Australia
Darwin to host 10th World Ecological Conference in 2023
Thursday, 22 July 2021 00:19The city of Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory was recently announced as the host destination for the World Conference on Ecological Restoration in 2023.
Get Local moves to 24 & 25 August
Monday, 05 July 2021 01:46Get Local owners have taken the decision to move the expo in light of the recent COVID-19 outbreaks and various government-imposed lockdowns, the person-to-person event will now take place on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 August 2021.
Changes at Business Events Australia
Thursday, 01 July 2021 22:48Statement on Changes to the Business Events Australia Team
Tourism Australia has today confirmed changes to its business events operations in response to the ongoing uncertainty affecting tourism globally.
Year-round flights from Auckland to Sunshine Coast
Monday, 28 June 2021 00:09The Sunshine Coast will be connected to the New Zealand market through year-round direct flights between Auckland and Sunshine Coast Airport, following support from the Queensland government.
Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said that the direct flights had been secured as part of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, and will take effect after the already-scheduled winter seasonal service – that begins on Monday 28 June – ends on 30 October.
Winter seasonal flights will fly on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Sunshine Coast Airport Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Brodie, said the announcement of a year-round service was a strong vote of confidence in the region.
“Today’s announcement delivers on a long-held ambition to secure Air New Zealand flights to Auckland year-round, and our new, internationally capable runway will allow the service to operate without weight restrictions,” Mr Brodie said.
To support the launch of the direct flights, Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC), Tourism Noosa (TN) and the Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) are launching an integrated multi-media campaign, in partnership with Air New Zealand, to attract Kiwis across the ‘ditch’ to experience a warmer winter on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
The campaign launching today will run through to early July, with the promotion encouraging Kiwis to fly direct to the Sunshine Coast to arrive by lunchtime and experience all the region has to offer as they lap up the mid-20C temperatures typical of the region over ‘winter’.
The Air New Zealand campaign highlights the fact that New Zealand travellers can depart Auckland in the morning and be dipping their toes in the famed Sunshine Coast waters by lunchtime. It also showcases the many activities, from dining to adventure, on offer across the region from Caloundra and Mooloolaba to Noosa and the hinterland.
The campaign is being promoted across various digital and social media channels as well as a Kia Ora print feature and in-flight entertainment on Air New Zealand’s domestic New Zealand flights. In addition, the region will welcome a large contingent of media and trade on the first flight to experience the destination first-hand.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said prior to the pandemic, New Zealand was the region’s number one international market with 84,000 annual visitors, 650,000 room nights, and an economic value of $110 million.
“The recommencement of our Auckland service provides an incredible opportunity to grow our important Kiwi market. Not only are they our largest market, but they also travel to the region when we need them the most (ie over winter) and are a great fit for our nature-based experiences and laid-back lifestyle,” said Mr Stoeckel.
Tourism Noosa CEO Melanie Anderson said: “The direct flights from Auckland to the Sunshine Coast provides a welcome opportunity to increase visitor nights and spend into Noosa.
“New Zealand has always been a very important visitor mix to our tourism industry and the destination’s economy. Noosa operators are looking forward to welcoming back the Kiwi market, and sharing our beautiful sunny winter days, sparkling beaches and rolling green countryside”.
Air New Zealand’s Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Leanne Geraghty said that the airline is thrilled to have the direct flights to the Sunshine Coast up and running again.
“The Sunshine Coast is the perfect destination for a mid-winter break, so we will be offering three direct flights per week on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday to allow as many kiwis as possible escape for some much-needed R&R.
“It’s also a wonderful family holiday destination, so it’s no surprise that we are seeing demand for flights ramp up over the upcoming school holiday period.”
Gold Coast welcomes influential conference hosts
Tuesday, 22 June 2021 02:09‘This is Gold Coast’ Business Exchange set to boost over $14 million in business events recovery.
Discover Brisbane
Wednesday, 09 June 2021 22:19
Big interest in Get Local
Wednesday, 09 June 2021 22:02Get Local has already expanded its show floor footprint at ICC Sydney to meet the huge interest it has received from exhibitors and buyers.
