$ 14bn infrastructure pipeline and Olympics win set to transform Brisbane
usiness events form a key part of Brisbane ’ s visitor economy and , like all cities around the world , this sector was significantly impacted by the pandemic . Now , with State and international borders open for business , business events are enjoying a resurgence and we ’ re feeling optimistic for the future ,” Lorelle Chittick , general manager of tourism , business and major events , Brisbane Economic Development Agency ( BEDA ), tells CMW .
Brisbane saw restrictions ease earlier than other Australian cities and pent up demand is driving solid pipeline activity . The city has undergone a significant transformation over the past 10 years and now offers venue , accommodation and delegate experiences to rival both domestic and international competitors .
Brisbane
Brisbane business events generated AUD $ 44m ( US $ 29.4m ) in economic activity across 2021 and 2022 , and 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year , according to the BEDA , with multiple large-scale international events secured . And there are plans to bid for future international business events up to 2030 .
“ With major infrastructure projects nearing completion , a host of exciting events and conferences secured and several new precincts with new hotels and hospitality offerings , we ’ re looking forward to wowing delegates to our city for business events – and when they elect to extend their stay ,” Chittick adds .
There is still a need to be mindful of the pandemic ’ s long-term global impacts and Chittick say hosts in the city are staying focused on offering security and a safe environment for event organisers .
A host of new venues and experiences have entered the market and Brisbane ’ s hotel and venue offering , accessibility and thriving lifestyle precincts continue to evolve .
Brisbane ’ s selection as host city for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is set to to ensure a lasting positive legacy . Other big events are also in the city ’ s diary . BEDA , in partnership with Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre , has secured the following : The IAS Conference on HIV Science 2023 ; World Conference on Timber Engineering 2025 ; IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium 2025 ; International Federation of Surveyors Working Week 2025 and International Population Conference 2025 .
In terms of key economic sectors , Brisbane is a major Australian hub of health and medical research . It also considers advanced manufacturing , business services , logistics , tourism , property and construction as key areas for growth in the city . Business events in these industries are forecast to accelerate in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics , when Brisbane will be in the spotlight for business and leisure travel globally .
Sustainability Brisbane is one of the world ’ s greenest cities and the City Council is the largest carbon neutral government organisation in Australia .
It is a city rich in biodiversity , home to 3,300 species of wildlife and 44,000 hectares of natural habitat and visitors have access to over 2,000 parks .
Infrastructure There ’ s a $ 14bn infrastructure pipeline transforming Brisbane and strengthening the region ’ s business events offering , including Queen ’ s Wharf , Brisbane Metro , Cross River Rail and the Victoria Park redevelopment , not to mention Brisbane Airport ’ s new parallel runway and new $ 177m International Cruise Ship terminal set to welcome 160 ships up to June 2023 .
The Queen ’ s Wharf development is a game-changer for Brisbane , a new integrated resort transforming the city centre and river ’ s edge . The $ 3.6bn precinct will revitalise the city ’ s heritage buildings and add more than 1,000 premium hotel rooms , more than 50 new dining experiences and 7.5 hectares of public space .