Investment in infrastructure and services is creating many new possibilities for business events in Western Australia
From proposed convention centre overhaul to airport expansions and new hotels, Western Australia is investing heavily in its infrastructure, signalling a strong commitment to the business events sector.
When asked how was business shaping up for 2025, Gareth Martin, CEO of Business Events Perth, told TTGmice: “It looks fantastic in terms of projections for the corporate incentive market for this year. We’ve seen a really strong rebound for this sector across our key markets of Singapore, Malaysia, and especially China; China is currently our number one market.”
As for international associations, BE Perth’s other focus sector, Martin shared that the organisation is “working on events that will be held in 2029 and beyond”.
He stated that Western Australia is fortunate to have a “strong economic situation”, and that this confidence has led to the development of infrastructure, services, and suppliers.
For instance, the expansion of Perth Airport has already begun, and two hotels for the precinct have been announced. Although the airport’s train link into the city was completed in 2024, but full works – comprising a second runway and increased capacity – will happen in 2030 and beyond.
Moreover, there is also a “very strongly developed proposal” surrounding an expansion of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, but “finer details” have yet to be made, said Martin.
The proposal includes significant upgrades to the existing convention centre, such as expanded capacity of its Riverside Theatre, and a new, four-storey wing that will house meeting rooms, ballrooms, a 1,000-seat plenary, and a flexible multi-use hall. The proposal also envisions integrating the precinct with Elizabeth Quay and delivering a public realm featuring new waterfront facilities, an outdoor theatre, and improved connectivity with the Swan River.
Perth alone, however, is not Western Australia’s only draw. Fremantle, a 30-minute drive down south of Perth, is equally eager to demonstrate its hosting abilities.
City of Fremantle, economic development partner, Caitlin Skinner, told TTGmice that her goal is to get groups to consider Fremantle as a full day and night destination, which is what Perfect China, and the BE reWArded Mega Famil, showcased to delegates visited in June 2024 and December 2024 respectively.
She added that there is “A$2.3 billion (US$1.4 billion) worth of redevelopment happening” in the city, with a new luxury hotel opening in July 2025, as well as “additional activation spaces” and “experiential products in development” that would work for incentive groups.
“We want to change the narrative of Freemantle as the gateway to Rottnest, and stimulate that weekday economy. That is where corporate and incentive groups can help us,” said Skinner.
Rottnest Island itself, accessible by ferry, offers a variety of activities for corporate groups. Segway Tours WA can organise teambuilding events like Segway fun races for 100 to 200 people, while other touring options include walking trails, snorkelling charters, bus tours, dining at local restaurants and cafes, or overnight stays at Discovery Resorts – Rottnest Island.
Further down south, an hour’s drive of Perth, Mandurah is another possible day-trip destination. A unique activity for corporate groups is Mandurah Cruises’ Wild Seafood Experience, a 3.5-hour experience that allows guests to help haul in freshly-caught lobsters, spot wild dolphins, and enjoy an eight-course menu whipped up onboard by a private chef.
Natalie Goddard, commercial operations manager at Sea West (Mandurah Cruises’ parent company), told TTGmice: “We have quite a high percentage of corporate groups that come through, especially for the Wild Seafood Experience. We can cater to large groups, and offer multiple departures a day. With the barbecue boats, we can take up to 32 people at one time.”
When asked how business is shaping up for 2025, she shared that the company is “seeing a lot of corporate requests coming through for the next 12 months”, and indicated that Sea West will continue to engage with the international market to promote its other products, such as the eco-friendly, self-drive Mandurah BBQ Boats.
Back in Perth, Crown Perth – the precinct is home to three hotels and more than 25 meeting spaces – is no stranger to large business events, having hosted the 24th World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, as well as the Amway Japan Diamond Council delegation.
Crown Hotels Perth, director of sales, Scott Alderson, shared: “Perth tends to get a lot more South-east Asian business than our Australian counterparts due to its location, where for us in particular, we see many Singapore and Malaysian groups. Amway Taiwan also came through in 2024.
“Our partnerships with BE Perth is how we get our brand further out, (and demonstrate how ready we are for business events).”
Similarly, Western Australia’s target markets are Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and China – buoyed by direct flights. But the long-term vision is to work on other markets it has direct fights with, such as Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Even markets like Taiwan shows promise. “We don’t have a direct flight to Taiwan, but Amway Taiwan brought over 1,000 delegates to Perth. This means that many other groups are now looking towards Western Australia,” stated Martin.
