The Brisbane Marketing Convention Bureau has secured two new health-related conferences that will deliver the city of Brisbane a combined economic windfall of more than $1.13million.

The Bureau has locked in the 6^th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference for October 2008 and the 15^th National Haemophilia Conference for October 2009.

Brisbane Marketing Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Regan said he was delighted with these results.

“These bid wins are further testament to the Bureau’s claim on the title of Queensland’s best Convention Bureau/Tourist Organisation,” said Mr Regan.¹

Brisbane Marketing Director of Business Development and AACB Vice President, Mr Paul Lewin said the 6^th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference will be held over three days and two nights and will deliver the city an economic benefit of $504,000.

“Conference organisers [the Australasian Society for HIV Medicine] are expecting to attract a crowd of 400 delegates including some of the nation’s leading scientists, researchers and clinicians,” said Mr Lewin.

“The Haemophilia Foundation Australia is also sold on the benefits of Brisbane and they’re looking to attract more than 300 delegates to their 15^th National Conference.

“This translates into an economic benefit of $630,000.”

Mr Lewin said Brisbane’s appeal as a family-friendly destination was one of the big selling points for the Haemophilia Foundation Australia.

“This is a family-friendly conference that offers health professionals, people with bleeding disorders and their families the chance to come together in a supportive environment to learn about the latest developments in treatment and care,” he said.