Grants available for Comms Connect Melbourne exhibitors

In great news for the Australian communications sector, Comms Connect Melbourne has now been listed as an approved event for the federal government’s $50 million Business Events Grant program.

This means by exhibiting at or sponsoring the 2021 event — to be held 20 to 21 October 2020 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre — businesses are eligible to apply for upfront grants to cover up to 50% of the costs associated with exhibiting.

To reach the minimum $20,000 expenditure, businesses can include a range of expenses such as freight and logistics, samples, printing, flights and accommodation, as well as advertising linked to the event. They are also able to combine the exhibition costs of more than one approved event to assist in reaching the minimum spend in calendar year 2021.

In announcing the program in September 2020, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, “Getting business events up and running again will be a critical part of the recovery of our tourism industry, but will also have huge flow-on effects through the entire economy.

“This is not only about supporting events companies and venues, but will also be a shot in the arm for a broad range of businesses and the people they employ — whether it’s accommodation providers, those who build exhibitions, caterers, cleaners or those offering audiovisual services,” he added.

The deadline for applications is 30 March. Details can be found here — including key documents and the application link.

Please contact the Grants program team on 18 28 46 if you have any specific questions about applying.

For information on exhibition and sponsorship packages, contact Narelle Granger ngranger@wfmedia.com.au or register your interest here.

In addition to Comms Connect Melbourne, 2021 will also see the return of Comms Connect New Zealand in Wellington in May.