Industry up, but further support needed, says EEAA

New research suggests the events industry is growing, but the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has warned that further investment is critical for Australia to cement its position on the global stage.

The latest EEAA Market Monitor revealed a 12% jump in industry growth, as reported by exhibitions and events professionals from January to June 2012.

Approximately 64% of respondents reported growth in their industry sector, compared with 52% in the previous six months. Respondents also estimated they would deliver an extra 27 new events in 2013 alone.

General manager Joyce DiMascio described the results as an “encouraging” development which confirmed the need for expanded facilities at Darling Harbour.

But with a winning consortia for the Sydney International Convention Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP) yet to be confirmed, EEAA chairman Matthew Pearce appealed to the government for long term support.

“We understand that there is pressure on the government to deliver much needed social infrastructure – but it must not lose sight of the fact that business events generate profound economic and social benefits to the state,” he said.

Pearce urged the government not to “skimp” on NSW’s economic future when it selects the winning consortia, and stressed that a “flexible, world class venue” was needed.

“The competition is not Melbourne, the competition is the rest of the world. It is important the evaluation driver is to produce a facility not simply competitive with the best in Australia, but rivalling the best in the world,” he said.

Meanwhile, finalists for the EEAA 2012 Awards for Excellence have been announced, with the winners to be announced at a gala dinner at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne on December 4.