BRISBANE
MICE in Brisbane The hotel sector certainly has its share of luxury accommodation options . Over the past few years , Brisbane has welcomed 20 new luxury hotels – W Brisbane , Crystalbrook Vincent , The Calile Hotel and Emporium South Bank to name a few – providing more than 5,000 additional rooms plus boosting meeting and event facilities .
On top of that , there ’ s a $ 15 billion infrastructure pipeline set to transform the region and strengthen Brisbane ’ s MICE offering . The tidal wave of major infrastructure projects include Brisbane Airport ’ s new parallel runway , the international cruise terminal , Queen ’ s Wharf , Brisbane Arena , Brisbane Metro , Cross River Rail and new international aviation routes . Meanwhile , the Victoria Park redevelopment will be a future Olympic venue – and the city ’ s biggest new park in half a century . All of this is sure to showcase to the world just how ready Brisbane is to become an Olympic city .
Stunning new and improved hotels aside , the mighty Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre ( BCEC ) remains the heart of the city ’ s offering for conferences and events . While many stand-alone convention centres around the country were quiet in 2021 , BCEC was all systems go , hosting a total of 571 events for the year – 190 of those in the final quarter alone .
BCEC ’ s General Manager , Bob O ’ Keeffe , says there are more than 600 events on the calendar for 2022 , including 120 conventions : “ As Australia ’ s most awarded convention centre , ranked number two in the world , we are excited to be part of Brisbane ’ s growth trajectory ,” he said .
“ The city already has so much to offer . With the boost of further investment as part of the Olympic infrastructure program , together with the world-class facilities and
stellar reputation of BCEC , as well as the fantastic climate and access to Queensland ’ s globally-renowned natural attractions , its appeal as a business events destination will be unmatched .”
The best of both worlds One of the pleasures of holding meetings and events in Brisbane is the opportunity for event organisers and delegates to experience more than the inside of a conference venue within minutes of stepping outside .
The wonderful weather positions Brisbane as an epicurean epicentre with destinations including South Bank , Howard Smith Wharves , Eagle Street Pier , Fish Lane and James Street in Fortitude Valley .
For cultural pursuits , step out and into the Queensland Performing Arts Centre , the Queensland Art Gallery , the Gallery of Modern Art or the Brisbane Powerhouse . Or , for something a little bit different , hold a cocktail party or dinner in one of the many waterfront venues .
Fashionistas aren ’ t forgotten in Brisbane , with an abundance of retail precincts , including Queen Street Mall and James Street – all within walking distance of major meetings venues . The addition of Queen ’ s Wharf in 2023 will deliver one of the world ’ s finest luxury shopping precincts with DFS , part of the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy group , creating their largest shopping complex in Oceania , right in the heart of Brisbane city .
Don ’ t forget the allure of South Bank and its 17 hectares of lush parklands , world-class eateries and stunning river views . There are hundreds of delightful events all year round , making it the perfect place to relax and unwind . S
Want to know more ? Find out how you can bring your meeting or event to Brisbane by talking to Brisbane Economic Development Agency ’ s business events team . Visit choosebrisbane . com . au
28 Executive PA | Autumn Issue 2022