BCEC secures major US-based conventions

May 25, 2022

Events / Tourism / Venues /

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has secured two large-scale, US based conventions anticipated to attract more than 8,000 delegates.

Zonta International 2024 and Baptist World Congress 2025 are expected to deliver $35 million in economic contribution to the Queensland economy and 58,000 room nights that will boost Brisbane’s hotel and accommodation sector.

BCEC, owned by South Bank Corporation and managed by ASM Global - partnered with Tourism Australia, Tourism & Events Queensland and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, to secure these first-time events for Brisbane and Queensland.

Zonta International 2024 follows on from the successful hosting of the Australia & New Zealand Zonta Centennial Convention at BCEC in 2021, which attracted 900 delegates from across the region.

Zonta International has more than 1,100 clubs with over 27,000 members in 64 countries. Renowned for its strong advocacy of women’s rights, and more recently climate change, Zonta’s core campaign messaging of NO to violence against women, YES to gender equality and NOW to climate change, resonates with current issues both in Australia and around the world.

Chair of the 2024 Convention and former Zonta International Board Member, Judy Gorton hopes the 2024 Conference will provide a global platform to amplify these issues.

Zonta has never deviated from its human rights mission of empowering women, particularly so through COVID, supporting girls and young women in third world countries with education, clothing and basic health and hygiene products. Currently they are helping Ukrainian refugees through the country’s three Zonta Clubs and their European network.

Brisbane’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination, combined with BCEC’s appeal at the top of world venue rankings, accessibility and variety of accommodation options, were all factors in the selection of Brisbane as the host city, according to Judy Gorton.

Both the Convention of Zonta International and Baptist World Congress share a tradition of significant numbers of accompanying partners at events, and it is anticipated there will be strong demand for tours and visits to regional Queensland and other parts of Australia.

Organisers of the Baptist World Congress are expecting more than 6,000 delegates to attend the Brisbane event, with more than 5,000 of those coming from overseas.

BCEC General Manager Bob O’Keeffe said securing two such high-profile, international events for Brisbane was further indication of a strong Queensland’s economic recovery.

O’Keeffe noted “the team at BCEC looks forward to welcoming Zontians and members of the Baptist Ministries as well as their partners and families to Brisbane and Queensland.”

Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said Tourism Australia is excited to be supporting the Convention of Zonta International 2024 and Baptist World Congress 2025 through its Business Events Bid Fund Program.

“We congratulate Brisbane on its successful bids to host these two large-scale, US based conventions, which have the potential to deliver significant benefits for Australia,” Harrison said.

“Attracting these events plays a key role in helping to generate global attention for Australia’s world-class business events offering whilst also delivering short and long term benefits to our tourism industry and economy more broadly.”

26th August 2021 - BCEC reinforces its global environmental leadership

11th August 2021 - BCEC secures runner-up at World’s Best Convention Centre Award

26th February 2021 - BCEC reveals strong start to 2021

31st January 2019 - BCEC General Manager appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia

19th September 2016 - BCEC secures 140 new conventions for Brisbane

23rd March 2016 - BCEC celebrates 20 years of successful events with a fresh new look

5th September 2014 - BCEC sets a cracking pace with convention wins for Brisbane

21st August 2014 - BCEC hosts world’s premier horticulture event

22nd May 2014 - BCEC judged Australia’s best venue

13th May 2014 - BCEC changes the agenda for a good cause

10th April 2014 - BCEC puts the spotlight on caring for the environment as part of 1EARTH Month

17th March 2014 - BCEC Advocates program a driver of economic growth

21st May 2013 - BCEC gets recognition for leadership in corporate social responsi

4th April 2013 - BCEC joins international initiative in caring for the environment and the community

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