Entries are open for the 2025 Australian Event Awards, with event professionals, producers, suppliers and creatives from across Australia invited to submit their best work for recognition on the national stage.

This year, the program has been expanded with new categories to provide fresh opportunities for recognition across a broader spectrum of the events industry.

There are now 38 award categories, recognising outstanding events of all types, including public events, corporate functions, exhibitions, conferences and festival, as well as exceptional achievements by venues, suppliers, producers, and event management companies.

Five new business events categories now feature in the awards, including Best Association Event, Best Incentive Event, Event Hotel of the Year, Exhibition Services or Event Build Company of the Year and In-House Event Team of the Year.

Australian Event Awards Co-Chair Peter Rix AM said: “With the Event Awards and Symposium heading to Coffs Harbour this year, we’re looking forward to bringing together the best in the business to celebrate innovation, creativity, and excellence. It’s an opportunity to recognise the achievements of our industry and connect with peers in one of Australia’s most stunning coastal destinations.”

Australian Event Awards Managing Director Ian Steigrad said: “The Australian Event Awards help to make the invisible visible. It’s not just about the spectacular outcomes—it's about acknowledging the problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity that drive those results.

“Our judging panel of over 30 independent experts also gives entrants the chance to receive meaningful feedback and benchmarking to support continued excellence.”

Winners will be celebrated at the Australian Event Awards ceremony on 15 October 2025, during the Australian Event Symposium. The symposium will be held from 13–15 October 2025, offering two days of peer-led learning.

The Australian Event Awards and Symposium have signed a three-year deal with the City of Coffs Harbour that will see the destination host the annual gathering of the Australian events industry in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

The partnership is supported proudly by Destination NSW and comes at a time when the destination is benefitting from new and upgraded accommodation and event spaces.

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said: “The logistics of putting together a successful event are inevitably massive and attendees only see the magic of the end result delivery. These awards will recognise all the hard work that went into creating something special.

“We look forward to hosting the Event Awards and Symposium in Coffs this year for the big reveal.”

Eligible events must be delivered between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, with entries closing on 28 July 2025. Learn more here.

Event famil at C.ex Coffs International Stadium

Event professionals will have the opportunity to participate in a behind-the-scenes famil of the C.ex Coffs International Stadium during the symposium.

The versatile venue has hosted Elton John concerts, elite sporting competitions, industry think tanks and major participation events such as the OzTag National Championships.

Participants will gain insights on how the City of Coffs Harbour collaborates with event organisations to deliver experiences.

Pictured main: Vivid Sydney triumphed at the 2024 Australian Event Awards, winning Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event.