Meetings Events Australia (MEA) has announced its annual conference, MEA Evolve, will be delivered in a virtual format this year.

Evolve: Renovated will take place on Thursday, 16 July 2020 and will present an educational program aimed at preparing the industry for the return of events in a new era.

The virtual conference will replace the physical conference, which was originally due to take place in the NSW Hunter Valley in May 2020.

The announcement comes off the back of MEA’s successful virtual awards night, which saw more than 500 industry professionals tune in.

Delivered by Events Air’s OnAIR virtual event solution, the full-day program will feature keynotes and business tracks in formats including Q&A, fireside chats and expert panels, running for 30 minutes each.

“MEA’s virtual conference provides the platform to learn and share and find new ways to renovate our business, our industry and ourselves,” said MEA CEO Robyn Johnson.

“Until we can meet again in person, delivering Evolve in a virtual format is the best way for us to connect our industry.

“I encourage everyone to gather (online) at our conference and experience a platform of education that only MEA can deliver.”

The conference will see international and local speakers cover topics such as HR and upskilling, creating engagement, gaining sponsorship, new ways of marketing and thinking, advancing our workforce, and preparation for the re-emergence of the business events industry. The speaker line-up will be announced soon.

Evolve: Renovated will also include a networking component and access to a new wellness hub, that features a range of physical and mental wellbeing opportunities including nutrition sessions, meditation and fitness and yoga.

Tickets are on sale now at www.evolve2020.com.au.