Federal Government gets behind business events

The Australian business events sector, worth more than $13 billion a year, has received a major boost with the Federal Government entering into a formal partnership to assist the industry during the bidding and event delivery process.

International business events have been recognised as an integral part of the Government’s economic diplomacy agenda in a newly announced framework; Attracting Business Events to Australia: Role of Government Agencies.

Launched at the recent Australian Export Awards in Sydney, the initiative aims to build on the success of the recent China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) in securing greater opportunities for the local tourism sector.

Launching the Framework, Federal Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb explained that the Attracting Business Events to Australia initiative will further enhance Australia’s tourism market, stating “business events in Australia have a global reputation for being first-class, stellar events; they’re extremely important in terms of promoting Australia to the world.

“They showcase Australia’s business capabilities, foster trade and investment outcomes, facilitate stronger people-to-people links and make a significant contribution to our economy.”

The framework delivers on the current Federal Government’s pre-election commitment to support key international business events and strategically aligns the Federal Government, through Austrade and Tourism Australia, to work with Australian convention bureaux and the business events sector to attract world-class events to Australia.

Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) President Lyn Lewis-Smith has welcomed the collaboration as a recognition of the importance of business events to the economy.

Lewis-Smith stated “this is a ground breaking win for the sector.

“International business events offer high yield benefits beyond the event that drive prosperity for Australia and contribute to the visitor and knowledge economies.

“With the growth potential of Asian markets, Government support and involvement is essential to ensure Australian convention bureaux are in the best-possible position to identify, bid for and win business events that align with the national priority areas and better connect industry, academia, government and the private sector.”

The Deloitte Access Economics report, Australia’s International Business Events: The Economic and Strategic Value Proposition, underscores the importance of the international business events sector and has resulted in stronger confidence and support from government.

Click here to view Australia’s International Business Events Sector: The Economic and Strategic Value Proposition. 

Image courtesy of Brisbance Convention and Events Centre.

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