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

BESydney expands the 2012 ABEE Hosted Buyer Program

Australia’s leading convention bureau, Business Events Sydney (BESydney), in conjunction with the Australian Business Event Expo (ABEE) and airline partner Qantas, has expanded the ABEE Hosted Buyer Program to include both Hosted and Semi-hosted Buyer Programs that will run from 14–16 August 2012.

Last year’s Hosted Buyer Program catered for a qualified number of fully hosted buyers. This year, expanding the program to two streams will introduce more local buyers to the show floor and enhance the quality and quantity of appointments for exhibitors.

“The expansion of the ABEE Hosted Buyer Program is a strategic decision to ensure ABEE’s show floor continues to be a dynamic platform for supplier and client connection, networking and business,” comments Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney.

“The two distinct programs ensure that both the hosted and semi-hosted buyer experience is productive, as well as educational, and really delivers on the modern day buyer’s needs. We’ve acted on feedback provided by previous participants and have made supplier appointments, key site inspections and networking the priorities in both programs.”

Jodie Richmond, CEO of Exhibition and Trade Fairs (the owner of ABEE) adds, “It is fantastic to work alongside Business Events Sydney and airline partner Qantas to grow the already successful ABEE Hosted Buyer Program. Our combined understanding of the business event market, paired with a savvy, concise format, will see the Program deliver enhanced results to both our Buyers and our Exhibitors this year.

Hosted buyers will receive complimentary Qantas return travel to Sydney and 2 nights' accommodation in a leading Sydney hotel. This program includes participation in the educational program that is punctuated with fantastic speaking talent, scheduled appointments, the Destination Site Inspection Tour, gala events and all ground logistics.

Semi-hosted buyers will have the opportunity to schedule appointments with suppliers, listen to selected speakers on the educational program and enjoy the ABEE Hosted Buyer Dinner. They will also have the option of participating in a full-day Destination Site Inspection Tour.

The Australian Business Events Expo runs from 15–16 August 2012 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and is the ultimate marketplace for business events in Australia.

BESydney’s New Strategy to Trap MICE

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has unveiled a new strategies and corporate restructure that will see the company target NSW MICE opportunities.

Announced yesterday, the company said among the key changes would be the appointment of a Mumbai-based representative to drive more Indian business as well as the launch of a new corporate structure that will see company’s resources grow.

Kicking off from July 2012, BESydney chief executive Lyn Lewis-Smith said the organisation would also be divided into four teams focused on growing, securing, delivering and sustaining.

“The new structure will better support clients throughout the event lifecycle, and combined with other initiatives – such as our new Future Leaders program – will help to give us the edge on understanding and delivering meetings for the coming generations,” Ms Lewis-Smith said.

“We are refocused, re-energised and realigned for the future.”

As well, the company said it would look to recruit a new general manager of business development while from 1 June Hannah Jamieson will step into the new role of general manager of strategic marketing.

Robyn Johnson will also join the team under the role of general manager event delivery as Sonya Stewart remains in her role a chief financial officer.

“The team is excited,” she added.  

“We will streamline processes, deepen and expand international and domestic collaborative relationships with the private and public sectors, and increase our flexibility and agility to respond to emerging market trends.

“This year BESydney has already achieved a record number of bid wins, and there are a number of weeks to go before we close the books.

“Yet, achievement doesn’t mean we can be complacent. It is time to challenge the status quo!”

(Source: eTravelblackboard.com)

Jewellers Optimistic as 2012 Fairs Approach

Anticipation is growing for the jewellery industry as the 2012 trade fair season approaches.

The ‘jewellery trade fair season’ begins next month with Victoria hosting the Melbourne Jewellery Fair March 4-5 at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, while the Brisbane Jewellery Fair takes place March 25-26 at the Brisbane Exhibition Centre in Southbank.

For the second consecutive year Australia will stage three jewellery fairs, with Sydney hosting the main event in September.

Director for wholesaler Ellani Collections, Paul Hicks, told Jeweller last year’s Melbourne fair was well supported and set in a positive atmosphere.

“I expect Melbourne to be even better for me this year,” Hicks said. “After a great Sydney fair and Christmas I’ve acquired a lot of new accounts and Melbourne has left me constantly busy.”

Hicks stressed the importance of having a third fair, saying it’s a great opportunity for retailers around the country to build relationships with suppliers and vice-versa.

