From UK-inspired ideas like a ticket levy to support grassroots events, to new rules of event marketing, sustainability wins, and big-picture strategies from NSW and QLD - there was so much relevant to those of us building events outside the big cities at the Australian Festival Industry Conference. 

Linda Tillman recently attended and presented at the 2025 Agricultural Shows Australia Conference, where industry leaders, event professionals, and regional champions gathered to shape the future of agricultural shows.

Linda shares her key takeaways and insights from the conference.

Image Credit: Agricultural Shows Australia

Why do people work in events? Because there is nothing quite like it and the lifelong friendships that are formed.

A reflection on a career as an Event Director and the misunderstood industry.

It is time to look at the big picture and save volunteer-run regional events.

Image Credit: Grazing Down the Lachlan

Our learnings about event accessibility from volunteering at Australia’a most accessible music festival

What a fabulous few days in Mackay Queensland the regional tourism industry just had for the Australian Regional Tourism Convention!  

I was honoured to be flying the flag for regional events, presenting on measuring the social value of events. 

We address the 6 key challenges and trends identified as threats to the ongoing viability of events that were recently raised by 130 event industry peeps from across regional and rural Australia in our webinar on Optimising Community Events.

This year at rEVENTS Academy we decided to do more to contribute to the regional, rural and remote communities we work with

Here’s where to find grants for strategic planning of events (which will help solve challenges), marketing to increase attendance, infrastructure such as hired stages and marquees, and more.

Common challenges pose a serious threat to the future of many events in regional Australia.

What are the solutions?

Woodford Folk Festival is delivered by 2,700 volunteers.

How do they manage that many volunteers - and keep them coming back year after year??

Who do you call for sustainable services for your event?

Here are some sustainable event suppliers we’ve found - but please share any businesses that you recommend in the comments!

Image credit: Green My Plate

Here we share how three inspiring events go beyond recycling to improve their sustainability. Which of their tactics will you steal for your event?

Which websites can you get a free listing for your event on? Here is the ultimate guide! 

Event organisers want to make their events accessible, but can struggle to know where to start, especially which options are affordable within a limited budget.

Here are no and low cost accessibility hacks for events and festivals.

Events boost local economies. How can events deliver a bigger economic impact?

And how can that be measured?

Visitors and residents want to support events that are responsible and doing good for their communities and the environment – it’s a ‘trend’ that’s only going to increase in importance.

After completing a year-long Certificate IV in Training & Assessment in 2022, and delivering loads of coaching, workshops, and seminars myself, I have been reflecting on how people learn - including myself.

To take the work out of delivering a whole event by yourself, can you engage your community to deliver it with you?