Latest news with #eventorganisers
The Australian
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Australian
Victoria's event industry crisis revealed in shocking new workforce data
The number of people working as event organisers in Victoria has plunged by almost 40 per cent since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, despite increases in other states, matching a sharp fall in spending on business events in the state over the past decade. Just days after Premier Jacinta Allan announced her government will legislate to make working from home a legal right, leaders in the industry – which organises events from conferences to weddings and music festivals – have pointed to a change in behaviour during Covid lockdowns they say is still costing the state's economy. Event industry leaders are also pleading with the Allan government to learn from its counterparts interstate and better engage with the sector to maximise its potential to create jobs, stimulate business for event suppliers, and generate revenue. Analysis of the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force data by event industry leader Simon Thewlis shows the number of event organisers in Victoria fell from 11,544 in 2018-19 to 7062 in 2024-25 – a slump of 38.8 per cent. Over the same period, the drop in NSW was 0.07 per cent, from 13,421 to 13,327, while Queensland recorded a 70 per cent increase, from 2566 to 4361. Victoria's slump accounted for the vast majority of the 5227 jobs lost in the sector nationwide, which fell 15.2 per cent from 34,375 to 29, 148. 'We've been telling the government since halfway through 2020 when the pandemic was biting that it would have long term impacts,' Mr Thewlis said. 'We've long been warning that the event industry was now based in Sydney, and the numbers show it. When you think back to us 10 years ago, that would have been unimaginable,' Mr Thewlis said. Figures prepared by consultants Ernst and Young for the Business Events Council of Australia show Victoria had a $10.0bn, or 36 per cent share, of national direct expenditure on business events in 2013-14. While not directly comparable, Tourism Research Australia statistics show that in 2024, Victoria's share of Australia-wide visitor expenditure on business events was a much lower 22.1 per cent. Regina Lysaught, managing director of event company VEE Agency and previously the Victorian chair of Meetings and Events Australia, said the pandemic had shifted consumer behaviour, with many Victorians developing a preference for avoiding in-person social interaction. 'Events used to be such an important part of Victorian culture, and that's changed a lot, and it's not a good thing. People are staying at home more,' Ms Lysaught said. 'The pandemic itself shifted everyone's behaviours. In terms of business events, I think the fact that we all got used to Zooming in and there was the option to watch conferences online, it's now an expectation that that's provided. 'In terms of social events, large festivals, I think people are preferring to spend their money at smaller, bespoke, unique festivals. The people who were coming of age during Covid, I guess they never had that rite of passage of attending large festivals and events, so it's not been part of their experience. 'Another trend we're noticing is that people are purchasing tickets closer to events, which makes it harder to plan, particular for smaller businesses.' Jarrad Thessman, who runs festival event management business Midnight Assembly, agreed the pandemic had contributed to challenges for the live music industry, pointing to 2022-23 statistics from industry body APRA AMCOS showing 1300 live music venues that host small to medium gigs having closed since Covid. 'There's definitely less interest in mass gatherings and social outings in that late teens, early 20s cohort, and the challenge for event organisers in all sectors is communicating the unique selling proposition of event attendance,' Mr Thessman said. 'We previously didn't require such overt communication of the benefits of in-person gathering. Now you've got to call out the benefit that comes from being in the room, and that's evident across corporate and business events, as well as festivals and live music.' Mr Thessman also pointed to the Victorian government's cancellation of the Commonwealth Games as a decision that was 'logical in the context of the state budget, but illogical in the context of the event industry, and failed to fully consider the benefit that could have come from that opportunity being correctly executed.' Bonnie Hamilton, who runs the largest event recruitment company in Australia, Apex Event Recruitment, said the labour force data came as little surprise, with her business currently advertising just three roles in Melbourne compared with 19 in Sydney. 'We've actually seen major growth in other markets like Queensland, WA and SA,' Ms Hamilton said. Opposition events spokesman Sam Groth said Labor had cut $6.6m from Victoria's business events program, 'one of the highest-yielding parts of Victoria's tourism and events sector'. 'It's no surprise industry professionals are heading interstate to find work,' Mr Groth said. 'Victoria needs a sustainable events calendar, not just one-off blockbuster events that deliver a sugar hit but offer no long-term jobs. The government must do more to support stable careers in this industry.' The Allan government said working from home 'works for families and it's good for the economy.' Read related topics: Coronavirus Nation Anthony Albanese and Emmanuel Macron are 'working together' to advance Palestinian statehood ahead of a UN conference on a two-state solution. Politics Australia's investment landscape faces its biggest shake-up since 1987, with billions in foreign investment at stake for Labor's clean energy and housing agenda.