“Australia and New Zealand is so spread out that it’s almost impossible to see everyone so the Melbourne and Brisbane fairs are great for everyone to come together,” Hicks added. “Retailing can be a tough gig at the moment so for them to see the wholesalers and form a view of where their business should head is beneficial.”

Duraflex Group director, Phil Edwards, said Thomas Sabo and Spinning Jewelry are launching new ranges at the Melbourne and Brisbane fairs.

“We’re using both fairs to launch two different products and hope to attain good feedback and high attendance rates,” Edwards told Jeweller. “We will have representatives from Thomas Sabo visiting Melbourne and overseas reps will be coming to Brisbane as well.”

Edwards intends to use both fairs as a solid testing ground for future years, with the supplier paying close attention to attendance and retailers’ feedback.

Royal Exhibition Centre in Melbourne's Carlton Gardens

“It’s unusual having two fairs so close together but this year’s fairs will be a testing ground for our new range of products,” Edwards said. “It will be a good chance to monitor retailers’ feedback and keep track of attendance levels.”

Registration

Fair organiser, Expertise Events advises that visitors to the 2011 fairs will have received a new Buyer Identification card making registration simple. Visitors with a blue photo card need only to mark the dates and present the card upon entry to the Melbourne and/or Brisbane fairs for immediate access.

Visitors still holding a past gold buyer card will be required to update their registration and new visitors or those updating their record can download a registration form from the Jewellery Fair website.

Expertise Events managing director, Gary Fitz-Roy said, “With three fairs along Australia’s east coast, the JAA Jewellery Fairs are an ideal chance for jewellery retailers to top-up their stocks and get in-tune with the latest trends after Christmas.”

Both the Melbourne and Brisbane trade fairs will each present over 90 exhibitors offering finished jewellery, retail services, watches and jeweller’s supplies.

Busy 2012 for Sydney

Business Event Sydney (BESydney) reports it has secured conferences, congresses and incentive programs that will see over 211,200 delegate days spent in Australia’s harbour city in 2012.

Worth an estimated A$191 million to the New South Wales economy, the events range from small incentive groups to mid-size congresses and international mega events.

“The 2012 calendar year is going to be a bumper year for the business events industry in Sydney and the economic and social legacies of these events will be substantial,” said Lyn Lewis-Smith, BESydney’s acting chief executive.

The events are spread throughout the year, although March will be a stand-out month with eight international events scheduled.

In total, 9,500 delegates will spend more than 39,700 delegate days in Sydney in March. These events include the 3,200-delegate-strong USANA Asia Pacific Convention, the XVI International Symposium on Atherosclerosis that is expected to attract 1,500 delegates and a 1,500-delegate Tupperware Indonesia incentive group.

Australia is the Ultimate Incentive: Business Events Australia

With some 90-plus per cent of surveyed Americans saying they have always wanted to go to Australia, Business Events Australia is confident that Australia is in good stead to incentivize employees.

e-Travel Blackboard was on location at last week’s IMEX America in Las Vegas, where regional general manager Daryl Hudson shared findings of a recent study revealing that Australia is the number one desired incentive destination for Corporate End Users, after cash incentives.

The survey also saw American event organizers list Australia as a once in a lifetime experience for many delegates.

“We are thus in a good position to play an important role in incentivizing employees to achieve and to win that Australian trip,” Mr Hudson said.

With Australia’s diverse array of destination offerings, its ability to make conducting business a breeze and its strong aviation linkages to North America, Mr Hudson told e-Travel Blackboard he wwas pleased with the enquiries at the inaugural IMEX America, symptomatic of the country’s overall performance.

According to Mr Hudson, Australia had a great year for business events in 2010, a success that has been maintained into 2011.

“We saw an overall 19 percent increase of business in 2010 over 2009 from the United States.

“Up until June this year (which is the latest data we have available), we saw a three per cent increase in the convention and conference arrivals and a nine per cent increase in total business arrivals.”

The US is Australia’s second largest source market for business events after Commonwealth neighbor, New Zealand.

Next month Business Events Australia will host fifteen US delegates at Dreamtime, Tourism Australia’s premier incentive showcase.

(Source: eTravelblackboard.com)

Updated Guide for Event Organisers - NSW Events

The Event Starter Guide, a free resource for NSW event organisers, was recently updated and the second edition is now available online.

The guide was developed by the Community Engagement and Events group within the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet. Its easy-to-read, “quick tips” format provides general information on what is required, who to talk to and where to seek further guidance when organising an event.

