POST SHOW REPORT
Thank you to all our sponsors, exhibitors, event partners, supporting organisations, media representatives and service providers for their efforts in making T.H.E Exchange 2013 a huge success. As the region s leading National Broadband Network expo, post show feedback from sponsors and exhibitors demonstrated that T.H.E Exchange delivered a high number of quality visitors from consumers and a wide range of organisations with a focus on technology, health and education. Visitors appreciated this unique opportunity to gather information and see practical examples of how to do business online and how health services and education will be delivered across the NBN. Consumers also took the opportunity to gather information on connecting to the NBN with some exhibitors announcing that connections were made! This report captures the excitement and success that was generated at T.H.E Exchange 2013 which includes detailed results of the post show survey and statistics of the attendees. A key element of the success of T.H.E Exchange was the support we received from our sponsors and our event partners Coffs Harbour City Council, Bellingen Shire Council, Nambucca Shire Council, Kempsey Shire Council, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Manning Valley Business Chamber and NBN Co and the extensive list of exhibitors. The contribitions from these organisations helped to make this a key business event for the Mid North Coast. Overall, T.H.E Exchange exceeded expectations with the number of exhibitors, the high standard of speakers, the number of attendees and the feedback has been universally positive. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you again at T.H.E Exchange Series in 2014. Regards, Megan McGill Project Officer Engagement, Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast Suite 3, Oxley House, 133 137 Gordon Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Telephone: (02) 5525 1500 Our Team Underpinning all our work is a commitment to quality, through programme design, marketing, logistics and customer service. Peter Tregilgas, Executive Officer Megan McGill, Project Officer, Engagement Jenni Kew, Operations Manager Justyn Walker, Communications Officer Ilana Batchelor, Project Officer E/: petert@rdamidnorthcoast.org.au E/: meganm@rdamidnorthcoast.org.au E/: jennik@rdamidnorthcoast.org.au E/: justynw@rdamidnorthcoast.org.au E/: ilanab@rdamidnorthcoast.org.au 2
T.H.E Exchange 2013 A review T.H.E Exchange was a success and has established itself as the must attend show on the Mid North Coast for the business community and the community as a whole. It attracted decision makers who explored the challenges and the benefits of the National Broadband Network (NBN) will bring to the region for businesses, the health industry and education providers. T.H.E Exchange was developed by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast with the primary aim of showcasing the opportunities that higher broadband speeds and the use of technology will bring to businesses and the many communities on the Mid North Coast. T.H.E Exchange helped to increase awareness of the National Broadband Network (NBN) on the Mid North Coast and stimulate awareness on the benefits for those who will be receiving the fibre, fixed wireless and satellite components of the NBN. T.H.E Exchange also provided information that will assist consumers, businesses and government to both connect and consequently participate in the digital economy that includes e health, e education, entertainment or technical initiatives. The Mid North Coast is leading Australia in the rollout of the National Broadband Network with construction finished, commenced or due to start in many of our regions. This was a great time for RDA MNC to launch T.H.E Exchange throughout the region to enable businesses and consumers to capitalise on the investment into the region and the benefits that high speed broadband will deliver. Leadership Series Cocktail Party The Leadership Series Cocktail Party hosted by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast was well received. The pre opening cocktail party attracted 80 attendees and triggered significant question and answer sessions and the discussions ran on long after the keynote presentation by Geoff Heydon from the CSIRO and the launch of the Feros Care Telehealth Pilot Project. Sponsorship & Exhibition Review The third annual event was a resounding success! The expo was buzzing with conversation and the vendors gained extensive access to the most senior and influential representatives from the Mid North Coast community. The main seminar theatre was located on the show floor and this generated a regular flow of visitors around the exhibition. The business lounge gave attendees and exhibitors the opportunity to meet, relax, have a coffee, lunch or check emails. Exhibitors were able to meet and do businesses in a relaxed atmosphere. Contacts were made and business was done! The feedback that we have received from the sponsors and exhibitors who participated in the show has been excellent. Our key sponsors all reported significant interest being shown in their company following presentations in the seminar theatres and most have already said that they will return in 2014 with several confirming now. This exhibition will continue to improve in 2014 we look forward to seeing you there! 3
