Get Local returns as Australia ’ s first in-person international business event exhibition for almost two years
15 – 16 February 2022 ICC Sydney
More than 500 buyers , 150 exhibiting companies and a top speaker line-up sent a clear message that the business event sector is back open for business
Held over two days in COVID-safe conditions , Get Local was Australia ’ s first in-person international business event exhibition for almost two years . And , according to co-founders Donna Kessler and Gary Bender , the resounding feeling among the 1000 + attendees was that people are ready , willing and able to get back together for face-to-face events .
Kessler said : “ We felt it crucial that Get Local go ahead to demonstrate that events can be held safely and effectively . The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive . It is imperative that businesses continue to operate and grow despite Covid and , as an industry event , we wanted to demonstrate it can and should be done .”
Get Local had contactless registration and there were no handouts , brochures and or giveaways . The open floor design left plenty of space for participants to move about freely and comfortably – perfect with Covid restrictions in place .
An Australian first , organisers had all visitors and exhibitors take daily rapid antigen tests . These were administered by trained nursing staff on arrival and instilled confidence in the safety of attending .
Bender adds : “ The sold-out Welcome Event at Doltone House was also an unmitigated success , and clearly highlighted that people want to come together once more .
Registered buyer Rebecca March , national event manager Australia & New Zealand at global healthcare company Sanofi , described Get Local as a fabulous show . She continues : “ I thought you navigated the COVID landscape extremely well – it was very clear and intuitive to know what to do and where to go . The speakers were great and the exhibitors were also very relevant for me . [ It was ] so nice to
see the ones that are still with their respective products and also meet some new faces .”
Secretary general of the Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Federation , Lynne Clay , who attended on the second day , was also full of high praise : “ From the moment I arrived at the ICC and was greeted by many smiling , helpful support staff it was obvious you had achieved your goal of staging a well-organised , professional event .”
The check-in / registration process was seamless , including the mandatory RAT testing facilities , while the regional floorplan and prominent signage made locating target exhibitors simple and convenient . The two sessions I attended in your speakers ’ line-up were excellent and very relevant to topics of prime interest to the events industry .” Get Local ambassador Andrew Klein added that it was “ so , so good ” to connect face-to-face with many friends and colleagues he hadn ’ t seen for two years . He said : “ Everyone commented on that kinship and spirit of the industry . I do hope and believe that we will look back at Get Local as the week the industry really got back to work .”
Exhibitors also spoke highly of Get Local . Director of sales & marketing at Fairmont Resort & Spa , Jenifer Dwyer Slee , said the two days were excellent : “ I connected with existing clients , past clients I had not yet met and , most importantly , was able to share our upcoming news and improvements to our resort .”
She continued : “ With our high vaccination rates , rapid antigen testing each day at the show , and mask wearing , Get Local showed that business events can be held safely .”
getlocalexpo . com . au
Autumn Issue 2022 | Executive PA 37