Event Here This Year - Support WA’s Business Events Industry

25 Aug 2020 12:46 PM | Kerrie Green

Business Events Perth has launched a new funding initiative to encourage organisations to host local business events, helping Western Australians safely meet again.

Business Events Perth chief executive officer Gareth Martin said Western Australia’s business events industry had been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and funding was now available to assist with business event costs.

“It’s safe to meet again in Western Australia and Business Events Perth wants to help the Western Australian industry get back on its feet and support local jobs in these challenging times,” Mr Martin said.

“We’re doing everything we can to kick start the local business events industry, which supports thousands of jobs across a range of local businesses, big and small, and we encourage any organisation that is thinking of holding a business event, conference or meeting to please get in touch with Business Events Perth.”

Funding of up to $30 a delegate is available, with total funding support determined by the event duration and number of delegates attending the event in-person. Eligible events include conferences, exhibitions or tradeshows, workshops and seminars, as well as corporate meetings and incentive group events with a business event program.

The offer is available for a limited time and valid only for new business event bookings for events to be held in Western Australia prior to June 30, 2021.

Tourism and Small Business Minister Paul Papalia encouraged organisations to safely plan their next business event at a local venue or use local suppliers and help support Western Australia’s business events industry.

“Many event suppliers and operators had all of their forward bookings wiped in a matter of days as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, so it’s really important that we do everything we can to help get business events back up and running again,” the Minister said.

“The State Government has launched a $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan to help Western Australia emerge from COVID-19, which includes $150 million to support the tourism industry, and we welcome this complementary initiative from Business Events Perth to further assist the sector.”

To enquire about funding availability for your event, contact Business Events Perth’s Business Development Team on 08 9218 2900 or visit our website www.businesseventsperth.com

Media contact: Vivienne Ryan, Director Corporate Communications on 0412 682 129

Business Events Perth is a not-for-profit organisation funded by the State Government through Tourism WA and the City of Perth with over 100 members representing businesses throughout Western Australia.

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

  • Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
  • Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
  • Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
  • Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

  • Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
  • Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
  • Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

--- ends ---

For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE
E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand
E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325


The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia