On the first Tuesday in November business stops in Australia.  It’s not a public holiday across the country - but workers in Victoria have the full day off.  As part of spring racing season, the first Tuesday is when the Melbourne Cup is run.  (Providing credit where sponsorship dollars are due, it’s now officially the Emirates Melbourne Cup.)

Don’t expect to get business done that day.  You may be able to wrangle a meeting in the morning - but after 1:00 pm all serious business is put aside.  The local betting agency - TAB - has record attendance.  In Sydney they erected tents in the centre of town and had people queuing for 45 minutes to place a bet. 

And while the race is not run until 3:00 pm, office workers and casual labourers retire to a nearby pub or restaurant to eat, drink and enjoy. 

Recognising the improbability of serious work that day, I hosted lunch for the team in a nearby restaurant and told them all to go home after the race.  Who wants people sending client emails after two or more glasses of champagne? 

Yesterday I flew to Melbourne for business - a full two days after the Melbourne Cup.  Thursday was “Oaks Day” at the races, and is also “Ladies Day.”  Before the race it was common to see well-dressed women with extravagant hats trying to hail taxis.

If doing business in Australia in November, factor in a dive in productivity the first week of November.  Although if you’re in the fashion industry November is a great month for sales - people don their finest for the races. 

Melbourne Cup is the race that stops the nation - really!