specialevents-au.bsky.social
@specialevents-au.bsky.social
The passing of an event industry pioneer

John “Johnny” Allen AM (10th June 1943 - 22nd Dec. 2025) Johnny Allen passed away at home on 22nd December following a long illness after contracting COVID at the 50th Anniversary of the Nimbin Aquarius festival. Rob Harris was a longtime friend and…
The passing of an event industry pioneer
John “Johnny” Allen AM (10th June 1943 - 22nd Dec. 2025) Johnny Allen passed away at home on 22nd December following a long illness after contracting COVID at the 50th Anniversary of the Nimbin Aquarius festival. Rob Harris was a longtime friend and colleague of Johnny and penned this tribute. Johnny was my friend and a mentor to many within the Australian event industry.
www.specialevents.com.au
January 7, 2026 at 4:46 AM
Sydney Royal Easter Show’s Lynelle Smith becomes first Australian to obtain IAFE Management qualification

Sydney Royal Easter Show (the Show) Head of Entertainment, Lynelle Smith IFMG, CFE, has become the first person outside of the United States to be recognised as Certified in Management through…
Sydney Royal Easter Show’s Lynelle Smith becomes first Australian to obtain IAFE Management qualification
Sydney Royal Easter Show (the Show) Head of Entertainment, Lynelle Smith IFMG, CFE, has become the first person outside of the United States to be recognised as Certified in Management through the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). The IAFE Institute of Fair Management Graduate Track in Management is an advanced program designed for industry leaders that specialises in the management of fairs and expositions.
www.specialevents.com.au
January 7, 2026 at 4:19 AM
Novatech has been named the Production Company of the Year at the 2025 Australian Event Awards, celebrating innovation, creativity, and excellence in event production across some of Australia’s most high-profile live event experiences.
#eventprofsau #AustralianEventAwards #Novatech
Novatech named Production Company of the Year    
Novatech has been named the National Winner for Production Company of the Year at the 2025 Australian Event Awards, celebrating innovation, creativity, and excellence in event production across some of Australia’s most high-profile live event experiences. As an Adelaide-based, family-owned company, this national recognition highlights the strength and passion of our 70+ full-time event professionals who continue to set benchmarks in technical delivery, creative design, and client collaboration.
www.specialevents.com.au
October 30, 2025 at 3:56 AM
Event organisers today must address a wide range of responsibilities - from occupational health and safety (OH&S) to accessibility, inclusion, and more. But there’s another crucial issue that often goes overlooked: corruption.
#eventprofsau
Corruptible Events: Why Festivals and Events Foster Misconduct
Event organisers today must address a wide range of responsibilities - from occupational health and safety (OH&S) to accessibility, inclusion, and more. But there’s another crucial issue that often goes overlooked: corruption. Bill O'Toole Festivals, concerts, and even academic conferences - being international, cross-border, multi-funded, and temporary - are especially vulnerable to corrupt practices. As public events grow in size, number, and impact, they increasingly attract illegal activity.
www.specialevents.com.au
October 30, 2025 at 3:29 AM
The Australian Event Awards presentation returned to a regional centre after eight years (the previous one – Sunshine Coast). This year was Coffs Harbour’s turn with the awards presented at the Wiigulga Sports Complex. #eventprofsau #AustralianEventAwards
Australian Event Awards celebrated in regional NSW
The Australian Event Awards presentation returned to a regional centre after eight years (the previous one – Sunshine Coast). This year was Coffs Harbour’s turn with the awards presented at the Wiigulga Sports Complex. The venue, owned by the City of Coffs Harbour, opened in December 2022 and is in Woolgoolga, a 20 to 30 min drive from the centre of Coffs Harbour.
www.specialevents.com.au
October 28, 2025 at 2:11 AM
The 2025 Qantas and Jetstar TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards at the Cairns Convention Centre on October 24 celebrated the 50th anniversary of Tourism Tropical North Queensland with 350 guests at the gala event.
#eventprofsau
Tourism Tropical North Queensland celebrates 50 years
The 2025 Qantas and Jetstar TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards at the Cairns Convention Centre on October 24 celebrated the 50th anniversary of Tourism Tropical North Queensland with 350 guests at the gala event. The organisation’s first Chair George Chapman and General Manager Bill Cummings were among the former staff and Board members attending alongside industry representatives to mark 50 years of working together to promote Tropical North Queensland.
www.specialevents.com.au
October 26, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical attention in the Middle East, Business Events Industry Aotearoa has announced internationally renowned leadership and resilience expert Dr Alia Bojilova as the keynote speaker for the BEIA Conference 2025 at Cordis Auckland, 26–27 November. #eventprofs
Future focus for NZ Business Events Industry Conference 2025
Against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical attention in the Middle East, Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has announced internationally renowned leadership and resilience expert Dr Alia Bojilova as the keynote speaker for the BEIA Conference 2025 at Cordis Auckland, 26–27 November. Sponsored by B2B Speakers, Dr Bojilova’s extraordinary background as a former SAS psychologist, United Nations Commendation recipient, and Inaugural Meritorious Service Medal awardee for her work negotiating critical incidents in the Middle East, positions her keynote as one of the most anticipated sessions of the conference.
www.specialevents.com.au
October 24, 2025 at 3:17 AM
The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is one step closer to opening its doors with events now booked for the world-class venue – backed by the Allan Labor Government. 
#eventprofsau #NBGCEC
Nyaal Banyul announce first four events
The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is one step closer to opening its doors with events now booked for the world-class venue – backed by the Allan Labor Government. Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced the first four events that will be held at the $450 million state-of-the-art venue – covering a range of topics such as leadership, education, culture, and community in July and August 2026.
www.specialevents.com.au
October 24, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Te Pae Christchurch wins prestigious global award