Spotlight on the Visitors Number of Attendees: T.H.E Exchange series saw an overall increase in the numbers of people attending the event across the Mid North Coast. Coffs Harbour Nambucca Taree 548 98 292 Kempsey Urunga Port Macquarie 117 79 328 Total Numbers at T.H.E Exchange 2013 1,462 Spotlight on the Reach T.H.E Exchange was advertised through a variety of mediums with our reach to potential visitors being maximised. Publication Reach Frequency Focus Magazine 60,000 Monthly Advertising 222,930 Various Weekly RDA MNC Newsletters 2,500 Various Weekly Television Campaign Great Lakes Coffs Harbour Numerous Ads daily for 1 month T.H.E Exchange Website 1,677 3 Months External Newsletters, Radio and external websites were also utilised, however the reach of these cannot be determined. 4
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4. What was the best thing about T.H.E Exchange for you? Finding out about other training opportunities and the technology involved Opportunity to hear about how the internet will change business and the way our economy and society works at presentations The networking opportunities. Talking to the internet providers Lots of providers to choose from Enabled me to get a "start" on beginning to understand aspects of the NBN and how it will affect/ benefit my wife and myself Being able to talk face to face with people The CSIRO presentation gave a glimpse of the potential of the NBN Telstra info on contracts in place and how they will be affected when the NBN reaches Urunga Both short talks from providers as well as stands where brochures and advice could be gathered Plenty of products, good on hands information, good variety Guest speaker in the creative industry Being able to talk to supplies of NBN & the different plans on offer from suppliers Winning an IPad! Talking face to face with providers The speakers were very good with their presentations The opportunity to meet those at the coal face of technology Having a look at the exhibits and learning about new technology Clarification on roll out More Technical info on the NBN Finding out when to expect connection and the type of connection that would apply for me Actually being able to speak directly to someone from NBN and the intended providers Speaking with the NBN representatives and others demonstrating applications possible with the technology Our ISP was there so we were able to chat about upgrades Intro to a couple of free sessions (Library and Community College) which I found quite useful Signing up to e health; learning of a free program called Spybot Search and Destroy Talking to people rather than just getting info off a website. All the friendly people and the free giveaways with the good advice and no pressure Discussing my personal requirements with the Reseller providers & also listening to the NBN company too & how they all fitted in with each other TAFE Stand ACCESS TO FREE IT TRAINING The NBN providers who explained their offers and the manner in which they would connect us to fibre Google Maps Info It really highlighted the future of business communication, and the role that high level technology needs to play in this, for future success. 8
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6. What is the one thing you would improve about T.H.E Exchange? Clear direction to the function Provide more case studies of successful use of the NBN A few more local businesses included Bigger space for people to get around easily. Coffs Harbour, there was not enough space. More networking products and ISP displays showing how the NBN could improve your internet Those at stands being more responsive. Some were very good, a few a waste of space and let their organisation down Clearer in promotional material of starting times for presentation There needed to be more exhibitors at the Taree venue. I am sure there are many more businesses around that could have been invited to participate who use technology and could share their expertise. Let's hope there are lots more next year You need to be able to provide a demonstration of the actual product you are advertising Make it bigger I felt that the venue was a bit small. Perhaps a larger venue next time. Where I was sitting I couldn't see the screen for the speaker's presentations properly. Perhaps next time put in in a spot where everyone can see it clearly wherever they sit Exhibitors needed more than one staff. I gave up on waiting to see two of them Some video of what new and better services will be possible. Have more inactive opportunities for the delegates with the exhibitors More demonstrations of technology applications A bit noisy and difficult to focus on the speaker with all the background noise of the product displays Sessions I attended could have been better, and they ran very late More stalls more involement Clearer info for the home user T.H.E. Exchange appeared to be more about businesses rather than the novice More exhibitors from a wider range of services, rather than just providers Schedule of seminars prior to event to allow planning or day Easily identify the resellers of the NBN from other services I wasn't really interested in the other stalls A bit more room for the exibits Interaction with devices Try to have speakers keep to their alloted time so the program runs to time. Better communication on NBN process and interaction. Case studies of successful Business on NBN could be good Greater explanation on technology for older participants More competitive rates and more ISPs in attendance Improve attendance by businesses 10