Evolve pushed back to September 2021
Wednesday, 09 June 2021 21:58Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) have announced that the MEA Board and Evolve Committee have made the decision to move Evolve 2021 to Wednesday 8 September 2021.
Home of the Arts opens $60million gallery space
Tuesday, 01 June 2021 01:40A brand-new A$60.5 million gallery has opened at HOTA (Home of the Arts) on the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast attracts large scale business events
Tuesday, 25 May 2021 02:18Some 7,000 delegates will make their way to the Gold Coast over the next few weeks, with business events set to boost recovery for the local economy.
Evolve to take place in Melbourne
Tuesday, 11 May 2021 02:20Evolve, the conference for event professionals will take place in Melbourne on 1st July 2021.
Melbourne has been chosen as the hub city to host Evolve 2021 - Meetings & Events Australia’s (MEA) annual event, where the event industry will come together under the theme ‘Building Confidence through Best Practice’ recognising the importance to bring about change, creating a new future for the industry. The theme for Evolve was developed from vital feedback taken from an industry survey conducted by MEA in December 2020.
Now in its 37th year, this one-day event taking place on Thursday 1st July 2021 at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins will host more than 18 plenary and concurrent sessions including a welcome networking function the evening prior. Satellite venues will support in Sydney and Brisbane, along with a virtual hub through the award winning OnAir 3D platform. To conclude, the annual MEA Awards Dinner will recognise excellence and exceptional achievement in the sector through an extraordinarily challenging year.
MEA Chair Nigel Collin said, “We hope to see in excess of 500 event professionals from across Australia and New Zealand attend in person in Melbourne. People are eager to get back to what they do best, face to face events. The industry is looking for leadership and support through recovery with relevant and timely information. Evolve is here to deliver that through its program.”
MCB is an industry leader whose responsibility is to drive the recovery in the business events sector and hosting Evolve will provide an important platform to do so, not only for Melbourne but right across the Australian events sector.
Melbourne Convention Bureau announce new funding initiative
Monday, 12 April 2021 10:33Melbourne Convention Bureau has announced a new funding initiative to encourage interstate organisations to hold their events in Australia’s event’s capital Melbourne.
Sunshine Coast's renewed focus on business events
Monday, 01 March 2021 21:49New routes and a new runway now open at Sunshine Coast Airport, additional luxury accommodation, and more bespoke food experiences than before.
Gold Coast Is Open For Business Events
Friday, 12 February 2021 02:11The Gold Coast is open for business events. As one of Australia’s premier business event destinations and the Morrison Government is supporting local events through a $50 million program.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Event capacity increases to 75%
Sunday, 24 January 2021 22:32Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is now able to host events at up to 75 per cent capacity per event space, to a maximum of 5,000 attendees, following the implementation of stringent health and safety measures to keep customers safe.
ICC Sydney gets exemption for business events
Monday, 23 November 2020 04:26The International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has received an exemption to hold corporate events and conferences for up to 1500 people following approval from the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Health.
Australia's business events industry welcomes $50m program
Wednesday, 18 November 2020 00:52The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) has welcomed the commencement of the Government’s $50 million Business Events Grants Program which was announced by the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and portfolio ministers in September 2020.
Amazing views from amazing rooms
Sunday, 27 September 2020 23:55All around the country, Australia’s luxury hotels boast spectacular views - from the changing colours of Uluru, to Sydney’s iconic Harbour, overlooking wineries and getting up-close with a city landmark. Here are ten hotels that have rooms with incredible views that could be ideal for your next business event.
$50M injection for business events industry
Friday, 11 September 2020 02:15The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) welcomes the Government’s $50 million funding announcement to support the restart of Australia’s business events industry. The targeted support will drive confidence and create momentum, positioning the industry to rebound as market conditions improve.
Rottnest, Hayman, Kangaroo And Lizard
Friday, 11 September 2020 00:15Take your mind off the pandemic and daydream about these Australian islands - all of which will be ready to welcome business event groups when the time is right.
New eco cruise for Sunshine Coast
Sunday, 30 August 2020 22:48Operating from Mooloolaba, Saltwater Eco Tours is using a century-old historic timber sailing vessel, Spray of the Coral Coast, to showcase the Sunshine Coast’s Indigenous heritage and marine beauty.
