April 20, 2022 | By Joyce DiMascio
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) secured 77 new conventions during 2021, worth $144 million to the Queensland economy. The centre has also forecast it will host 800 events through to the end of 2022.
The latest data issued by the BCEC estimates that the business secured last year will attract 50,000 delegates and deliver 245,00 room nights.
BCEC says it is the major driver of business events to Brisbane and Queensland and generates over 70 per cent of delegate stays and visitation.
BCEC general manager Bob O’Keeffe AM said the reopening of borders and resumption of international flights, as well as a strong desire for face-to-face meetings, was driving momentum in the industry.
“It is proven that business events have wide and enduring benefits associated with knowledge transfer and international collaboration, and everyone wants to regain that.”
O’Keeffe believes interest in Australia is strong and will only be amplified going forward with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games further enhancing awareness.
“Brisbane’s infrastructure development has already begun, and with the boost of further investment as part of the official Olympic Infrastructure program, Brisbane and the centre’s appeal as a business events destination is expected to skyrocket.”
BCEC said key industries including technology, transport, population, healthcare, science and research were important sectors for the economy.
Among the newly confirmed conferences are several large-scale events, including three events set to deliver 2,000 delegates to Brisbane, one forecasting more than 8,000 and one with 5,000 delegates all heading for Brisbane over the next three years.
The world’s leading experts in population research would be among those heading to Brisbane to attend the International Population Conference in 2025, the first time in the event’s 93-year history that it has been held in Australia.