RNZ News
20-05-2025
- RNZ News
Ticket holders frustrated with refund process after Omaka Classic Fighters airshow fails to take off
The Classic Fighters airshow at Omaka, near Blenheim, was due to take place over Easter Weekend but was cancelled four days beforehand due to severe weather expected. Photo: Facebook / Yealands Classic Fighters Omaka A Christchurch man who purchased tickets to a popular Marlborough airshow has been left frustrated, saying it is unfair to be reimbursed only part of the ticket price after the event was called off. But event organisers say they are facing financial difficulties as they scramble to compensate ticket holders who have been left out of pocket. The Classic Fighters airshow at Omaka, near Blenheim, was due to take place over Easter Weekend but was cancelled four days beforehand due to severe weather expected. The biennial event has been running since 2001 as a showcase for historic military aircrafts from both World War I and II. Following the cancellation, organisers said they were in the process of "contacting all ticketholders ... to advise when they can expect some clarity around their ticket investment". But many ticket purchasers have vented their anger online after being offered only a "50 to 80 percent partial refund", with one woman describing the situation as "absolutely disgraceful". Colm McArdle planned to travel to the event with his family before he was told about the cancellation in the days leading up. The trip was set to cost between $1000-$1500, he said. In an email to ticket holders a week later, event organisers signalled the "considerable challenge of navigating the financial repercussions of this cancellation". "We have the immediate task of ensuring that our suppliers and contractors engaged in the preparation of the airshow are paid in accordance with their contracts." The email also included a link to a survey, offering options of a partial refund, donating the ticket cost to organisers or rolling tickets over to the next show in 2027. McArdle tried to follow up with organisers. "I wasn't confident that 2027 would go ahead and that it's too far in the future," McArdle said. "I told them I expected a full refund and I got no reply from them." It is the second time McArdle had purchased tickets to the event only for it to be cancelled. The 2021 airshow was abandoned due to Covid-19, however, he received a full refund "within a couple of weeks". "I was sort of expecting the same thing," he said. Earlier this month, the Classic Fighters Airshow Charitable Trust informed ticket purchasers organisers were "facing unavoidable costs associated with the show preparations". "We are deeply grateful to the many ticket holders who have generously chosen to retain their tickets for the next show in 2027, and to those who have made kind donations to support us, your generosity is truly appreciated." A number of suppliers had also offered to absorb some of the expenses incurred, the email said. "I was under the impression that these events would be insured for these sorts of situations," McArdle said. "For me, it's very unfair, times aren't easy these days. I'm not in the business of giving my money away to events and event organisers and not getting anything in return. The whole thing wasn't cheap." In a statement to RNZ, the Trust said the cancellation had caused a "significant financial challenge". "We understand the frustration caused by the air show's cancellation and sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of most ticket holders. "Mindful of our commitment to all our ticket holders, we made the difficult decision to secure a loan. This allowed us to provide an 80 percent refund of the original ticket price and most of these refunds have now been made." It was also dealing with a "small number of issues" and dealing with each case on an individual basis, a spokesperson said. "All ticket refunds and roll-overs should be completed within the next two days." Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, if an event or show is cancelled, ticket holders are entitled to a full refund plus the booking fee. Consumer Protection states, under the Act, this may not be the case if the breach was due to something outside the control of the business and their agents. "For example, the ticket seller and event organiser are not liable under the [Act] if an event was unavoidably delayed because of bad weather." Earlier this week McArdle was refunded $237.60, amounting to 76 percent of the total sum he paid for tickets. Consumer New Zealand has been approached for comment. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Malay Mail
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Communications Ministry unveils incentives plan to lure international concerts, revive events and tourism industries
