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Australian Event Symposium 2026 Date: Tuesday 20 October – Wednesday 21 October 2026
Venue:
Aanuka Beach House, 11 Firman Drive, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Dress: Business
The Australian Event Symposium is held in conjunction with the Australian Event Awards to drive industry growth and development, and to ensure Australia remains on the leading edge of the events space worldwide.
The Event Symposium aims to foster unity and advancement within the events industry as well as creating networking and collaborative opportunities across all sectors of the industry. The content of the Symposium is focused on professional development for industry representatives and on delivering strong take-away value for delegates.
programWhether you’re already a leader in your field, just starting out, or somewhere in between, there is something to learn at the Symposium. From hearing about the latest trends in event tech, to discussing event security with the experts, or stimulating fresh creative thinking, the Symposium is an exercise in mind-broadening and skill-sharpening: a full day of ideas and strategies to help you – whoever you are – bring something different to your events, your process, your clients or your community.
Over 120 event professionals from every state and territory in Australia attend the Event Symposium. Delegates include staff from major Australian events, government, events organisers, universities, councils and industry suppliers. The event offers rich opportunities for connection: not only are there multiple social events ramping up towards the Event Awards ceremony, the sessions also lend themselves to making meaningful business connections through a more engaging workshop format across the board. The Exhibition also presents the opportunity to meet suppliers from all over Australia.
The Symposium aims to bring unity to our industry, which has a tendency to divide itself. The idea is that if we get everyone together in the same place at the same time – and this is particularly important in a place as geographically diverse and spread out as Australia – we can spark ideas and connections that benefit both the individuals involved and the industry as a whole. We’re talking collaborations across unexpected sections of the industry, the forging of new contacts to grow future or current projects, and maybe the creation of something new. So come along and let the magic happen. Who knows what we can achieve?
programA ticket to the black-tie Awards night is a part of the full Symposium registration package – including a three course dinner and networking pre-drinks. Be a part of this premier celebration of our industry’s high achievers, completing your few days of learning, dreaming and connecting with this pinnacle recognition of the great things that are possible in events. And of course, enjoy the party!
The content is designed to bring together a diverse group of event-makers with unique yet aligned skills, and differing approaches to work for distinct audiences, so that they may learn both from the content and from one another by considering alternative approaches to similar issues.
Over 120 people from every state and territory in Australia attend the Symposium, including professionals from major events, councils, government, venues and other industry suppliers. The Symposium is intended to embrace the entire national industry, catering to both those who deliver events and those who supply them, and aiming to connect the two groups.
The Symposium offers a valuable experience for:
Need to make a business case to your boss to attend? Use our Justification Letter – just select the options that are relevant to you, print, sign and submit!
We welcome input from the industry – if there’s a topic you’d like to see on the program, or you’d like to contribute through presentation of a session, get in touch with us: [email protected]
Birdsville Big Red Bash
2016 National Finalist - Best Regional Event and 2016 National Winner - Australia's Favourite Event
Coastal Walkway Bridges Opening 2024, City of Marion, SA - 2025 State Winner
Singers perform at the Queensland Air Museum as part of Sunshine Coast Destination Experience during the social program at the Event Awards and Symposium 2017.
Event Planet
2016 National Finalist - Event Management Company of the Year
Built by event planners for event planners, EventsAIR is a secure, cloud-based solution that can manage everything in a single online platform, National Winner 2020
Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 2016
2017 National Finalist - Norwest Productions Best Sporting Event