AccessNSW has made its mark amongst event organisers, handling hundreds of enquiries for event assistance in its first year of operation.

Launched by the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) in July 2003, the event planning service has been particularly popular with corporate event organisers seeking help with conference planning and venue hire for functions, parties, events and exhibitions.

SCVB Managing Director Jon Hutchison said the proportion of repeat clientele queries was now at 25 per cent and rising. “Feedback from our clients is that they are delighted to have a reliable, professional and unbiased source of information that can save them hours of work. “The fact that the AccessNSW service is free to users is also an added attraction!”

AccessNSW was launched at the SCVB’s events expo, Sydney on Sale, last year and featured at the show again this year as part of the Bureau’s ongoing campaign to deliver business leads to its members. Under the service, event organisers simply email their needs to AccessNSW via the website www.accessnsw.com.au AccessNSW staff then source quotes from suitable suppliers and forward the response to the client.

Mr Hutchison said organisers in both regional and metropolitan areas used the service. While advice on venues and accommodation was highly sought after, AccessNSW clients also relied on the service to help them with conferences, seminars, special events and meetings. AccessNSW Hot Deals service, which offers great discounts with SCVB members such as hotels, was also very popular.

Mr Hutchison predicted AccessNSW would expand rapidly over the coming year given the present strong growth rate in enquiries.