NSW EVENTS SUPPORT

THE NSW State Government has announced $5.5 million in funding to support business events, conferences and conventions across the state.

The Business Events Industry Support package is part of a wider $51.5 million funding deal designed to encourage people back into the Sydney CBD, re-ignite live music across the state and support jobs in accommodation, entertainment and tourism, according to NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres.

As well as the $5.5m for business events, there is $20 million for up to 200,000 x $100 CBD accommodation vouchers, $2 million for a tourism industry marketing support package via the Love NSW campaign, and $24 million to Destination NSW for a Live Music Support Package.

Ayres said supporting the business events sector was vital as NSW continued its economic recovery from the pandemic.

“Our success in containing COVID-19 means we can now focus on assisting these vital industries get back to business.

“This package will ensure Sydney’s world-class hotels, venues and facilities get the support they need to rebuild and thrive as they welcome increasing numbers of business visitors through their doors.”

Business Events Sydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said the announcement was great news for the local sector.

“The need and appetite for companies to reconnect and get back to business is clear... the funding program will provide the confidence for businesses to now confirm their in-person meetings,” she promised.

Lewis-Smith said the package would play a significant role in firing up business confidence, stimulating conversion of pent-up demand for in-person engagement.

Full funding details are expected to be released by the Government after the upcoming Easter holiday break, along with info on how businesses can register and how people can apply for the hotel vouchers.