7 March, 2018

Brisbane Convention off to a flying start for 2018

The Brisbane Convention Bureau has started 2018 in impressive style, notching up 15 business event bid wins worth over $22 million for the city’s economy.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the bids were won in the first two months of 2018 alone and would produce more than 38,000 delegate days, underlining the important contribution such events make to Brisbane’s economy.

“Every conference, exhibition and incentive that flows into Brisbane supports our tourism and hospitality businesses including hotels, restaurants, retailers and service providers,” Quirk said.

“With most conferences attracting hundreds of delegates over multiple days – that’s a significant level of expenditure that otherwise wouldn’t flow into Brisbane’s economy.”
“Brisbane has a clear strategy to attract more national and international business events to the city, as part of our 2022 New World City Action Plan.”

“With Brisbane becoming an increasingly sought-after destination for conferences and business events, it’s encouraging to see our plan is working, and that the numbers from early 2018 are so strong.”

The events already secured this year span industries including health, education, technology and finance – all essential industries within Brisbane’s knowledge-based economy.

Brisbane Convention Bureau General Manager Juliet Alabaster said the wins would provide tangible benefits for Brisbane in years to come, with the highly competitive bidding process often occurring years ahead of a conference being staged.

“This year will see the fruition of past bid wins by the bureau and partners, with the city set to host major conferences including air route development event Routes Asia in March, the IEEE Conference on Robotics and Automation in May, and the World Congress of Science and Factual Producers in November,” Alabaster said.

“More people are recognising Brisbane as an ideal business event destination thanks to our world-class infrastructure, venues, accommodation, leisure offerings and leading industry sectors.”

“Brisbane is the complete package, and we’re ramping up our focus on attracting more business events by offering all the sophistication and style of larger destinations, accompanied by the warm hospitality the city is renowned for.

“The economic gains from delegates staying in our city is a key factor in our efforts to attract business events, but it’s also the improved business relationships, knowledge transfer, employment and industry development that delivers valuable long-term benefits for Brisbane.”

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