Registrations open for AIME
Friday, 21 August 2020 04:23Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has launched its 2021 Hosted Buyer program, designed to kickstart the industry and provide some certainty to participants in these uncertain times.
Worlds largest conference heads to Perth
Sunday, 02 August 2020 23:47The world’s largest marine mammal conference will converge in Perth in 2023, bringing thousands of marine experts from around the world, injecting $10 million into the local economy.
Melbourne secures three key business events
Monday, 27 July 2020 06:14Melbourne has been chosen as the host city for three high-profile business events, The International Trade Union Congress 2022, The International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health 2022 and The International Geographical Congress 2028, thanks to the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and support provided by the Victorian Government, City of Melbourne and Business Events Australia.
Australia keeps connected
Monday, 20 July 2020 22:39To keep event planners dreaming whilst travel is restricted, Tourism Australia has pulled together six ways to soak up Australia from the comfort of their lounge rooms.
Design inspiration for CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park
Monday, 20 July 2020 00:27CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park located in the heart of Melbourne city and the surrounding premier events precinct – has revealed insights into the venue’s design by renowned contemporary Melbourne-based architects NH Architecture.
Tourism Australia's NZ office to close
Thursday, 11 June 2020 03:07Tourism Australia has confirmed that its New Zealand country manager, Jenny Aitken, will be departing the organisation at the end of the month.
Gold Coast getting ready to MEET again!
Monday, 08 June 2020 00:50
Destination Gold Coast has launched a new video to highlight the hard work behind the scenes as the business events sector eagerly awaits the return of conferences and meetings.
MCEC turns focus to business relaunch in new COVID-19 environment
Monday, 25 May 2020 01:33Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is turning its focus to the future to ensure the business is set up for ongoing success post-coronavirus (COVID-19).
Virtual Australia this weekend
Sunday, 10 May 2020 23:35Tourism Australia is inviting event planners around the globe to enjoy a slice of Australia with a curated program of live virtual travel experiences on the weekend of May 16 and 17.
Australia Next - first digital edition
Thursday, 07 May 2020 01:41Welcome to the first digital edition of Australia Next from Business Events Australia, to inspire your future Australian incentive events.
Mackay Convention Centre Delivers Meeting Solution
Monday, 27 April 2020 20:27The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) stepped up to the mark recently when the new Mackay Regional Council (MRC) gathered together for its inaugural statutory Council meeting, as well as the swearing-in ceremony for newly-elected Councillors.
Eos by SkyCity for Adelaide
Wednesday, 22 April 2020 22:59SkyCity Hotels Group has revealed the centrepiece of the $330 million Adelaide Casino expansion, Eos by SkyCity.
AACB Congratulates Australian Government for extending support
Tuesday, 07 April 2020 21:13The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) congratulates the Australian Government for extending support to the business events industry through a boost to the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) scheme.
Australian tourism industry's largest employers need urgent support
Wednesday, 01 April 2020 01:02The fortnightly wage subsidy of $1500 per person announced by the Federal Government today would help to save the jobs of the thousands of Australians employed in tourism, according to the industry’s peak bodies.
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre take Gold
Monday, 09 March 2020 20:11Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) has been recognised as the nation’s leading Business Event Venue, winning Gold at the Australian Tourism Awards in Canberra on Friday night.
Get Global 2020 postponed to 2021
Wednesday, 04 March 2020 01:12The co-owners of Get Global 2020, Gary Bender and Donna Kessler, have decided to postpone due to concerns over the implications COVID-19 will have on buyer’s capacity to book and spend in the year ahead.
New Zealand a savvy market says tourism head
Wednesday, 26 February 2020 23:14It's been a long time since Tourism Australia as a body was responsible for the domestic market, but the twin calamities of the astonishing bushfires followed by the COV19 virus has dragged the bureau back into the domestic fray.
ICC documents its supplier’s stories
Wednesday, 19 February 2020 00:06Geoff Donaghy has made it very, very clear – his ambition is that ICC Sydney will deliver the freshest possible foods to the facilities tables, he told media at AIME 2020.
