’s also stimulating increased activity in the business events supply chain," Martin added.
Before the onset of the pandemic, the business events sector in Australia was estimated to deliver AU$35 billion in direct economic impact to the national economy, with Western Australia’s share worth about AU$2.5 billion.
Martin said the sector provides opportunities to a further chain of local businesses such as caterers, photographers and audio-visual and staging companies, and also attracts high-yielding business visitors.
Pre-approved business events, including conventions, incentives and exhibitions, are eligible for upfront grants that cover up to 50% of planning costs (between $10,000 and $250,000).
Along with event organisers, local delegates and exhibitors can also harness the grant to offset the cost of attending pre-approved events. Applications to attend events held before 31 December 2021 are now open, and will close on 30 March at 5pm AEDT.