The latest edition includes a section on sustainability and events; plus templates for key event planning documents such as a risk register, event budget, run sheet, and production schedule, as well as a sample survey to use at an event to assist with future planning and reporting. The content on sponsorship has also been extended.

In addition, the content relating to event safety has been expanded, with more information on alcohol and glass management, crowd management, food and beverage, developing a security plan, an emergency response plan and a public communications plan.

To see the second edition of the Event Starter Guide click here.

(Source: Destination NSW, 5^th October 2011)

Sydney Aiming For ‘Record Year’

Sydney’s convention bureau, Business Events Sydney (BESydney) says it is well on its way to delivering 2011/12 results “above and beyond” the AU$186.5 million earned by the company the year before.

Just two months into the new fiscal year, BESydney has secured 34 events estimated to be worth AU$69 million to the New South Wales economy.

BESydney acting chief executive Lyn Lewis-Smith said the company’s strategies were “definitely paying off”.

“Aligning our bid focus to the NSW Government’s priority growth sectors and increasing our efforts within the Asian market have seen Sydney enjoy a very strong start to the financial year,” Ms Lewis-Smith commented.

As well as highlighting the economic benefits events brought to NSW, the acting BESydney boss pointed to the “opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking, and trade and investment” successful tenders produced.

“Business events bring like-minded professionals, often at the pinnacle of their field, to our doorstep and help to raise awareness of Australia’s intellectual capital,” she said.

“Beyond the tally of tourism receipts, business events deliver far-reaching legacies across sectors that will help to grow NSW’s future prosperity.”

BESydney head of bidding Virginia Loyola said the team was working towards “a record year”, calling the early results “really inspiring”.

“Hard work, coupled with a strong, clear vision, has resulted in good wins to date and there are more to come,” Ms Loyola remarked.

“Whether it’s securing international conferences, national conventions and symposiums, or incentive travel from the Asian market, Sydney is competing strongly as a global city and a leading business events destination.”

(Source: Source : e-Travel Blackboard)

Business Events Sydney - Bid Announcments

Business Events Sydney have announced the following Bid Announcments:

Health Informatics Society of Australia National Conference (HIC)

Date: 2012
Delegates: 1,000 over 5 days
Estimated value: $3.3 million

The Health Informatics Society of Australia (HISA) aims to improve health through health informatics.

The conference is one of the Australian industry's leading communication vehicles for new e-health technologies and applications. The event brings together an influential audience of Australian healthcare decision makers and influencers to discuss health informatics research, developments and innovations that can transform healthcare in Australia.

E-health is a focus for the New South Wales Government with the 2006-2011 ICT Strategy and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) project.

Joint COMADEM Congress and Exhibition and Conference on Asset and Maintenance Management

Date: 2014
Delegates: 400 over 5 days
Estimated value: $2.3 million

The annual COMADEM congress covers all aspects of asset and maintenance management and is an essential event for industries, communities and governments with a focus on risk, reliability, safety and sustainability.

The Conference on Asset and Maintenance Management (CAMM) has only been held in Queensland to date.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) worked with the client to prepare and submit an Expression of Interest to the International Director of COMADEM. BESydney is also assisting with delegate boosting.

Society of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology (SBN) Annual Meeting

Date: 2014
Delegates: 300 over 4 days
Estimated value: $947,800

SBN is an interdisciplinary scientific organisation dedicated to the study of hormonal processes and neuroendocrine systems that regulate behaviour. This has helped in the treatment of insomnia, the link between testosterone and aggression and how stress can affect the human body.

This meeting will be held in conjunction with the International Congress of Neuroendocrinology (ICN) in 2014 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. This will be the first time the congress has been held outside Europe or North America.

IEEE Multi-Conference on Systems and Control (MSC)

Date: 2015
Delegates: 400 over 3 days
Estimated value: $883,656

The IEEE Control Systems Society (CSS) is dedicated to advancing research, development, and practice in automation and control systems.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) first met with the client in 2009 to discuss the bid.

In 2010 BESydney was asked by CSS to submit a bid document for consideration. Argentina also submitted a bid. The client presented Sydney's proposal and the decision was made in July at the 2011 conference.

Mapúa World

Date: 2015
Delegates: 350 over 3 days
Estimated value: $691,446

The International Association of Mapúa Alumni is a non-profit organisation that aims to share information and ideas among former students and graduates of Mapúa Institute of Technology in Manila.

Held biennially, this event was developed by the International Association of Mapúa Alumni, Ontario (IAMAO) as a way to stay connected and build international relationships.

