How to meet 44 Event Suppliers in 2.5 Hours (and maybe win a $1000 Qantas voucher)

Posted on 17 June, 2025

If you’ve ever found yourself frantically googling “best caterers Canberra” at 10 pm the night before an event proposal is due, we’ve got the solution to your prayers.

Canberra on Show is returning on Wednesday 25 June, and honestly, it’s about to become your new favourite day of the year.

Picture this: 44 of Canberra’s finest event suppliers all gathered in one place, ready to chat, inspire, and help you pull off that workplace function, conference, or celebration that’s been keeping you up at night. We’re talking iconic venues like the National Convention Centre Canberra and the stunning National Gallery of Australia through to Trippas White Group, accommodation that ranges from the sleek QT Canberra to the boutique charm of East Hotel, and everything in between.

“Local meeting planners are busy people, and for many, organising events is just one part of their role,” explains Sophie Kilmartin from Canberra Convention Bureau.

“Canberra on Show allows them to meet the people they might end up working with – whether it’s for a small function or a large conference – and see firsthand what’s currently on offer in our region.”

Honestly, she gets it because there’s nothing worse than when you’re juggling a million things, and event planning often lands on your desk with a cheerful “you’ll figure it out!” from management.

But instead of spending weeks researching and making countless phone calls, you can meet everyone face-to-face in just a couple of hours. Want to chat with the team at Ovolo Nishi about their incredible design-forward spaces? Done. Curious about what Restaurant Associates at the Museum of Australian Democracy can offer for your next corporate lunch? They’ll be right there.

The event runs from 10 am to 12:30 pm at the Ann Harding Centre at the University of Canberra, and the lineup is genuinely impressive. You’ll find everything from the sophisticated Hyatt Hotel Canberra for those high-stakes client meetings to the relaxed waterfront vibes of Love Boats Canberra for something completely different. The Crowne Plaza Canberra team will be there alongside boutique options like the Midnight Hotel, proving that whatever your event style or budget, there’s something perfect waiting to be discovered.

For those planning larger conferences, you can chat directly with Australian Parliament House Catering and Events – because honestly, where else can you say your meeting was held at Parliament House? Meanwhile, the National Museum of Australia offers spaces that are as inspiring as they are functional, perfect for those events where you want attendees to feel genuinely excited about showing up.

The tech side is covered too, with Elite Event Technology ready to ensure your presentations actually work (we’ve all been there with the dodgy projector situation), while Show Pony Events and Imagine Events can help transform any space into something Instagram-worthy. If it’s not photographed, did it really happen?

But for those looking for a fancy team retreat that’s a bit different, The Ginger Group at the National Arboretum can help you plan something surrounded by our city’s most beautiful gardens. Need accommodation for interstate delegates? From the contemporary Peppers Gallery Hotel to the reliable comfort of Mercure Canberra, you can sort it all out in one morning.

Now here’s where it gets really good – there will also be more than 20 prizes up for grabs, including a $1,000 Qantas travel voucher. We don’t know about you, but the possibility of winning a holiday while networking for work events? That’s what we call a win-win situation. And the best part? Everything’s free, from entry to parking.

Michael Matthews from Canberra Convention Bureau makes a brilliant point: business events keep venues like Hotel Realm and Novotel Canberra buzzing during the week and support the broader visitor economy.

“By connecting local event organisers with the people, spaces, and services behind these events, we ensure our city remains top-of-mind for their Canberra meetings.” he says.

Plus, there’s something particularly satisfying about knowing the people behind your event are locals who genuinely understand our city’s unique character.

Whether you’re eyeing the elegant spaces at Rydges Canberra for your next board meeting or wondering if Kingpin Canberra could be the perfect spot for that team bonding session everyone’s been requesting, mark Wednesday 25 June in your calendar and register at canberraconvention.com.au/canberra-on-show.

We have a feeling this is going to be one of those rare work events that actually makes your job easier – and maybe even a little more fun…

Images supplied.