PUTRAJAYA, May 14 — Communications Minister today said it has introduced the Concert and Events in Malaysia Incentive (CEMI) to revitalise the local music and hospitality industries while attracting high-quality international shows to Malaysia. Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the programme will be open for applications from May 15 to July 10 this year, offering financial incentives to event organisers who meet key criteria. 'This initiative is part of our efforts to stimulate the live entertainment industry, while also ensuring that international events contribute meaningfully to the local economy and cultural landscape. 'CEMI will offer financial incentives to organisers who meet the criteria, which include economic impact, increased tourism potential, incorporation of local content, and compliance with the programme's guidelines,' he told reporters during the ministry's weekly press conference here today. MORE TO COME
Malay Mail
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Comms Ministry unveils incentives plan to lure international concerts, revive events and tourism industries
PUTRAJAYA, May 14 — Communications Minister today said it has introduced the Concert and Events in Malaysia Incentive (CEMI) to revitalise the local music and hospitality industries while attracting high-quality international shows to Malaysia. Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the programme will be open for applications from May 15 to July 10 this year, offering financial incentives to event organisers who meet key criteria. 'This initiative is part of our efforts to stimulate the live entertainment industry, while also ensuring that international events contribute meaningfully to the local economy and cultural landscape. 'CEMI will offer financial incentives to organisers who meet the criteria, which include economic impact, increased tourism potential, incorporation of local content, and compliance with the programme's guidelines,' he told reporters during the ministry's weekly press conference here today. MORE TO COME
Associated Press
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Sydney's Winter Event Season Is Shaping Up To Be The Most Vibrant Yet
Party hire operators have confirmed to Phrisk Media that early orders for Sydney's winter event season Is shaping up for it to be the most vibrant yet SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA, May 10, 2025 / / -- In exclusive interviews with Phrisk Media, Sydney event and party hire operators have confirmed that the city has transitioned our of the summer period and it's winter event season is set to bring a vibrant, colourful and playful o the middle of 2025. Early orders for event fencing hire has amazed seasoned operators as the booking demand for temporary and security fencing leading up to and during the winter event season by both Sydney corporates and event managers has been way ahead of last year. Temporary fencing has been particularly in strong demand as stricter crowd control that is being enforced to manage numbers at events is high on the minds of event organisers. The popularity, if not the latest craze sweeping Australia is the hire of slushie and alcoholic cocktail machines for both indoor and open air events. There is something special about the machines and the brightly colured crushed ice tumbling in the machines that takes party goers back to their childhood. A spokesman for the leading provider of cocktail machines hire in both Sydney and Melbourne has seen a dramatic rise in enquiry levels in recent years but particularly post pandemic period of late. You can learn more about these is by visiting their websites here: Another surprise to Phrisk Media was the increased demand for adult jumping castles at events being recently held. A spokesman for Ash Jumping Castle hire said he had not expected the interest to be so high and the creativity of party organisors has been a real eye opener, just when the team thought they had seen everything possible to be done with jumping castles! Add an inflatable boxing ring and dual it out with a 'work mate' opponent, but one needs to be careful not to get too close because they will be able to knock opponents to the floor in the oversized gloves! Hilarious entertainment all ages can enjoy, even the older ones that want to get a swing or two in and don't worry its completely harmless so go nuts. It's a great addition to liven up a party and get people having fun in no time, and with the ring unit is 4.5m x 4.5m it's perfect for even a back-garden event. The Scooby Doo and Shaggy haunted castle is a fun one for adults to explore. Those meddling are going to have to hop into the mystery cruiser to figure it out, so are you brave enough to join them on their next quest? This heavy-duty castle is an old favorite and fully enclosed for safety, a great option for both kids, adults and comes with rain and sun protection too. You can learn more about these by visiting the Ash Jumping Castles here: Suzanne Delany Phrisk Media email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
