The New South Wales Government has committed $5.5 million to support the state’s business events industry, as part of a $51.5 million economic package announced on 25 March.

The package is designed to support jobs across the events, accommodation, entertainment and tourism sectors.

The Business Events Industry Support package will be made available from 6 April 2021, to help restart  business events, conferences and conventions across Greater Sydney and NSW.

BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said the funding will provide a “vital kickstart” for the industry.

“The need and appetite for companies to reconnect and get back to business is clear,” she said.

“The funding program will provide the confidence for businesses to now confirm their in-person meetings.”

While the program details are limited at this stage, Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said the program will match planners “dollar for dollar” the cost in booking an event.

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Stay overnight, book a business event or run a campaign to share your experiences.

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ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy welcomed the new support measures.

“The injection of $5.5 million in funding will help our venue and others across the city and state to attract events and incentivise clients to host face-to-face meetings again,” he said.

“It’s been an incredibly tough 12 months for our industry and these measures will make a difference to the thousands of individuals and businesses whose livelihoods depend on business travel.”

Accommodation vouchers on offer

Alongside the Business Events Industry Support package, the government will release 200,000 CBD accommodation vouchers for New South Wales residents valued at $100 each.

In addition, $24 million has been committed to Destination NSW for a live music support package and $2 million will go towards a tourism marketing support package through the Love NSW campaign.

Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said supporting the live music and business events industries is vital for the state’s economic recovery.

“Our success in containing COVID-19 means we can now focus on assisting these vital industries get back to business,” he said.

More details about the Business Events Industry Support package will be available online on 6 April.