Sydney’s International Convention Centre threw open its doors on 4 November for the Indo Pacific 2025 International Maritime Exposition, a three-day event expected to attract more than 27,000 delegates from 40 countries. Supported by the Royal Australian Navy and multiple state agencies, the exhibition is Australasia’s largest gathering of naval, defence-technology and maritime-security specialists.
The influx of international exhibitors—each vetted for Temporary Activity (subclass 408) or Australia Business Visa compliance—tests the Australian Border Force’s fast-track accreditation system introduced for major events last year. Organisers reported that 90 % of foreign participants used the new e-Visa label-free process, reducing average arrival clearance times to under four minutes.
![Indo Pacific 2025 Maritime Exposition Opens in Sydney, Drawing 800 International Exhibitors]()
Beyond shipbuilding contracts, the expo spurs travel demand: Qantas and Virgin have added 12,000 domestic seats, and Sydney hotels are at 96 % occupancy. Event CEO Shaun Fewster said the show generates more than AUD 70 million in visitor spending, underscoring the economic stakes of smooth border processing.
Security was tight after morning protests outside the venue led to 12 arrests for trespass and assaulting police. Attendees were advised to carry photo ID at all times and arrive early for bag checks.
The influx of international exhibitors—each vetted for Temporary Activity (subclass 408) or Australia Business Visa compliance—tests the Australian Border Force’s fast-track accreditation system introduced for major events last year. Organisers reported that 90 % of foreign participants used the new e-Visa label-free process, reducing average arrival clearance times to under four minutes.
Beyond shipbuilding contracts, the expo spurs travel demand: Qantas and Virgin have added 12,000 domestic seats, and Sydney hotels are at 96 % occupancy. Event CEO Shaun Fewster said the show generates more than AUD 70 million in visitor spending, underscoring the economic stakes of smooth border processing.
Security was tight after morning protests outside the venue led to 12 arrests for trespass and assaulting police. Attendees were advised to carry photo ID at all times and arrive early for bag checks.
