EVENTS
ORGA N I S I NG E V EN T S
Meetings and event industry news for EAs
INDUSTRY NEWS
Government pledges $76 million recovery
package for Australian tourism industry
On 19 January, the Australian Government announced
they will spend $79 million on marketing to boost visits to
Australia in the wake of the bushfire crisis.
The tourism recovery package is part of the $2 billion
National Bushfire Recovery Fund the Federal Government
has put forward to help communities recover from the
devastating impact of the fires. After imagery of the bushfires
went viral across social media—which some critics claim
misrepresents the impact of the disaster—the tourism
industry has recorded a significant decrease in bookings.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said coverage of the
bushfires has cost the tourism industry “hundreds of
millions” of dollars as the industry now faces, “its biggest
challenge in living memory.”
The tourism recovery package is broken down into
six parts, including a $20 million domestic marketing
campaign, $25 million in increased funds for Tourism
Australia to carry out an international marketing campaign,
increased support and $6.5 million worth of funding for the
Australian Tourism Exchange, a $10 million regional tourism
events initiative, and $5 million worth of support funding to
mobilise a global diplomatic network. An overview on each
initiative is available on Tourism Australia’s website, but
specific details are yet to be announced. S
EVENT ORGANISERS SPECIAL OFFER
Big names in Australian
event management merge
Two of the biggest names in event management, Miles
Per Hour and Event Workforce Group have merged to
create Spark Event Group. The two companies were already
working together on a number of the nation’s biggest events
and venues including Australian Formula One Grand Prix,
Melbourne and the Australian Open. In a statement, Spark
Event Group said the merger will not affect ongoing events.
“On the ground, event owners will notice very little
difference day-to-day; they will work with the same people
from Miles Per Hour and Event Workforce Group and as
events and venues expand and evolve, Spark will meet the
changing need.”
Shannan Gove, Co-Founder of Event Workforce Group,
describes the union as the culmination of a five-year-long
relationship. “It makes great sense to combine the experience
and know-how of two proven high performers in an industry
that is ever changing and evolving,” said Mr Gove. S
40 Chief of Staff | Issue 1 2020
Planning a meeting is
enjoyable when you
treat yourself at Surfers
Paradise Marriott Resort
and Spa
Event organizers can select from one of these special
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w Relax and unwind in one of the Resort’s spacious
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variety basket plus a four hour refresh poolside cabana
including two cocktails, oshi towels and water.
w Double Marriott Bonvoy Event Points, redeemable
on free nights or flights and so much more.
w five percent Off Master Billed Rooms.
w Complimentary upgrade to premium Day Delegate
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Treat Cabinet with an assortment of biscuits and
lollies.
w Day Delegate Packages from $79 per person.
For further information please contact the team at
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www.marriott.com