Visit USA’s National 2020 Expos wrapped last night at Luna Park in Sydney, closing out the ‘BEST EVER’ series that visited Perth, Adelaide, The Gold Coast, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Last nights stellar event at Luna Park in Sydney was attended by a whopping 350+ agents who mingled with 70 exhibitors and 26 presenters – all who shared and celebrated the latest and greatest of travel in the US.
With a Top Gun inspired ‘Top Agent’ theme, Luna Park was buzzing with agents and suppliers, many of whom have known each other for years catching up over a glass of bubbles or two and some delicious food.
Sharp-tongued Hollywood Gossip Guru and MC for the evening Richard Reid had the agents in stitches and selfie-mode, as he wowed the room as per usual.
While special guest US Consul General Sharon Hudson-Dean welcomed agents and shared her insight into why Australians love travelling to the US and the shared values between Americans and Australians.
Mr ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of here’ Australia winner… Richard Reid!
And of course… There were epic prizes! And SO, so many won over the night with agents taking away everything from flights, hotel nights, tours and attractions and even a motorised mini Visit California Combi van!
In the exhibition hall, agents and exhibitors were treated to the sounds of Texas by Sam Riggs and Joey Green, who were in town to give a sneak peek of the upcoming Texas Music Takeover coming to Sydney in April.
Sam Riggs & Joey Green
There were Vegas Showgirls, Cowboys and Cowgirls and a blaze of colour and sense of cultural diversity that truly represents what the US is all about.
And don’t us Aussies love it?
With well over a million Australians heading stateside in 2019, it’s clear that our love affair, curiosity and desire to experience more within the US is only getting stronger.
Commenting on this year’s shows, Visit USA President Lucy Rowe said,
“The Visit USA Expos across the country are the biggest events we coordinate in Australia for our members. It’s a great opportunity for agents to hear first-hand what’s happening in the US and we’re thrilled that this year – our biggest and best yet – sold out in almost every city. The appetite for travel to the US is certainly growing.”
Visit USA President Lucy Rowe
Lucy Rowe, Visit USA and Richard Reid
In her address, Lucy also highlighted the bond between Australia and the US, acknowledging the phenomenal work and sacrifice that US firefighters had given during the recent bushfire emergency, by saying:
“Australia and the US have a long history of mutual support, and it is great to see these connections strengthen between the two nations. When the US firefighters joined the Australian firefighters to support us during our recent bushfire crisis, it was an important moment for solidarity,
“We’ve received countless emails and calls of support from our USA members, asking how they could help during the crisis. Again, the connection between the US and Australia, in our view, is stronger than ever.”
Visit USA President Lucy Rowe
US Consul General Sharon Hudson-Dean
Overall, the events have been hugely successful, with the below numbers indicating what is a real win-win for all.
Across two weeks… in six cities… with over 70 exhibitors… 126 presentations… to more than 1000 agents… and countless bottles of champagne… that’s a wrap on the Visit USA Expos 2020!
Congratulations to everyone at Visit USA and indeed to all the agents and suppliers who attended who made it such a success!
Next stop – New Zealand Expo’s next week!
Click here for more information on Visit USA or the Visit USA Facebook page.