Big interview
Queensland?
I was very proud and humbled to be
recognised in this way particularly for
doing something I love. I hope it will help
in some way to shine the spotlight on the
importance of the Business Events
industry which drives international
visitors to our shores.
What of the enduring value of the
meetings industry and venues
specifically to deliver for their local
economies?
Beyond the tourism benefits, Business
Events is a sector that is now globally
recognised to have wide and enduring
benefits associated with business
relationships, knowledge transfer,
employment and industry growth and
development.
We continue to work together as
industry leaders to ensure our
governments understand the value of this
sector.
International scientific and medical
conferences are also well acknowledged
vehicles for local universities and
researchers to showcase their research
and expertise to the world.
BCEC’s successful Convention
Advocates Partnership, which is
comprised of many of Queensland’s top
scientists, academics and business leaders,
was set up to drive growth and put
Brisbane on the global meetings map.
This collaboration is critical to attracting
international scientific meetings to
Brisbane.
The legacy of this initiative goes far
beyond the economic factor.
The BCEC delivers some A$300m to
the Queensland economy a year. What
is the USP of the region for
international organisers?
I think Brisbane has always ‘punched
above its weight’ We do things slightly
differently to other states and have great
partnerships with Brisbane Marketing
and Tourism and Events Queensland to
focus on our core roles - so for the client
we act as a ‘one team’ support for them.
demographic of events, we have been able
to reduce dietary requirements by over
50% of our entrees, and main courses on
our banqueting menus are gluten-free.
“The
legacy of
the BCEC
Convention
Advocates
Partnership
goes far
beyond the
economic
factor.”
What of regional competitors and
how does BCEC fit into the national
strategy?
Convention centres in Australia compete
among ourselves for international events.
At BCEC, we target segments where
Queensland is particularly strong. We
have a very strong Advocates programme
which has delivered amazing results.
Our main sectors are science,
technology, health, agriculture, robotics,
drone technology.
In our experience international
associations do not choose a country first
as a location for their conference. They
generally choose a city and the city would
then need to be strong in the particular
field and have expertise to suit the
association.
Brisbane is a city where the star is
undisputedly on the rise with the biggest
infrastructure boom in our history,
including a second runway for Brisbane
Airport delivering a capacity similar to
Hong Kong and Singapore, new leisure
and entertainment precincts, new
international brand hotels; and Brisbane
Live which will be a new world-class
arena.
Confidence is reflected in Queensland’s
bid for the 2032 Olympic Games
But it all boils down to world-class
convention infrastructure in a burgeoning
city with world-leading researchers and
technical leaders, an idyllic climate and
most of Australia’s bucket list activities
within an hour.
How do you relax when not working?
My wife, who also works with ASM
Global, uses her strong organising skills
to arrange holidays for us. She is now
planning one to work in with a significant
anniversary.
The event you are most proud of
hosting?
The G20 Leaders Forum in 2014. As the
largest Business Event in the world, it was
a great showcase for Brisbane and BCEC.
It was extraordinary to have 27 world
leaders and heads of all the major
international organisations such as the
World Bank, the United Nations and the
International Monetary Fund in the
building at one time. There were 2.5 years
of planning and 195 visitations by
countries and organisations during the
build up to the event.
The team did a fantastic job. One of our
National Convention Sales Managers
volunteered to drive a lift and was very
excited to be jokingly asked by US
President Barack Obama if he knew how
to drive.
BCEC has been praised for its
initiatives in event catering.
I believe all convention centres in
Australia do an excellent job in catering.
BCEC has won 180 awards, 74 for
catering. Dietary requirements can make
up 30% of an event’s food and beverage
requirements.
We reviewed our menu offerings to suit
the changing environment. We are
fortunate to have one of Australia’s leading
chefs, David Pugh, a former Queensland
Ambassador Chef who spearheaded the
setting up of the special Dietary Kitchen.
By providing menus tailored to the
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