CONFIDENCE IN EVENTS INCREASES

A NEW survey commissioned by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has found over half of Australians are now comfortable to attend a business event, while “networking opportunities” were identified as the business aspect which has been most negatively impacted by COVID-19.

The poll by Roy Morgan Research provided a snapshot into the pre- and post-pandemic comfort levels relating to a range of different gatherings.

Events of up to 50 people were cited as suitable by 51.6% of the 1,007 people surveyed, in contrast to funerals (68.9%), weddings (66.2%) and going to the cinema (55.1%).

By state, NSW had the highest comfort level when it came to business events, with a 48.9% rating, a finding that was hailed by NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres.

“It’s pleasing to see confidence increasing in NSW when it comes to getting back to business and attending events in-person,” he said.

“We’ve strong adherence to COVIDSafe guidelines here and a positive outcome as a result, and important milestones continue to be achieved as restrictions ease.

“Getting people and businesses back together is vital for our economy and we’re focused on increasing this activity and bringing key events to our city and state,” Ayres said.

The continued streak of zero community transmissions of COVID-19 in NSW is likely to see further easings in the coming weeks, including drinking while standing up at indoor venues.

BESydney CEO Lyn LewisSmith (pictured) said the research provided realtime insight into Australian sentiment as the community continues to navigate COVID-19.

“Confidence has started to turn a corner and the need and desire to come back together both personally and professionally is rising - we expect to see that come through as increased meeting bookings in the months ahead.”

Lewis-Smith said she believed that as more in-person business events take place in the coming months, attendees will be reassured by “how far COVIDSafe meeting in-person at scale has come”.

“Our industry here in Australia is among the best in the world innovating and adapting remarkably while everyone has been away - particularly in specialist business events venues like the International Convention Centre Sydney.”

ICC Sydney will later this week host Tourism Australia’s seventh annual Destination Australia conference, with hundreds of delegates expected to attend.