Festivals & Events Accreditation Program

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What the program is
  • Festivals and Events Accreditation recognises festivals and events committed to delivering quality experiences through industry best practice.
  • Designed to raise industry standards and support the growth of high-quality festivals and events across Australia.
  • Helps organisers understand and apply the fundamental principles of successful festivals and event management.
  • Recognises festivals and events that demonstrate a commitment to excellence, inclusivity and continuous improvement.
  • Developed with input from Australian festival and event industry experts.
Why It Matters for Your Festival or Event
  • Demonstrates your commitment to delivering safe, professional and high-quality event experiences.
  • Provides independent recognition of your festival or event’s commitment to industry best practice.
  • Supports strong planning and management across all aspects of event delivery.
  • Builds confidence with attendees, sponsors, funding bodies, partners and the community.
  • Encourages continuous improvement and long-term event sustainability.
  • Strengthens your reputation as a quality festival or event.
How it works
  • Businesses must hold Sustainable Tourism accreditation before applying for Festivals and Events accreditation
  • Organisers complete a self-assessment and provide supporting evidence against the accreditation criteria.
  • The assessment covers seven key areas of festival and event management:
    • Event Overview and Compliance
    • Operations and Logistics
    • Programming, Planning and Experience
    • Finance and Partnerships
    • Marketing, Digital and Data
    • Workforce and Volunteers
    • Sustainability and Improvement
  • If delivering festivals or events is the core function of the organisation, duplicate questions already addressed through Sustainable Tourism accreditation are automatically removed.
  • Successfully accredited businesses complete an annual renewal to maintain their accreditation
Who Is Eligible?
  • Festivals and events operating within Australia.
  • Established events of all types, including community, cultural, sporting, food and wine, arts, music.
  • Organisations that hold Sustainable Tourism Accreditation
  • Event organisers committed to quality event delivery and continuous improvement.
Practical Benefits
  • Benchmark your event against nationally recognised industry best practice.
  • Strengthen planning, operations and governance across the event lifecycle.
  • Identify opportunities to improve audience experience and operational performance.
  • Gain recognised accreditation to promote your commitment to quality.
  • Build confidence with attendees, sponsors, partners and funding bodies.
  • Receive practical guidance to strengthen your event management practices over time.
Simple way to explain the program

“The Festivals and Events Accreditation Program recognises festivals and events that are committed to delivering safe, professional and high-quality experiences through industry best practice.”

FAQs
What is the Festivals and Events Accreditation Program?

The Festivals and Events Accreditation Program recognises festivals and events that demonstrate a commitment to quality event delivery through industry best practice and continuous improvement.

Why should my organisation’s festival or event become accredited?

Yes. Sustainable Tourism Accreditation is essential for achieving Festivals and Events Accreditation.

You can enrol and complete your assessment before becoming Sustainable Tourism Accredited; however, accreditation cannot be awarded until Sustainable Tourism Accreditation has been achieved.

What types of festivals and events can participate?

The program is suitable for a wide range of festivals and events, including:

  • Arts and cultural festivals
  • Food and wine events
  • Music festivals
  • Sporting events
  • Community events
  • Business and industry events
  • Agricultural shows and regional events
Is there an onsite assessment?

No. The accreditation is based on your completed self-assessment and supporting evidence. An onsite assessment is not required.