A Different Kind of Trade Show at Geelong Racing Club

When you think of Geelong Racing Club, horse racing might naturally come to mind. But beyond the track, the venue offers event planners a flexible setting where conferences, trade shows, exhibitions and tailored delegate experiences can all come together in one location.

A recent AWM Electrical Trade Show & Family Day demonstrated just that. The event brought together suppliers, exhibitors and customers for an afternoon that combined business, networking and entertainment - showcasing how adaptable the racing club can be for events that look a little different from the traditional conference format.

40 exhibitors, one flexible event space

The trade show brought together 40 exhibitors, with displays extending from the Flying Skud Hall onto the adjoining concourse.

Using both the indoor and outdoor areas created a natural flow throughout the event, giving exhibitors space to showcase their products while allowing guests to move easily between displays, networking, food and entertainment.

Around 250 attendees had initially been expected, but almost 400 people attended on the day - demonstrating the venue's ability to accommodate a significantly larger turnout.

Canapés were served throughout the afternoon, alongside more substantial options from two food trucks, while the Flying Skud bar provided a central place for guests to gather and connect.

Business and entertainment side by side

While the trade show was at the heart of the event, AWM wanted to create an experience that would appeal to customers and their families too.

A face painter, jumping castle and animal farm were incorporated into the program, adding another dimension to the traditional trade show format.

It’s a simple example of what can happen when planners start thinking beyond the exhibition floor.

Depending on the objectives of an event, spaces across Geelong Racing Club can be used for the formal business component before transitioning into networking, entertainment or tailored activities - without delegates needing to move to another venue.

Conference and trade show in one location

For planners looking to combine a conference with an exhibition or trade show, Geelong Racing Club provides the flexibility to bring multiple elements of a program together.

A conference session can be paired with an adjoining exhibition, while indoor and outdoor spaces provide further opportunities for catering, networking, activation's and breakout experiences.

Make the venue part of the experience

Perhaps one of the most interesting opportunities for event planners is what can happen beyond the conference and exhibition itself.

Geelong Racing Club isn't simply a collection of event spaces - it's a working racing venue, creating opportunities to incorporate the setting into the delegate experience.

For groups interested in sport, animals or horse racing, there is potential to explore customised activities and experiences that connect delegates with the venue and provide something they wouldn't necessarily encounter in a traditional conference environment.

That might mean building an experience around the racing environment or developing an entirely different activation that makes use of the venue's spaces and surrounds.

The key is that it doesn't need to be an off-the-shelf experience.

Geelong Racing Club can work alongside Meet Geelong and The Bellarine to explore an organiser's ideas and look at how the venue can be used creatively to bring them to life. Contact us today to find out how.

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Geelong Racing ClubWhat could your event look like?

The AWM Electrical Trade Show is a great example of the flexibility available to planners considering Geelong Racing Club.

It brought together 40 exhibitors and almost 400 attendees, combining an exhibition, networking, catering and entertainment across indoor and outdoor spaces.

For your event, the combination could look completely different.

A conference and trade show. A corporate meeting followed by a racing-inspired experience. An industry expo with outdoor activations. Or a multi-day program that uses Geelong Racing Club as one part of a wider Geelong and The Bellarine itinerary.

For planners looking for a venue that can adapt to the event rather than making the event adapt to the venue, Geelong Racing Club opens up plenty of possibilities.