Knowledge, Culture and Influence

A CITY OF KNOWLEDGE, CULTURE AND INFLUENCE

Australian War Memorial Credit: Scott Leggo

LEVERAGE KNOWLEDGE CAPABILITIES AT YOUR NEXT EVENT

Canberra is a knowledge hub, renowned for its research and innovation capabilities and excellence.

When you hold your event in Canberra, you open up access to unique on-campus venues, as well as academics and researchers that are leaders in their field. It’s an education hub, home to five universities including the highly ranked Australian National University, University of Canberra and UNSW Canberra, in addition to the brand-new University of Canberra Hospital, boasting state-of-the-art health training facilities. It’s a research hub, with leading research organisations such as the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and the Australian Academy of Science based right here in the capital. Canberra is also growing its international reputation for ground-breaking innovation and research, with the Bureau of Meteorology, Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) calling our city home. Bringing it all together is our Research and Learning Institutes Group (RALIG), enabling event planners to access the extraordinary knowledge and expertise of the thought leaders within these organisations.

CULTURE AND THE HOME OF THE AUSTRALIAN STORY

There is something here for everyone, and the unique buildings in which they are housed are often chosen as the venue for significant conference dinners and other functions.

As the heart of the nation, Canberra is rich with culture, and is endowed with major cultural institutions, such as the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and Questacon. Not only do these establishments house unique artworks and artefacts, they also transform into impressive event venues for welcome receptions, gala dinners, or other social functions. While Canberra is a city with its sights firmly set on the future, we explore and celebrate the nation’s story and Australia’s rich Indigenous culture and history through our institutions, research facilities, and in everyday life. And no matter the time of year, Canberra is the setting for a vibrant calendar of multi-day events, like Enlighten, Floriade, The Truffle Festival, Canberra Balloon Spectacular, and Design Canberra. For sports enthusiasts, Canberra is home to the Brumbies, Canberra Raiders and CBR Brave, while AFL fans are well served with some GWS Giants home games held at Manuka Oval. Canberra is also a formidable force in the national women’s sporting leagues through the UC Capitals, ACT Meteors and Canberra United.

ACCESS DECISION MAKERS AND INFLUENTIAL LEADERS

Only in the capital will you find access to so many of the country’s people of influence in one place.

At the heart of it all is Parliament House, the central pillar of Australia’s democracy and one of the most accessible parliamentary buildings in the world. A visit here is a chance to meet with federal politicians and decision makers about the key issues affecting your industry. Australian Parliament House is also home to the Federal Parliament Press Gallery, providing the opportunity to get your spokespersons in front of the world’s most prominent media outlets. From a local standpoint, ACT Government is a leader on many platforms, often ahead of federal initiatives including same-sex marriage, cannabis legislation and wellbeing indicator framework. In 2020, the ACT also achieved running 100 per cent on renewable electricity – the first state or territory in Australia to do so.