Orange360
Website: orange360.com.au
EVENT STORY
The Orange Region is situated 3.5 hrs drive from Sydney or Canberra, and is nestled around Gaahna Bula - Mt Canobolas on the land of the Wiradjuri people.
Whether you’re looking for the energy of the wine harvest or a cosy winter escape away from the rush, every season brings new views to soak in, time to slow down, and a year-round calendar of events celebrating the region’s distinct food, wine and culture.
HOW THEY WORKED WITH US
Annual Events Bootcamp for local event organsiers 2024 and 2025
WHO PARTICPATED
Regional organisations that run events (local and visitors)
Recipients/potential recipients of the Newmont O360 Regional Event Fund
Orange360 Members organisations who run events of notable significance +150 guests
Tourism Manager’s + Orange360 Staff + Newmont
WHY THEY NEEDED OUR SUPPORT & WHAT THEY WANTED TO GAIN
One of Orange360s five strategic priorities is to activate and promote the growth and success of in-region festivals and events. Through this focus we aim to support and promote Regional Events/Festivals that strengthen the regions appeal and attraction and build sector capacity and regional prosperity.
Hosting a Bootcamp for the region’s event organisers through the Newmont Orange360 Event fund partnership was one way we were able to deliver our strategy to provide education and information to our members and industry to help create sustainable and successful events for the region.
WHAT THEY GAINED FROM PARTICIPATING
After reviewing all participant feedback, three strong themes emerged:
1. Strong Planning & Organisation
This was the most repeated theme. Key points included:
Start preparations early and plan well in advance (even 1–2 years for recurring events).
Use structured planning documents, run sheets, and clear record‑keeping.
Store all documents centrally so multiple people can access them—not just in one person’s head.
Clearly define roles and responsibilities for every stage of the event.
Think through the entire attendee journey from entry to exit and ensure all information is organised and available.
2. Know Your Audience & Create Meaningful Experiences
Many takeaways focused on intentionally designing events around the people attending:
Understand your target audience holistic needs—not just who attends, but who you actually want to attract.
Plan event content and activities (“TNTs”) around audience insights.
Put yourself in the attendees’ shoes and design the full experience.
Focus on authenticity and experience‑centric events.
Ensure clear and consistent communication across marketing channels.
3. Build Sustainable and Resilient Event Practices
Participants highlighted both environmental and operational sustainability:
Consider environmental impacts and incorporate sustainable practices.
Use early sponsorship to become self‑sustaining long‑term.
Create budgets that can operate without grants or external funding if needed.
Delegate effectively and organise events so they can run even if you are not there on the day.
Utilise broader volunteer networks and collaborate with other groups.
Review policies such as cancellation terms to ensure stability.
Continue networking and gathering feedback for improvement.
TOP 3 LEARNINGS/OUTCOMES
Based on the combined responses, here are the strongest three actionable themes:
Improve planning systems and structure: Formalise planning documents, centralise files, define roles, and prepare earlier.
Deepen focus on audience and experience design: Understand who the event is for, deliver authentic experiences, and ensure consistent communication.
Strengthen sustainability—both environmental and financial: Plan budgets without relying on grants, use sponsorship smartly, consider environmental impacts, and build resilient volunteer support.
