Visual Connections is urging any Australian company considering exhibiting at the PacPrint expo in September of this year to act immediately to apply for funding which could cover 50% of participation costs up to the value of $250,000.
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| PacPrint 2017 image. PacPrint 2020 was deferred to Sept. 2021 due to Covid restrictions |
The supplier association, which co-hosts and organises PacPrint and other industry expos and events, has been successful in having the industry’s leading trade show listed as eligible for Federal Government grants but, with the funding pool limited, CEO Peter Harper warns it’s "first in, best dressed."
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| Peter Harper, CEO Visual Connections |
“Visual Connections has been working with the Exhibitions & Events Association of Australia and other event industry associations to ensure PacPrint exhibitors can apply for a share of the $50 million assistance package announced by the Federal Government late last year,” says Harper.
“We are delighted that we have achieved eligibility, with PacPrint included on the recently-released list of approved events, however the funding is available only through application by participating exhibitors…and with a cap on the available total grants, organisations will have to move quickly to claim a share.”
To qualify, organisations must have reserved their space and completed a booking form for the show, which will run from 28 September to 1 October at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. There is a minimum spend of $20,000, however successful exhibitors will be able to claim up to 50% of virtually all their participation costs, from stand design and build, to transport, signage, sponsorship, marketing, flights and accommodation, and more, up to a maximum of $250,000.
To assist with the process, Visual Connections has also briefed a specialist company, Export Solutions, to assist exhibitors. With more than 20 years’ experience accessing such grants, the company has an experienced team with members all across Australia and work on a ‘fee for success’ basis.
“Export Solutions can help with strategic advice to maximise the grant and your prospects of approval, prepare and lodge the applications and identify key documents required for that process, and liaise with the assessors, drawing on their experience to help answer any questions or requests that may arise during the assessment,” Harper explains.
“Visual Connections has negotiated a flat fee for all PacPrint exhibitors, of 6% plus GST of the actual grant approved, with 50% payable on approval and signing of the grant agreement, and the balance on receipt of the funding. This percentage will be reduced on any amount received over $40,000.”
Expected high demand and stiff competition for funding, together with the fact most businesses have little experience in applying for federal grants, means such assistance could be extremely valuable, with Harper recommending businesses act quickly to find their local Export Solutions expert on the company’s team page or contact Grants Advisor Katarina Dayoan on 0414 977 775 or at katarina@exportsolutions.com.au
“We know that funding success could easily make the difference between a company’s ability to participate in what may well be the most significant PacPrint ever held, or having to sit out the industry’s first in-person event for two years,” he says.
“This is a great opportunity, but once the money is allocated, that’s it, so I’d urge anyone considering exhibiting at this vitally important show to act immediately to apply.”
Interested suppliers can check the eligibility criteria and program guidelines here, and make application by following the instructions on this page. To discuss exhibiting at PacPrint 2021 or to make a booking, contact Visual Connections on +61 2 9868 1577 or email exhibitions@visualconnections.org.au.