The power of seven
Tuesday, 18 February 2020 23:54To most of us there are four spells – spring, summer, autumn and winter – but to the traditional owners of the Darwin region, the Larrakia people, there are seven distinct times of the year.
New name for Perth Convention Bureau
Tuesday, 18 February 2020 23:48After 48 years of being the Perth Convention Centre the bureau has changed its name to Business Events Perth reflecting not only a new identity but a ‘re-energised strategy to lure events and conferences to Western Australia.
The AIM(E) is Recovery
Monday, 17 February 2020 22:35AIME kicked off in Melbourne on Monday with Tourism Australia ceo, Pip Harrison acknowledging that it had been a difficult start to the year with the bushfires that have razed parts of the country.
Canberra Meeting Planners Guide 2020 launches at AIME
Wednesday, 12 February 2020 21:16The Guide provides meeting and event planners with up-to-date information about Canberra’s conference facilities, accommodation, catering, attractions and activities, and technical and support services.
Major push to get more business events into fire-affected regions
Wednesday, 29 January 2020 21:46Local businesses and event planners are being urged to hold major conferences and events in Australia this year, under a new push by the Morrison Government to support Australia’s tourism industry.
Australian Government announces tourism recovery package
Thursday, 23 January 2020 00:00The Australian Government has announced an initial $76 million tourism recovery package as part of the National Bushfire Recovery Fund. The package is designed to protect jobs, small businesses and local economies by helping to get tourists travelling across Australia again.
Dreamtime 2019 closes in style
Wednesday, 04 December 2019 09:50Perth has been hosting 120 international business events planners and media over the past two days at Dreamtime 2019, Tourism Australia’s business events incentive showcase, to reveal the city’s recent revitalisation.
Business events planners and media from Greater China, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, South Korea, Japan, the USA, UK and New Zealand had the opportunity to meet with 87 of Australia’s leading business events product during the event and were also able to experience the destination first-hand.
Perth on the world stage for business events
Sunday, 01 December 2019 23:01Perth is being showcased to the lucrative global business events sector with Tourism Australia’s signature bi-annual showcase Dreamtime kicking off today in the Western Australia capital with 120 international business event planners and media experiencing its recent renaissance first-hand.
Melbourne welcomes 50,000 delegates in one week
Monday, 25 November 2019 01:55Melbourne and regional Victoria welcomed 50,000 delegates from across the globe as part of the International Convention of Jehovah's Witness 2019, delivering $60.9 million to the Victorian state's economy.
Get Global Gets Going
Wednesday, 20 November 2019 05:38Get Global has already sold almost half of its floor plan for 2020; with confirmed returning exhibitors from Asia, Europe & UK, Hawaii, New Zealand, Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
World First for Bruce Munro
Wednesday, 13 November 2019 01:11Eight large-scale illuminated sculptures are the centrepiece of acclaimed international artist Bruce Munro’s third Australian exhibition, Bruce Munro: Tropical Light, which recently opened in Darwin.
In what is Munro’s world first city-wide exhibition, Bruce Munro: Tropical Light is expected to entice thousands of tourists to visit the Northern Territory’s Top End during the tropical summer season, with the free exhibition to remain open until 30 April, 2020.
Sunshine Coast boosted by expansion of direct flights from AKL
Wednesday, 16 October 2019 22:12Air New Zealand will increase flights to the Sunshine Coast in a deal that will bring close to 3,000 additional visitors per year to the region.
AIME 2020 Knowledge Exchange
Wednesday, 09 October 2019 18:19Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), held in Melbourne on February 17–19, has announced the theme for its much-anticipated 2020 Knowledge Exchange – inspire communities to connect through authentic learning experiences and human-centred interactions.
Young Event Professional Program
Thursday, 26 September 2019 01:07Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) has launched the 2019 Ungerboeck Young Professional Scholarship Program.
The Scholarship recognises young event professionals who excel in their role and who are looking to build on their skills to advance their career in the events industry. They will join an elite alumni of event professionals who have gone on to build successful careers as senior managers and leaders in the events industry.
