First business events industry tradeshow of 2022, Get Local forging ahead in February

In an Australian first, Get Local has ordered over 2,000 Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to be used for all exhibitors, visitors and staff on arrival, further instilling confidence in the safety of attending the event happening on February 15 and 16 at ICC Sydney.

Get Local co-founders Donna Kessler and Gary Bender said the decision not to postpone was made after receiving encouraging positive feedback from the industry throughout January, and particularly registered buyers who have said they will be there.

“For almost two years, industry buyers have been unable to physically see and source new products, meet face-to-face with their suppliers or network with colleagues,” said Ms Kessler.

“If the industry’s own event does not proceed as scheduled, then what message does that send to the broader business community about meetings and travel generally?

“For the stability of the industry and the economy it is crucial that businesses continue to operate and grow despite COVID-19 and even more so for the industry itself to lead this return.”

Get Local will have contactless registration, no handouts, brochures or physical giveaways, and an open floor design with plenty of space for participants to move about freely and physically distanced, keeping to the COVID EventSafe Operating Guidelines.

“Continually cancelling business-to-business events could lead to a huge shift and downturn in the way people market their businesses, make sales and communicate with clients and suppliers.

“As the first business events tradeshow of 2022, it’s crucial to demonstrate how business events can continue successfully and in a COVID safe way,” said Mr Bender.

BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said kudos must go to Donna and Gary for their determination and commitment to bringing business events buyers and sellers together in Sydney next month.

“It’s important we come together as a sector and demonstrate the true value of face-to-face business events, in the COVIDSafe hands of event professionals,” said Ms Lewis-Smith.

“We, as an industry event, need to be the benchmark example demonstrating that meetings and events can be held safely and that all participants remain confident to attend gatherings of this kind,” said Ms Kessler.

ICC Sydney operates strictly to New South Wales Health Guidelines and its EventSafe Operating Guide, which draws on its ASM Global network of international venues and ASM Global’s VenueShield - developed in accordance with international health care guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other leading authorities.

ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy said business events are a catalyst for the economic prosperity of our cities and our regions, and that he is looking forward to seeing the industry getting back to what it does best during Get Local.

Destination Gold Coast Chair Adrienne Readings said the return of Get Local as the first major industry forum for 2022 would be a catalyst for kick-starting the recovery of business events.

“Get Local will be a national showcase for business events and we’re excited to be coming together as an industry to connect and share our destination with valued partners and buyers,” said Ms Readings.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan welcomed the exhibition as a time to meet face-to-face once again and celebrate the return of business events.

Get Local – the unofficial launch of Australian Business Events in 2022 – is the place to be.

Attendance is for qualified business event practitioners and numbers are limited.

Register your intention to attend at https://getlocalexpo.com.au/getlocal_register.php

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