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8. Would you like to make any further comments? I did not get to see the NBN in action It was disappointing that so few business people attended. I appreciated the opportunity of attending this exhibition. I am sorry more folk in the Hastings region did not take the time to show up and learn something. I would maybe like to have seen even a simulation of how much faster the NBN fibre would be compared to the ADSL 2 options we have now. I realise that you couldn't set up a satellite connection for each location but a pretend one would be good. Maybe also get more of the medical folk to spruik how things will change for them when the broadband speed improves. The nurse talking at the lecture gave a reasonable overview but disappeared when I went over later. Good luck with it all you may need it if Abbott gets his way. It could be a decade before Port macquarie sees any improvement in speed. It was a very good idea needs to be repeated > more people being assisted re how to understand/ use it. What are the FACTS about the NBN? Unfortunately we cannot trust our politicians, too much spin and not enough facts. Unable to hear the presenter as the stalls were nearby & there as no partition. The presentation was too long & question time was cut short. The NBN man was unable to answer my questions about the boundary of fibre conncetions After listening to some of the speakers and wandering around a bit, I still didn't see how the NBN was going to benefit the community. It seems that even with the NBN we will still at the mercy of the pricing strategies and the contracts of the service providers. I didn't see that being addressed. at the event and I can't find it being addressed in any of the reading material. Speakers all offered themselves a pat on the back, rather than convey a message to their potential customers. Surprised that Port Macquarie is down the list. Also surprised that wireless access is going to the surrounding areas but apparently not to the town. Was pleased to be able to sign up for the ehealth service on the day. I thought the LGA based Exchange was a great initiative and made access easy. When the NBN comes to our town We didn't have an agenda of speakers until we arrived so we missed out on the NBN presenter. Only saw the note in the local paper a day beforehand. The NBN needs more marketing no secrets ok The exchange was a great event to find out not only about the NBN roll out in our region, but also the local business who will be able to take advantage of the improved services, and the way they will be able to grow. The show has a lot of potential in the future especially as NBN get closer to our area. I gained about 50% of the info I was seeking I am very appreciative of the role of Rob Oakeshott in securing the NBN for this area. Did find out the NBN would be much more costly for us than other providers which would mean we would not use it 12
Advertising was not effective in my area. I am a self confessed tech junkie and I only heard about it through a friend the day before the Nambucca event. Marketing activities for T.H.E Exchange 2013 Below is an overview of marketing activities undertaken by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast to attract a high quality audience to T.H.E Exchange 2013. Email Marketing An extensive email marketing campaign was used to both encourage new visitors and remind all registered visitors to attend the exhibition. Targeted reminder emails were then sent out to both registered visitors, and non registered prospects. RDA MNC Database MNC Chambers of Commerce Sponsors & Exhibitors Advertising To target potential visitors to T.H.E Exchange, an extensive advertising campaign commenced six months prior to the show. The campaign incorporated a combination of trade magazine, online, newspaper, radio advertising and television advertising. Newspapers Quarter page advertisements in the Coffs Coast Advocate, Bellingen Courier Sun, Nambucca Guardian, Macleay Argus, Port News, Port Express, Wauchope Gazette, Camden Haven Courier, Manning Great Lakes Extra and the Manning River Times. Community Magazines Print & Press Focus Magazine 8 Page special lift out feature in the July issues for the Coffs Coast, Port Macquarie Hastings and the Manning Valley with a total distribution of over 60,000. T.H.E Exchange Show Guide Websites Prime 7 online promotion of T.H.E Exchange 2013 promoted on their website Port News and Manning River Times websites The Coffs Coast Advocate Website Sponsors and Exhibitors websites RDA MNC website RDA Government website Radio An radio promotion campaignfor the two weeks in the lead up to T.H.E Exchange 2013 was included in the marketing mix for the exhibition. ABC Radio MNC Interviews with key presenters in the lead up to the event MaxFM Interview with the Manning Valley Business Chamber on numerous occasions Coffs 2CH Numerous interviews with key presenters and Peter Tregilgas 13
Television T.H.E Exchange undertook an advertising campaign with Prime 7 Television to attract the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions to the show. The 15 second advert for THE Exchange run for a 3 week period with high frequency. Newsletters Utilising other forms of direct and email marketing opportunities, T.H.E Exchange worked with key significant partners in promoting the event. This included inclusion in industry newsletters, including but not limited to, Coffs Harbour City Council, several Chambers of Commerce, Hastings Business Enterprise Network, NSW Business Chamber and the RDA Mid North Coast newsletters Give Aways North Coast TAFE gave away two ipad s for visitsors who pre registered to attend T.H.E Exchange. They received an overwhelming response from the promotion enabling them to capture details of people interested in attending T.H.E Exchange. Brochure The 8 page brochure that was produced for the Focus Magazine was also used to send to chambers of commerce, sponsors and exhibitors and clubs that were utilised throughtout T.H.E Exchange to promote the event. T.H.E Exchange website T.H.E Exchange website proved to be a valuable tool for visitors to access information about the event including