The Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA) has postponed its PCOA21 conference and exhibition until next year, citing challenges presented by the current COVID-19 outbreaks as the reason.

PCOA21 will now be held 29 to 31 January 2022, at The Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, Tasmania.

The decision has given PCOA councillors confidence that the date change will give the industry a much better chance of getting back together again.

“What we have learnt from our members and business partners is that our business events community wants for nothing more than getting back together and reconnecting,” PCOA president Barry Neame said.

In making this decision, Neame said the PCOA councillors wanted to reduce any uncertainty around travel prior to Christmas.

“As our community navigates the uncertainty of the border closures, social distancing, self-isolation and bringing large groups of people together, we believe the postponement of PCOA21 will give us all a much better chance of getting back together again”.

In the statement, Neame has expressed his sincere thanks to Business Events Tasmania, The Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, and the conference sponsors and exhibitors, and has urged the business events industry to get vaccinated.

“The one thing that state and federal governments agree on is that the clear way out of these uncertain times is to reach a high vaccination rate across the country,” Neame said.

“Our industry has a golden chance to set an example to others by being a committed group wanting to make a difference and get back to business.”