Meetings & Events Australia’s (MEA) annual conference, Evolve 2020, is just days away.

Taking place on Thursday 16 July, the conference is getting a major shake-up this year, going fully virtual under the new name, Evolve: Renovated.

Like the name suggests, Evolve: Renovated is all about ‘renovating’ yourself, your business and the business events industry in this ever-changing time.

The full-day program will be delivered from Deakin Edge at Fed Square Melbourne using EventsAIR’s OnAIR event solution and will offer a range of panels, Q&A sessions, fireside chats and keynote sessions.

In between sessions, delegates can visit the live exhibition space, take a wellness session and network with other attendees.

Need more convincing? Here are the five reasons why we’ll be tuning in to Evolve: Renovated this Thursday.

1: Top international and national speaker line-up

The team at MEA have not skimped on the talent for this year’s Evolve conference, kicking it off with author David Mead.

Best known for his work, Find Your Why: a practical guide for discovering the why of an individual, Mead will get you re-thinking your career and business so you can realign it in the right direction.

Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham will provide an update at the beginning of the program, while economist Stephen Koukoulas will touch on how COVID-19 has changed the economy forever.

Other speakers include nutritionist Michele Chevalley Hedge, CINZ chief executive Lisa Hopkins, BECA chair Vanessa Findlay, Arinex CEO Nicole Walker, Cievents director of operations Tai Lennon, NOVA Entertainment sales director Josh Halling and Flamingo AI founder Catriona Wallace.

View the full program here.

2: An Aussie comedian will be hosting

Aussie comedian Dave Thornton will bring the laughs as MC of the 2020 conference.

If you’re wondering where you’ve seen his face before, Thornton’s TV credentials include hosting Channel 9’s 20 to 1, appearances on ABC TV’s Spicks and Specks and Agony Uncles, Network Ten’s Hughesy We Have a Problem and regular appearances as a co-host on The Project.

You can expect high levels of energy and humour with Thornton hosting the program.

3: The networking

Even though the 2020 event is going virtual, that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the all-important networking event.

From 4:50pm, you’ll have the opportunity to catch up with colleagues with one-on-one chats and group networking, and from 5.30pm there’ll be an opportunity to network with your state branches.

So pop the bubbles in the fridge and get ready to network!

4: The sessions are the perfect length

There are six track topics to choose from at Evolve: Renovated that feature content relevant to event professionals in all industries.

Each of the more than 25 sessions is about 30 minutes in length, ensuring you stay fully engaged while attending from home or the office.

What’s more, the sessions will be available on demand for registered delegates, so you can catch up on those you miss.

View the full program here.

5: A brand new wellness hub

Brand new to Evolve: Renovated is the dedicated wellness hub, a virtual room with a series of physical and mental wellbeing exercises for you to enjoy.

These including nutrition sessions, meditation, fitness classes and yoga, which you can complete in your own home or workplace in between sessions.

The sessions are designed to help delegates feel ‘renovated’ and ready to tackle the challenges of COVID-19 and prepare for the future of work.

Evolve: Renovated 2020 will kick off from 8:30am on Thursday 16 July 2020.

To register or learn more, click here.