Convention confidence drives Perth event boom
A significant increase in the number of bookings at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre is testament to the changing face of Perth and the keen interest from national and international event organisers.
General manager Nigel Keen said there had been a surge of activity which in turn had led to a boost in the value of events.
“Comparing our most recent figures with those from October 2014, we’ve seen a 28 per cent increase in revenue on confirmed business for January to June 2016,” he said.
“The first half of 2015 was a busy time, but there’s a real sense of excitement at the moment thanks to some key events which will grace our shores next year.”
Preparations have begun for what has been described as “the world’s most important liquid natural gas conference” – LNG 18 – which will bring together 5000 participants and 250 exhibitors from 60 different countries.
In March, around 2000 people will head to Perth for a joint event – the 17th Ottawa Conference held alongside the 2016 Australian and New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators Conference.
“While those extraordinary international gatherings are sure to showcase the capabilities of the PCEC, there are a number of prestigious national business events on the cards too,” Mr Keen said.
“The Australia and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science and The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand will host 900 delegates for its annual scientific meetings, with a further 650 people expected to travel for the Australia Pain Society’s yearly event in March.
“Conferences like these don’t just show up on our doorstep. It takes a lot of hard work by both the organising committees and our colleagues at Perth Convention Bureau, who provide vital assistance to streamline what can often be a very competitive and challenging process.”
Mr Keen said such events had positive flow-on effects for the hospitality and tourism industries, as well as for the wider economy. Importantly, they will provide true legacies for business and economic development in Western Australia.
“The Perth skyline is dotted with cranes working on brand new hotels and major infrastructure projects which are truly changing the face of Perth,” he said.
From Media Release 22 October 2015
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