In early July, Business Events Sydney (BESydney) received confirmation that Sydney had been selected as the host city for 2015.

The association provided feedback on BESydney's presentation stating that it was extremely professional and raised the standard the association now expects.

Business Events Sydney - Bid Win Announcments

The following have just been announced as bid wins for Business Events Sydney

Meeting of the International Society for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Research (ISSTDR) combined with the General Assembly and Congress of the International Union Against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI)

Date: September 2015
Delegates: 1,500 over 4 days with 32 exhibition booths
Estimated value: $5 million

The 2015 conference in Sydney will be the first time it will be held outside of North America and Europe. It will also combine with the 2015 General Assembly and Congress of the International Union Against Sexually Transmitted Infections, which will be held in Melbourne in 2012.

Held biennially, these scientific meetings have emerged as the world's premier scientific conference on STDs and their health consequences for populations around the globe. The meetings attract scientists, trainees and students from academia and public health.

The bid document, prepared by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) reflected the strong industry and government support for the conference to be held in Sydney. Atlanta also bid for the events.

Next steps

Dates have been confirmed at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Australasian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM) will manage the conference and BESydney is providing support with marketing and PR opportunities.

ACER (Australian Centre for Education Research) Research Conference

Date: August 2012
Delegates: 1,000 over 3 days
Estimated value: $1.8 million

ACER is an independent research body and a leader in the provision of quality educational research, both within Australia and internationally.

The conference is attended by school principles, school leaders, academics - education departments in universities and government departments - policy makers.

The conference hasn't been held in Sydney since 1998. Competing cities were Melbourne and Brisbane.

The client advised that assistance from Business Events Sydney (BESydney) was instrumental in securing the conference for Sydney.

Next steps

The conference which is managed in-house, will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. Accommodation options are managed by Ultimate Conferences.

12th International Conference on Thai Studies

Date: 2014
Delegates: 300 over 4 days
Estimated value: $790,224

This conference is held every three years and is a well-established forum for researchers across disciplines to share knowledge and perspectives on Thailand and Thai culture.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) prepared the bid document focusing on the strength of research in the field, venues, social functions, destination appeal and letters of support. Japan was also being considered as host for this event.

Next steps

The conference will be held at the University of Sydney. AccessNSW will assist with sourcing social function venues and accommodation blocks.

International Choice Modelling Conference (ICMC)

Date: 2013
Delegates: 300 over 4 days
Estimated value: $790,000

Choice modelling attempts to replicate and predict the decision making process of an individual or market segment. The ICMC is a biennial event that has been running since 2009. The first two conferences were held in the United Kingdom.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) assisted the local clients by developing a targeted proposal that addressed the key bidding criteria. This event will be timed to coincide with the 9th World Congress on Health Economics in 2013, also a BESydney bid win, to maximise delegate numbers.

Next steps

BESydney will work with the clients to select a university as the venue. AccessNSW will assist with the selection of social function venues.

International Engineering Alliance (IEA) Workshop

Date: 2012
Delegates: 100 over 4 days
Estimated value: $263,408

The International Alliance was formed to provide an agreement governing mutual recognition of engineering qualifications and professional competence.

The annual IEA Workshop aims to identify and discuss key issues in the industry and formulate recommendations for the Biennial General Meetings of the IEA. Delegates who attend this workshop are senior engineering decision makers.

BESydney assisted with preparation of a bid document and sourced venue proposals for the client. Attendees at the 2011 workshop in Taipei voted on the 2012 destination. Sydney was the successful destination.

Next steps

Engineers Australia will use the services of AccessNSW to secure a venue for this workshop.

$12 Million in Incentive Business Comes to Sydney

The Following Conference Events are scheduled to take place in Sydney in the next year or so:

AIA Thailand Annual Convention 2012

Date: 2012
Delegates: 2,000 over 4 days
Estimated value: $7.9 million

Business events Sydney (BESydney) has been building a relationship with the AIA Convention organisers since 2008.

In 2011 BESydney was asked to put forward a proposal for the convention and developed a presentation that showcased the harbour city as the perfect destination, giving new ideas for gala events and sharing some past experiences.

Melbourne also pitched for this annual convention.

Sydney has been selected as the successful destination.

Fubon Life Insurance Overseas Incentive 2011

Date: September 2011
Delegates: 600 over 5 days
Estimated value: $2.9 million

Fubon Life Insurance covers banking, insurance, asset management, real estate and telecommunications sectors. Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has built a strong relationship with Fubon's key senior management team, working with them since 2004.

