Leading international night-time economy conference, NEON Forum, is back for its fourth year, taking over ILLUMINA and the surrounding MP District from 4-5 November 2026.
Bringing together top industry leaders, policymakers, creators and community voices and free to attend, it’s your chance to be part of the conversations and agenda shaping the future of NSW’s globally recognised night-time economy (NTE).
Still not convinced? Here are 7 reasons to make room in your calendar.
- Get a front row seat to what’s new, now and next. Witness the latest innovation up close with panels and keynotes from industry trailblazers and trendmakers across safety and accessibility, connection and culture, precincts and placemaking, data and economics, and more.
- Think globally, act locally. With a new lineup of international NTE experts from the US, UK, India and Singapore alongside leading voices from NSW and Australia headlining NEON Forum this year, discover what’s happening in night-time economies around the world and how it can be applied to your own work.
- Dive into the data. Access the latest research, insights and data about what’s happening in your corner of the night-time economy. Powered by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Data After Dark platform, go behind the numbers to understand what the data tells us about emerging trends in spend, mobility, safety and consumer behaviour across the state – and what it means for you.
- Discover available support and resources. Whatever role you play in the night-time economy, walk away with practical tips and takeaways you can action the next day. From educational resources and templates to relevant reforms and upskilling programs for businesses and councils, join our hands-on workshops and tailored sessions to learn about help on offer to boost your work in the night-time economy.
- Make new connections. As the leading night-time economy conference in Australia, be in the room where it happens to join in real conversations about the opportunities and obstacles facing the sector. Speak with leading experts, expand your network and discover exciting opportunities for collaboration. It’s Neon Marketplace, IRL. Plus, don’t miss our after dark activations and networking across MP District.
- Understand the value of our 24-hour economy. The night-time economy is vital civic infrastructure, with one in 3 people working at night in NSW and contributing almost $120 billion to the economy. Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of how the ecosystem of workers, businesses, councils, venues, creatives, government and policymakers come together to create and activate an investable, productivity-enhancing and city-shaping sector that belongs to everyone.
- Get inspired. Make the space to get out of the weeds and embrace some blue sky thinking. Leave inspired to continue growing, shaping and developing the state’s night-time economy into a space that’s vibrant, safe, welcoming, inclusive and diverse for all.