The 2025 Event Symposium – Where the Industry Comes Together
From 13-15 October, the nation’s event professionals will gather in Coffs Harbour for three days of insight, inspiration, and connection. The Symposium kicks off with a Pre-Event Famil on Monday 13 October, showcasing the best of the Coffs Coast-from the Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience at Sealy Lookout to the iconic Big Banana and the revitalised C.ex Stadium.
We’re also excited to announce a new speaker: Gilbert Rochecouste!!
Across the program, you’ll hear from some of the brightest minds shaping our industry: Emma Bowyer (ICMS Australasia) on the power of exhibitions, Greg Donovan (Outback Music Festival Group) and Linda Tillman (Tilma Group) on regional tourism, Peta Moore (Nectar Creative Communications, 2024 PCO of the Year) on early commitment, – and many more.
Be part of the conversations that matter by day, and celebrate the industry’s best achievements at the glittering Australian Event Awards Ceremony on 15 October. Spaces are limited-secure your spot now.
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Globally recognised as a pioneer in placemaking, Gilbert Rochecouste has spent over 30 years helping more than 2,500 cities and communities create vibrant, resilient destinations. From launching Melbourne's Queen Victoria Night Markets to leading Village Well-Australia's first placemaking consultancy-Gilbert is renowned for his ability to unlock potential and inspire collaboration.
In the Closing Plenary: Challenges: Rising Cost of Living vs the Need for Events and Entertainment for Wellbeing, Gilbert will join David Caffery (Dionysus) to explore how the industry can keep arts and events accessible in today's climate. Expect strategies for easing cost pressures, engaging communities and suppliers, and adapting to changing audience behaviour-while still delivering experiences that enrich wellbeing.
With more than 20 years in events, Emma Bowyer has delivered some of Australia's largest conferences and led international delegations on behalf of governments and global organisations. As CEO of ICMS Australasia, she continues to drive innovation and growth across exhibitions and conferences.
In her Symposium session The Cohesive Bind Between Exhibitions and Conferences, Emma will share strategies to:
Revamp or add exhibitions to your events
Sell the concept to clients and stakeholders
Increase traffic, revenue, and impact for attendees and exhibitors alike
Join Emma and co-speakers Matt Pearce (Talk2 Media & Events) and Ant Hampel (Alive Events Agency) as they reveal how to transform exhibitions into powerful conference assets.
Greg Donovan turned his corporate career in banking and insurance into a passion project that reshaped regional Australia. As the founder of the Birdsville Big Red Bash and Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash, Greg now leads two of the country's most iconic outback music festivals, drawing 15,000 people to remote towns and generating huge economic and cultural benefits.
In the Opening Plenary The Synergy Between Events and Regional Tourism, Greg will join Linda Tillman (Tilma Group & ACRE) and Michael Thurston (Destination North Coast) to explore how events can shift perceptions of a region, create lasting visitor appeal, and drive local growth. Discover what destinations look for in events, how organisers choose the right region, and practical ways to build partnerships that benefit everyone.
As the 2024 PCO of the Year, Peta Moore leads Nectar Creative Communications with over 20 years of experience designing purpose-driven, high-impact conferences and events. Her team is known nationally for blending human-centred design with flawless delivery.
In her session Rethinking Early Commitment: Responding to the Rise of Last-Minute Registrations, Peta tackles one of the industry's biggest current challenges: the shift towards late registrations. She'll share insights into how this trend impacts budgets, catering, and logistics, while opening up a conversation on strategies and incentives to encourage earlier commitment. Expect practical ideas for reducing stress, staying flexible, and balancing creativity with commercial realities.
With more than 15 years shaping regional tourism and events, Linda Tillman has become a driving force in helping destinations harness events for long-term growth. Through Tilma Group and the Australian Centre for Regional Events, she's built capacity across regional communities, guiding councils, RTOs, and event committees to deliver stronger, more sustainable outcomes.
In the Opening Plenary The Synergy Between Events and Regional Tourism, Linda brings her trademark regional passion and strategic expertise to the discussion. Alongside Greg Donovan and Michael Thurston, she'll explore how destinations and events can collaborate to change perceptions, attract visitors, and ensure benefits flow back into local communities.