We are looking forward to seeing you at the First Nations Business Trade Fair on Wednesday 21 February 2024 on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River).
Please see below important information that will help you prepare for the Trade Fair. If you are unable to exhibit, please advise us as soon as possible (no later than 72 hours prior to the event) at events@supplynation.org.au.
Event details:
Date: Wednesday 21 February 2024
Exhibitor bump in: from 7:30am (more details below)
Event Start and Finish: 9:00am – 12:30pm
Location: Sovereign Room, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Number of exhibitors: expecting over 80 business to be showcased. View the full list of exhibitors here.
Number of buyers: we are expecting over 500 buyers to attend on the day
Please note: we are unable to provide personal information or details on our suppliers or members pre, during and post-event. You will receive the exhibitor list with company names only prior to the day.
What will I be provided with on the day?
As an exhibitor, you will be provided with the following items:
- 1 x trestle table
- 1 x tablecloth
- 2 x chairs
- light morning tea and coffee
Important note: there is no power provided to tables.
What is not included?
The free venue wi-fi can be unreliable; if you need a wireless connection on the day for any devices, please ensure you order in advance using this form.
Parking is not included; please scroll down for more information on where to find convenient parking nearby.
Exhibitor tables will not have electricity provided.
What can I bring?
You can bring anything you like that showcases your organisation or core business activities, including any products, services or goods you offer or sell. We do not have use of the loading dock, and as such exhibitors are encouraged to bring a small quantity of items that you can comfortably carry or bring into the venue on your own small trolley or dolly.
Please note: power is not provided to exhibitor tables. If you are bringing electronic items, such as laptops or portable screens, ensure that they are fully charged, or bring your own portable power bank.
See below for a list of items you may consider packing for your exhibitor table:
Booth items
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Printing
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Safety / Comfort
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Miscellaneous
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Your pull-up banners should be a standard size (approx. 80cm x 200cm) and should not exceed the width of your trestle table (1.8m width). Larger media walls or frames with stretched fabric are not permitted.
What time is bump-in?
Bump-in and exhibitor registration is from 7:30am – 8:30am. Tradeshow doors will open to attendees at 9am, we recommend that you arrive early.
What time is bump-out?
You must start packing down once the Trade Fair ends at 12:30pm and be completely bumped out by 2:00pm.
Can I sell items on the day?
Yes. However, please be mindful that you will not have access to power and the free venue wi-fi is not recommended for business operations as it can be unreliable. We encourage you to utilise your time at the Trade Fair to make connections and seek business opportunities, and limit the amount of collateral / stock you bring on the day, including items for sale. Instead, bring the capability for attendees to place orders with you; this might be a printed QR code with a link through to your online catalogue, shop, or capability statement, or a clipboard with a hardcopy newsletter sign-up sheet etc.
Can I bring food items or samples?
To distribute sample servings of food and beverage, you must get approval from Supply Nation and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). To get MCEC approval, please complete this sampling and selling approval form and return it to exservices@mcec.com.au no later than 7 business days prior to your event.
Please note:
- Sample portions must be of tasting style and size only, and be no larger than 50g or 50ml.
- Samples must be directly related to your core business either demonstrating a food product or equipment.
- Alcohol sampling portions must be no more than 10ml for spirits and 30ml for wine, beer and cider. Any exhibitor staff who are sampling alcoholic products must hold a relevant and current Responsible Service of Alcohol certification.
- Samples must be offered free of charge.
- It is your responsibility to be fully self-sufficient in terms of storage and service equipment specific to your food and / or beverage sampling.
- You will be charged for extra cleaning in case of spillage or for the removal of food or wet waste incurred at your stand.
The Victorian Government has recently banned single-use plastics due to the harm they cause the environment. The ban includes the sale and distribution of single-use plastic items like straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, cotton buds, foodware, and cups at exhibitor stands. Instead, you should use or stock sustainable and biodegradable natural versions like wood or metal. Visit this website for more information.
Can I arrange for my items to be delivered to the loading dock?
Due to excessive costs imposed on Supply Nation for the use of the loading dock (including porterage, storage, staffing and use of forklifts and other equipment) we have chosen not to use the loading dock at MCEC to keep this Trade Fair as a free event, as we do not wish to pass these expenses onto attendees or exhibitors.
If you strongly wish to make use of the loading dock, please contact us so we can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Any costs associated with the use of the loading dock at MCEC will be passed onto the relevant exhibitor.
What if I can no longer attend?
Please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend the Trade Fair. We are running a waitlist for Indigenous business to exhibit and would like to offer the opportunity for these businesses to attend if space allows. Once you have notified us that you can no longer attend, Supply Nation will cancel your tickets via the ticket registration platform. If someone in your team becomes unwell, we encourage you to swap the ticket with another colleague.
If you are unable to attend, please let the Supply Nation events team know at least 72 hours prior to the event.
How can I edit or update my ticket details?
- Search for the confirmation email sent to you by Humanitix when you registered to exhibit/ attend
- Within this email select ‘edit order’ (highlighted in screenshot below)
- Update the relevant details for all of the tickets in your order
- Click ‘save’ to update your details
What do I need to provide prior to the event?
If you are bringing food samples or items, please provide your sampling form to events@supplynation.org.au and exservices@mcec.com.au no later than Wednesday 14 February.
What else can I do to prepare for the Trade Fair?
- Generate and print your own QR code to link back to your business information, website or capability statement.
- Ensure your sampling form is filled out and returned (if required)
- If you don’t have your ticket confirmation email, please request it to be re-sent by emailing events@supplynation.org.au
Where can I park?
Book your (paid) car spot before you arrive at the Wilson Melbourne Exhibition Centre Car Park here.
There are also several other car parks relatively close to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre:
Discounted parking is not available.
