Floriade 2025 On-Site Caterer Application Form -

FLORIADE ON-SITE CATERER APPLICATION

Thank you for your interest in applying for the on-site catering contract for Floriade 2025-2027.

Please complete the following form and upload any required attachments.
If you have any questions, you can contact us at eventpartnerships@act.gov.au.

Events ACT is seeking a suitably experienced and qualified Caterer for the overall delivery of a high-quality onsite café for Floriade and Floriade NightFest in 2025-2027.

This will include:

  • A single indoor café/restaurant venue;
  • Catering provision for special events and functions that can be generated by the Caterer as well as in collaboration with Events ACT; and
  • Catering for special events and functions organised by external parties and organisations, such as conference groups, corporate functions, weddings and parties that may be generated by the Caterer as well as in collaboration with Events ACT.

An opportunity may also exist for the operation of a pop-up style outlet to sell picnic packs or similar.


Information Pack:

Please read through the relevant EOI Information Pack before submitting your application to ensure you understand what we are looking for.

Click on the link below to download the EOI Information Pack:

Floriade on-site catering Information Pack


Selection Criteria:

Events ACT will review applications and select a suitably experienced and qualified Caterer for the overall delivery of high-quality supply and operation of an onsite café for Floriade and Floriade NightFest in 2025-2027.

Fair and equal consideration is given to all applicants, regardless of previous involvement in the event or similar events.

The final decision will be at the discretion of Events ACT based on the overall strategic fit to the event vision and objectives and to allow for a balanced range of offerings and price points at the event.

The following factors will be considered when reviewing applications:

1. EXPERIENCE OFFERING

Our expectation: We are seeking someone who can deliver a festival experience that creates a sense of awe and excitement. What is the experience you can offer? What theming will you have? How will you capture this year’s Floriade theme of science and nature in your offering? How are you able to make the experience an event of its own? Please provide details.

2. OPERATIONAL CAPACITY

Demonstrated capacity to deliver the services outlined in scope and comply with all regulatory requirements. Please provide details on key personnel, roles and responsibilities including qualifications and recent relevant experience.

3. EXPERIENCE TRADING AT LARGE SCALE EVENTS

Our expectation: Demonstrated experience in providing efficient, high-volume output of food operations to large audiences at outdoor events.

4. LOCAL ECONOMIC BENEFIT

Our expectation: Canberra Region organisations and businesses will be given preference to support the local industry, however, interstate vendors will still be seriously considered in the interest of creating a wide range of quality options, particularly if they incorporate local products and services in their offering.

5. COMMERCIAL OFFER

Our expectation: Floriade provides a significant commercial opportunity for potential partners. As such, Events ACT is committed to operating at a cost neutral position. We are open to various commercial models for a potential partnership, including, but not limited to a direct financial investment in return for the opportunity – this may be via an upfront fee payable to Events ACT or a commission-based arrangement. Any proposal considered will need to demonstrate value for money for Events ACT. Please note, the term of the proposal will be for 2025 to 2027.

6. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Have you provided the required and necessary documentation within your application? 

7. HISTORY WITH EVENTS ACT, OR OTHER ACT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING;

- Any outstanding/unpaid invoices
- Not complying with WHS and event requirements
- Unprofessional or disrespectful behaviour 
- Alignment with Events ACT Values. To review these values, please click here.

The application criteria is explained in further detail in the EOI Information Packs (linked above). 


The following information and supporting documentation need to be submitted with your application:

Please ensure all you include all required information as incomplete applications may not be accepted or assessed. 

Company Profile

  • Tell us who you are, about your brand, what you have achieved, other events you have participated in, your customer service and experience
  • Images of your business in operation 
  • Images of your products

Site Layout Diagram

  • Site layout diagram with dimensions, including any back of house requirements, cool room space etc. The layout you provide is only used as a guide for your vision, final site design will be done in consultation with Events ACT.

Supporting Documentation

  • Sample menu including indicative pricing and dietary considerations 
  • Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency
  • Workers Compensation Insurance Certificate of Currency 
  • Food Business Registration Certificate 
  • Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
  • Liquor license 
  • Any other licences required to sell your products

    References

    • Two references from previous events you have traded at, or similar reference if this is your first event. 


    Contact Us
    If you have any questions or require assistance with your application, please contact Events ACT at eventpartnerships@act.gov.au.


