Key facts

• Australia is investing more than AU$4.8 billion in new infrastructure to support the conference and incentive market.
• The new developments provide evidence of Australia’s commitment to the conference and incentive sector and its ability to deliver innovative, world-class business events.

Full story

Australia is investing more than AU$4.8 billion in new infrastructure to support the conference and incentive market. This investment includes upgrades and new convention centres, accommodation facilities and incentive infrastructure.

All these new developments provide further evidence of Australia’s commitment to the conference and incentive sector and its ability to deliver innovative, world-class business events.

Here’s a snapshot from around the country.

New South Wales

• The final phase of the ‘ivy’ development in Sydney will be completed this month. The ivy has both indoor and outdoor venue options and the ivy Room caters for 800 delegates for cocktails or 400 delegates banquet style.
• The Sydney Opera House is undergoing AU$38 million worth of refurbishments due for completion by 2009.

Australian Capital Territory

• Canberra’s National Convention Centre underwent a AU$30 million refurbishment in 2007 and can now cater for business events from 10-2500 delegates.
• The Hotel Realm is Canberra’s newest AU$60 million 5 star hotel, offering 158 accommodation rooms and suites and meeting facilities for up to 800 delegates.

Northern Territory

• The Alice Springs Convention Centre completed its soft refurbishment in April 2008, while adjoining the convention centre, Lasseters Hotel Casino is also undergoing redevelopment.
• In Darwin, the new multi-purpose 1500 seat Darwin Convention Centre opened in June 2008.
• The Quest serviced apartments in Alice Springs opened in January this year. The AU$10 million property is located 1.3km from the Alice Springs Convention Centre.

Queensland

• The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre will undergo a massive multi-million dollar expansion which is due for completion in 2010, boosting capacity significantly.
• The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre completed its AU$40 million extension this month. The extension includes additional halls which can accommodate up to 580 exhibition booths.
• In 2007, a AU$98 million resort known as qualia was built on Hamilton Island and features luxurious 60 one-bedroom pavilions.

South Australia

• Construction of Adelaide Showground’s new exhibition AU$35 million facility is planned for completion at the end of the year. The new building will extend the showground’s ability to accommodate exhibitions, special events and trade shows.
• Due for competition in mid 2010, the Crowne Plaza Adelaide will be part of an AU$150 million multi-use development, including a 314 room hotel and adjoining apartment complex.

Victoria

• The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will soon be home to Australia’s largest and most versatile combined convention centre and exhibition precinct. The new centre will open in 2009 and has been awarded a ‘6 Star Green Star’ environmental rating, which is a world first for a convention centre.
  
• The Grand Hyatt Melbourne is undergoing an AU$40 million renovation and is due for completion early next year. A new events venue will accommodate groups from 10 to 640 delegates.

Western Australia

• The Sheraton Perth recently completed an AU$20 million refurbishment which includes a state of- the-art meeting facility.

Tasmania

• Remarkable Lodge will be the first luxury lodge in Tasmania. The AU$12 million nature lodge will offer a boutique meeting and incentive experience for delegates.