Humans in Geelong’s grand plans for digital expo

Humans in Geelong has embraced the digital format for its 2020 expo next month.

The not-for-profit aims to inspire, connect, and strengthen the community through telling positive local stories.

The 2019 expo saw more than 3,000 attendees at Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus.

However, COVID-19 restrictions have not stifled the enthusiasm of Humans in Geelong founder Jacqui Bennett, who said she has high hopes for 2020 expo.

“We’re very excited about the online expo. Instead of having a limited space we can go to all these people.”

Ms Bennet said the expo will feature contributions from a broad range of guests.

“We’re actually inviting storytellers from all over the world, like Adrià (Ballester) from Free Conversations Barcelona, he’s going to send a clip in. Then there’s ‘Humans in’ and ‘Humans of’ all over the world who we’re writing to and saying ‘hey guys, do you want to send us a bit about your story,’” Ms Bennet said.

“Deakin University are going to participate. Vice chancellor Professor Iain Martin is going to give a welcome as is the chief executive officer of the City of Greater Geelong (Martin Cutter). Doctor Steven Moylan of Barwon Health is also going to talk because the expo is an uplifting start for Mental Health Month in our region.

“We’ve been forced to do an online expo but it’s going to be such a benefit because we’ll have all this information from so many diverse groups all in one place on the Humans in Geelong YouTube. And that will be there for people right around the world to look at.”

Humans in Geelong has also partnered with Bethany Community Support to present the 2020 Superhero Awards competition, with the winner set to be announced at the expo.

The competition encourages primary school-aged children to write a story, draw a picture or make a video of someone they believe deserves to be recognised as a superhero.

Villawood Properties and Snap Print & Design will sponsor the expo.

Ms Bennet said she was delighted with their support during such difficult times.

“It’s amazing considering the huge hit there has been to businesses.”

The expo will also be financially supported by the City of Greater Geelong council after Humans in Geelong successfully applied to have their pre-coronavirus grant for the festival repurposed.

The Humans in Geelong Online Expo 2020 will be held on Sunday, October 11.

It will premiere on youtube.com/channel/UCFm8RuKjt_i-gzHj5IRfDmg.