Brisbane Gears Up For High-Impact Association Meetings in Key Industry Sectors
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6th May, 2025
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With an international reputation in health, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing and agri-tech, Brisbane is driving demand for high-impact association meetings. Home to Australia’s number one university, the University of Queensland (UQ), and a network of purpose-built innovation precincts, the city offers direct access to research, talent and industry leadership.The Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) leads this strategy, which links business events with the city’s growth sectors and international partnerships. With the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, Brisbane focuses on long-term impact, encouraging tourism, business, innovation and knowledge exchange. HQ caught up with Lorelle Chittick, General Manager of Tourism, Business & Major Events at BEDA, to discuss the steps ahead for key industry sectors in the association space.
Brisbane’s strong economic growth and major infrastructure projects, including new hotels, Brisbane Metro, Cross River Rail and the airport expansion, are transforming the city. How do these advancements enhance the city’s appeal for business events, and how is BEDA helping the industry make the most of them?
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As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the thriving capital is undergoing a remarkable transformation. An ambitious AU$25 billion (approx. €15 billion) infrastructure pipeline is paving the way for world-class event spaces, advanced transport links, and exceptional accommodation and hospitality services.
Brisbane’s unique character and outdoor lifestyle set us apart from other Australian cities. Our city is defined by its river, which meanders through diverse precincts, creating a compact and walkable urban environment. Recent additions like the Neville Bonner Bridge and the Kangaroo Point active transport bridge have significantly improved pedestrian access, connecting key locations like the city centre, dining and hospitality hubs, the Convention Centre, and cultural precincts.
Brisbane’s growing infrastructure and improved connectivity make it easier than ever for delegates to navigate the city seamlessly. The addition of new hotels, venues, and dining precincts continues to expand the array of options for conferences, networking functions, and social events, ensuring every business event delivers a world-class experience.
Collaboration is Brisbane’s secret sauce behind our world-class business events scene. At BEDA, we connect organisers with venue partners, industry leaders, government and stakeholders, cutting-edge research hubs and unforgettable local tourism experiences to elevate your event. With a powerhouse ecosystem of science, technology, and innovation, alongside acclaimed event facilities, Brisbane is the ultimate destination for association conferences that leave a lasting impact.
Brisbane is at the forefront of emerging industries like quantum computing and biotech. What role do business events play in showcasing these sectors globally, and are there any upcoming international conferences that will highlight Brisbane’s leadership in these fields?
Brisbane is a Global Top 40 Innovation City, home to more than 140 innovation hubs, driven by our globally recognised research institutions and innovation precincts. Business events are crucial in showcasing key industry sectors, attracting the world’s brightest minds to collaborate, share knowledge, and advance industry breakthroughs.
Brisbane is set to welcome a diverse range of business events in 2025, reinforcing its position as a global hub for industry and innovation. Brisbane’s leadership in medtech and quantum innovation will be on full display through upcoming international business events. The International Conference on Microneedles will highlight Brisbane’s pioneering role in needle-free vaccine delivery, with local biotech leader Vaxxas at the forefront of developing this revolutionary technology. The company’s needle-free, patch technology that delivers vaccines into the skin in just seconds, has the potential to transform global immunisation efforts. Hosting this conference in Brisbane reinforces the city’s status as a hub for medical innovation and life sciences.
In quantum technology, PsiQuantum’s decision to establish a major research and development facility in Brisbane positions the city as a leader in this emerging field. The sector continues to gain momentum, with Brisbane fostering cutting-edge advancements in quantum computing that could redefine industries worldwide. Brisbane also recently hosted the Quantum Australia Conference 2025, a national event that brought together world-leading quantum researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore the latest advancements and real-world applications of quantum technologies.
Ranked Australia’s top university for the second consecutive year, how is the UQ and Brisbane’s wider academic and research ecosystem elevating the city’s appeal for global business events?
Brisbane’s academic and research ecosystem is a major drawcard for global business events. The UQ is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities and drives innovation across multiple disciplines, from environmental science to advanced manufacturing.
Brisbane is also home to Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University, renowned for their expertise in robotics, biomedical innovation, environmental science, and creative industries, further strengthening the city’s reputation as a hub for research and discovery. Having direct access to world-leading researchers and industry pioneers enables business events in Brisbane to offer deeper engagement, meaningful content, and exclusive insights. Our knowledge hubs provide a platform for global organisations to collaborate with Brisbane-based experts, ensuring that conferences hosted here leave a lasting legacy of innovation and industry advancement.
Brisbane is stepping onto the world stage with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon. Beyond tourism and infrastructure, how do you see this global spotlight shaping the city over the next decade?
The 2032 Games will be a defining moment for Brisbane, reinforcing its reputation as a world-class destination for major events. Beyond infrastructure, the Games catalyses long-term economic growth, industry development, and global engagement.
Brisbane already sees an influx of investment into sustainability initiatives, smart city technology, and transport connectivity, ensuring the city is future-ready. This legacy extends to the business events sector, with enhanced global recognition making Brisbane an even more attractive host city for international conferences and exhibitions in the lead-up to and beyond 2032.
The Elevate 2042 Legacy Strategy outlines a 20-year vision to create lasting benefits for the community, economy, and environment, aiming for a healthier, more active, and inclusive society.
“As Brisbane prepares for the spotlight ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the thriving capital is transforming remarkably. Our city is defined by its river, dynamic precincts, and an ecosystem of innovation that makes it an ideal destination for conferences that leave a lasting impact.”
Brisbane was the first Australian city (and the second worldwide) to achieve a Gold certification under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Cities Global Initiative. How does this sustainability leadership influence your business events strategy, and what role will it play in delivering the greenest 2032 Games?
Sustainability is at the core of Brisbane’s business events strategy. For the fourth consecutive year, the city has climbed the GDS-Index, ranked 33rd among 100 global destinations and in the Top 5 in Asia-Pacific. Brisbane Airport has also achieved a significant milestone, becoming one of the first in Australia to reach net zero on Scope 1 and 2 emissions, powered entirely by renewable-backed energy.
Aligned with the UN SDGs, Brisbane ensures that every conference contributes positively to the environment and local communities. Event organisers can tap into the city’s sustainability credentials through carbon-neutral venues, eco-friendly transport, and community-driven initiatives.
The 2032 Games will set new global standards for sustainable events, a vision extending to Brisbane’s broader business events sector. Brisbane is building a legacy as a sustainable, forward-thinking, and globally connected city by supporting events that prioritise green practices.
Sponsored by Brisbane Economic Development Agency in partnership with Business Events Australia.
Published by Meeting Media Group, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.
