Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Agricultural shows in decline, while country events thrive

Agricultural shows in decline, while country events thrive
October 17, 2012

While research shows that Australia's agricultural shows are in decline, events in country and regional Australia are thriving.

In August, research published by the Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies Inc. (QCAS) showed that overall visitor numbers and the show movement in general are in decline with fewer shows operating and fewer Australians attending shows than 12 years ago.

The study, 'An Economic & Social Impact Study of Australian Agricultural Shows', conducted by Zark Consultancy for QCAS highlighted the decline in show numbers and overall attendance, and suggested that "show societies may need to establish new and improved ways of attracting and engaging visitors and sponsors, marketing, fundraising, and conducting research."

Yet while agricultural shows face the challenge of being relevant in the modern age, and being run more professionally, anecdotal evidence suggests that events in country and regional Australia, the heartland of agricultural shows, are growing at an unprecedented rate.

In a feature, 'Event Evolution' in the latest issue of the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine, Nigel Benton highlights that, in tandem and sometimes as part of the growth of live performances and music festivals, a new generation of one, two and three-day specialist and targeted events focusing on food and wine (with wineries in NSW and Western Australia now established as concert venues); motor vehicles and racing; music; sport and country activities such as rodeos, races and campdrafts; as well as multicultural gatherings are gaining more support than many traditional regional agricultural shows.

Backed by major corporations, often mining and resources companies, along with State Government event and tourism agencies, this new generation of events is transforming the entertainment scene across the country.

R.M. Williams Chief Executive (and former General Manager of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW) Hamish Turner recently explained "regional Australia has changed, it's not just (about) farming anymore with the mining and resource sector embellishing itself and looking to do the right thing by communities in which they work."

As a result, Turner believes "good quality regional events are getting a life of their own particularly in Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and parts of NSW."

A trend that seems to be emerging is that where companies might have once been among a suite of sponsors at agricultural shows, or might have backed part of an entertainment program, major brands are now backing either their own events, or events where they have overall naming rights.

Hamish Turner suggests that "major companies do not just want to be sponsors of existing events, they want to be partners, to have influence and to have events deliver specific outcomes."

The full feature can be read in the September/October 2012 issue of the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine.

Image courtesy of Mackay & District Agricultural Pastoral & Industrial Association. 

12th September 2012 - LONGREACH MUSTER EVENT CELEBRATES BUSH SKILLS

15th August 2012 - WITHOUT VOLUNTEERS AGRICULTURAL SHOWS 'WILL CEASE TO EXIST'

17th July 2012 - BUMPER CROWDS ENJOY 63RD MAREEBA RODEO

14th April 2011 - SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW KICKS OFF WITH NEW SHOWS, NEWS RIDES AND AN IPHONE APP


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Exerp

Exerp is a global IT specialist in member management software for the fitness and leisure industry. By focusing on the needs of large enterprises, where streamlining, control and scalability are…

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Humanforce

Humanforce is a global provider of workforce management solutions for companies who need flexibility to manage complex workforces. Companies use Humanforce to manage everything from time and…

read more

Hospitality / Retail / Technology / Venues

 
 

The Jump Pad

The Jump Pad is a safe, flat inflatable made in a variety of sizes which can be used indoor or outdoor. From 3mx3m up to a whopping 9mx21m. Markets include Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, schools,…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Play

 
 

AUSTRALIAN WATERSLIDES AND LEISURE

A leading designer and manufacturer of innovative waterslides and attractions, Australian Waterslides and Leisure (AWL) is also able to advise clients in the areas of concept and design, feasibility…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Waterparks

 
 

AlphaFit

AUSTRALIAN MADE. FIT FOR PURPOSE. Based on the Gold Coast, AlphaFit is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Australian gym equipment specifically for the commercial, strength and conditioning,…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Myrtha Pools

Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks / Wellness

 
 

Spill Station Australia

Compliant chemical storage and decanting solutions. Includes spill kits, spill containment pallets, chemical decanting decks and safety shower and eyewash equipment. See our full range of solutions

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Security / Venues

 
 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business