The Federal Government has announced an expansion and extension to its Business Events Grants program, which incentivises participation in B2B events like PacPrint, Visual Impact and the Label & Packaging Expo.

The $50 million Business Events Grants program, which was introduced earlier this year, allows companies participating in approved events to claim up to 50% of their total participation costs. PacPrint and its co-located events, which will run in Melbourne from 28 September to 1 October this year, have been approved for this funding, with many exhibitors already submitting applications and some already approved.

While further detail is yet to come, the Exhibitions & Events Association of Australia (EEAA) reported yesterday that the minimum grant amount has been reduced from $10,000 to $5,000. This makes it available to exhibitors with a total spend of $10,000 or more – particularly good news for those suppliers who book smaller, 3m x 3m shell scheme stands and bring such diversity and interest to expos,

Deadline for applications which were originally due to close at the end of this month will be pushed out until 30 June.

Peter Harper, CEO Visual Connections which both organises and co-hosts PacPrint, expects the announcement to increase the already strong interest in the show from potential exhibitors, calling it a ‘no-brainer’ for any company considering participation.

“Those companies which have already successfully applied will enjoy 50% ‘cash back’ on everything from their floor space and stand build, to airfares, accommodation, marketing and sponsorships…in fact any exhibition related expense,” he says.

“The application process is not particularly onerous and it’s basically free cash to build your business. Competition for the grants will be stiff, however, with many shows qualifying and literally hundreds, if not thousands, of eligible businesses expected to apply, so there’s no time to waste in submitting an application.”

Interested businesses find out more about the program here or contact Grants Advisor Katarina Dayoan from Export Solutions at [email protected] or on 0414 977 775. To discuss exhibiting or make a booking contact Visual Connections on +61 2 9868 1577 or email [email protected].