Sydney number one destination for business events in Australia

Sydney has been ranked Australia’s leading destination for conferences and professional meetings, following the release of the Union of International Associations (UIA) 2014 International Meetings Statistics Report. Stuart Ayres, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, said the results see Sydney ranked first in Australia and among the top 20 globally.

“This is a tremendous achievement and reinforces Sydney’s appeal as one of the best places in the world to meet. I applaud Business Events Sydney for securing major international events for our city, having delivered over USD 1 billion worth of economic impact for NSW over the past five years. This is just another example of Sydney leading the way for the rest of the nation,” Ayres said.

Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO, Business Events Sydney, said results complement the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings, which also placed Sydney as number one in the nation. “These results are just fabulous and better than many might have anticipated or expected. They really are a credit to the city – its can-do and collaborative spirit and reputation as a reliable place to do business,” Lewis-Smith said.

“It just reinforces that the government’s courageous decision to redevelop the city’s convention facilities at Darling Harbour was the right one. We are a city that is open to and embraces big ideas and bold moves,” Lewis-Smith concluded.

Business Events Sydney has secured almost 120 events worth USD 277 million in new money for the NSW economy, including more than 20 events for International Convention Centre Sydney, opening in December 2016.

By TBM Staff | Mumbai

Source: http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/Top-Stories/sydney-number-one-destination-for-business-events-in-australia-27613

The Future is Bright for Business Events in Sydney

Business Events Sydney (BESydney), in partnership 12 co-exhibitors, will shine the spotlight on Sydney’s spectacularly bright future at this month’s Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expos (AIME).

Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26-27 February, AIME is the Asia-Pacific region’s must-attend event for the meetings and events industry.

Sydney and NSW’s world-class venues and suppliers will fly the flag for NSW at the Destination Sydney stand (#1522), showcasing the scope of the state’s unique opportunities for event planners.

The harbour city will also be showing off Australia’s largest convention and exhibition facilities – an exciting development that will bolster the city’s already stellar reputation as one of the world’s favourite places to do business.

The International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) will have its own stand (#1422), where AIME visitors will be able to see a model of the current design and talk to the consortium that will build and operate the facilities when they open in late 2016.

Other new developments on show include The Star’s recently opened Event Centre, a multi-purpose venue designed to host A-list acts, conferences, exhibitions and awards functions, and Royal Randwicks’ $150 million redevelopment (opening in August), which includes a four-star hotel, ballroom and outdoor amphitheatre, as fantastic locations for upcoming business events.

Construction is also currently underway at Barangaroo, a 22-hectare former container port that is being transformed into a $6 billion extension of the city and which will include office space, residential apartments, public parks and event space, and a hotel, cafes and shops.

Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney, says that Sydney is open for business, and industries, government and communities are working together like never before.

“The venue options are abundant in Sydney and the redevelopment of Darling Harbour is the perfect opportunity for the city to showcase its diverse venues and the agility and flexibility of its suppliers,” Ms Lewis-Smith says.

“Also, many national conferences are literally getting out of town and benefitting from the unique activities and specialised knowledge hubs in regional NSW locations such as the Hunter Valley and Wollongong,” Ms Lewis-Smith said.

“NSW welcomes almost half of all international business arrivals to Australia. We are, and will continue to be, the country’s premier business events destination, now and in the future.”

Destination Presentations will be held at the Destination Sydney stand on Tuesday February 26 at 11.35 am and Wednesday February 27 at 1.15 pm. Register at www.aime.com.au  to attend.

