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highlight how nature can elevate professional gatherings.
Day Two: Urban innovation and business infrastructure Perth’ s city centre offers an intriguing mix of innovation and heritage. We started with a thorough tour of the DoubleTree by Hilton and its 410sqm of meetings space, then journeyed to Kings Park and Botanic Garden, one of the world’ s largest inner-city parks. A highlight was the Go Cultural walking tour – an enlightening exploration of Indigenous stories, history, and land connections.
From a business events perspective, the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre( PCEC) stood out. This purposebuilt facility boasts six exhibition pavilions, a 2,500-seat theatre, and 28,000sqm of floor space, making it the state’ s most important venue for largescale events. The BelleVue Ballroom, with its stunning Swan River views, proves that even convention centres can be inspiring.
The day included visits to Crown Perth and Optus Stadium – two premier venues offering worldclass conference and entertainment experiences. An evening at the Fringe Festival provided a cultural close to the day, highlighting the city’ s vibrant arts scene.
Day Three: Fremantle and Rottnest Island – a new frontier for business events On the final day, a short journey took us to Fremantle, a coastal gem filled with historic charm and creative venues. Site visits to the Esplanade Hotel by Rydges, Bather’ s Beach House, and the WA Maritime Museum revealed the area’ s capacity for hosting unique events.
The adventure continued with a ferry ride to Rottnest Island, where quokkas, crystal-clear waters, and secluded beaches await. Yet, beyond its natural appeal, Rottnest is emerging as a destination for forward-thinking
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corporate retreats. The Samphire Hotel and The Lodge Wadjemup offer stylish accommodations and meeting spaces ideal for team building and strategic planning.
With cycling paths, walking trails, and marine activities, the island creates a setting where innovation flows naturally. Serious meetings can occur in extraordinary environments.
Global aspirations and market expansion Business Events Perth is expanding its reach beyond domestic borders. Martin emphasised a growing focus on Europe and the United States, where there is increasing appetite for destinations that blend substance with experience. Perth and Western Australia’ s presence at the AIME meetings industry exhibition in Melbourne this year was the largest
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Above: Bathers Beach House
Left: 1. Valley of the Giants, treetop walk
Left: 2. Optus Stadium
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ever, reflecting international interest and confidence in Perth’ s offering.
The CVB promotes business events across the entire state, from Broome in the north to Albany in the south, creating diverse opportunities for delegates to explore Western Australia beyond the boardroom.
Another hallmark of Perth’ s business events strategy is its investment in people and sustainability. Strategic internships, partnerships with Tourism Western Australia, and education initiatives are helping build a pipeline of skilled professionals. This long-term approach ensures that the industry remains not only viable but vibrant.
Sustainability is equally prioritised. Venues and event planners are encouraged to adopt practices that protect local ecosystems and foster community involvement – an effort that resonates with today’ s environmentallyconscious event organisers.
What sets Perth apart isn’ t just infrastructure or scenery, it’ s the ability to craft emotionally resonant experiences. Martin recalled a recent event where an Indigenous speaker captivated an audience and became the unexpected highlight. Such moments are a testament to Perth’ s ethos:‘ thoughtfully curated, culturally rich, and deeply personal’.
The verdict: Perth transforms expectations As my three-day journey came to an end, one sentiment echoed clearly: Perth is a transformative destination. It doesn’ t merely host events; it curates experiences that linger long after the final keynote.
For planners, decision-makers, and corporate leaders seeking more than a venue, Perth offers a living narrative and is a place where ancient culture meets modern innovation.
Whether you ' re designing or planning an incentive travel experience, booking a corporate retreat, or orchestrating an international event, Perth rises to the occasion – and often exceeds it. n
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