Business Events Australia, the national convention bureau, has put another AUD3million into the subvention pot to support bids for new international events.
The additional money - administered through Tourism Australia - will help to lure conference organisers to Australia by reduce costs, such as accommodation, venue hire, transport etc.
News of the continued funding for the Bid Fund Program coincides with the launch of a new video series showcasing Australian innovation.
Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the business events sector contributed $36 billion to the Australian economy before COVID-19.
“Since its launch in 2018, the Business Events Bid Fund Program has helped attract 40 international events to Australia worth approximately $411 million in economic value,” Mr Tehan said.
“Because Australia’s economic and health response to COVID-19 has been among the best in the world, Australia is well placed to attract more international events when travel resumes.
"As part of our plan, we will also showcase Australian innovation to event planners in North America, United Kingdom and Europe to secure more international events.
“Our additional support to attract international business events to Australia complements our $50 million Business Events Grants Program that supports local businesses to attend local business events, conventions, trade shows and conferences and the $1.2 billion aviation and tourism support package designed to turbocharge domestic tourism spending.
“The people who attend business events also book hotel rooms, they eat at restaurants, buy coffees, visit shops and stay to enjoy our tourist attractions, so this support is great news for businesses and communities.”
The Bid Fund Program is designed to increase the conversion of bids for new international business events by offering financial support at the critical bidding stage.
Since the programme launched in 2018, 40 events have been won worth approximately AUD$411 million in economic value to Australia, representing a conversion rate of 58 per cent.
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said “With COVID-19 restrictions lifting and consumer confidence rising, this program will continue to assist those bidding against international competitors for events and continue to position Australia as a leading business events destination.”
Tourism Australia encourages interested parties to visit and apply through the Business Events Australia website. Applications are currently open and close 30 June 2022.
Meanwhile the latest instalment of Business Events Australia’s Australia Innovates content initiative has been launched as a video series, showcasing innovation throughout Australia that continues to transform industries and deliver world-firsts.
The documentary-style video series is available on the Business Events website and showcases six Australians pursuing research, discovery, invention, innovation and intervention across several knowledge sectors including artificial intelligence, health, nanotechnology, environmental restoration and advanced manufacturing.
“Our Australia Innovates videos series highlights Australia’s expertise across a wide range of fields, positioning us as a world-leading association meetings destination where delegates can experience innovation first-hand,” Harrison said.
“Innovation in Australia is constantly thriving. Over a billion people around the world rely on pioneering Australians like Marine Biologist Prof. Peter L. Harrison, who developed a new technique to facilitate coral IVF on mass, increasing environmental restoration.”
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
