Govt offers to pay 50% of PacPrint costs

Exhibitors at this year’s PacPrint trade printing expo can claim back half their costs, thanks to a $50m government funding initiative for the embattled sector, however exhibitors will have to move fast to claim. 

The 50 per cent rebate covers virtually all participation costs for PacPrint exhibitors, from stand design and build, to transport, signage, sponsorship, marketing, flights and accommodation, and more, up to a maximum of $250,000.

Exhibitors are being urged to apply for the grant straight away, with the $50m kitty available for exhibitors at a large number of domestic expos, competition for the cash will be fierce. The 50 per cent applies to all PacPrint spends in excess of $20,000.

Industry supplier association Visual Connections, 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 $50m 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 exhibitor - 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.

To assist with the process, Visual Connections has also briefed a specialist company, Export Solutions, to assist exhibitors. With 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 per cent plus GST of the actual grant approved, with 50 per cent 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.”

PacPrint is the biggest print trade show in Australasia. It takes place once every four years, and attracts the majority of the industry's suppliers.