    Contact Details
    Company Trading Name *
    The business name you would like to be referred to as on any signage, advertising material and the event website.
    Type of Business *
    Multiple selections are available.
    Other - please specify
    Legal Entity Name / Registered Business Name *
    Entity Name/Business Name.
    This should be the legal entity name as per your registered ABN / ACN details. If you are unsure what this is you can look it up here.
    ABN (Australian Business Number) *
    If no ABN available, please provide your ACN (Australian Company Number). This should match the details of your legal entity name, to check see the ABN Lookup or ASIC websites.
    Primary Contact 
    First Name *
    Last Name *
    Email *
    Mobile Phone Number *
    Alternate Phone Number
    Registered Business Address 
    Building Name/ House Number *
    Street Name *
    City *
    State/County *
    Postcode *

    About Your Business

    Have you traded at Floriade before? *
    How many years? *
    Business Profile *
    Tell us about your business, what you have achieved, other events you have participated in. This information will be assessed against the selection criteria. 
    Sample Menu *
    (MAX SIZE 5MB)
    Please include a sample menu indicative of the offering you intend to sell, including the following details:
    • Product Name
    • Product Description
    • Price Inc. GST (Pricing is not final, just an indication) 
    • If the item caters to any dietary requirements E.g. Gluten Free (GF), Lactose Free (LF), Nut Free (NF), Vegetarian (V) or Vegan (VG).



    Application Photos *
    (MAX SIZE 5MB)
    Now's your time to show off! We want to see photos of you in action at other events.  
    Add another (Max 5)
    Are you a local business to the Canberra region? *
    Site Layout *
    (MAX SIZE 5MB)
    Please provide a plan detailing your site layout.
    • Your plan should show the proposed layout of your main marquee structure including kitchen, front of house/service area and covered seating area. Please also include the placement of any additional BOH requirements, cool rooms etc. The layout you provide is only used as a guide for your vision, final site design will be done in consultation with Events ACT. 

    Power Requirements

    Access to 1 x 32amp outlet and 6 x 15 amp outlets from an on-site distribution board will be available to the caterer.
    Connection from the board to café and any additional power requirements are the responsibility of the caterer or can be provided by Events ACT and charged to the caterer. 

    Does your stall use gas? *
    Sustainability
    Packaging Requirements *
    • All packaging/serving material provided to the public must be made from approved compostable, organic, biodegradable material (e.g. cardboard, paper).
    • Caterer will be required to provide details of all packaging intended to be provided to the public at the event or samples if requested to the ACT Government/its contractors at least one-month prior to the event. The ACT Govt reserves the right to request a vendor changes packaging if it is found to be unsuitable for post-processing by our waste contractors.
    • If Caterer is found to be serving items in breach of these requirements, they will not be allowed to trade until suitable items can be provided.

    For more information, applicants can review these requirements via the following link.

    For additional information on how your business can make meaningful climate choices, click on the following link. Businesses - Climate Choices (act.gov.au). 

    Sustainability information *
    Please provide us with information regarding your sustainability practices.
    Supporting Documentation

    Please include your Trading Name in the filename of all attachments uploaded for your application. 
    Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency *
    (MAX SIZE 5MB)
    All vendors are required to have current public liability insurance to the value of $20 million.
    Workers Compensation Insurance
    (MAX SIZE 5MB)
    Required unless exempt.
    ACT Liquor license
    (MAX SIZE 5MB)

    The caterer has the opportunity to be an outlet for alcoholic beverages, please attach your liquor license allowing you to sell alcohol in the ACT. 
    Please note that Events ACT may have exclusive arrangements around certain product categories e.g. Beer, Wine, Spirit supply that the caterer must use. 

    Food Business Registration Certificate
    (MAX SIZE 5MB)

    Required unless exempt.

    For more information about registration requirements or exemptions see the ACT Health website. Alternatively, call the ACT Health Protection Service's office on 02 5124 9700. 

    Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
    (MAX SIZE 5MB)
    Or equivalent training certificate
    Additional supporting documentation (optional)
    (MAX SIZE 5MB)
    Or equivalent training certificate
    References *

    Provide contact details for two referees from previous events you have traded at. If this is your first event, please include contact details for two references.

    References will not be contacted without prior notice. 

    Written references can be uploaded as additional supporting documentation but are not mandatory.