August 2008 - Issue 57

We’re looking forward to Platform08 later this month, a half-day seminar we're hosting in conjunction with the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, outlining how to bid for, win and stage an international event in Sydney. (This event is for qualified national association representatives only). 

Meanwhile, at the start of another financial year we guide you through the process of planning an event budget, and we’ve been exploring the true value of the trend to corporate social responsibility in our industry. Take the lead and register for Tourism Australia's business events CSR audit, to help build Australia's 'green' reputation.

Also, we've launched 'Put Sydney on Top', a campaign to help boost Sydney’s ICCA ranking. A better ranking means more events for Sydney! Find out how you can get involved and win a prize worth $600 every three months.

I’m also thrilled to welcome our newest members to the SCVB, Belinda Franks Catering, New Solutions Speakers, Sydney Conference and Training Centre and Hoyts Corporation who have reignited their membership.

And finally, I'd like to thank participants for their feedback in our Sydney and New South Wales Event Planners Guide survey and congratulate the winner of our draw, Jacqui Schouw from Roche Products.

Jon Hutchison AM
Managing Director

Features this month:

Will the CSR goodwill boon bust?

Right now, it seems everyone in the business events industry wants to talk about corporate social responsibility (CSR). The business benefits of good CSR are clear, but are we in danger of losing all this goodwill if we fail to effectively measure our actions?

How to plan an event budget

For any big meeting, the budget provides the framework for the rest of the event, and governs most of the major decisions that need to be made. Create a budget with both fixed and variable costs, and continue to manage it closely in the lead-up to your event.

Regular items: