Executive PA Australasia Issue 1 2021 | Page 42

REGIONAL EVENTS j members are literally striding on common ground , hierarchies and work titles diminish , blood circulates , and creativity is boosted .”
While the health and wellbeing benefits of being in the great outdoors might be well-known , this still doesn ’ t justify an outdoor event — after all , everyone can explore nature in their spare time . You might be wondering what the benefits of holding an event outdoors from a planner ’ s ( or attendee ’ s ) perspective are .
Let the creativity flow When booking with venues it ’ s often expected that you use their own vendors or contacts to help plan your event . This creates restrictions on what you want to do and how you ’ re going to do it — a big constraint for your creative freedom . From catering to decorating to room set up , the decisions are often not in your hands . Taking an event outdoors allows you to use your own contacts and explore your creative vision . An indoor venue could restrict what the overall look and feel of the event will be and you ’ re limited to the space exactly how it is . Indoors you can feel constrained by what is already there , outdoors you can customise the event to be exactly how you want it to be .
Be memorable Corporate events are more commonly held indoors : ask yourself , have you ever been to an outdoor work event ? Chances are you probably haven ’ t . This gives you the opportunity to be memorable and have event attendees remembering your brand well past the event date .
Cost effective Design and creativity aside , the logistical side of planning outdoor events can be far more cost effective . Without the venue hire price , the cost of holding an outdoor event can be significantly less . While you have more freedom to do what you wish with the decorating of an outdoor event , you might not actually want to . Nature as a backdrop is a stunning environment for your event that you might not want to tamper with , which would be far more cost effective .
Move aside photobooth At any event you want your guests to take photos and promote the wonderful experience they ’ ve had . What better aesthetic for a photograph than the great outdoors ? Let the scenery do the work to enhance your guests ’ experience and increase the ‘ share value ’ of their photos . The stunning backdrop of nature will also make for great promotional images for any future company events .
The great outdoors is the next big venue for 2021 and is sure to provide an exquisite , unique experience for both event attendees and planners alike . While the great outdoors is an attractive option to jump at , make sure you research the required permits or licenses before holding an event outdoors . The physical , mental and visual benefits of holding your event outdoors will leave a lasting effect on your event attendees .
Say goodbye to indoor meetings and events and hello to fresh air , birds chirping and stunning views ! S

Melbourne Showgrounds is ready to provide your COVIDSafe outdoor event solution

Conveniently located only 7km from the CBD , Melbourne Showgrounds offers organisers a convenient range of superbly presented and flexible multi-purpose venues and spaces , including an abundance of outdoor showcase spaces spread across 19 hectares .
The perfect solution for your next event , Melbourne Showgrounds boasts centrally located lawns that provide a blank canvas for designing and delivering a successful outdoor event .
The lawns , known as Town Square , are positioned in the heart of the Showgrounds and boast an 11,000sqm area of landscaped grass . With seating for up to 2,275 in the adjacent Public Grandstand , Town Square is suitable for a range of events including consumer and trade shows , concerts and music festivals , corporate and social club family days , community , sporting and cultural events , outdoor demonstrations , film and television productions and much more !
Nearby , the iconic Main Arena provides 9,000sqm of exhibition / demonstration space , with tiered seating for up to 4,300 patrons . The Main Arena provides an open space that is perfect for an outdoor expo or boutique concert .
Town Square and Main Arena are complemented by onsite parking for up to 2,000 vehicles , and the site is fully secured , making contact tracing and crowd management a simple task for any client .
A COVIDSafe commitment The health and safety of all visitors , customers , employees , suppliers and contractors is of the utmost importance for all events at Melbourne Showgrounds .
Melbourne Showgrounds has developed a COVIDSafe Venue Plan that adheres to the current state government advice regarding the safe conduct of events . The plan details key practices undertaken by the venue to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission and to ensure the health and safety of all visitors .
The friendly and experienced team look forward to supporting the successful delivery of events and ensuring a memorable and rewarding experience for your clients and guests !
To arrange a personalised site tour or for more information email info @ melbourneshowgrounds . com , telephone : + 61 3 9281 7444 or visit www . melbourneshowgrounds . com .
42 Chief of Staff | Issue 1 2021