Established nightlife precincts, businesses, suppliers, jobseekers and performers will soon have a one-stop shop to connect, find partnership opportunities, access grant initiatives and share knowledge and ideas to grow night-time offerings across the state.

Neon Marketplace is an online business-to-business platform designed by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner that brings these groups together to enhance collaboration and make it simpler and faster to connect directly with each other to create new opportunities.

The Australian-first platform will be launched at today’s NEON Forum event, hosted by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.

The two-day forum is bringing together experts from Europe, Asia, the United States and United Kingdom, alongside leaders from the NSW Government, industry and the state’s broader night-time economy sector to spotlight the work being done to implement the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reform agenda as well as the broader work of the Office.

The Neon Marketplace platform will feature teams who are participating in the Uptown District Acceleration Program, including teams across regional centres in Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central Coast and will continue momentum across the 24-hour economy.

The platform also aligns with the NSW Government’s ongoing work through Tranche 2 of the Vibrancy Reforms with more support for special events, hospitality and live music venues under way.

For more information or to access Neon Marketplace click here.

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said: “Businesses, community organisations, the night-time workforce and wider night-time economy industry are the backbone of successful night-time precincts across NSW.

“This exciting new platform provides night-time economy stakeholders with the contacts and network they may need to bring more value to their business and provide even more offerings to their customers, visitors, locals and workers alike.”

Hornsby After Dark precinct coordinator Claire Rampling said: “Having the ability to connect with other business groups, suppliers and people within the industry will support our efforts to show everything Hornsby has to offer.

“We know that collaboration and coordination are key to success, and we look forward to working alongside fellow nightlife precincts to celebrate offerings across our state.”

ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said: “The Great Southern Nights and Hollywood Quarter partnership earlier this year proved to be a great success – with free live music, roving street performers and fantastic food and beverage offerings across several venues, supported by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Uptown program.

“Partnering with precincts is a great way to streamline planning processes by having a ready contact to a network of supportive businesses. It’s great to see Neon Marketplace will help to support these processes via an online platform to provide greater connections for businesses and event organisers.