Sydney Injects US$1.6 Million Into Attracting Conferences

Having identified the conference segment as an important income generator, the City of Sydney is poised to invest A$1.5 million (US$1.6 million) in Business Events Sydney (BESydney). Over the next three years, the independent, non-profit organisation will receive A$500,000 annually to promote Sydney as a global business events destination. During the last financial year, BESydney secured 103 events for the city, which will bring in roughly A$225.6 million in economic gain and 58,000 visitors in the coming years. Deputy premier of New South Wales (NSW), Andrew Stoner, who will be leading the development of the new Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct, 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.” Lyn Lewis-Smith CEO of BESydney, Lyn Lewis-Smith, said the increased support was the final piece in the puzzle in the city’s efforts to secure more business events. “Our future success will be underpinned by a whole-of-city approach to attracting, winning and delivering world-class conference, corporate meetings and incentive programmes,” she added.