BRISBANE
But wait – there ’ s more in Brisbane …
Think Queenland ’ s capital is ripe for meetings now ? Just wait until you hear what ’ s on the horizon for this powerhouse of a city , says Brad Foster
Even before last year ’ s announcement that Brisbane would be the host city for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games , things were happening . And fast .
With southern states impacted under lockdowns , Brisbane was powering ahead . It became the go-to for sporting events like Game II of the State of Origin , the NRL Magic Round and 2021 NRL Grand Final , the Brisbane Cycling Festival , the first Ashes Test , rugby union internationals , and the Fortinet Australian PGA and WPGA Championship – not to mention nabbing the 2020 AFL Grand Final . As armchair viewers living everywhere but in Queensland , we soaked it all in and wished we were there .
But now you can be – and should be making plans to do so ! Major events like the Nitro World Games , FIBA Women ’ s Basketball World Cup and the ICC Men ’ s T20 World Cup are all being held in Brisbane this year . And looking down the lens a little further , there ’ s the FIFA Women ’ s World Cup to look forward to in 2023 and the UCI BMX World Championship in 2026 , all of which will generate global interest in Brisbane and accelerate flow-on economic activity for the city .
Big things ahead for Brisbane But before we get too far ahead , particularly if you ’ re looking at running a meeting in Brisbane in the next 12 months , let ’ s take a look at what ’ s happening right now . And who better to ask than Brisbane ’ s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner ? According to Cr Schrinner , Brisbane is Australia ’ s fastest growing capital city – and it ’ s an exciting time : “ Our economy is recovering from the pandemic and expected to grow from $ 182 billion to $ 217 billion over the next decade ,” he said .
“ As an Olympic and Paralympic host city , Brisbane is well-positioned to become a destination for business and sporting events . Organisers wanting to take advantage of world-class facilities , a vibrant dining scene , a warm climate and a brilliant natural environment for their delegates need look no further than Brisbane as their next host city .”
Business and more in Brisbane Brisbane isn ’ t just sports focused . For EAs in the business world , you ’ ll find it boasts an innovation-led economy . And it ’ s a global hub in terms of science , mining and resources , technology , education and cultural attractions . It provides abundant opportunities for economic growth and has an ideal climate for investment . Brisbane really is a natural home for domestic and international business opportunities .
The lifestyle is also a big positive . Brisbane is recognised as one of the world ’ s most liveable cities with year-round blue skies and an enviable outdoor lifestyle . There ’ s a thriving multicultural scene , and some of Australia ’ s most beautiful natural landscapes , from the mountains to the bay ,
26 Executive PA | Autumn Issue 2022