May 19, 2022 | By Bronwen Largier | Image: OzWater’22
Convention business at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has returned to pre-pandemic levels for May 2022.
The centre is hosting 16 conferences in May, including two international events, with scientific, medical and healthcare events driving the charge.
This is the greatest number of conferences held at BCEC in a four-week period since 2019.
Aside from conferences on topics including leukaemia research, critical care, cardiovascular genetics, nuclear medicine and preventative health, the centre hosted Australian Water Association’s OzWater’22 this month while the APPEA (Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association) Conference and Exhibition 2022, the largest gathering of the oil and gas industry in the Southern Hemisphere, wraps up today.
In total, the centre is hosting 100 events in May and is expecting around 43,000 people through the doors. In June, the venue also has 14 conventions locked in, alongside five exhibitions.
BCEC General Manager Bob O’Keeffe AM said he’s pleased to see strong demand for in-person events being realised.
“As the very first convention centre in Australia to reopen during COVID we have had time to adapt and integrate efficiency measures into our operations, but there are still challenges and we need to remain flexible.
“Staffing across the industry remains a concern, but a major recruitment drive delivered very positive results and we are pleased to see many new staff members join our ASM Global family.”
ICC Sydney has also reported a strong return to business, with its March to May period back at pre-pandemic levels. The Sydney venue never closed through the pandemic, remaining open to deliver virtual events through lockdowns and restrictions, in specially developed virtual studios onsite.