Looking to the future with Olympian dreams
Lorelle Chittick , general manager tourism , business and major events , Brisbane Economic Development Agency ( BEDA ), describes the Queensland capital ’ s event prospects .
usiness events globally have been significantly impacted during the pandemic . Brisbane has been no exception , with many national and international events postponed or delivered virtually . BEDA has been able to work behind the scenes with its partners to help secure those events back in Brisbane for future dates .
Despite the challenges of 2021 , we were proud to see several events go ahead , including the World of Drones and Robotics Congress , Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia Brisbane Truck Show , World Association for Infant Mental Health 17th World Congress and Asia Pacific Cities Summit .
Now it ’ s time to move forward together in 2022 . The stabilisation of state borders and the promise of international reopenings will have a positive impact .
We anticipate in-person attendance will increase as people seek to reconnect and share knowledge and ideas face-to-face once more . There ’ s also a jam-packed calendar of sporting , arts , cultural and food and wine events for visitors to enjoy , from the World Science Festival Brisbane in March to the Nitro World Games in October .
In 2021 , we were involved in attracting more than 50 events to Brisbane in the years to come . From 2022-2026 , 90 business events are confirmed and set to attract 76,000 delegates . Many international events that didn ’ t proceed during the pandemic have rescheduled to 2023-2024 .
Infrastructure and innovation
There ’ s also a A $ 15bn infrastructure pipeline transforming the region , from Brisbane Airport ’ s new parallel runway to the international cruise terminal , Brisbane Metro , Cross River Rail and Victoria Park redevelopment .
The Queen ’ s Wharf development is a game-changer ; a new worldclass integrated resort transforming the Brisbane city and river ’ s edge . The precinct will feature indoor and outdoor event spaces , 50 dining options , luxury retail , entertainment and 1,000 premium hotel rooms from global brands including the Rosewood , Dorsett and Ritz Carlton .
This tidal wave of infrastructure also showcases just how ready Brisbane is to become an Olympic city in 2032 .
We ’ ll also be capitalising on Brisbane ’ s reputation for being an innovationled economy , as well as a global hub in scientific innovation , mining and resources , technology , education , and cultural attractions .
Business wins
There are strong bookings for national events in 2022 , as well as international events including the Social Enterprise World Forum in September .
Brisbane was recently announced to host the World Conference on Timber Engineering 2025 , IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing
Symposium 2025 , International Federation of Surveyors Working Week 2025 and the International Population Conference 2025 .
The city has 20 new luxurious hotels opening , including W Brisbane , Westin Brisbane , Hyatt Regency Brisbane , Crystalbrook Vincent , The Calile Hotel and Emporium South Bank , providing more than 5,000 new rooms and additional meeting facilities .
Then there are Brisbane ’ s burgeoning lifestyle precincts - South Bank , Howard Smith Wharves , Eagle Street Pier , Fish Lane , and James Street in Fortitude Valley .
Inner-city adrenaline activities on offer include the Story Bridge Adventure Climb , Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and cultural experiences and water-based activities like a River to Bay cruise out to Moreton Bay or a kayaking tour of the Brisbane River with Riverlife .
Brisbane River Kayaking
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