The recent high-level Canberra meeting organised by Business Events Council of Australia will hopefully lead to the Federal Government maximising the opportunities provided by the business events industry’s ability to attract the world’s smartest investors to Australia.
“While it is critical that strong and secure investment be maintained for Tourism Australia – to position the country globally as a premium business events destination – other government departments must understand that they can use business events as a mechanism to achieve their objectives,” said Barry Neame, president of the Professional Conference Organisers Association.
“We bid for and secure these conventions often years in advance and therefore have time to best maximise the opportunities that they present for Australia beyond tourism visitation.
“It will be a shame if the industry continues to attract the world’s smartest and brightest investors to our shores and government fails to squeeze every opportunity out of them.”
He says that if government departments understand the broader picture, they might well consider supporting the bidding processes that enable the business events industry to successfully attract business in a competitive international scene.
“The Federal Government is responsible for Australia’s competitiveness and has access to levers that can speed up or slow down markets – for example the impact of visas, and the associated fees and processing, on delegates coming to Australia.”
Ultimately, the PCO Association wants to see positive policy and investment decisions being made.“Positive impacts would lead to industry growth and more jobs,” he said. “Growth in jobs also requires strong industry and professional development programs to ensure Australia continues to deliver high quality and successful events.