Between 50 and 60 people attended a forum on Thursday night hosted by North East Tasmanian Tourism, which aimed to help local businesses prepare for the event.

The Tom Quilty is expected to bring more than 1000 people to the region, and NETT secretary Tony Scott said a significant number are likely to stay for about a week. 

“The Tom Quilty only goes for a day but most of the interstate people arrive well in advance and often stay longer, and the fact that they're here and need to be fed and need fuel in their vehicles means that there’ll be a considerable economic benefit for the North East,” he said. 

The North Eastern Pony Club catered the forum as they will cater the ride, and president Danielle Carins said their 34 members were counting down the days until the ride on October 6.