Held over three days in May 2026, the LGNSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference highlights Maitland’s capacity as an ideal location for large scale business events.
event details
WHAT: 2026 LGNSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference
WHEN: 27 – 29 May 2026
WHERE: Maitland Town Hall & Maitland Regional Art Gallery
WHO: There was a total of 191 attendees at the event. The attendees were a mix of elected NSW Local Government officials and staff, industry representatives and sponsors.
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about the conference
The LGNSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference is an annual event hosted by Local Government NSW. It connects councillors, council staff, and tourism industry leaders to explore strategies for growing local visitor economies, creating jobs, and building resilient communities.
The conference features keynotes, panel sessions, site visits, and workshops covering a range of trends such as agritourism, drive tourism, and the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards.
HOST CITY PROGRAM
The 2026 LGNSW Destination & Visitor Economy conference highlighted Maitland Town Hall a highly versatile venue that can adapt seamlessly to conferences, exhibitions, corporate events, performances and formal gatherings.
Utlising the Main Hall as the primary venue for the majority of the program as well as the conference dinner, the venues versality was highlighted through use of multiple breakout rooms for the purposes of concurrent workshops, media and control rooms.
The Sunken Foyer of the adjoining Maitland Administration Centre further enhances the Town Hall’s functionality, offering a welcoming arrival point that can also be activated as an exhibitor area, networking hub or dedicated meal space. Its contemporary design, open layout and ability to support displays, catering stations and informal connection make it a valuable extension of the event footprint.
On the opening night of the conference, Maitland Regional Art Gallery welcomed approx. 150 delegates to the venue for the Welcome Reception.
Offering an unforgettable setting, where guests could enjoy drinks and canapés surrounded by inspiring contemporary art and changing exhibitions, and blending restored heritage character with striking modern architecture, the Gallery provides a sophisticated cultural backdrop for cocktail events, corporate gatherings, launches and celebrations. Its exhibition spaces create natural conversation points and a sense of occasion, while onsite catering options and audio-visual support help tailor each event to suit the experience. Located in the cultural heart of Maitland, the Gallery invites guests to connect, celebrate and be inspired in a venue that is both memorable and distinctly local.
FAMIL PROGRAM
As part of the conference program, attendees had the opportunity to participate in one of three famils that focused on the key themes of Agritourism in action; Arts, culture and placemaking in central Maitland; and Heritage, hospitality and handcrafted experiences.
These curated site visits gave delegates the opportunity to vist some of Maitland’s key visitor economy operators and experiences including:
- Phoenix Park Farm
- Tocal Agricultural College
- Tocal Farm
- Tranquil Vale Vineyard
- Maitland Art Trail
- Maitland regional Sportsground and Athletics Centre
- Maitland Regional Art Gallery
- Morpeth to Walka Shared Pathway
- Uaine Candles
- Eureka Distillery
- Boydell’s Cellar Door & Restaurant
