16 November, 2021

BESydney secured just 18 meetings worth $70m to NSW economy in FY21

Sydney, NSW, Australia - November 2, 2015: Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge illuminated at dusk

As suspected, the COVID-19 pandemic hit Sydney’s peak business events organisation hard last financial year, but its pipeline of events is looking a lot more promising now.

According to its recently released annual financial report, Business Events Sydney (BESydney) secured just 18 meetings worth an estimated $70 million in direct expenditure to the NSW economy.

Speaking at the company’s annual general meeting the BESydney chair Bruce Baird recognised the resilience of the business events industry and looked to positive future prospects, as domestic and international markets reactivate.

“In 2020-21, BESydney secured new global and national meetings that will attract significant talent and direct expenditure to the state’s economy; and rescheduled 62 per cent of meetings affected by COVID-19 into future years,” he said.

“We now have a pipeline of events for Sydney for 2022 to 2029 that includes 95 events, due to attract 127,000 delegates, staying 540,000 delegate days, worth an estimated $503 million in direct expenditure.

“Conditions were tough this year and winning these events – and delivering inspiring experiences for the delegates who attend them – requires a huge team Sydney effort, now more than ever.”

BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith highlighted the work done by NSW residents in achieving high vaccination rates and noted that this effort, coupled with the country’s strong health system, will ensure Sydney provides a safe and reliable destination for international event owners.

“In-person meetings are vital to personal and professional development, company culture, innovation and business outcomes,” she said.

“Moreover, the meetings we bring to Sydney promise to deliver significant strategic, economic and social impact for Sydney, NSW and Australia.

“As we look to 2022 and beyond, we are confident that the business events industry will play a major role in rebuilding the economy.

“This confidence is buoyed by the NSW government’s recently announced tourism stimulus package – which includes $6 million in funding to support business events – and we have ambitious plans to build back best with the full support of government and industry.”

During BESydney’s AGM, Emma Bowyer, managing director of ICMS Australasia, was elected as a member director to the organisation’s board for a three-year term.

Emma Bowyer

Bowyer has worked extensively in the business events industry for almost 20 years, which has included managing some of Australia’s largest and most prestigious conferences, and winning Event of the Year on three separate occasions.

“I look forward to making a meaningful contribution to the BESydney vision and strategy as we work together in a post-pandemic environment,” she said.

“I’m keen to represent a diverse group of members and to utilise this collective effort to ensure Sydney’s profile is enhanced for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

Featured image source: iStock/JulieanneBirch

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annual financial report Annual General Meeting BESydney bruce baird Business Events Sydney Emma Bowyer lyn lewis-smith