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Highlights from NEON Forum 2025 include how collaboration is strengthening precincts across NSW.
The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s third annual NEON Forum brought together international and Australian experts in policy, placemaking and research to explore the emerging trends in NSW’s 24-hour economy.
From collaboration to creative precincts, NEON Forum 2025 revealed 13 key takeaways that are set to shape the future of NSW’s night-time economy and show how businesses, councils, and communities can work together to make it thrive.
Key takeaway #4 shared a discussion panel delving into the stories of Sydney’s precincts which have grown from grassroots to global recognition, experts reinforced how place-based partnerships between businesses, community and councils can help celebrate and market the story of an area’s unique DNA and vibrancy to a wider audience.
From YCK Laneways (an Uptown District and Purple Flag Precinct) and Newtown-Enmore (Uptown District) to Burwood (trial Special Entertainment Precinct), creative collaboration is helping put vibrant areas on the map in new and sustainable ways.
“Night-time precincts are not just clusters of activities but also cultural ecosystems,” said nightlife expert and Founder and Principal of Night Tank, Dr Andreina Seijas. “It’s important to look at them as ecosystems and how they relate and create bridges for people to visit them, but also for people who live there to feel proud and build identity.”
Place-based initiatives from the Office’s Uptown District Acceleration Program, new Regional Night-time Economy Program, Special Entertainment Precincts and Purple Flag program, provide a foundation for collaboration.
From Golden Hours at Bars of Barangaroo to the International Aeronautical Congress’ takeover of Chippendale Collective, Neon Marketplace is also helping to make finding the opportunities for collaboration easier.
Read the full article from the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner here.
We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of First Nations Australians. We also acknowledge all of the traditional owners of the land in NSW, and pay respect to First Nations Elders, past and present.
