MD at Apex Event Recruitment & Pitch Careers I Event Recruitment I Resume and Career Advice
How insanely ridiculous that the compensation the Victorian government paid for not hosting the games, will end up costing more than what Glasgow is paying to host a scaled down version. All because the right events people weren't consulted, the right conversations weren't had, and the effects of this and other decisions by government that continue to hurt our events industry! Simon Thewlis recently shared with me the following information, and it goes to show how much Victoria has slipped in terms of business events and on a whole how decisions like the above, and more then affect our industry. Recent data from Tourism Research Australia (TRA - a branch of Austrade) shows that in the space of a decade Victoria has gone from easily being the leading state for business events to being third - behind Queensland and a mile behind New South Wales. Market Share of Business Events in 2014 for Victoria was 36% Market Share of Business Events in 2024 for Victoria is now just 21% A drop in share of spend that equates to a loss of billions of dollars a year to Victorian businesses and people, particularly business and people in the events industry. While major events like Commonwealth Games being cancelled gets major news coverage, as it's a huge loss with global reach. The data above equates to billions of dollars lost across business events per year in Victoria, more than what was lost because of the Commonwealth Games, yet this hasn't received any coverage. Whereas QLD and NSW seem to be driving ahead on business events and their market share has grown during this period to completely topple Victoria. Business events drive change and innovation across organisations, industries, and communities. They train, educate, inform, inspire and motivate. They are critical to the work of both the profit and not-for-profit sector and they are a key source of income for many organisations. So why does the Victorian government still not understand our industry? Why are they still not investing in our industry? When will they realise that the events industry drives business, drives change, provides opportunities, supports more than just our sector, and in fact brings lots of business to the state and Country as a whole! Clearly NSW and QLD are on the right track with major spend growths in the sector, but Victoria seems to be lagging massively behind!
Top 20 Regional & Top 100 Global Event Industry Influencer 2023/4 | Founder, The Mandala Social | Driving Sustainable Event Solutions | Eventex Awards 2025 Judge | Creativity, Collaboration & Quality Espresso
1moBonnie you’ve hit the mark. The fact that the compensation for not hosting the Commonwealth Games will cost more than Glasgow’s scaled-down version is outrageous. Clearly, the right people weren’t consulted, and the impact is devastating for our events industry. Simon Thewlis data is shocking—Victoria’s drop from 36% to 21% in the business events market over a decade equals billions lost every year, with barely any media coverage. While the Commonwealth Games cancellation makes headlines, the ongoing decline in business events costs far more in the long run. Meanwhile, QLD and NSW are thriving, investing in events and reaping the benefits. It’s not just about immediate revenue; events drive innovation, education, and business growth. Our industry needs to come together now. We must demand the Victorian government finally recognise that events are key drivers of our economy and our state’s future. If other states can see it, so should we. It’s time to ensure the right conversations are happening, with our voices at the table.