We have just completed our first Australian Travel Exchange trade show at the International Convention Centre (ICC) at Darling Harbour.

Consisting of a hybrid event of live and online appointments between Buyers and Sellers of the Australian travel industry over a ten day period. Offerings included: accommodation, tours, online travel websites and other services and products suitable for the domestic and overseas markets.

This year’s set-up was very different from previous years due to the COVID situation - resulting in a re-think of the usual stall exhibition style.

Instead of Sellers having elaborate stalls in which to network and meet Buyers, a speed dating for business format was created. Buyers sat stationary at small desks - made of cardboard to go with the sustainability ethos of the event - and Sellers moved around the room from desk-to-desk every twelve minutes.

Everyone enjoyed good view points of the room, making it easy to move quickly between appointments as a Seller. This innovative and simple layout also ensured good air flow and adherence to social distancing requirements.

There were also hubs hosted by each Australian state where Buyers and Sellers could gather. Content hubs for Sustainability, Business and Indigenous workshops - showcased relevant topics and discussion of their key subject matter.

We bumped into lots of old faces and met lots of new ones. It was great to connect with so many enthusiastic travel peeps in one room and hear everyone's story. We look forward to continuing to develop our new business partnerships in the coming months.

Enjoy the pics if you couldn't attend in person.

Thanks to Tourism Australia for inviting us to take part.