the list of exhibitors (with a 50 word company profile and logo)floor plan, sponsors details and links to T.H.E Exchange social networking sites. Social Networking Facebook T.H.E Exchange runs off the RDA MNC facebook page and was updated daily leading up to the event. Annoucing all new sponsors and exhibitors and details of the event program. Twitter: Daily tweets, and following all our sponsors and exhibitors, gave us plently of up to date news to tweet about daily. Logos All of T.H.E Exchange sponsors logos were featured on homepage. The sponsor and exhibitor logos were included on the Who you will See page (along with the company description). This was instrumental in driving visitors to individual stands. Show Guide The show guide contained the exhibitor listing with contact details, logos and a company description, the floor plan, sponsors advertisements and useful articles. Visitors have indicated that they well use the show guide as a reference to contact exhibitors after the event. 14
8 Page Flip Book If you missed out on seeing the 8 page flip book of T.H.E Exchange (as seen in focus) you can still view this online at Television Commercial If you missed out on seeing the television commercial on Prime 7 you can view it online at Photo Gallery View the photos from T.H.E Exchange online at If you would like any high resolution photos please contact Megan 15
Website Analytics 16
Appendix A Samples of Marketing Material 17
Coffs Harbour Advocate Advertisement 18
Port News Advertisement 19
Appendix B Samples of Media Releases 20
CREATIVE BUSINESSES WILL RECEIVE EXPERT ADVICE AT THE EXCHANGE Helping our local creative talent to navigate the digital world Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast Oxley House, 133 Gordon Street Port Macquarie NSW 2444 T: 02 5525 1500 MEDIA RELEASE Arts Mid North Coast will be presenting two creative industries business planning events and consultation sessions at T.H.E Exchange expo in Coffs Harbour on the 20 th July at 1pm, and in Port Macquarie on the 2 nd August at 11am. David Sharpe, expert Business Advisor with the Creative Industries Innovation Centre in Sydney, will facilitate a one hour workshop on creative business planning and web based creative business in both locations. Mr Sharpe will also offer free one on one Biztro consultation sessions for creative business practitioners. This event is supported by the Creative Industries Innovation Centre Enterprise Connect program and RDA Mid North Coast. People can book a one on one session by registering on the creative industries website (www.creativeinnovation.net.au/register.html) and selecting the Biztro session in their state. Arts Mid North Coast Executive Officer, Rod Howard said, We are delighted to be able to present these sessions in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie and provide access to David's specialist expertise in assisting creative businesses to improve their commercial capacity. This is especially important with the rapid changes taking place in marketing and selling creative product online. "THE Exchange is a great gathering ground for ideas and assisting people to navigate the digital world. We thank Regional Development Australia for the opportunity to be involved in this important event across the region," Mr Howard said. Arts Mid North Coast will be present at each of THE Exchange events and are available to provide information and advice relating to arts, creative industries and cultural activity in the region. About David Sharpe David has a strong background in financial management and developing business strategies for creative companies, as part of 12 years experience in the arts and screen industries. He delivered business capacity building programs for the Australia Council for the Arts and before that, ran a film liaison and locations company (Film Illawarra). David holds a Masters Degree in Arts Management (UTS), a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications (University of Wollongong) and a Graduate Certificate in Accounting & Financial Management (Charles Sturt). ENDS Media contact: Justyn Walker, Communications Officer, RDA Mid North Coast 02 5525 1544 21
NBN FIXED WIRELESS TOWERS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN KEMPSEY Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast Oxley House, 133 Gordon Street Port Macquarie NSW 2444 T: 02 5525 1500 MEDIA RELEASE RDA Mid North Coast has identified that the NBN Fixed Wireless broadband service that will eventually cover 22% of Mid North Coast premises is currently under construction in parts of the Kempsey Shire. The NBN Co online map shows the parts of Kempsey Shire that have NBN infrastructure under construction. This coincides with T.H.E Exchange expo, presented by RDA Mid North Coast, in partnership with NBN Co and Kempsey Shire Council, which will showcase the benefits of the NBN to Kempsey locals and businesses. T.H.E Exchange opens on Thursday 1 st August at Kempsey RSL, from 10am 6pm. Peter Tregilgas, Executive Officer of RDA Mid North Coast, said, RDA is embracing the future and bringing together partners so we can experience the speeds that the NBN has promised. We are pleased to note that the NBN Fixed Wireless service in now under construction in many parts of the Kempsey Shire. We invite Kempsey locals to come to T.H.E Exchange and find out more about what the NBN can do for them, when it might be available and how to connect. Getting Australians online has great benefits for households and the economy as a whole. More Australians have internet connections at home and are looking for higher speeds and greater bandwidth as their work and play go online. Mr Tregilgas said. We are increasingly looking