An exhibition in Australia? Yes, please!

Exhibiting in Australia
When you think of Australia, exhibitions usually aren’t the first thing that comes to mind.  Beaches, kangaroos, Vegemite—maybe—but an exhibition in Australia? If you read our last two newsletters, you know that Australia is an APAC country—um, or is that continent? The answer is both: Australia is the only continent that is a single country. At the same time, Australia is the world’s largest island but the smallest continent. Along with these little pieces of information, here are some of the reasons exhibition organizers are choosing Australia.

Why Australia? 
The Australian government offers unparalleled support for the relatively new exhibition industry, including funds for building state-of-the art venues, anticipating that Australia will play a larger international role in attracting exhibitions. Building an awareness of the country as a sustainable destination, the government invests in research and marketing to attract global leaders and investment decision makers and encourage innovation and business collaboration.

How important is the exhibition business to the Australian economy?
An extensive study from Ernst & Young conducted for the Business Events Council of Australia with the support of the Australia Government, found there are 2,157 exhibitions staged in Australia, attracting 9.3 million visitors and over 65,000 exhibitors. The total direct expenditure from exhibitions was $3.1 billion, and these events contributed direct value-add of $1.5 billion and generated over 21,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

Globally, Australia ranks 16 among all countries in numbers of exhibitions. In the APAC region, Australia ranks 4, surpassed only by China, Japan, and Korea.

What’s it like to exhibit in Australia?

• Given the high level of government support, the state-of-the-art facilities, the fact that English is spoken, and that Australia is an exciting destination, more and more exhibitors are finding that their show schedules include events in Australia. Here are a few things to remember:
• Exhibits area blend of American, European, and UK styles, but many materials from the US, UK, and Europe (wood, laminates, extruded systems, pre-fabricated laminated wood products, plastics, etc.) are not available in Australia due to the (currently) smaller size of the exhibition market. Exhibitors should build in lead time—we recommend two months—for materials to arrive.
• Fabric and graphics production is on a smaller scale than in the US and Europe. Simple shapes and large SEG graphics for walls and hanging signs are more common, and more complex pillow-case fabric structures might not be possible — plan for longer lead times and higher prices.
• You can use the general contractor—or an exhibitor appointed contractor (EAC).
• There is an official contractor to provide electrical services. The organizer installs the drops. The phrase “test and tag” means all your plugs have been tested.
• If rigging is allowed, you must hire a contractor approved by the venue. See the show manual for approved contractors or ask your local partner to arrange the rigging.
• Move in/move out times are tight; most shows typically allow one or two days for installation, with larger shows scheduling three or four days. Starting time in Australia is usually between 7-8 AM.
• There are strict safety regulations, including proper workwear (high visibility vests and closed-toe shoes). Proof that exhibitors meet the health and safety standards (OH&S) including risk assessment, insurance liability, and insurance coverage must be on record with the organizer. Also, contractors need to provide risk assessment reports. Otherwise, approvals are not forthcoming.
• All stands and plans must be approved by the venue, a process facilitated by the organizer. Be sure to read the manual for height restrictions, setbacks, and other specifications.
• Raised floors are common, usually 32mm to 41mm high with ramps. Pre-laminated tiles are often used instead of carpet. Carpet tiles are much more common than pricey US-style carpet and padding.
• While there is no union involvement or drayage, there is good social support for workers in a relatively small labor pool. Be sure to lock in good local labor early.
• Always check with the local Australian government for current rules. You can’t just show up and start working. Submit all appropriate permits and forms to the venue/organizer for approval before beginning work. To perform labor, you need to be “inducted,” which involves a 15-30-minute safety course.
• There are no drayage charges, but exhibitors pay the contractor for the use of equipment to bring properties to the floor. Order this service in advance.
• A space-only stand means a concrete floor. Exhibitors must source power, lighting, audio-visual, furniture, etc.
• The contractor usually takes last-minute, onsite orders, but there are significant late charges, and you might not get next-day turnaround.
• A few places to make last minute purchases: Officeworks for supplies, JB Hi-Fi for electronics, Harvey Norman for espresso machines. Bunnings for tools, Techlighting for some lighting needs, Woolworth’s, Coles, and Aldi’s for anything else.
• Smoking is not permitted onsite in any Australian venue.
• Ask about the availability of a badge scanner and order one, if possible.
• Using first names is perfectly acceptable. Greet with a “hello” or “how are you?” or to sound like a local, “How ya going?”
• There is no protocol for business card exchange.
• Be warned: traffic is brutal at rush hour. Be on the safe side and schedule your meetings between 10 AM and 2 PM. Brunch and lunch meetings work well. Be punctual or let your hosts knew you are running late.
• Australia has a huge coffee culture—and the coffee is awesome. Coffee meetings or lunch meetings are popular.
• Speaking of coffee, catering orders must go through the venue. Catering is expensive, but the coffee is phenomenal. The most popular coffee brand is Vittoria.
• When you’re wondering what to wear, err on the side of business casual.
• Common exhibit construction includes a mixture of fabric, SEG, hard panel custom work, or shell schemes with enhancements.
• While build-and-burn is still popular {“afterwards, we’re going to bin it!”), companies with robust show schedules find it makes economic sense to build, store, and reuse an exhibit, similar to US practice.

This list only covers the basics. If you are looking for peace of mind and a successful show in Australia, just ask us. Idea International is your partner to take you beyond the basics. Contact us now!