- More than 30,000 attendees across three days
- Early assessment indicates $7million+ visitor expenditure across region as a result of Primex
- Successful transition to Lismore
- Positive visitor and exhibitor feedback
- Parking and access issues will be addressed and improved before 2027 event
The inaugural Norco Primex Field Days at Lismore attracted more than 30,000 attendees with preliminary analysis indicating a $7 million+ windfall for the entire region and sales expected to advance over $60 million following the event
Norco Primex director Bruce Wright said early exhibitor and visitor feedback was very encouraging with the new location and infrastructure at the Lismore Showgrounds highly rated.
“Early visitor survey responses show more than 86 percent of respondents said the event met expectations with the venue location receiving the highest satisfaction rating. Strong exhibitor engagement, attendance and business activity have provided encouraging validation of the successful transition to Lismore,” Mr Wright said.
Norco Primex’s relocation from Casino followed more than 15 years of investigation into future venue requirements and long-term sustainability of the event. The move was driven by the need for investment into infrastructure, services, layout flexibility and all-weather capability.
The success of Lismore’s inaugural event demonstrated the city was capable of hosting Primex at a high level, Mr Wright said. Organisers would continue working with stakeholders to ensure the event continues to evolve to deliver maximum benefit to exhibitors, visitors, industry, venue partners and the broader region, while playing a major role as a regional economic driver and agricultural showcase for farmers and our rural communities.
Mr Wright acknowledged that parking and access were areas needing improvement for Norco Primex Field Days at the showgrounds, with planning well underway and strategy reviews designed to improve traffic flow and access.
For preliminary Norco Primex Field Days’ outcomes and media Q&A:
Please note this is an early preliminary snapshot based on current attendance data and initial visitor and exhibitor survey responses received to date. Further visitor and exhibitor survey analysis is continuing, with a detailed final event and economic impact report to be completed following the full collection and assessment of post-event data.
Did the move from Casino to Lismore work?
Initial results indicate a very positive outcome for the inaugural Norco Primex Field Days in Lismore. Early visitor survey responses show 86.3% of respondents said the event met expectations, with the venue location receiving the highest satisfaction rating at 3.81 out of 5. Strong exhibitor engagement, attendance and business activity have provided encouraging early validation of the successful transition to Lismore.
What were the attendance figures?
Preliminary attendance figures based on ticket sales, VIP attendance, trade participation, suppliers, exhibitors, industry grower functions, presentations and workshop attendance currently indicate 30,000 attending:
This has significantly increased from the past 3 years with strong visitor attendance from north and south across the three-day event.
The figures reflect strong public attendance alongside significant industry, agribusiness, government, trade and stakeholder participation, reinforcing Primex’s position as one of regional Australia’s leading agricultural and community events.
Was exhibitor response positive?
Yes. Early exhibitor feedback has been highly encouraging, particularly around crowd engagement, enquiry levels, networking opportunities, community interaction, education, business and sale generation. Many exhibitors have reported strong sales activity and significant follow-up opportunities expected following the event. Further exhibitor survey analysis is continuing.
What economic impact did the event generate?
Preliminary visitor survey analysis indicates average visitor spending of approximately $250 per response. Based on current attendance estimates, initial direct visitor expenditure associated with the event is projected to exceed $7 million across the region.
This remains an early indicative estimate only, with further visitor and exhibitor economic analysis continuing as additional survey responses are received and assessed.
Where did visitors come from?
Early visitor data confirms Primex attracted a strong regional audience, with 28 unique postcodes recorded in initial survey responses. The strongest attendance came from the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast regions, reinforcing Primex’s role as a major regional agricultural, business and community event.
What aspects of the event rated most strongly?
Visitors rated the overall experience positively, with an average satisfaction rating of 3.67 out of 5. The location of the venue rated highest overall, while food, exhibits and organisation all achieved solid satisfaction ratings between 3.61 and 3.78.
What improvements were identified?
Parking and access were clearly identified as the main operational areas requiring improvement, particularly around morning traffic congestion and exhibitor / staff parking. Organisers view this feedback as extremely valuable and are already reviewing strategies and discussing with stakeholders to action improved traffic flow and access for future events.
Why was the decision made to relocate Primex from Casino to Lismore?
The relocation followed more than 15 years of investigation into future venue requirements and long-term sustainability for the event. The move was driven by the need for investment and improved infrastructure, services, layout flexibility and all-weather capability required to support Primex’s future growth and long-term viability.
Is Lismore now the long-term home of Primex?
The success of the inaugural event has demonstrated that Lismore is capable of successfully hosting Primex at a high level. Organisers have indicated a 5 year commitment and will continue working collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure the event continues evolving in a way that delivers maximum benefit to exhibitors, visitors, industry, venue partners and the broader region.
What broader role does Primex play for the region?
Primex continues to play a major role as a regional economic driver and agricultural showcase, bringing together farming, agribusiness, machinery, government, education, tourism and community sectors. The event continues strengthening regional collaboration, industry engagement and economic activity across Northern NSW.
What has been Bruce Wright’s role in the transition?
Bruce Wright has overseen the successful transition of Primex to Lismore during his 38th Primex Field Days event. His focus remains on ensuring the event continues evolving with the infrastructure, facilities, services and partnerships required to maximise benefits for exhibitors, visitors, agriculture and regional communities.
