Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) has confirmed its annual Evolve conference will go ahead in 2021, however changes will be made to the program.

Taking place on Wednesday 8 September 2021, the conference was originally planned as in-person event at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, while satellite events were to be held at Sydney Sofitel Darling Harbour and Sofitel Brisbane Central.

In response to the current lockdowns across Australia, MEA has decided to withdraw the option to attend in Brisbane and Sydney.

Instead, MEA is encouraging event professionals to either attend in-person in Melbourne, or tune into the virtual event.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of our members and wider community are a priority for us, and as a result MEA has made the decision to amend the event delivery modes and registration options for Evolve 2021,” the MEA team said in a member update.

“MEA not only looks forward to welcoming the industry to Melbourne on 8 September, but moreso encourages everyone to be there.

“As an industry, we need to lead by example in showing that its possible to come together safely in-person whilst still complying with the policies of our governments.

“For those that don’t yet feel comfortable travelling though, we’d otherwise love to have you online as a virtual attendee.”

Among the speakers at this year’s conference are Duncan Wardle, former head of innovation and creativity at Disney, Clare Molesworth, head of PR, partnership and events at MECCA Brands, Yolanda Finch, acting CEO at Melbourne Fashion Festival, and Gab Robinson, CEO at Harry the Hirer.

Holly Ransom, founder and CEO of strategic advisory firm Emergent, has also been announced as the MC and closing keynote for Evolve 2021.

MEA is currently contacting people who have previously registered for Brisbane or Sydney attendance.

Registration for Evolve 2021 is now available online.