-
Direct routes and making the most of your travel time. How to justify the flight time and the days out of the office, and how to structure a program so the travel investment is returned. Time difference, corporate accessibility (Sydney offices & sector knowledge – networking etc.).
-
The real cost picture. Exchange rate, taxes, tipping culture, what is included as standard and what is charged separately, total cost of delivery.
-
Timing and seasonality. How reversed seasons and a different events calendar can work in your favour when you plan around them.
-
Safety, stability and ease of doing business. Visa access, language, legal and operating environment, and how to evidence duty of care to your executive team.
-
Venue capability. What is delivered in-house versus outsourced – catering, AV, content, event planning – and what that means for your risk, budget and timeline.
-
Delegate experience and wellbeing. Programming energy across an international agenda, and choosing experiences by objective rather than wish list.
-
Legacy, sustainability and accessibility. What good looks like, and the post-event reporting to ask for up front.
-
Support, funding and lead times. What a convention bureau will do for free, where destination funding genuinely exists, and how far ahead to start.
Rahul Shah brings more than 20 years of global business events experience across North America and internationally. Before joining Business Events Sydney, he spent more than a decade with the Metro Toronto Convention Centre securing major international congresses and conventions. As Director, Client Engagement – North America, he connects clients with Sydney’s world-class business events capabilities.
Helen Mantellato brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across Australia’s business events and exhibitions industry. As Senior Manager, Business Development – International and Exhibitions at ICC Sydney, she has driven portfolio growth through major international conventions and exhibitions. Helen also holds leadership roles with industry organisations including UFI and the Australian Business Events Association, contributing her expertise to the continued growth of the sector.
