Suppliers considering exhibiting at PacPrint 2021 are urged to quickly apply for a federal government event grant which could cover 50 per cent of their participation costs, to a maximum value of $250,000.

Show organiser, Visual Connections, says PacPrint has now been confirmed as an eligible event for the federal government’s $50 million Business Events Grant programme that was announced last year to help the sector recover from COVID-19.

Funding could cover up to 50 per cent of exhibition costs, up to the value of $250,000.

“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 $50 million assistance package announced by the Federal Government late last year,” Harper said.

“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 exhibitors…and with a cap on the total grants available, organisations will have to move quickly to claim a share.”

How to apply

To qualify, organisations must have reserved their space and completed a PacPrint booking form. The show is scheduled to run from September 28 until October 1 this year at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

PacPrint is again co-locating with the large format focused Visual Impact Expo and the Label & Packaging Expo this year.

There is a minimum spend of $20,000, however successful exhibitors can claim up to 50 per cent of virtually all of their participation costs, from stand design and build, to transport, signage, sponsorship, marketing, flights and accommodation – to a maximum value of $250,000.

Export Solutions

Visual Connections is working with a specialist company, Export Solutions, to help exhibitors access the grants.

Export Solutions works on a ‘fee for success’ basis and has over 20 years experience in helping companies access grants such as this one.

“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% plus GST of the actual grant approved, with 50% 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.”

For those companies interested in applying for a grant and having Export Solutions help them, please contact Grants Advisor Katarina Dayoan on 0414 977 775 or at katarina@exportsolutions.com.au.

“We know that funding success could easily make the difference between a company’s ability to participate in what may well be the most significant PacPrint ever held, or having to sit out the industry’s first in-person event for two years,” Harper says.

“This is a great opportunity, but once the money is allocated, that’s it, so I’d urge anyone considering exhibiting at this vitally important show to act immediately to apply.”

Interested suppliers can check the eligibility criteria and program guidelines here, and apply by following the instructions on this page.

To discuss exhibiting at PacPrint 2021 or to make a booking, contact Visual Connections on +61 2 9868 1577 or email exhibitions@visualconnections.org.au.

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