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The Australian Event Symposium, once again co-located with the Australian Event Awards is being held at the Pacific Bay Resort in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales from 14^th to 15^th October.

With the support of the City of Coffs Harbour, the 2025 Event Symposium is set to explore the most pressing topics facing the events industry, from security and risk to creative programming and future-focused event design.

Ian Steigrad, Managing Director of the Australian Event Awards and Symposium enthused “we’re thrilled to bring the Australian Event Symposium and Awards to the Coffs Coast in 2025.

“The Symposium delivers rich opportunities to engage with new ideas, reframe challenges, and find inspiration for the future of our sector – whether you’re running grassroots community events, large-scale festivals, or high-end brand activations.”

“The program is designed to tackle the core issues impacting our industry, from safety to innovation, and from strategy to storytelling.”

Key highlights of the program include:

•  What’s Hot and What’s Not in the World of Talent and Conference Design, presented by Dave Green, offering fresh takes on building memorable, modern conference experiences;
•  Crowded Places: Industry Update on Current Threat Level for Events and Responsibilities, led by expert Craig Sheridan, who will unpack the evolving landscape of risk management for event professionals.

Additional sessions will dive into critical themes shaping the future of the sector, including:

• The Synergy Between Events and Regional Tourism, exploring how events can drive local economies and deepen community engagement;
• Rising Cost of Living vs the Need for Events and Entertainment for Wellbeing, examining how events remain vital to social wellbeing in a challenging economic climate;
• The Cohesive Bind Between Exhibitions and Events, focusing on how hybrid event formats can boost audience experience and commercial value.

Attendees can expect a diverse range of breakout sessions, panels, and networking opportunities designed to share best practices and foster cross-sector collaboration among producers, planners, suppliers and creatives.

Pre-Event Famil: Discover the Coffs Coast – A Destination for Every Occasion

On Monday 13th October 2025, ahead of the Australian Event Symposium, the City of Coffs Harbour will host an exclusive pre-event famil designed to showcase the region's diverse and versatile event offerings. From the lush hinterlands to pristine beaches, the Coffs Coast provides a stunning backdrop for events of all sizes and styles.

A highlight of the famil is an in-depth tour of the recently upgraded C.ex Coffs International Stadium. Situated within the expansive 20-hectare Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park, the stadium boasts state-of-the-art facilities.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore these facilities firsthand, gaining insights into how the stadium can be tailored to a variety of event requirements.

Beyond the stadium, the famil will introduce delegates to a selection of venues across the Coffs Coast, each offering distinct experiences that capture the essence of the region.

This immersive experience underscores Coffs Harbour's position as a leading regional event destination, combining natural beauty with top-tier facilities and services.

Delegates will also experience the newly refurbished Aanuka Beach House at the Official Welcome Function on Tuesday evening. Following its $5 million renovation, this stunning beachfront venue sets the stage for networking and connection, showcasing the Coffs Coast as a premier event destination.

The prestigious Australian Event Awards ceremony will be held on the evening of Wednesday 15th October at the Wiigulga Multi Purpose Centre.

Early Bird rates for Symposium registrations are available until 1st September with flexible options to attend the Symposium on its own or bundle it with the pre-event famil and a ticket to the Australian Event Awards ceremony.

Visit www.eventawards.com.au to view the full agenda and register for the Australian Event Symposium. 

The Australian Event Awards team welcomes 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 at enquiries@eventawards.com.au

Event Details:
Dates:
• Monday 13th October – Pre-Event Famil
• Tuesday 14th – Wednesday 15 October – Symposium
• Wednesday 15th October – Australian Event Awards Night
Venue: Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Bookings: www.eventawards.com.au

Image. c. ex Coffs international stadium. International Tag Federation World Cup

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