Sydney has secured 103 business events, expected to inject over A$507 million (US$338.7 million) into the economy by 2030.
This milestone was announced at IMEX Frankfurt by Business Events Sydney’s (BESydney) CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith.
“Our forward pipeline has grown, with these events anticipated to attract around 128,000 delegates. This influx will not only boost our local economy but also provide Australians with access to cutting-edge knowledge in AI, biodiversity, education, engineering, defense and aerospace, critical minerals, and various health and social issues,” she said.
The robust pipeline follows a successful 2023 for Sydney’s business events sector. Moreover, Sydney ranked 25th globally in the ICCA city rankings and secured sixth place in the Asia Pacific region according to ICCA, and third place according to booking technology platform Cvent.
Events in Sydney’s pipeline include the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine World Congress in 2024 which will bring in 2,500 delegates and A$10.8 million; the International Astronautical Congress in 2025 which will bring in 4,500 delegates and A21 million; and the World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics in 2030 with 3,500 delegates and A$17.7 million.
Lewis-Smith also noted a strong recovery in the corporate Meetings and Incentive segment, with global corporations increasingly choosing Sydney to foster corporate culture and innovation.
A cornerstone of BESydney’s bidding strategy is the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney). Geoff Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney and group director of convention centres at ASM Global (APAC), expressed pride in hosting events that drive significant social and economic impacts.
Tourism Australia echoed the sentiment, celebrating Australia’s rise in the ICCA 2023 rankings. Phillipa Harrison, managing director of Tourism Australia, emphasised the importance of the Business Events Bid Fund Program in strengthening Australia’s visitor economy and event pipeline.
“Our advancement in ICCA’s global rankings highlights the collaborative strength of our industry and the appeal of our destinations,” Harrison added.