Conference Investment Boost to Business

The City of Sydney will invest a further $1.5 million to promote Sydney as a world-class conference city, attracting tens of thousands of visitors who will contribute millions to the local economy.
The City will invest $500,000 a year over the next three years in Business Events Sydney (BESydney), to assist in stimulating and supporting this important market.
BESydney is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that promotes Sydney as a global business events destination. It identifies opportunities and bids to win events for the city, from youth travel events to international medical conferences.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said providing financial backing for business events was vital for the health of the city’s economy, and Sydney had world-class venues and workers.
“The international market for business events is increasingly competitive, with more cities than ever vying to secure these valuable events, so it’s essential that we help promote Sydney to the world,” the Lord Mayor said.
“All levels of government need to work in partnership to secure business events for Sydney and secure our city’s credentials as a world class events destination.
“We welcome the NSW Government’s plans to build a new Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct, which will allow us to stay ahead of the curve.
“It will enhance Sydney’s position as a regionally significant, globally connected city while boosting the local economy through increased tourism and industry spend.”
Deputy Premier the Hon. Andrew Stoner MP, who will be leading delivery of the new Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct, welcomed the investment and the opportunity to work together for the benefit of Sydney and NSW.
“As BESydney’s major supporter, the NSW Government recognises the value that business events deliver to our visitor and knowledge economies,” Mr Stoner said.
“Business event delegates stay, shop, eat, celebrate, explore in our city helping to drive demand for our tourism providers. As part of an aligned economic development strategy, these events also stimulate trade and investment opportunities for local businesses, fuel knowledge exchange, and more broadly promote innovation and productivity.
“NSW is already the preferred Australian destination for international meetings and we want to ensure that we stay on the front foot.
“I congratulate Lord Mayor Clover Moore for recognising the ongoing value of business events to our state, beyond tourism dollars, and for making this valuable investment in our shared future, and I look forward to working with BESydney, the City of Sydney and industry to attract business events from around the world to Sydney.”
Chief Executive Officer of BESydney, Lyn Lewis-Smith, welcomed the investment as the final piece in a truly collaborative approach to securing business events for the city and NSW.
“Sydney is recognised globally as a leading destination for business events. Our future success will be underpinned by a whole-of-city approach to attracting, winning and delivering world-class conferences, corporate meetings and incentive programs,” Ms Lewis-Smith said.
“All levels of government, industry groups and the vast network of industry suppliers need to collaborate. The increased support that will now come from the City of Sydney is the final piece in the puzzle and we are very excited by the opportunities this partnership will bring.”
Last financial year, Business Events Sydney secured 103 events for Sydney. It’s estimated these events will have an economic impact of $225.6 million and attract approximately 58,000 visitors when they take place over the coming years.
The Lord Mayor said hosting business events helped to cement Sydney’s position as a global city.
“The City places a high priority on support for business and we are committed to actively participating in building a flourishing economy at all levels.”

(Source: Sydneymedia.com.au)

New South Wales Government announces successful consortium and proposed design for Sydney's new convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct

The Premier of New South Wales (NSW), The Honourable Barry O'Farrell MP, today announced Destination Sydney as the preferred consortium to design, build and operate the new 20-hectare convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct. The Destination Sydney consortium includes AEG Ogden, Lend Lease, Capella Capital and Spotless.

The need for expanded facilities, enhanced venue flexibility and the ability to accommodate coinciding events were key considerations in the proposed design. The precinct, which has been given the working title 'Darling Harbour Live', will incorporate the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) and a red carpet entertainment venue with an innovative fan-shaped layout, and a hotel complex of up to 900 rooms.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith welcomes this long-awaited and anticipated news, commenting, "Sydney needs an iconic, contemporary and versatile meetings precinct befit of Australia's global city. We will have this and more! This innovation hub in the heart of Sydney will create opportunities to host more international events that help to drive our knowledge economy. The precinct will also be a hive of residential and retail, leisure spaces and more. It will connect our educational, creative and multicultural precincts. Above all, it will have the character, dynamism and energy for which Sydney is renowned.

The proposed design will equip Sydney with flexible and versatile spaces required to accommodate changing meeting architecture and continuously evolving technology. Set for completion in late 2016, 'Darling Harbour Live' is destined to be Australia's largest and first fully integrated exhibition, convention and entertainment space. Construction will commence in late 2013, following the closure of the existing Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Visit www.siceep.com for information on the development, including a video fly-over and image gallery.

The Premier of NSW, The Honourable Barry O'Farrell MP, commented, "Along with the development of Barangaroo, this project will transform the western fringe of Sydney's Central Business District and is the biggest and most exciting change to Darling Harbour in 25 years."

BESydney will continue to manage booking enquiries at bookings@besydney.com.au or via
1300 141 583 until early next year.

BESydney to Manage Bookings for Glebe Island Expo and SICEEP

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) will take on broader responsibility and manage booking enquiries for the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP) and Glebe Island Expo until operators of the new facilities are appointed.

Glebe Island Expo is the interim facility that will house Sydney's major public exhibitions and trade shows during the development of the 20-hectare Darling Harbour site that will be home to SICEEP - a world-class meeting place for the future. 

Infrastructure NSW, which is delivering SICEEP for the NSW Government, will recommend the successful proponent in December 2012 and the operator for the interim facility is scheduled to be announced in March 2013.

