Business Events Industry Support
Business Events Overview
Destination Sydney Surrounds South (DSSS) recognises the significant opportunity that is presented by business events and conferencing. The NSW Regional Conferencing Strategy, developed by Destination NSW’s Regional Conferencing team, outlines that across regional NSW, the sector generates $290 million in delegate expenditure plus an additional $11.6 million from pre and post event activities, employing more than 2,300 people.
With a range of well-established venues, operators and event suppliers, our region is well placed to leverage the opportunities available through business events.
Useful links for industry
DSSS Business Events Checklist
A useful resource for operators, including both venues and suppliers, in the DSSS region to determine their ‘business events readiness’, to increase their understanding of the sector and tips to assist them in securing business events for the region.
Meet in Regional NSW website
Destination NSW’s Meet in Regional NSW website helps visitor economy businesses capitalise on the growing interest in holding business events in regional NSW. The site includes business directory and handy sector resources.
Meet in Regional NSW operator portal
The operator portal of the Meet in Regional NSW site allows regional stakeholders to create a free business listing and to access the more than 17,000 potential leads it generates for business event venues and suppliers each year.
Business Events Industry Support Program 2022
DSSS engaged the services of sector experts Mayvin Global to deliver an industry support program, designed to support skills development and the sharing of resources with operators that could leverage the benefits of business events, either directly or indirectly.
The program included development of the DSSS Business Events Checklist, a tailored mentor program and series of in-region workshops. Watch in the video right ⇒
Read more in the project briefing here
Feedback from 2022 program participants
“I really enjoyed the day, and it was run very efficiently and learnt some more effective tools for conferencing. Thank you to you and the team. Look forward to catching up again soon hopefully. Also, a big thanks to Danielle my mentor she was absolutely brilliant. We really clicked!”
Mentee feedback
“This workshop was a fantastic introduction to the specific needs of business event planners and I walked away with ideas on how to adjust our offering to be more successful in this market.”
Workshop attendee
“A very well thought through workshop delivered in an easily understandable way. Great takeaways and tips to strengthen our
business’s position in the Business Events space.”
Workshop attendee
“Attending the education workshop was time well spent. It is hard for me to get away from my business… but stopping to listen from experts gave me time to reflect on where I need to focus on building the business going forward. Hearing from experts with a huge amount of experience in tourism was so valuable. Connecting with others in the local tourism industry who are also looking to build their businesses was also fabulous. Looking forward to more of the above opportunities. Thanks for the opportunity”
Workshop attendee
“The educational workshop and mentorship provided our business with valuable insights into the business event s sector, allowing us to design a marketing brochure, confidently connect with other businesses, and expand our business.”
Mentee feedback
“I am new to the events world, so I got a really good feel for what classes as a business event in the first place, the goals you set to achieve, and how to better prepare for and execute them.”
Workshop attendee
“Some really great take aways about communicating to Business Event clients, with official proposal documents and being clear and upfront about the venue, connectivity and setting expectations.”
Workshop attendee
Business event destinations in our region
Conferencing in Wollongong
Just 80km south of Sydney on the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive. Wollongong offers a choice of premier venues, and events delegates can discover world-class beaches, playful adventures, eats, arts and iconic attractions.
Conferencing in the Shoalhaven
The Shoalhaven is just 2 hours from Sydney and Canberra and is filled with award winning wineries, unspoilt beaches and acclaimed restaurants. Offering a wide range of business event venues tailored to suit, whether it’s for 20 or 500 people.
Conferencing in the Southern Highlands
Steeped in history and character, the Southern Highlands offers a diverse range of venues that have been re-invigorated to create unique experiences for business events. Located just an hour and a half from Sydney, Canberra and Wollongong.
Header image: Group attending conferencing event at Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads. Credit: Bangalay Dining and Business Events South Coast