Brisbane Records Strong National Convention Growth

The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre has again demonstrated outstanding performance in the national conference market, with results for the 2010/2011 financial year showing a 16% increase in confirmed national business for Brisbane and the Centre.
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) General Manager Bob O'Keeffe believes that "the key to maintaining such growth is to value existing clients and to further invest in research and source new events for Brisbane."
The National Convention Sales Team at BCEC, operated by leading international venue management Group, AEG Ogden, chalked up a record 103 newly confirmed conventions in the last financial year contributing an estimated $100 million into Queensland's economy and delivering 64,600 delegates and some 233,395 room nights to Brisbane's doorstep.
The newly confirmed conferences cover a broad spectrum of Queensland's key sector strengths including the booming energy sector, education, health, finance, science, technology and the environment.
Included in the new line-up of National Conventions heading to Brisbane are:
ï¾ Australian Physiotherapy Association Conference Week 2011 - 2,500 delegates
ï¾ Energy Network 2012 ï¾ 1,500 delegates
ï¾ Australian & New Zealand Head and Neck Cancer Society Annual Scientific Meeting 2012 ï¾ 250 delegates
ï¾ Financial Services Council National Conference 2013 - 700 delegates
ï¾ APPEA (Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Conference and Exhibition) 2013 ï¾ 2,500 delegates
ï¾ Australian Gastroenterology Week 2016 ï¾ 2,500 delegates
Gastroenterology Society of Australia Chief Executive Elaine Siggins said bringing the conference to Brisbane provided delegates with access to the city's strong academic and scientific capabilities in this area, stating "Brisbane plays a leading role and has strong research strengths in the field."
Elaine also mentioned the strong working relationship that had developed between the Society and the Centre over the past years, which she said "cuts my preparation time in half.
"Seeing BCEC on the events calendar was now greeted with a sigh of relief. It was almost a feeling of coming home."
Bob O'Keeffe adds that the Centre's strong performance in the national market was also influenced by the new product offering of BCEC on Grey Street, due for completion later this year.
O'Keeffe explained "the Centre's five level boutique expansion of its convention facilities and the burgeoning strength of Brisbane's appeal as a leading business destination and reputation as a city renowned for its innovation and industry strengths, are also contributing factors.
"These events as a whole will generate enormous benefit for Brisbane both financially and through the investment of knowledge and expertise."
The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Team works closely with Brisbane Marketing and other industry partners in attracting national business events to Brisbane.