Western Australia’s major industry gathering, the Perth Event Show, will no longer go ahead in 2021, due to the recent lockdowns and restrictions across Australia.

The event was scheduled to take place on 18-19 August 2021 at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, which was recently announced as the new Perth CBD vaccination clinic from 16 August 2021.

In a statement, the show’s organisers CMS Events said the decision was not taken lightly, as the team “truly believe this event is much needed at the moment”.

“This decision comes on the back of lockdowns and momentum shifts over the past few weeks and months, and also the potential of no longer having the venue at the time required,” the statement said.

Despite the cancellation, event director Richard Campbell remains optimistic for the future.

“Events have been hit hard as the industry knows, and it was hoped the second half of 2021 would see things gearing back up again, but with the recent outbreaks on the east coast people are nervous as it proves things can change quickly,” he said.

“I back the call for people to get vaccinated as soon as possible, because it will be the quickest way we can resume events with confidence.

“We cannot depend on support from government or others, we must depend on the Australian community to do the right thing so we can open up the country again.”

The organisers are determined to bring the industry together in some capacity this year, and are hoping to plan a pared-back networking event for September.

Stay tuned here.