• Visitor numbers are up 74% across all expos in the past two years
• We’re now seeing between 6,200+ to 10,100+ visitors per region
• We expect this to grow between 8,000+ to 12,000+ per region in 2025
• Demand from exhibitors is at an all-time high, with 3 of the 4 expos sold out in 2024
• We’ve averaged 830 exhibitors/service providers across our 4 expos since ‘23, and we’re expecting 850 in ‘25.
• From 2021 to 2024 we have promoted 168 Sponsors across Australia. Our Sponsorship growth has exceeded our expectations growing at an average per year of 181% since 2021
VISITOR GROWTH
NUMBER OF ATTENDEES YEAR ON YEAR
VISITOR TYPES
Since our first expo in 2021, where we had 3,842 visitors attend, our database has now reached 58,149 in size!
This is spread across the regions of:
• Brisbane, Gold Coast and metropolitan areas
• Sydney, Central Coast and metropolitan areas
• Perth and surrounding metropolitan areas
• Victoria and surrounding metropolitan areas
From a random sample of over 23,000 visitors, which correlates to around 40% of our database. 58,149
Total Database size (as of 25/10/24)
OUR EXPOS SELL OUT! GRAB YOUR BOOTH HERE
EXHIBITOR GROWTH
TOTAL OF EXHIBITORS 1,123
TOTAL OF EXHIBITORS 741
TOTAL OF EXHIBITORS 1,040
TOTAL OF EXHIBITORS 730
We’re seeing steady and consistent growth across the board, with regions like Sydney and Melbourne, which were significantly impacted by COVID, now showing signs of recovery and stability. Since 2022, we’ve consistently hosted around 830 exhibitors across all four expos, underscoring the resilience and demand in the sector.
With three out of four expos selling out in 2024, we’ve honed the perfect balance between exhibitor numbers, hall size, and visitor traffic flow. We’re confident all four expos will sell out in 2025, reaching our cap of 850 booths
OUR EXPOS SELL OUT! GRAB YOUR BOOTH HERE
26,600,000
TOTAL SOCIAL MEDIA & PR REACH
119,100,000
DURING THE 6 WEEKS LEADING UP TO AN EXPO, WE HAVE ON AVERAGE 1.2 MILLION VIEWS OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM 2025?
The year ahead promises record-breaking milestones as we continue to grow and deliver value to our community:
• 21% VISITOR GROWTH: We’re on track to surpass 33,000 visitors across all expos.
• SOLD-OUT EVENTS: Following the success of past years, we’re gearing up to sell out every expo in 2025.
• 830 EXHIBITORS NATIONWIDE: Connecting providers with engaged participants, carers, and decision-makers.
• UNMATCHED ENGAGEMENT: Expect bigger crowds, expanded entertainment, and even more opportunities to make meaningful connections.
WHAT MAKES OUR EXPOS UNIQUE?
At our expos, we strive to create an experience that is bigger, better, and more impactful than ever before:
• LARGER SPACES: Designed for maximum comfort and accessibility.
• MORE FUN: A buzzing main stage with live performances, plus exciting activities like hair braiding, face painting, and a jumping castle.
• GREATER IMPACT: An NDIS Information Hub and a host of advocacy groups providing invaluable resources.
• ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT: Free coffee or hot drinks for visitors to make everyone feel welcome.
OUR EXPOS SELL OUT! GRAB YOUR BOOTH HERE
SPICING THINGS UP: WHAT’S NEW FOR 2025?
We’re making the 2025 expos more dynamic and meaningful by introducing exciting new initiatives based on your feedback:
• SPONSOR & ADVOCACY GROUP TREASURE HUNT: A fun way to explore exhibitors and win prizes.
• PRIZE GIVEAWAYS: Fantastic prizes to keep the energy high throughout the event.
• SPECIALIST INTRODUCTIONS: The inclusion of field experts and specialists to provide deeper insights, ensuring attendees gain valuable, actionable knowledge. Including:
• Supported Independent Living
• Specialist Disability Accommodation
• Nutrition, Meal Prep & Delivery
• Younger Onset Dementia
• Outdoor Aventures
• Property and Finance
• Plus more!