Infrastructure NSW Project Director, Tim Parker commented, "BESydney's team has extensive knowledge of the events market and the expertise to oversee both the enquiry and booking process for both Glebe Island Expo and SICEEP. Our aim is to make the enquiry and booking processes as streamlined and user-friendly as possible. BESydney is already bidding on events for 2017 and beyond that will take place in the new facilities. The company is well placed to manage enquiries."

Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney comments, "The team is pleased to be taking on these new responsibilities. BESydney will be a one-stop shop for business events. Glebe Island Expo is part of the Sydney-wide interim solution that will enable Sydney to remain a vibrant hub for business events whilst SICEEP is constructed. The new facilities will deliver great opportunities for business events in the city, both now and in the future, and the team is looking forward to working closely with the industry to ensure their success."

"We already have a dedicated Event Delivery department that assists clients with sourcing venue options for their events. BESydney has been working closely over the past months to re-home the conferences and congresses it secured for Sydney that will be affected by the SICEEP development. This team will be expanded and will have dedicated staff to take on the responsibilities of the Glebe Island Expo and SICEEP." 

Exhibitions that will be affected by the SICEEP development will have first right of refusal for bookings for the interim facility. It is anticipated there will also be scope for additional events to be secured for Glebe Island Expo.
BESydney's Event Delivery team will manage the bookings and Robyn Johnson, General Manager Event Delivery, comments, "Our first priorities will be making sure that planned exhibitions have a home and ensuring that event organisers know Sydney will continue to deliver a world-class event experience during the development period."
Expressions of interest for bookings can be submitted online at www.glebeislandexpo.com. All enquiries should be emailed to bookings@besydney.com.au or call 1300 141 583.  

Glebe Island Expo was announced yesterday by Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Brad Hazzard and Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, George Souris. Infrastructure NSW will soon issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to companies interested in designing, building, operating and then removing the interim facility. Detailed designs have yet to be developed, yet it is aimed Glebe Island Expo will provide:

• Pavilion-style exhibition space of 15,000 square metres in a high quality, air-conditioned, fully serviced interim facility
• An adjacent flat space of 10,000 square metres for exhibitors to temporarily expand the space for larger public exhibitions and trade shows
• A weather-proofed and climate controlled environment
• Flexible space that can create reception areas and meeting rooms
• Close proximity to the CBD and a unique location on Sydney Harbour
• Availability for the entire construction period
• Event-related food and beverage facilities, such as pop-up cafes and restaurants
• Full 'back of house' facilities, such as loading-dock, external storage and waste management facilities. 

For further information: 

Rebecca Mills, Marketing and Communications Manager
Business Events Sydney
rmills@besydney.com.au
Tel: +61 2 9332 5218
Mob: +61 420 960 108

Metro Hotels Exhibits at BTTB

Metro Hotels exhibits at BTTB

Over the past few years, travel managers and suppliers have had to contend with dramatic and often unpredictable changes in the business environment. Natural disasters, financial crisis, political turmoil and civil unrest made travel planning difficult and put pressures not only on travellers, but also on their managers.

With so much uncertainty surrounding their roles, travel managers need as much information as possible about the aspects they can control, and this year’s BTTB Australia conference aimed to provide vital insights into the travel supply chain. From pricing trends to global best practice, the conference content aimed to draw on the best information out there and apply it to the demands of Australasian travel management.

Over two days, delegates heard from leading experts as well as learnt from their peers in a conference programme that addressed the key issues of the day.

Now in its 13th year, also included the region’s biggest business travel trade show where leading suppliers such as Metro Hotels were on hand to demonstrate their products, services and solutions and discuss developments in their particular field.

BESydney information session on Dreamtime 2011 and AIME 2012

Join Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for a combined presentation from Tourism Australia on Dreamtime 2011 and REED on Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) 2012.

Many stakeholders have requested information about BESydney's involvement in these activities. This combined briefing will answer your questions about both these events at one time.

Thomas Hill, Business Events Australia Trade Programs Manager, and Sally de Swart, REED Exhibitions Event Director, will talk to you about how you can be involved in both programs.

BESydney will also detail our involvement and your opportunities to participate.

Date: Thursday 15 September 2011

Meet: Wolfies

Address: 17 Circular Quay West, Sydney

Time: 6pm-8pm

This event is open to any stakeholder who has an interest in either of these two important programs. Please RSVP by clicking on the responses below by Friday, 2 September 2011.

Email - stakeholders@besydney.com.au