for a work life balance and want to work from home. We buy music, films and television shows online and play them via the internet on our televisions. We socialise, study, and use government services all online, from the comfort of our homes. The NBN will also deliver a faster, more reliable broadband network for businesses. It will allow more Australian businesses, particularly small businesses, regional businesses and not for profit organisations, to compete in the global marketplace. Kempsey Shire residents can talk to NBN Co representatives at T.H.E Exchange, or view the NBN Co rollout map online at: http://www.nbnco.com.au/when do i get it/rollout map.html. Simply type in your postcode or suburb to see how the NBN is progressing in your area. For more information on T.H.E Exchange go to About RDA Mid North Coast Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast exists to be an effective conduit between governments and the communities that make up our region. RDA Mid North Coast is a joint Australian Government and NSW State initiative. ENDS Media contact: Justyn Walker, Communications Officer 02 5525 1544 22
Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast Oxley House, 133 Gordon Street Port Macquarie NSW 2444 T: 02 5525 1500 MEDIA RELEASE NBN EXPERTS ON HAND TO ANSWER QUESTIONS What Broadband Options are there for Port Macquarie? Representatives of NBN Co will be available to answer your questions at T.H.E Exchange expo on Friday 2 nd August at Port Macquarie Panthers, from 10am 4pm. The free expo and seminar program, presented by RDA Mid North Coast, in partnership with NBN Co and Port Macquarie Hastings Council, will showcase the benefits of the NBN to locals and businesses. Of local concern is that Port Macquarie Hastings is significantly behind in the rollout schedule of the NBN and is not yet on the 3 year plan to receive Fibre Optic Cable. Although, there is a Fixed Wireless tower currently under construction at Blackman s Point. Representatives from NBN Co will be on hand at T.H.E Exchange to answer any questions locals may have about the NBN, what service they might receive in their area, and when it s likely to come online. The event will draw other big names such as Port Macquarie Mayor, Peter Besseling and Rob Oakeshott MP, Member for Lyne, to answer questions about how Port Macquarie can keep in step with the rest of the region. This is the chance for locals to find out what the options are for Port Macquarie to be connected with fibre, fixed wireless and/or satellite broadband, so it is not left behind. Peter Tregilgas, Executive Officer of RDA Mid North Coast, said, RDA is embracing the future and bringing together partners so we can all experience the speeds that the NBN has promised. T.H.E Exchange is the only place where you ll find all the players under one roof. This is your chance to ask the questions you ve been wanting answered. Getting Australians online has great benefits for households and the economy as a whole. More Australians have internet connections at home and are looking for higher speeds and greater bandwidth as their work and play go online. Mr Tregilgas said. Along with NBN service providers, T.H.E Exchange will also showcase alternate NBN technologies. Carrier, Vertel, will be exhibiting at the event and can offer NBN compatible broadband services to your premises now, through alternate technologies. For more information on T.H.E Exchange go to 23
Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast Oxley House, 133 Gordon Street Port Macquarie NSW 2444 T: 02 5525 1500 MEDIA RELEASE COFFS COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE WILL SHOWCASE ITS DIGITAL HUB AT T.H.E EXCHANGE Demos of the latest technology and free courses available Coffs Coast Community College will be showcasing its new Digital Hub at T.H.E Exchange expo in Coffs Harbour on Saturday 20 th July. The Digital Hub is part of a federally funded program delivering free computer and technology sessions to the community to upskill them in preparation for the rollout of National Broadband Network. The Digital Hub is located at Coffs Coast Community College in the heart of the Coffs Harbour CBD. There is a range of technology to experience including computers, tablets, smart TV s, interactive smartboard and telehealth equipment. Exhibiting at T.H.E. Exchange is a great opportunity to showcase what the Digital Hub and the Community College has to offer, and the vast potential for technology to change the way we learn and do business in the future, said Merren Asquith, Manager of Coffs Coast Community College. We will have a number of Hub trainers at T.H.E Exchange and will be demonstrating how to make a short video with special effects, right from your tablet. We ll also be demonstrating our remote health monitoring devices and a bit about the vast potential of Google Drive. No experience is necessary as these are all simple to use. The most popular courses at the Hub have been tablets, mobile devices and social media. Participants come from all walks of life, including retirees, unemployed and health care recipients, students, business people, and people who got a tablet for Christmas. Interested parties are invited to visit Coffs Coast Community College at T.H.E. Exchange and book their session on the day. The Digital Hub is open for bookings from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8:30am to 1pm on Saturdays. For more information contact Coffs Coast Community College on 6652 5378 or visit the website at coffscoastdigitalhub.com. ENDS Media contact: Justyn Walker, Communications Officer 02 5525 1544 24
Appendix B Samples of in the press 25
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