• EXPANDED ENTERTAINMENT AREAS: Including:
• Gaming Zones for tech enthusiasts.
• Animal Petting Areas for interactive, sensory experiences.
These new features will be heavily promoted to attract returning visitors and welcome new ones, ensuring 2025 is our most exciting and engaging year yet!
DON’T MISS THE BIGGEST DISABILITY SECTOR EVENTS OF 2025!
Join us for the Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth Disability Connection Expos. The must-attend events of the year. These expos are your ultimate chance to:
• CONNECT WITH THOUSANDS OF PARTICIPANTS, carers, and decision-makers.
• ACCELERATE YOUR ABILITY TO STAND OUT in the disability sector.
• SHOWCASE YOUR SERVICES to the biggest audiences yet.
OUR EXPOS SELL OUT! GRAB YOUR BOOTH HERE
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?
HERE’S WHAT WE’VE LEARNED FROM EXHIBITORS THAT ARE… GENERATING OVER 200 CONNECTIONS EVERY EXPO!
Exhibitors who excel at the Disability Connection Expos consistently follow a proactive strategy from start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of what the top performers are doing, and some tips you can apply to your approach to maximise your connections and impact.
PRE-EXPO: PLANNING IS KEY
• START EARLY: Successful exhibitors begin planning months in advance to ensure a well-thought-out strategy.
• ENGAGE VISITORS: Design your stand to be visually appealing and interactive. Think about what will draw attendees to your booth. Consider offering an engaging experience at your booth, a competition or a giveaway.
• ALIGNED OFFER: Have an exclusive expo offer that aligns with your services and organisation, such as a discount or giveaway. Make sure it’s relevant to what you do and how you help, rather than something unrelated like a free iPad.
• STAFFING STRATEGY: Ensure your staff is well-trained, knowledgeable, and prepared to proactively engage visitors. Equip them with business cards, brochures, and a clear understanding of the product/service you’re offering.
• DATA CAPTURE: Use data capture techniques, like collecting email addresses or contact info, to build a future connection.
• PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS: Create eye-catching posters and banners. Make sure your materials reflect the key benefits for participants and what you offer.
• PRE-EXPO THOUGHT PROCESS: Have empathy for the participants and anticipate what they need. Address their pain points and barriers, and ensure your offer resonates with their goals.
DURING THE EXPO: CREATING AN EXPERIENCE
• ENGAGE ACTIVELY: Create an experience for your visitors. Don’t just have a stand, make it memorable. Competitions, interactive elements, and giveaways work well.
• TEAM TRAINING: Ensure your team is proactive, friendly, and engaging. Encourage them to approach visitors, distribute flyers, and not only answer questions but ask them!
• GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE: Don’t just stay behind your desk. Get out and talk to as many people as possible. Personal engagement is key.
• DATA CAPTURE: Continue capturing data, including email addresses and participant details. If possible, take unique notes of each individual to personalise your follow-up approach.
• NETWORKING: Introduce yourself to as many other exhibitors as possible. Networking with fellow participants and organisations can open up new opportunities.
POST-EXPO: THE FOLLOW-UP IS EVERYTHING
• TIMELY FOLLOW-UP: Contact everyone ideally within 24 hours of the expo, or at least within the first week. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to convert leads into connections.
• PERSONALISE YOUR APPROACH: Use the notes you captured during the event to make your follow-up more personal. Tailor your communication to reflect the needs or concerns of each individual participant.
• FOLLOW-UP CALLS: Make at least 10 follow-up calls to each lead. Keep the conversation focused on how you can help, offering personalised solutions.
• EMAIL FOLLOW-UP: Use the email addresses you collected to send regular, valuable content.
• THANK YOU EMAILS: Don’t forget to send a thank-you email to everyone you met. Include a photo to help them remember who you are, and confirm their entry into any competition or giveaway you offered. Use this as an opportunity to reintroduce your services or offer helpful resources.
PRO TIP: Check out our Exhibitor Best Practices Playlist for videos and detailed guidance on how to implement these strategies effectively.