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has been named Oceania’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre in the World Travel Awards 2025. Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards celebrate excellence across all sectors of the international travel…
Te Pae Christchurch wins prestigious global award
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has been named Oceania’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre in the World Travel Awards 2025. Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards celebrate excellence across all sectors of the international travel and tourism industry. Te Pae Christchurch was recognised at the World Travel Awards Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony; a black-tie event held at the InterContinental Grand Stanford in Hong Kong on 13th October.
www.specialevents.com.au
October 24, 2025 at 2:23 AM
The Australian Event Awards & Symposium is thrilled to announce Qantas as its newest Partner – joining a line-up of reputable experts and leading organisations across the events industry.
#eventprofsau #eventawards
Qantas partners the 2025 Australian Event Awards and Symposium
The Australian Event Awards & Symposium is thrilled to announce Qantas as its newest Partner – joining a line-up of reputable experts and leading organisations across the events industry. This exciting partnership means travelling to Coffs Harbour for the Symposium and Awards this October has never been easier. With Qantas offering discounted airfares exclusively for delegates and guests, the journey to the Coffs Coast is simple and accessible from across the country.
www.specialevents.com.au
September 23, 2025 at 11:39 PM
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has today opened registrations for the 2025 ABEA Conference, to be held from 3 to 5 December 2025 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). 
#eventprofsau #ABEA
Registrations now open for the ABEA Conference 2025
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has today opened registrations for the 2025 ABEA Conference, to be held from 3 to 5 December 2025 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Following a highly successful inaugural event in 2024, the ABEA Conference returns as the national meeting place for Australia’s business events community. Designed to engage professionals across venues, bureaux, suppliers, organisers and more, the 2025 event will deliver three days of insights, learning and genuine industry connection.
www.specialevents.com.au
September 18, 2025 at 10:23 PM
FACTS Festival, Australia’s gathering for Aviation, Corporate Travel, Business Events and Travel Payments professionals, has announced its highly anticipated 2025 program, taking place 25-26 November 2025 at ICC Sydney.
#eventprofsau
FACTS Festival to cover Aviation, Corporate Travel, Business Events and Technology
FACTS Festival, Australia’s gathering for Aviation, Corporate Travel, Business Events and Travel Payments professionals, has announced its highly anticipated 2025 program, taking place 25-26 November 2025 at ICC Sydney. Building on the success of its debut in 2024, the Festival continues to break new ground, bringing together four powerhouse summits under one roof, uniting leaders, disruptors, and innovators from across the globe.
www.specialevents.com.au
September 17, 2025 at 5:34 AM
The Australian Business Events Association has officially opened entries for the 2025 Australian Business Events Awards, which recognise and celebrate the people, companies, teams and innovations shaping Australia’s business events sector.
#eventprofsau #abea
Australian Business Events Awards 2025 now open
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has officially opened entries for the 2025 Australian Business Events Awards, which recognise and celebrate the people, companies, teams and innovations shaping Australia’s business events sector. Returning for its second year, the Awards will take place on Thursday 4 December 2025 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre as part of the 2025 ABEA Conference.
www.specialevents.com.au
September 4, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef has launched a new funding program to attract and secure business events to the region over the next four years, with the initiative projected to deliver a $54 million direct economic impact.
#eventprofsau #tnq
New funding to grow Tropical North Queensland business events
Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef has launched a new funding program to attract and secure business events to the region over the next four years, with the initiative projected to deliver a $54 million direct economic impact. Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) General Manager of Partnerships and Events Tara Bennett said the program would support new business events proposing Tropical North Queensland as a destination, with a minimum of 150 delegates staying in the region for three nights.
www.specialevents.com.au
August 28, 2025 at 12:07 AM
It was all sunny side up for business events professionals who flew in from Sydney and Melbourne to sample a showcase of the region’s premier venues and attractions.
#eventprofsau #sunshinecoast
Sunshine Soiree treats PCOs to the Sunshine Coast
It was all sunny side up for business events professionals who flew in from Sydney and Melbourne to sample a showcase of the region’s premier venues and attractions. The annual Sunshine Soiree was fully subscribed by leading business events bookers, who traversed the region accompanied by the trademarked sunshine and the finest of hospitality. Beginning in Sunshine Beach – home to former prime ministers and media celebrities – the…
www.specialevents.com.au
August 27, 2025 at 11:45 PM
With the colder months typically seeing reduced visitation to the region, Te Pae Christchurch is again highlighting the value of its contribution to the local economy, turning the ordinarily quiet shoulder season into a hive of activity for the city.
#eventprofsau #ChristchurchNZ
Bumper offseason reinforces Te Pae Christchurch’s local contribution
With the colder months typically seeing reduced visitation to the region, Te Pae Christchurch is again highlighting the value of its contribution to the local economy, turning the ordinarily quiet shoulder season into a hive of activity for the city. Te Pae Christchurch is in the midst of its busiest season since the convention centre held its first conference in May 2022.
www.specialevents.com.au
August 27, 2025 at 11:37 PM