Held annually, the Forum features keynotes and networking sessions focused on the challenges and opportunities facing cities after dark, from improving safety and supporting live performance to cutting red tape and harnessing data. As a global leader in the 24-hour economy space, NSW continues to set the benchmark for how vibrant, inclusive and economically resilient nightlife can be imagined and delivered.
Save the date for NEON Forum 2026
Now in its fourth year, NEON Forum will return on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 November 2026 at ILUMINA in the dynamic MP District, an inspiring new setting for the conversations and connections that have made NEON Forum the go-to event for the sector.
NEON Forum is free to attend, with an extensive program of keynotes, panels, workshops, entertainment and networking opportunities. The 2026 program will explore the 24-hour economy as essential civic infrastructure that underpins vibrant and productive cities. Session topics range from data and workforce capability to precinct activation and placemaking.
Where: ILUMINA, 1 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000
MP District, Sydney | Gadigal Country
When: Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 November, 2026
Save the date
NEON Forum 2025: International insights
Featuring 55 sessions and 135 speakers, NEON Forum 2025 explored the latest themes, trends, challenges and opportunities in NSW’s 24-hour economy. The Forum welcomed international experts from Japan, Spain, the US, Canada and the UK, and saw the launch of the Night Worker Action Plan, a novel framework designed to improve safety, wellbeing and recognition for 1.27 million night workers in NSW.
NEON Forum 2024 welcomed experts from Japan, the US and across Europe, to discuss emerging trends in the night-time economy. The event also marked the launch of two key initiatives from the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner: Data After Dark, a powerful digital platform delivering real-time insights into NSW’s night-time activity, and Neon Marketplace, a new B2B tool designed to connect local businesses and creatives, unlocking fresh opportunities for vibrant, district-level collaboration.
In 2023, the Office in partnership with Night Tank and the Night Time Industries Association, welcomed a delegation of international ‘Night Mayors’ – from London, Paris, Montreal, New York and Vienna – as well as local and overseas thought leaders, to the inaugural NEON Forum at the ICC Sydney.
During his opening address at the NEON forum, the NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, The Hon. John Graham MLC, affirmed his commitment to refreshing the 24-Hour Economy Strategy with even greater resources, saying, “We’ll expand the remit of the Office to Six Cities, bringing in major nightlife centres like Newcastle and the Central Coast and we will deliver $103 million to contemporary music over four years with an explicit goal of doubling the number of music venues.”
Accessibility and inclusion
We are dedicated to making NEON Forum 2025 inclusive and accessible for everyone. Learn more about our accessibility and inclusion measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
For further information, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.