Brisbane is set to host two major business events over the next month that will generate more than $2 million for the local economy.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said Brisbane was the best place to host the National Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF) Reunion and the Self-Managed Super Fund Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA) National Conference.
“Despite recent flooding, the vast majority of conference venues and hotels are open and operating as normal,” Cr Newman said.
“Over the next few months, Brisbane will host 25 significant business events that will generate over $25 million to the local economy."
“Brisbane has built a strong reputation as a world-class conference city and this is just another example of how the city is getting back to business.”
The National (WRAAF) Reunion, kicking off this Friday 28 January until Monday 30 January, will see over 380 women – their largest reunion contingent to date – travel to Brisbane from around the country to celebrate the WRAAF’s 60th anniversary.
Event coordinator and Secretary of WRAAF Brisbane, Rosemary Coleman, said WRAAF Branch Queensland is delighted with the enthusiasm and commitment of its members.
“We have put out the call to all of our members to spread the word that the reunion is still on in Brisbane and to get behind Queensland and support its economy,” Mrs Coleman said.
Next month, 900 delegates are expected to attend the SPAA national conference at the Brisbane Convention Exhibition Centre (BCEC) from 23 February to 25 February 2011.
Kate Smith, Managing Director of WALDRONSMITH Management, one of Australia’s leading conference management companies, said they are delighted that through the tremendous spirit of the people of Brisbane and an enormous amount of hard work, the recovery process is well underway.
“We know the business events industry in Brisbane will deliver an outstanding result and it will be fantastic to once again experience the vibrancy of this great city,” Ms Smith said.
Business events bring in $170 million worth of economic value to Brisbane every year, and $17 billion a year nationally.
