Host an Event

DFAT is coordinating the development of a six-month strategic business program comprising government, business, and cultural events, which will be hosted by the Australia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. 

Events aligned with Australia’s programming objectives may be hosted at the Pavilion through the following opportunities: 

1. Friends of the Australia Pavilion 
2. Fee for event model

Different eligibility criteria apply to each category. 

The evaluation committee will consist of DFAT staff, who may seek advice from other government departments, agencies or industry representatives as needed. EOIs will be assessed on a rolling basis. Following initial assessment, the evaluation committee within the Osaka Expo Taskforce may seek further information from applicants.  

All submissions will receive an automatic response to advise the EOI has been received. Those identified as suitable for either category will receive further notification directly from the Osaka Expo Taskforce.  

DFAT reserves the right not to progress any proposal to shortlist, negotiation, or funding agreement stage. EOIs that are not successful will not receive feedback nor any further communication. 

Friends of the Australia Pavilion SmartyGrants Application Form

To be eligible under the Friends of the Australia Pavilion program, your organisation must be a non-corporate entity that does not operate for profit. This includes not-for-profit organisations, community groups, foundations and Australia-Japan friendship networks. Please note for-profit organisations, industry peak bodies, sporting organisations, universities, local governments, and/or individuals/organisations supported by corporate entities are not eligible.

If your organisation is selected, you will be responsible for all aspects of event development, curation, and coordination, subject to amendment and/or final approval from DFAT. This may include designing the event, inviting speakers and participants, and managing all travel and accommodation requirements and expenses.

We encourage you to consider funding, including Australian government grant opportunities, to support your event. Capped funding support for Expo site entry tickets, may be available for your event, at the discretion of DFAT. 

EOIs will remain open until at the point where programming targets are met. Early applications are encouraged. Please contact us if you have any further questions.

Eligible organisations will have the opportunity to curate your own events at the Australia Pavilion under a fee for event model.

Organisations currently eligible for this category include universities, peak bodies, business chambers, sporting associations and/or local governments. Other Expo international participants or organisations are also eligible.

All events under this category must meet minimum standards on theme, content, speakers, and guests, to align with the overall Pavilion programming framework and Australian Government policy generally.  Fee for event use submissions will be assessed accordingly.

The fee for event model will include assistance with the guest invitations, RSVP, and registration service; purchase and allocation of guest tickets; and event management support such as, standard table decorations and name cards, catering (of chosen catering and beverages package) and AV on the day of the event. Translation or interpretation services, VIP tours, and use of additional rooms on the day of the event, would be available at an additional cost.

Detailed costings for fee for event use and additional information on eligibility, event formats and timings is available upon request through emailing expopartnerships@dfat.gov.au.