CMW discovers the cutting-edge innovations driving demand for the Australian city’s business and conference offerings.
Brisbane’s reputation as a must-visit destination resonates with global travellers.
Host city of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the bustling Queensland capital with an enviable sub-tropical lifestyle recently claimed a spot in TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2023 and in The New York Times’ prestigious 52 Places to Go in 2024.
While Brisbane’s stunning natural environment and wealth of cultural offerings draw leisure travellers in droves, its well-established economic and sustainability credentials stand out as compelling drawcards for hosting business events and major conferences.
Brisbane emerges as a global leader in sustainability, set to redefine business events as the host city for world’s first ‘climate positive’ 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With a legacy spanning a decade before and after the event, Brisbane’s commitment to enduring advancements in social, cultural, economic, connectivity, and environmental spheres aligns seamlessly with its trajectory toward a sustainable future. As the spotlight shines, Brisbane invites the world’s business community to partake in an unprecedented experience, embracing a vision of sustainability for generations to come.
Brisbane sits at the heart of the Asia Pacific region, a vibrant hub of investment, development and innovation – particularly in the future-focused fields of technology, agriculture, healthcare and resources – making it an ideal destination for global conferences and events.
In the past 12 months, Brisbane has successfully hosted major international business events including the International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science, FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the World Mining Congress.
Riverside Bar, Brisbane
Building on business appeal
Fuelling this momentum is a sweeping city transformation that includes $25B in infrastructure development to support a predicted $275B economy by 2041, further positioning Brisbane as a destination to visit, meet and do business.
A linchpin in this transformation is the AUD $3.6B Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct and, at its heart, The Star Brisbane’s state-of-the-art event centre complete with Brisbane’s largest hotel ballroom, serviced by four future luxury hotels.
The Star Brisbane Chief Operating Officer Hospitality Kelvin Dodt said the precinct commences its staged opening from August 2024 with a strong pipeline of major events and conferences booked and overwhelming interest among domestic and international markets.
“While our 2,000-square-metre ballroom, breathtaking 100-metre-high Sky Deck and five-star hotel, The Star Grand, are – quite rightly – enjoying the spotlight, I’m particularly proud of the sustainability benchmark this transformative project has set”.
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane is the first development in Brisbane to be awarded the coveted 6-Star Green Star Communities rating in recognition of its social, environmental and economic sustainability designs.
“From prioritising renewable energy, harvesting rainwater, recycling grey water and composting organic food waste, to our carbon abatement project, Corymbia, we are proud to contribute to a sustainable future,” Mr Dodt said.
Emporium rooftop terrace
Sustainability the key to success
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane’s innovation exemplifies a city-wide commitment to grow Brisbane into one of the world’s most sustainable destinations. Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) is Brisbane’s convention bureau and champions the adoption of sustainable practices to meet the rapidly changing needs and expectations of visitors and delegates alike.
This includes supporting the broader visitor economy to participate in the Eco-Certified Tourism Destination Program facilitated by EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking certification and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism.
Lorelle Chittick, BEDA’s General Manager Tourism, Business & Major Events, said Brisbane – one of Australia’s fastest-growing capital cities – also staked its claim as the region’s leading climate-resilient, low-carbon and economically sustainable visitor destination.
“Brisbane’s sustainability success hinges on a whole-of-city approach encompassing accessibility, inclusion, diversity, business practices, transport integration and First Nations engagement,” Ms Chittick said.
“Brisbane stands as the only Australian city to achieve the prestigious gold-level accreditation under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Cities Global Initiative, making it the second city globally to attain this recognition. This achievement highlights Brisbane’s commitment to key benchmarks such as empowering women and girls, ensuring affordable and clean energy access, and promoting responsible consumption and production.
“Additionally, we are one of Australia’s top three clean air cities with more Green Star-rated buildings than any other Australian city and our council is the largest carbon-neutral government organisation in Australia.”
Howard Smith Wharves Lawn 2019
Innovation drives iconic venues
Globally acclaimed Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre’s strategic commitment to sustainability across environmental, social, economic factors for their staff, clients and community has attracted a number of social and environmental sustainability credentials, including Earth Check Platinum Certification, recognising that the Centre operates at the highest environmental standards.
Sprawling along the edge of the Brisbane River in the heart of the city is the postcard-perfect Howard Smith Wharves tourism, events and dining hub.
“We are passionate about sustainability and have been implementing some exciting, game-changing initiatives to try and set a new benchmark in hospitality and events, including diverting over 97 per cent of waste from landfill with 17 different waste management streams,” Howard Smith Wharves CEO Luke Fraser said.
Fresh produce is sourced from local farmers and suppliers including the succulent seafood synonymous with the region.
An innovative partnership with OzFish sees Howard Smith Wharves collect the shells from every oyster consumed for the marine conservation charity to recycle in its reef restoration projects.
Crystalbrook Vincent
Connecting communities
The renewed global focus facilitated by the Games further elevates the strong international connections afforded by Brisbane Airport’s 24-hour operations, located an easy 20-minute drive from the city centre.
Brisbane is witnessing a remarkable surge in flight capacity between Australia and North America with European connections also increasing, said Brisbane Airport Corporation’s Executive General Manager – Aviation, Ryan Both.
“By the end of 2024, trans-Pacific flights are projected to reach unprecedented levels with five carriers servicing major hubs and offering direct connections to North, Central and South America,” Mr Both said.
He also predicted a resurgence in personal connections and relationship-building following years of virtual meetings and engagements.
“Brisbane, with its focus on sustainability, provides an exceptional setting for such interactions”.
“An example of the city’s commitment to sustainability is evident in Brisbane Airport Corporation’s goal to achieve Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025.”
Bougainvillea arch, Southbank
A future-focussed world view
Brisbane’s goal to host the world’s first ‘climate positive’ Olympics in 2032 has catapulted the city onto the global stage, underscoring a legacy of not just environmental but also business, social and cultural sustainability with an increased emphasis on advancing our circular economy.
BEDA’s First Nations Relationship Building Program spotlights the rich cultural heritage and invaluable contributions of Indigenous communities.
This program empowers delegates to engage directly with Indigenous communities, fostering deep cultural understanding, promoting collaboration and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Accessibility, too, takes centre stage as a key pillar of social sustainability.
BEDA champions local businesses and venues to proactively address accessibility challenges to foster an environment where everyone feels welcome and can actively participate and engage in events.
“Brisbane’s business events industry is laser-focused on delivering exceptional service and unforgettable experiences to visitors exploring Brisbane and elevating guest experiences by showcasing the region’s sustainable attractions and cultural richness,” Ms Chittick said, “The city-wide $25B infrastructure project will catapult Brisbane into a new realm with new venues, a seamlessly integrated transport network and a beautiful, walkable city that exceeds delegates’ expectations.”
*Sponsored by BEDA in partnership with Business Events Australia
Contact the team at businessevents@brisbane-eda.com.au to find out how to stage an event with impact in Brisbane.
For more information, visit choose.brisbane.qld.au.
