Venue Management Association Outlines Development and Networking Calendar for Second Half of 2026

The Venue Management Association (Asia and Pacific) has released its development and networking calendar for the second half of 2026, targeting capability growth across Australia and New Zealand’s complex venue management sector.

Designed to address escalating operational, safety, and security challenges faced by stadiums, arenas, performing arts centres, and major event facilities, the association’s upcoming schedule highlights the Institute of Venue Safety and Security, alongside a comprehensive national networking series.

The flagship Institute of Venue Safety and Security program is scheduled to run from August 23 to August 28, 2026, at the New South Wales Rugby League Centre of Excellence located at Sydney Olympic Park. As a core component of the association’s strategic focus on risk mitigation and operational resilience, the intensive two-year residential learning curriculum brings together venue and event managers alongside security professionals.

Led by leading industry specialists from Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, the curriculum covers twenty-five core safety and security subjects delivered through case studies, classroom analyses, specialist panels, and practical venue site visits. Topics span risk assessment, health and safety law, safety management systems, cyber security, behavioural detection, crowd psychology, and crisis management, equipping participants with actionable skills designed for immediate workplace application.

Complementing its educational initiatives, the association is continuing its After 5! industry networking series to foster commercial connections and knowledge sharing among venue professionals.

The remaining 2026 networking schedule spans multiple major commercial hubs, commencing at HOTA on the Gold Coast on September 3, followed by the Theatre Royal Sydney on September 28, the WACA in Perth on October 15, and The Drive in Adelaide on October 29. International engagement continues in New Zealand with an event in Christchurch on November 20, before concluding at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on November 24.

Furthermore, the association’s late-year schedule features the renowned Venue Management School and the Leadership Institute, both running concurrently from November 7 to November 13, 2026, at Kingscliff in New South Wales.

These intensive professional development programs deliver rigorous training for emerging and senior executives, reinforcing the organisation’s long-term commitment to elevating leadership capability across the sector.

Looking ahead, planning is already well underway for the next Asia-Pacific Venue Industry Congress, scheduled to take place at the Gold Coast Convention Centre from May 16 to May 18, 2027. 

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