Due to the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Festival Industry Conference (AFIC) has postponed its 2021 conference to next year.

AFIC organisers have announced the new dates, saying the conference will take place from Tuesday 30 August to Thursday 1 September 2022 at Sea World Resort, Queensland.

With the COVID-19 situation worsening in New South Wales, Victoria, and Australian Capital Territory, AFIC founder and event director Carlina Ericson said it is impossible for the event to go ahead as originally planned for November 2021.

“It is with great sadness that we announce our decision to postpone the conference yet again,” Ericson said.

“Over the last few months, we have continued to witness further event postponements and cancellations.

“I am conscious that everyone is going through an incredibly difficult time and I still want to ensure that we can eventually meet face-to-face to discuss how we move forward as an industry.”

The conference’s current two-and-a-half-day program will remain the same for 2022, and will include a number of keynote and informative presentations from 15 industry leaders, two panel discussions, two evening networking events, workshops, trade show, and famil tour of local event venues on the Gold Coast.

“I want to give a big shout out to all of our current speakers, partners and suppliers who have stuck by us throughout this process and continue to support the event – you’re all making this possible,” Ericson said.

“Already we have delegates registered to attend from Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia, which is excellent to see, and I look forward to welcoming everyone to AFIC in 2022.”

Tickets will remain on sale until 5:00pm, Wednesday 24 August 2022 (AEST).