Visual Connections is urging any company considering exhibiting at the PacPrint expo later this year to act immediately to apply for funding which could cover 50% of participation costs up to the value of $250,000.
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’.
“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 $500 million assistance package announced by the Federal Government late last year,” Harper said this morning.
“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 total grants available, 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.”
