Brisbane’s big start
The Brisbane Convention Bureau (BCB) has scored the hosting rights for an impressive 15 events in only the first two months of 2018.
The events list spans a diverse cross-section of industries including health, education and technology, representing a healthy $22 million injection into the city’s economy.
The BCB believes the latest string of winning bids are a reflection of the Queensland capital’s rapidly expanding list of facilities and attractions.
Aiming for a new direction
New operators of the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) have signalled a new direction for the long-running exhibition, recently unveiling a new schedule and branding.
Talk2 Media will manage the event for the first time next year, taking over the reins from Reed Exhibitions and pledging a “clearer path to a return on your investment” and a complete “overhaul” of the event’s Hosted Buyer program.
Big ticket changes to AIME’s program next year will include a new networking event, an additional conference on professional development opportunities, and structural changes to reduce “time wasters and time wasted”.
AIME 2019 will run from 18-20 February.
$12 million fund to propel business events
Australia’s business events industry has received a major shot in the arm with news the Australian Government has invested $12 million to help attract international events over the next three years.
The Boosting Business Events Bid Fund program will be managed by Tourism Australia through its Business Events Australia unit and seek to put Australia top of mind with international event organisers.
“Business event visitors spend, on average, twice as much as those visiting for leisure and they often extend their stay to regional parts of Australia and are likely to return for a holiday in the future,”said Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Steve Ciobo.
Applications for the program will open on 1 May with funds accessible to successful applicants from 1 July 2018.
