Proposing a new convention to serve Australia’s entertainment and technology sector, ACETA President, Frank Hinton has described in detail an event that would embrace all facets of the industry and include the ACETA Awards for Excellence.
‘The current landscape indicates our industry wants, or certainly needs to develop and progress, minus the relentless sell-fest obstacle; is the answer, a convention?’ he asks.
Seeking wider input, ACETA (Australian Commercial Entertainment & Technologies Association) has presented the plan for a national industry convention: ‘Several imperatives demand consideration,’ Hinton argues. ‘It should be conducted in a convivial environment with an appropriate work/leisure balance and minimal diversion. This means avoiding a capital city. The programme should address personal, corporate and industry development equally, with social activity focussed on “common denominators”. Most importantly, the entire event must resonate with, and be compelling to “all” industry participants.’
The proposed location is the North East Victorian City of Wangaratta –on the Hume highway between Melbourne and Sydney. The city hosts many conventions and the annual International Jazz Festival.
‘Formalities could take place on Saturday and Sunday, with social events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening,’ Hinton explains. ‘The focus would cover, personal, corporate and industry themes. An informal Friday night welcome reception could be organised, with a more formal Saturday evening dinner (dance). Sunday, formalities could close with a late afternoon wine tasting/food party sponsored by the Glenrowan Vignerons Association. Some would stay on and experience the area further, companies may opt to conduct their own corporate event following the convention taking the opportunity to work on their business as opposed to in their business.
‘The event is a low cost opportunity for personal development through workshops, and networking.
‘The sheer number of individuals empowered by participation is not possible in any other forum than that which is proposed. Therefore the convention and its format offer the most natural opportunity for continued development in every aspect, including leadership (office bearing), involvement (board membership) and big picture necessity’s including succession of ideas and program streams. The convention underpins the financial well-being of ACETA, therefore enhancing industry health… all associated costs for the convention are tax-deductible.’
Located at a transport hub with a developing airports nearby, the event would aim to bring together the region’s economic development administrators and the entertainment technology industry, particularly manufacturers that may be interested in exploring relocation to a more attractive and cost-effective environment.
‘Establishing an industry convention may well satisfy the needs of those consistently talking about an industry run or controlled trade show,’ Hinton says. ‘For some, this by the industry for the industry event may actually be what they want and will certainly take the spot light off, and neutralise the trade show narrative. In fact a convention may ultimately provide easier passage into our broad industry event aspirations. One thing is certain; it establishes options.’
Core convention components would provide a base to develop further aspects of a business event – including ACETA’s Awards for Excellence, with results announced at a formal dinner.
More: www.aceta.org.au
