Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) has announced its flagship conference, Evolve 2021, will be rescheduled to September, following the recent Melbourne lockdown.

The MEA board and Evolve committee have confirmed the event will now take place on Wednesday 8 September 2021.

This decision follows close monitoring of the lockdown situation in Melbourne and the likelihood of MEA members being permitted or able to travel for the event, which was due to take place on 1 July.

“The health and wellbeing of MEA members and the wider community is at the forefront of our decision and member’s safety is our main priority,” said MEA chair Nigel Collin.

“It’s important to support live events and we want more delegates to travel to Melbourne to support the state, its venues and our sponsors, which is why we will still host Evolve 2021 in Melbourne in September.

“It’s a great opportunity for the industry come together and focus on best practice and rebuild confidence.”

Melbourne Convention Bureau chief executive Julia Swanson also commented on the decision to reschedule.

“There is no denying the current circuit breaker has been disruptive, but we know the business events sector is incredibly resilient and ready to return to in-person events when the time is right,” she said.

“We welcome MEA’s continued support and leadership in championing in-person events and driving recovery of our industry.”

The conference will go ahead with an in-person event at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, while satellite events will be held at Sydney Sofitel Darling Harbour and Sofitel Brisbane Central. There will also be the option to attend virtually.

For further information visit the Evolve 2021 website.