Industry conferences dominate the week

Leading industry bodies the Aquatic and Recreation Institute NSW (ARI NSW), the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) and the Venue Management Association (VMA) are staging their industry conferences during the first three days of this week.

VMA Congress
Being held from Sunday to Tuesday, the VMA’s Annual Asia-Pacific Venue Industry Congress has attracted its largest ever attendance with more than 550 delegates heading to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre to hear about the latest developments in technology, ticketing, fan engagement and risk management along with the Congress’ popular promoters forum.

The Congress continues this evening with the annual VMA Gala Dinner presented by 24/7 Software which will feature the presentation of the 2024 Venue Industry Awards.

ARI NSW
Being staged in the Coliseum at West HQ in Western Sydney, the ARI NSW 2024 conference has featured an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers and expert panellists who have ‘dived into an unforgettable experience’, with a key address from Cain Liddle, the former Managing Director of Aligned Leisure and Chief Executive of Carlton Football Club.

Liddle, who now heads the Incrementum Advisory Group, drew on his extensive experience to present a unique perspective on business diversification and growth strategies in sport and leisure. 

AALARA
Starting with a series of industry forums yesterday (20th May), the AALARA conference and trade show was formally opened this morning and has today featured key sessions on risk management and sustainability in attractions.

Being held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event continues tomorrow with a full day’s conference program and the AALARA gala dinner on the evening of 22nd May.

It wraps up on Thursday with a series of site tours.

Australasian Leisure Management has been exhibiting at each of these events.

Australian Tourism Exchange
Also being held this week (running from Sunday 19th to Thursday 23rd May, the 44th edition of the Australian tourism industry’s largest annual business-to-business event, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE24), is being held in Melbourne in partnership with Visit Victoria. 

Taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, ATE24 brings together Australian tourism businesses with global distribution partners, to conduct scheduled business appointments and participate in key networking events. 

Around 1,500 Australian seller delegates and 700 buyer delegates from over 30 countries have been targeted to attend ATE24.

Images: The opening session at the VMA Congress (top, credit: Jamie Barkley) and Australasian Leisure Management Editor Karen Sweaney at the AALARA Expo flanked by James Ritchie of The Mindful Risk Group and Massi Freddi, founder and Chief Executive Wonderwood on Lake Maggiore, Italy and IAAPA First Vice Chair.