The National Insect Expo has concluded for this year and was a resounding success. Estimated visitation numbers are around 7000 up slightly from last years event and considering factors such as interest rates and inflation, the turnout was great. All exhibitors did a roaring trade and also made lots of contacts not only with the general public, but networking within the industry and making connections as well. Response from the public has again been amazing with all positive comments including response to the free give aways provided this year by our major Sponsor Australian Entomological Supplies..Thanks guys!

Now that we heve had a chance to go over the visitation data, some interesting findings can be seen. Visitation from Local Areas (Woodend, Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey etc: 925. Total Visitors from Regional districts: 5243. Total Visitations from Interstate: 748. Total Visitations from International arrivals: 39.

The following accommodation venues were booked by visitors and exhibitors for the 3 day event:
Gisborne Hotel, The Dickins Woodend, Wilton Lane Air BnB, Macedon Spa, Castlemaine BnB, Blackwood Mineral Springs Caravan Park, Kyneton Springs Motel, Bella Loft Woodend, Black Forest Motel, Mistwood, Kyneton Air BnB, Air BnB Woodend, Horseshoes Studio Woodend, Hobried Bnb, Holgate Brew-house Woodend, Lancefield Lodge.

There were many others but we didn't get all the required information from all visitors and exhibitors in time before they departed. This will be addressed next year after we implement our own booking and registration forms. Here are some of the more exotic locations that provided visitors to this event this year: Copenhagen, Tokyo, Wellington, Brussels, New Deli, San Francisco and Madrid!
Its interesting to note the increased numbers of international visitors when compared to last year. This can be traced to the fact that quite a few were international collectors looking to network with Australian based breeders and suppliers of specimens. Interesting...

We would like to thank the following for making the 2023 National Insect Expo a success: Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Bendigo Community Bank Gisborne, Australian Entomological Supplies, Friends of the Phasmid, Woodend Nursery, All Our Amazing Exhibitors, Buffalo Stadium Staff, Caterers, Trevor and Steve for setting up, and to our wonderful volunteers and helpers, many thanks!!!  See you all again in 2024!