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Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre's Advocates Program has celebrated its fourth anniversary with outstanding results, continuing to drive economic growth to Brisbane and Queensland.

Harnessing science excellence, innovation and business events was behind the formation of the BCEC Convention Advocates Partnership - an elite group of influencers who count among their members some of Australia's top scientists, researchers and business leaders.

The Centre's 57 Advocates have been instrumental in securing 36 new conferences for Brisbane, boosting the Queensland economy by $58.5 million and showcasing Brisbane's science and technology strengths to the world.

Guest speaker at the recent annual Advocates gala dinner, Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley pronounced the initiative as "an uncommon convergence of excellence and a signal event which brings together eminent professionals from Brisbane's science, research, technology, academic and business communities resulting in substantial benefits for Queensland."

Describing the partnership as "an inspiring initiative which helps push Brisbane and Queensland to the front of the pack in a highly competitive world conference market", Governor Wensley told the audience that the hosting of the G20 in November will be a valuable asset in attracting future specialist conferences to Brisbane and the Centre.

With her extended term due to finish in July this year, Queensland's Governor has agreed to become an advocate for BCEC and Brisbane into the future, encouraging conferences to choose Brisbane and highlighting Brisbane and its acknowledged scientific and research profile.

BCEC General Manager, Bob O'Keeffe said the Convention Advocates Partnership has an essential role to play in promoting Brisbane's world leading science and its credentials as an international business destination.

O'Keeffe stated "this very effective partnership continues to drive Brisbane's growth in the conventions market place. We have strengthened resources of our International Team and continue to develop and expand our Advocates initiative and we will continue on this trajectory.

"International business events bring the world's brightest and best thought leaders to Brisbane to share knowledge and expertise and stimulate research and investment opportunities."

At this year's annual dinner, the Centre welcomed five new advocates from the medical, research and engineering sectors and announced 10 new advocate assisted bid wins which included:

International Conference on Emerging and Advanced Nanomaterials 2015

International Mesostructured Materials Symposium 2015

Asia Pacific Gastroesophageal Cancer Congress 2015

World Congress on Melanoma 2017

Conference of the International Bone & Mineral Society 2017

International Association of Dental Research Asia Pacific Region Meeting 2019

There are currently a further 12 new advocate assisted bids in progress awaiting decision.

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is owned by South Bank Corporation and proudly managed by leading international venue management specialists AEG Ogden.

http://www.bcec.com.au

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