NoVacancy – Australia’s #1 exhibition and conference for the hotel and accommodation industry – has reported a record-breaking 5,017 in attendance at its 2019 event, which took place at the ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre on 24-25 July.
It’s a massive 48% increase on the previous year, reinforcing the show’s position as the annual must-attend event for the hotel and accommodation sector.
“To see this kind of growth in only its second year is a reflection of industry strength and reaffirms the need for an event that brings decision-makers, thought leaders and suppliers together. This growth has far exceeded our expectations,” says Event Director Brad Langton.
The remarkable number of accommodation industry professionals who flocked to Sydney for the two-day industry showcase came together to enjoy unrivalled access to 234 exhibitors ranging from software solutions to in-room experience to technology and to make the most of the extensive education program with 7 job function-specific summits featuring 45 sessions and more than 70 expert speakers.
Mr Langton continues: “From the moment the doors opened on Wednesday morning the expo floor was buzzing with energy as visitors discovered products, had deep conversations and made new connections – this carried right through to Thursday afternoon when the expo closed. The huge success of NoVacancy 2019 is a testament to the passion and the commitment to growth that this thriving industry and the professionals in it have, we’re honoured to be a part of it.”
“The must-attend event” – hotel and accommodation leaders describe NoVacancy 2019
Rave reviews have been flowing in since the event across social media and other channels. Wow, eye-opening, fantastic, amazing, inspired, massive, real-world, and professionally-run are just some of the words visitors have been using to describe this year’s record-breaking event.
“Outstanding, the hospitality industry’s premier event. Immersive discussions, new technologies, great connections – an excellent event for multiple levels of your hotel team,” says Benjamin Nesbitt, General Manager, SKYE Hotels & Suites.
“The best accommodation industry event in Australia,” says Matt Camp, Group Revenue Manager at View Hotels.
“Such a useful show. Thought I would only attend the first day but found myself back for a second full day as well,” says Graham Turner, Managing Director, Executive Apartments Newcastle
The industry’s favourite event
Visitors weren’t the only ones enthused by the expo. Exhibitors at NoVacancy 2019 too were quick to praise the quantity and quality of engagement and new leads generated at the event. The huge crowds allowed exhibitors to meet with new prospects and re-engage with existing customers including visitors from global hotel chains, independent hotels, motels, luxury and boutique properties, student and hosted accommodation, developers, designers and a broader ecosystem that operate across the sector. Reiterating this feedback, almost 70% of exhibitors rebook their booths for the 2020 event including TravelClick, Swisstrade, AH Beard, Assa Abloy, Bloomingdales, Technogym, Cooper Black, Mews, Nespresso, RMS, Rategain, and Weatherdon.
Demonstrating NoVacancy’s strong industry backing, in attendance and supporting was Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA), Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and Australian Revenue Management Association (ARMA).
“AAoA take great pleasure in supporting NoVacancy and seeing its continued growth. An event of this scale has long been missing from the market in Australia and is invaluable to helping accommodation leaders large and small better all parts of their business. We look forward to the continued partnership and support of NoVacancy,” says Dean Long, Chief Executive Officer, Accommodation Association of Australia.
Save the date for NoVacancy and Hospitality Design Fair 2020
NoVacancy will return to ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre 27-28 May 2020.
Following two successful years of the Design, Interiors and Refurbishment section in NoVacancy, organiser National Media has expanded this component into Hospitality Design Fair (HDF) for the May 2020 event. Still accessible and open with NoVacancy, HDF is 100% focused on design elements for hotel, restaurant, bar, club, spa, casino and venue interiors. Hospitality Design Fair is a creative marketplace, offering an environment that features both the experiential and practical aspects of hospitality design.
