Launceston's Cataract Gorge will be transformed for the event, with a newly-erected marquee set to host more than 840 industry figures from across Australia. 

On Sunday, a number of Tasmanian nominees joined organisers for a sneak peak of the award preparations.

Committee chairman David Dunn said he had everything crossed that Launceston's Festivale would take out the festivals and events category. 

"We are really excited and looking forward to meeting the other finalists in that category and seeing what they do," he said. 

"There's a few really unusual events, very different to us, but obviously the organisational structure will be similar.

"The recognition would be huge for Festivale to win this, but it is also a great recognition for the amount of work the committee puts in.

"To add this to it is just a huge pat on the back for all the volunteers involved." 

The national tourism industry’s premier event, Friday's ceremony will mark only the second time the awards have been held outside of a capital city. 

Event director Rick Marton said it would be a "uniquely Tasmanian" occasion. 

"This particular event has been all about showcasing what we can do, locally," he said. 

"We wanted this event to be warm and inviting. It was never about being showy or polished to the point where it feels cold. 

"It was about giving people a truly authentic and genuine Tasmanian experience, also remembering that second to the awards themselves, the star of the show is the Gorge."

Tasmania Tourism Industry Council chief executive Luke Martin said convention had been "thrown out the window" for the event. 

"Tasmania has built a reputation for being unique and doing things differently and we wanted the awards ceremony to embody that spirit," he said. 

Other Tasmanian nominees vying for top honours include Hawthorn Football Club, whose home games have been named a finalist in the major events and festivals category, and Peppers Silo Hotel in the new business category. 

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