Details have emerged of a revamped G'Day USA, dispensing with the tired annual black-tie gala to embrace a more flexible and free-flowing soiree where movers and shakers will gather in Los Angeles for the opportunity to network the night away.

For 11 years, the G'Day USA gala has brought together business leaders, tourism experts, government representatives and the ubiquitous celebrities, performers, sportspeople and screen stars who serve to attract media interest.

Last year's event had more than 1000 people perched for hours in order to dine while absorbing an entertainment extravaganza as three Australian honorees were feted for their excellence in a chosen field.

Past performers have included Guy Sebastian, Human Nature and Jessica Mauboy. Curtis Stone and Guy Grossi have been the creative chefs and movie star attendees have included Paul Hogan, Mel Gibson, Kate Winslet, Guy Pearce and Cameron Diaz.

This year's revamped event is to be held at The Hollywood Palladium on January 31, and the so-called reshaping is closer to a complete overhaul.

This month, it was announced that the fourth Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) International Awards would be woven into the G'Day USA event, and Nicole Kidman and Geoffrey Rush would host the evening.

The Australian ambassador to the United States, Kim Beazley, had been thrilled with the decision.

"G'Day USA remains Australia's foremost program of public diplomacy promoting Australian capabilities in the United States," Mr Beazley said.

It's understood formalities have been tightened to run for about an hour, and just seven categories make up the awards component of the evening, including best film and best direction.

Eating and drinking Australian fare remains a strong focus but instead of a protracted sit-down meal, there will be food stations and roving waiters offering delicacies and canapes created by Australian chef Neil Perry and US chef Tom Colicchio.

"We're taking what has become just another gala with very little excitement left in it after 11 years and turning it into a fabulous party. We're excited about showcasing seafood, goat, beef, lamb and cheeses and, of course, Australian wine," Perry said.

Previously, three people each year were acknowledged for their success and talent, including the likes of sportsman Luc Longley, actor Simon Baker and soft-rock group Air Supply.

However, just one "excellence award" will be handed out this year. This year's recipient is People magazine's sexiest man alive, Chris Hemsworth (Thor).

Qantas, the G'Day USA sponsor and presenting partner, believes the program helps put a spotlight on Australia as a destination, while deepening economic and trade ties between the countries.

Qantas senior executive vice president, the Americas, Vanessa Hudson said: "Promoting Australia to a country the size of the United States is a continual dialogue. And in the last 12 months until December, the market has grown about 10 per cent."

It's been queried whether the US media even knows of, or cares about, the event.

However, Ms Hudson said "we're constantly working to get our message out there, talking to business journalists and other local media".

"I don't think it's necessarily a hard sell."

About 85 per cent of attendees each year are American. Of the 85 media outlets that covered the red carpet event last year, 70 per cent were targeted to an American audience.

Ms Hudson has backed the format changes.

"It's absolutely about keeping things fresh and contemporary and creating an environment that stimulates. We're setting up for the next five years to make sure we are relevant in this very big market. It is about staying relevant and joining up with AACTA is a key part of that revitalisation," she said.

Australian consul-general Karen Lanyon, speaking from Los Angeles, added her support to the reshaping of the event.

"It's so much better to work together in a bid to make our mark and everything needs to be updated after 12 years," she said.

It's understood the federal government provides about 5 per cent of the budget for the 12-month G'Day USA program, and ticket sales, advertising, state governments and corporate sponsors contribute the remainder.

"It is certainly a business networking event and all about promoting Australia to our US partners," Ms Lanyon said.

Guest numbers have been culled and about 700 attendees are expected for the more intimate affair.

In the aftermath of the overhaul, Ms Lanyon envisages G'Day USA attendees "working the room to their heart's content".

The writer will attend the 12th G'DAY USA courtesy of Qantas.