Australia is a popular incentive destination for Taiwanese companies and BESydney successfully communicates how the new developments and activities in Sydney can inspire staff.

Fubon has two incentive groups, both of which are coming to Sydney in 2011. Final numbers, destinations and program itineraries will be announced in August.

The proposed itinerary includes a night in the Blue Mountains, day tours to the Hunter Valley, and Sydney touring.

The groups will travel in waves of 50 people per group.

Orient Fans India Incentive 2011

Date: September 2011
Delegates: 350 over 5 days
Estimated value: $1.7 million

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) first made contact with the client's travel agent at ATE in 2011.

Orient Fans and the selected travel agent visited Sydney for a site inspection in July 2011.

For Sydney Conference Accommodation, choose Metro Hotels

Sydney Secures More International Conferences

Business Events Sydney has kicked off the new financial year with the announcement that three major conferences have been confirmed for Sydney in 2012.

The conferences are predicted to bring in almost $4M to the local economy.

The following is an overview of each event.

Robotics Science and Systems (RSS)

Date: 2012
Delegates: 400 over 5 days
Estimated value: $1.7 million

RSS brings together researchers working on algorithmic or mathematical foundations of robotics, robotics applications, and the analysis of robotic systems. These conferences have consistently provided high-quality, topically focused forums for researchers at the forefront of robotic development. 2012 will be the first time the conference is held in the Asia Pacific Region. Previous conferences have been held in USA, Spain and Switzerland.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) met with the client in October 2010 as they had a long involvement with the conference.

A demonstration of support from industry and government was a specific requirement for the bid submission, which was presented at the conference in June 2011.

In early July 2011 it was decided by the RSS advisory board that Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) would host the 2012 Conference.

BESydney will assist with local arrangements. The University of Sydney is the proposed venue for the 2012 conference.

International Symposium on Mobile Mapping Technology (MMT) 2012

Date: 2015
Delegates: 400 over 4 days
Estimated value: $1.3 million

The event focuses on Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. This is the art, science, and technology of obtaining reliable information from noncontact imaging and other sensor systems about the Earth and its environment, and other physical objects and processes.

This opportunity was identified by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) Ambassador, Paul Harcombe. BESydney presented the bid at the 2011 conference in Poland. The bid document and presentation included information on the University of New South Wales (UNSW) as a venue and destination information about Sydney and Australia. The committee decided against Sydney for 2013, but selected the destination for the 2015 event. This is the first time that the committee has decided on the destination of two consecutive MMT Symposiums at the same time.

The recent success of the Sydney XXIV International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) Congress in 2010 was a huge selling point for the committee, as FIG is a major sponsor of MMT. The event also links nicely into Australia's strengths in the spatial sciences field.

The client will host the event at UNSW and the university will provide management support. They will not tender for a PCO.

15th International Conference on Advances in Materials and Processing Technologies (AMPT)

Date: 2012
Delegates: 300 over 4 days
Estimated value: $954,000

The Advances in Materials and Processing Technologies (AMPT) conference series was founded in 1993 in Ireland. Held annually, the conference provides a chance for academics, researchers, and engineers to meet and exchange innovative ideas and information on all aspects of materials, material processing technologies, manufacturing and computer aided engineering and nanotechnologies. 2012 will be the first time that this event is held in Australia.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) identified this lead in April 2007 and, with the help of the UK/Europe office, in 2009 approached the International Steering Committee for further information.

In May 2011, Sydney's bid to host AMPT 2012 was submitted to the International Steering Committee. The submission included a draft budget by a Gold Stakeholder PCO, and proposed University of Wollongong as the conference venue.

In June 2011, the International Steering Committee voted and announced that Sydney will host the 2012 conference. Competing countries included Poland, Tunisia, Egypt and United Arab Emirates.

Promotion of AMPT 2012 will begin in July at the 2011 conference in Istanbul. The PCO selection process will commence after this year's event.

National Medicines Policy Conference 2012

Date: 2012
Delegates: 300 over 4 days
Estimated value: $579,600

This event was first held in Sydney in 1995 and will return in 2012. The conference will be co-hosted by the World Health Organisation, in particular through two of its regional offices, Western Pacific and South East Asia.

In March 2011, the client contacted Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for venue information. Gold Coast and Brisbane were also being considered as possible host destinations for 2012.

BESydney submitted Sydney's proposal to host the event in early April 2011, and was selected as the destination for 2012.