Brisbane's status as one of the world's best meeting destinations is set to gain even greater momentum in 2007 thanks to the increasingly successful bid-winning efforts of the Brisbane Marketing Convention Bureau.

Mr David Regan, Brisbane Marketing Chief Executive Officer said 2006 had been a very successful year and the Bureau was gearing up for a big 2007.

"In the last six months of 2006 the Bureau recorded exceptional results in all areas," said Mr Regan.

"We saw increases in the number of bids won, the number of bids placed and a dramatic increase in the potential income from delegate expenditure."

"Between July and December 2006 the Brisbane Marketing Convention Bureau secured 17 new convention and meeting events for the city worth more than 21 million dollars in delegate expenditure.

"Compared to the same period in 2005, that's a 31 per cent increase in bid wins and a 184 per cent increase in delegate expenditure."

Mr Regan said the Bureau had also intensified its bid placing efforts - lodging 34 bids in the July to December 2006 period (valued at more than

54 million dollars) as compared to 19 bids (valued at more than 12 million dollars) in the corresponding 2005 period.

"These results, which go hand-in-hand with the ongoing success of our interstate marketing campaign, confirm Brisbane's coming of age as a young, modern, vibrant city - a business destination with world-class venues, excellent infrastructure and an impressive range of leisure activities," he said.

Mr Regan said Mr Paul Lewin, Brisbane Marketing Director of Business Development had played a pivotal role in driving the latest successes of the Brisbane Marketing Convention Bureau.

"I'm delighted to see that Paul's efforts have been recognised and acknowledged by the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) with his recent appointment to the role of AACB Vice President," said Mr Regan.

AACB Executive Director, Mr Michael Cannon said Mr Lewin was an outstanding choice and a great addition to the AACB Executive.

"Paul is one of the most well-respected and highly-regarded professionals in the convention and meetings industry," said Mr Cannon.

"He has already contributed greatly to the advancement of the industry through his work with the Brisbane Marketing Convention Bureau and I'm excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as he takes on this new role."

AACB President, Ms Robyn Hendry joined Mr Cannon in congratulating Mr Lewin on his appointment.

"Paul comes to the AACB Executive with extensive knowledge, experience and expertise in the local and international arena," said Ms Hendry.

"He brings passion and energy to the job and we're very fortunate to have such an accomplished advocate on the team."