The new initiative is a departure from BESydney’s usual exclusively international focus and comes just ahead of the opening of Western Sydney International Airport later in the year.
Expressions of interest to receive support from the fund are open now for events taking place in 2027 and 2028, with destination decisions required by the end of 2026.
Events must run over at least two days and have a minimum of 300 delegates, of which at least 40 per cent must travel from either interstate or overseas to attend the conference or meeting.
Events can be held in 13 local government areas in Western Sydney to qualify for funding. The eligible LGAs range from the Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland and Parramatta LGAs nearer to Sydney’s harbour CBD out to the Blue Mountains, Wollondilly and Hawkesbury LGAs on the outer fringes of Western Sydney.
Applicants can receive up to $50 per delegate, with funding capped at $50,000, supporting events of up to 1,000 delegates.
“Western Sydney’s tourism and business events infrastructure continues to grow,” said the NSW tourism minister, Stephen Kamper.
“The excellent conference and accommodation facilities in areas such as Penrith, Parramatta and Liverpool, combined with the opening of the Western Sydney International Airport later this year, mean that Western Sydney is building a compelling offering.
“Incentives to attract national business events to Western Sydney will help the region continue to build its tourism and conference infrastructure and skilled workforce to a world-class international standard.”
BESydney’s CEO, Amanda Lampe, echoed this sentiment.
“Western Sydney is undergoing extraordinary growth, and this fund is about ensuring business events play a meaningful role in that journey,” said Lampe.
“We want the economic benefits of meetings to be shared across Greater Sydney, and we believe this fund will create new business opportunities and boost the visitor economy.
“BESydney is deeply committed to supporting the long‑term economic growth and development of Western Sydney through business events, and we are proud to be strengthening the region’s position in the national conference market.
“We look forward to working with partners as this programme rolls out.”
Expressions of interest for support from the fund will close on June 12, 2026.
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