environmental research carried out at UQ has had a direct impact on policy and practice in Australia and internationally.

“ Conferences such as the 12th International Conference on Environment Pollution and Prevention in late 2024 provided an opportunity to share that expertise, as well as Queensland’ s natural beauty, with the world.”

The local Griffith University is home to the Australian Rivers Institute, which has been named the Number One Global Water Security Think Tank by the independently curated Global Go To Think Tank Index Report.

Other prestigious conferences that have chosen Brisbane as their host destination over the past year include:

Collaborate Innovate 2024, staged at the Sofitel Brisbane Central in July 2024 attracted delegates across the spectrum of R & D and innovation systems.

In November 2024, the AELERT Global Summit, which focusses on environmental law and regulation, was held at the voco Brisbane City Centre hotel. Gregory Abood, CEO of the Australasian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators Network( AELERT), described Brisbane as“ an ideal host destination for solving complex regulatory and law enforcement challenges around environmental laws”.

The BCEC has also successfully led the attraction of many prestigious global environmental science conferences, such as the Freshwater Science Annual Meeting in 2023 and in 2025 both the World Lake Conference and the International Congress for Conservation Biology will be hosted in Brisbane.“ These conferences showcase the breadth and depth of Brisbane’ s industry and research collaboration across a significant network of business leaders, industry, academia and government,” says Chittick. n

Let Brisbane’ s sectoral strengths act as a springboard for your event success

above can be seen as multiple aces in the pack for organisers looking for expertise, know-how and legacy, Brisbane has the fully developed infrastructure hardware framework on which to hang this knowledgebased software overlay. A reminder of those key factors: Leisure appeal: With its sub-tropical climate and green environment, Brisbane is ideal for delegates wishing to extend their time in Queensland. From whale watching to wine tasting, and a host of First Nation heritage to explore, the city and its environs offer rich experiences which includes a thriving arts and dining scene. Connectivity: Brisbane is close to key Asia Pacific markets and connects to 33 international locations by air. Connectivity is good on the ground too, with the city being easily walkable. Venues: The BCEC was named the World’ s Best Convention Centre by AIPC, 2016-2018, and been recognised for its sustainability initiatives and commitments. Innovation: We have discussed how Brisbane is a medtech and health sector powerhouse, and offers a centre for innovators to meet across sectors such as food and agriculture, and energy too, but we can also throw into the mix sectoral pedigree in logistics, construction, advanced manufacturing and financial and business services – all grist to the business events mill. Sustainability: Brisbane in 2023 became the only Australian city, and the second

Above: Be part of the Olympian future for events in Brisbane

globally, to receive the Gold level of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Cities Global Initiative.

In the words of BEDA’ s Lorelle Chittick:“ Brisbane’ s strength as a destination for business events shines through its collaborative culture among industry, government and academia, providing incredible growth opportunities in the city with unstoppable momentum.”

With the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to town, the future looks dynamic, not least due to Elevate 2042, The Games Delivery Partners’ legacy strategy which aims to ensure a sustainable legacy for the city and its communities beyond the Olympics. n

n You can join the race for meetings medals by connecting with BEDA to find out more: https:// choose. brisbane. qld. au / events / business-events Or contact the team at businessevents @ brisbane-eda. com. au direct to find out more information on bringing your next event to Brisbane.