Sydney Olympic Park Business Association is a Membership based organisation dedicated to representing the interests of businesses or entities based in the Olympic precinct and surrounding suburbs or those with a strong commercial focus in this area. The Business Association provides lobbying and advocacy services for its Members, networking opportunities, assistance for new businesses and help for any organisation looking to develop strong and strategic alliances in the region.
Membership packages are arranged by category according to the size and/ or level of commercial interest an organisation may have in the Olympic precinct or the level of stakeholder engagement being sought.
Some of the benefits of membership include:
- Professional lobbying – Providing a voice for Members at all levels of government;
- Advocacy and representation on issues such as improved infrastructure and access including improved public transport connectivity for the Olympic Precinct;
- Enhancing awareness and revenue for businesses in conjunction with major events and community engagement opportunities;
- Assisting new businesses locating within the Olympic Precinct;
- Increasing awareness of Members within the business community;
- Providing introductions to key decision-makers;
- Providing Members with regular communications on Olympic Precinct activities and developments.
Advocacy and Lobbying
The Business Association is a conduit to key Ministers, local councils, Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) and the Sydney Business Chamber to ensure that every effort is made for the development and viability of the Olympic precinct to be in the best interests of our Members.
Networking
The Business Association enhances a sense of community amongst the businesses at Sydney Olympic Park and the surrounding areas through a variety of networking functions, including breakfast and lunch forums and after work gatherings (which include a quota of free tickets within Platinum, Gold and Silver membership packages). At these events, Olympic Precinct issues are discussed at the highest level with key decision-makers, including SOPA, Local and State government representatives and Business leaders.
Building and Developing Relationships
Business Association meetings and functions provide opportunities for businesses to share concerns and information, pursue co-operative marketing opportunities and resolve the potential conflicts that ‘neighbours’ have from time to time. They are also a great way of meeting key company representatives face-to-face making follow up contact all that much easier. The Business Association can assist by facilitating the initial introduction to the ‘right’ people within an organisation, reducing the time and frustration this first contact often entails.
Exchange of Information
Valuable information is gathered and exchanged on a regular basis throughout the year – both formally and informally – on a range of issues. These include Olympic Precinct developments, SOPA Master Plan updates, the impact of major event overlays and traffic, transport and parking issues. Members are also encouraged to submit stories and articles for publication on the Business Association website and for inclusion in monthly newsletters and on social media platforms.
The Business Association communicates with Members through:
- Monthly Newsletters
- Regular e-blasts
- Social media channels
- Latest news section on the website
- Networking Events
- Bi-monthly Board meetings
- Retailers meetings in conjunction with SOPA
- Annual General Meetings
- Direct ‘one on one’ meetings
