Welcome to this fourth edition of the Events Tasmania E-Newsletter, full of news for people and organisations involved in the Tasmanian events sector.

In this edition we commence a new series called "In Their Words" where event organisers tell the story behind the planning and implementing of their event and the affect it had on the local community and participants.

We start the series with the story of Marrawah's, O'Neill Cold Water Surfing Classic, by local organiser, Audrey Critchlow, and finish with participant and organiser, Andrea McQuitty's thoughts on the International Canoe Federations World Cup held in Launceston's Cataract Gorge.

"It brought people working and laughing alongside one another who would normally never cross paths other than at the local shop/post office. I have been told..." Read on

"We 'lost' an International Canoe Federation official..."

"Value your volunteers and provide personalised attention to participants, anticipating their needs..." Read on

The last six months have been an exciting time in the events sector in Tasmania, with the launch of Lumina - A Winter of Festivals. It has also been exciting for us to see over 100 event staff and volunteers from across the state take part in our three workshops on Power Sponsorship, Greening Events and Designing Simple Websites.

The Digital Coach program through Tourism Tasmania has also provided tailored and much-needed online mentorship for event organisers to modernise and update their digital systems.

The remainder of 2010 will see Events Tasmania continue its focus on online and digital improvements, and start new streams of development in the areas of organisational and governance strengthening for events, and a major focus on identifying, tracking and developing audiences.

Tasmanian Tourism Awards - 2010 will see a move to E-Awards
Visit - www.tict.com.au for all the latest information with the key date being Friday 9 July when nominations close.

Australian Event Awards
The Australian Event Awards is the pinnacle awards program for the events industry in Australia.

The program is guided by ongoing industry consultation to answer the need for cohesiveness across the entire Australian industry, to develop industry identity and to assist Australian operators in cross-development of opportunities between events and event disciplines.

The program is all-inclusive, being open to all Australian events, event managers and support service providers regardless of:

- event type or audience
- event size or attendance
- event location or association membership

It is the only opportunity for Australian events and event organisers to be acknowledged on a level playing field, across the entire national events industry. We welcome entries from all members of the events community in Australia.

Visit www.eventawards.com.au for more information.

The National Championships, Touring and Special Interest grant round for events conducted in 2011 closed mid May and are currently being assessed.

All applicants will receive written notification as to the status of their application. Please note if your organisation is awarded a national championship to be held during 2010/11, the National Championship program allows for late applications. These will be assessed on merit and supported if funding allows.

The 'Your Club Our Island' grant program remains open until 26 November. This program specifically targets small groups and clubs to conduct their event in Tasmania during the winter months. Please contact our office on 6233 5946 to see if your event is eligible.

Two great chances to celebrate, in the heart of winter, are coming up with the annual Festival of Voices and AFL footy. The Festival celebrates the excellence of the human voice by bringing choirs, individuals and expert teachers together for inspirational performances in Hobart.

Supporters of the Hawks and Lions will also get a chance to voice their support in the next AFL game at Aurora Stadium, Launceston. For all the details and information on these and other events go to Lumina - A Winter of Festivals.