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With entries now open for the 2025 Australian Event Awards Event professionals, producers, suppliers and creatives from across Australia are invited to submit their best work for the chance to be recognised on the national stage.

This year, the Event Awards and Symposium will be held in Coffs Harbour, with the program having been revamped to include new categories, providing fresh opportunities for recognition across a broader spectrum of the events industry.

Eligible events must have been delivered between 1st July 2024 and 30th June 2025, with entries closing on 28th July 2025.

Co-Chair Peter Rix noted “with the Event Awards and Symposium heading to Coffs Harbour this year, we’re looking forward to bringing together the best in the business to celebrate innovation, creativity, and excellence. It’s an opportunity to recognise the achievements of our industry and connect with peers in one of Australia’s most stunning coastal destinations.”

With 33 award categories on offer, the program recognises outstanding events of all types—including public events, corporate functions, exhibitions, conferences, and festivals—as well as exceptional achievements by venues, suppliers, producers, and event management companies.

Ian Steigrad, Managing Director of the Australian Event Awards, said the program provides vital recognition for an industry that is often hidden behind the scenes.

Steigrad shared “The Australian Event Awards help to make the invisible visible. It’s not just about the spectacular outcomes—it's about acknowledging the problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity that drive those results.

“Our judging panel of over 30 independent experts also gives entrants the chance to receive meaningful feedback and benchmarking to support continued excellence.”

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said she is looking forward to celebrating the supreme achievers in the competitive events space and added “the logistics of putting together a successful event are inevitably massive and attendees only see the magic of the end result delivery. These awards will recognise all the hard work that went into creating something special.

“We look forward to hosting the Event Awards and Symposium in Coffs this year for the big reveal.”

All national Nominees will be assessed by at least two industry judges and will be celebrated at the Australian Event Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 15th October 2025 in Coffs Harbour.

Running alongside the Awards, the Australian Event Symposium returns from 13th–15th October 2025, offering two days of peer-led learning.

EVENT FAMIL
Event professionals are invited to an exclusive behind-the-scenes famil of the C.ex Coffs International Stadium – an opportunity to explore this versatile venue that has hosted Elton John concerts, elite sporting competitions, industry think tanks, and major participation events like OzTag National Championships. Participants will gain valuable insights into how the City of Coffs Harbour collaborates with diverse event organisations to deliver exceptional experiences. Set in NSW's first ECO Destination, this tour, which includes a visit to the Jetty Precinct, demonstrates why Coffs Harbour has earned recognition as an IFEA World Festival and Event City for five consecutive years – a must-attend experience for anyone looking to elevate their event planning and partnership expertise.

Entries are open now 

Image top. Now or Never 2023 City of Melbourne Nominee Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event; Image centre: Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail 2023, City of Perth, WA, Winner, Best Community Event; Image below: Elton John Coffs Coast 2020

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