BCEC marks 30 year journey of bringing people together

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), a renowned venue for Brisbane and the meetings and events industry, is celebrating 30 years of bringing people together - for ideas, innovation, celebration and connection.

The ASM Global managed venue has welcomed 21.6 million guests through the doors - from world leaders to pioneering scientists and star performers as well as thousands of loyal locals and valued client partners.

A Queensland success story, BCEC has delivered 26,082 events for Brisbane, generating $6.26 billion in economic benefit for the State, sharing knowledge and showcasing Queensland’s achievements internationally.

BCEC opened on Queensland Day 1995, helping to fulfil the post Expo ‘88 legacy, supporting the development of the South Bank precinct and continuing to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, replicating its economic benefit on a permanent basis.

Thirty years of continuous and successful operation is an impressive achievement for any organisation and is the result of a close and cohesive team. Bob O’Keeffe AM, former General Manager and now the Centre’s Chief Executive, and Kym Guesdon, the current BCEC General Manager, have both been with the Centre since day one, testament to the venue’s strong workplace culture.

O’Keeffe notes “from the very beginning, our vision was to create a centre that would drive growth, spark ideas, and put Brisbane on the world stage. Thirty years on, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together as BCEC stands as a powerful symbol of that vision, continuing to create opportunity and shape the future of our State.”

BCEC is acknowledged globally as one of Australia’s most successful venues, setting the benchmark for convention centre facilities on a number of occasions, including leading the way with dedicated space for small and medium conferences, being an early adopter of environmental responsibility and developing the industry’s first carbon calculator.   

Kym Guesdon, BCEC General Manager (pictured above) added “our highly skilled and professional team, many of whom have worked with us over the long term, share this significant milestone, as do our many loyal clients, some of whom have been with us for the 30-year journey. I also wish to acknowledge those clients who have joined the BCEC family more recently and thank them for entrusting us with their events.”

As the Centre achieves this major milestone, Guesdon says the focus is firmly on the future sharing “our 30 years of continued success has laid the foundations for an even brighter future.

“We remain committed to creating meaningful economic and social impacts for our city through strategic partnerships and we have been working closely through our Advocates program and with the Queensland Government and our universities on areas critical for research and innovation.

“While attracting international conventions can be difficult, I believe it is an indicator of the level of innovation that is taking place in the city.”

BCEC celebrated its 30th Birthday with a gala dinner held in the Centre’s Plaza Ballroom.

Further announcements are planned throughout the year on legacy and other initiatives that celebrate the Centre’s valued community, cultural projects and industry collaboration.

Key Points:

• 26,082 events

• 21.6 million attendees

• 2,372 conferences

• $6.26 billion in economic impact for Queensland

• Most awarded convention Centre in Australia with 198 awards

• 10,176 full time employees.

To learn more about our key moments from the past three decades visit bcec.com.au/our-history. 

Images top and below: BCEC celebrated its 30th Birthday with a gala dinner held in the Centre’s Plaza Ballroom; image centre: BCEC General Manager Kym Guesdon welcomes guests at gala dinner