Senior decision-makers from the exhibition industry have meet on Queensland’s Gold Coast this week to discuss the key issues facing the industry and develop strategies to secure the ongoing good health of the sector.

An initiative of Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia (EEAA), the Leaders Forum brings together directors and chief executives of the major businesses which stage exhibitions: venues, event organisers, contractors and suppliers.

The exhibition industry is a major contributor to the more than 300,000 business events staged annually in Australia. These events involve over 20 million participants and drive expenditure in excess of $17 billion each year.

“Australia is part of the fastest growing region for exhibitions in the world. Post-GFC new shows are being produced around the country which shows the sector’s continued appeal for marketers,” said Joyce DiMascio, general manager, EEAA.

“But we still need to ensure that our long-term viability and investment in the sector is secure. The Leaders Forum is where we have the opportunity for high-level discussion and decision-making which will form the basis of our future planning and advocacy.”

EEAA is currently taking the lead in providing Government with industry feedback on the proposed new Sydney international conference and entertainment centre. This will be a key agenda item this week, along with other issues of common concern such as industry training, OH&S, the changing needs of buyers and sellers in today’s marketplace and the impact of new technologies.

Despite the emergence of other marketing channels – especially online – exhibitions continue to be a powerful forum for doing business because of its face-to-face nature, said DiMascio.