Canberra will host one of Australia’s first major multi-day conferences in 12 months when the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC) welcomes the 2021 Australian Cyber Conference this week, 16-18 March.
Delivered by Canberra-based Conference Logistics (Conlog), the Australian Information Security Association’s (AISA) hybrid conference is expected to attract 800 in-person delegates, with an additional 400 attending virtually.
According to an NCCC statement, not only is the event one of Canberra’s and Australia’s first major conferences since COVID restrictions were imposed in March 2020, it also attests to a growing confidence from delegates to meet in person again.
With a solid health response throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Canberra has been the least impacted major city in Australia and is an ideal location to host the 2021 Australian Cyber Conference, the NCCC stated.
“With zero community transmitted cases since mid-2020, and stringent COVID-safe guidelines in all venues and institutions, Canberra is one of the safest cities in Australia and is already seeing a return to in-person events,” said Michael Matthews, CEO at Canberra Convention Bureau.
“Canberra has never been better connected to other domestic destinations, with daily flights available to 12 destinations across the country, making it easier than ever for delegates to access the capital for a conference. Our proximity to major population centres, particularly on the East Coast, makes us a desirable destination both for in-person and hybrid events,” Mr Matthews said.
According to NCCC general manager Stephen Wood, the NCCC has managed the planning and delivery of the event collaboratively with Conlog, navigating through changing restrictions and finding creative solutions for a successful hybrid event.
“The size and scope of the event delivery network in Canberra allows for immediate and creative response times, allowing us to pre-empt any guideline updates or logistical changes in the lead-up to the event,” Mr Wood said.
“NCCC has been leading the COVID-safe response with a focus on delegate safety and wellbeing, which has been paramount to a growing confidence among meeting planners and delegates to return to business in Canberra.”
Damien Manuel, Chair of the AISA Board of Directors, was confident that the Canberra conference would lead to successful outcomes for his industry.
“The success and confidence around the delivery of this event is testament to the city’s natural collaborative effort, the importance of cyber security to the Australian government, and the collective focus on delegate and exhibitor safety,” Mr Manuel said.
Registrations for the 2021 Australian Cyber Conference are open: cyberconference.com.au/canberra
