Australia loose supplement

HEADQUARTERS A S I A- PAC I F I C

De est stin ination Report Australia is a special edition of Headqu uarters Asia-Pacific - June 2010 pu ubl blis ished by Headquarters Magazines Pte Ltd (Singapore) - www.headquartersmagazine.com is

DISCOVER WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT MEETING IN AUSTRALIA

> INTRODUCTION

AUSTRALIA OFFERS MORE FOR CONGRESSES

The Twelve Apostles, Victoria

AUSTRALIA HAS BUILT A SOLID REPUTATION AS A GREAT DESTINATION FOR CONFERENCES AND LARGE-SCALE BUSINESS EVENTS. AS THE LATEST STATISTICS OF UIA SHOW, THIS REPUTATION IS WELL EARNED. THE FACTS CLEARLY SHOW THAT AUSTRALIA IS NUMBER ONE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC AND WILL BE INTO THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. This great performance is not only limited to the Asia-Pacific market. ICCA consistently ranks Australia in the top 20 destinations for international association meetings, including congresses in industries from medical to manufacturing, agriculture to automotive, information technology and environment.

A lot of this success can be attributed to the efforts of the country’s meetings industry.

In the words of Julie Sheather, spokesperson for the Australian Associations Project, ‘over the past decade or so we’ve also built a strong reputation for our expertise in delivering events with modern facilities, transport and accommodation and world-renowned entertainment and dining experiences.’ But this is one country that does not rest on its laurels. Both government and industry are continuing to invest significantly in expanding and improving the infrastructure.

Julie Sheather outlined Australia’s strategic approach: ‘We make it easier for associations to deliver congress content which goes be-

HEADQUARTERS ASIA-PACIFIC 2

yond the ordinary by helping them access the innovation happening in Australia. We do not just look at associations business solely from an events perspective, but from a whole-ofcountry perspective. And by bringing our can-do attitude to the table, we are able to do more than ever before to help associations coming to Australia to maximise their delegates and the success of their events.’

She continues: ‘Australia is an ancient continent in the heart of the modern world, combining extraordinary landscapes and vast open spaces with cutting-edge centres of excellence in science, business, agriculture, the arts and education. Distance is not a barrier in Australia, it is an opportunity to explore new ideas and spaces. It is why Australia is a world leader in so many fields and it is the basis of our collaborative culture. This spirit enables our convention centres and bureaux to deliver whatever an association needs in terms of support, facilities, accommodation, transport, dining and experiences in a professional and friendly way.’

There are 16 one-stop convention bureaux located across Australia. Together with the country’s convention centres, they warmly invite you, associations, to choose Australia for your next event.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS The Aussie enterprising spirit is not the only thing that attracts associations to the world’s only island continent. These locations are further augmented by the continent’s remarkable sights and sounds, welcoming culture and well-established events expertise.

Whether in the heart of Australia’s vibrant

Australian War Memorial, Canberra

10 REASONS TO CHOOSE AUSTRALIA

Sydney

and cosmopolitan cities or within close proximity to world-famous natural wonders, such as Uluru or the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s conference venues are guaranteed to impress. Combined with a rich array of tourist attractions, exceptional wildlife and golden beaches, Australia offers a business events destination second to none.

Julie Sheather, working to bring associations to Australia:

‘We make it easier for associations to discover how the innovation happening in Australia can help them deliver events with content which goes beyond the ordinary’

These natural wonders have led to Australia becoming one of the most sustainable countries in the world. Australians understand the importance of protecting one of the world’s most fragile environments and have long been pioneers in sustainable practices, producing some of the world’s leading climate change experts. The business events industry takes pride in its corporate social responsibility credentials and the steps it takes to reduce

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

w waste, cut energy co consumption and offset ca carbon emissions to me meet the global climate ch change challenge.

Ma of Australia’s conMany ve vention and exhibition cen centres have achieved Gre Green Globe benchmark acc accreditation with the Me Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre bei being the first ‘6 Star Green Star’ convention centre in the world.

Australia was also one of the first countries to undertake a sustainability audit of its business events sector.

Over the next two years, Australian destinations will host thousands of the world’s leading thinkers, experts and innovators in fields as diverse as genealogy, mental illness, genetics, radiation physics, computer simulation and theology.

Great Barrie Reef, Queensland

+ A place of amazing natural beauty and people with a ‘can-do’ attitude. Anything is possible and nothing is too much trouble. + Australia’s national language is English, but as a multicultural nation Australians come from more than 230 countries and speak over 200 languages. + A well-established associations culture with support to access world-leaders across a range of fields including science, medicine, finance and mining. + Eight major international gateways, 40 international airlines and hundreds of daily international flights make it easy to transfer delegates to and from your event. + Whatever time of year you come to Australia, you are likely to find an area of the country where the climate is just right to suit your event. + World-class convention and exhibition centres located in the heart of major cities or alongside some of Australia’s iconic beach, desert and rainforest locations. + The security and comfort that comes from being the world’s most stable economy and among people who are experts in what they do. + Australia ranks highly in many international comparisons of national performance such as human development, quality of life, health care, life expectancy, public education, economic freedom and the protection of civil liberties and political rights. + The support of Tourism Australia and 16 convention bureaux and centres to attract extra delegates. + Hundreds of thousands of people come to Australia each year to do business. In the year to April 2010, 758,508 people nominated business as their primary reason for visiting.

Sounds of Silence event near Uluru, Northern Territory

> A U S T R A L I A’ S E X P E R T I S E

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT AUSTRALIA THERE IS MUCH MORE TO AUSTRALIA THAN ITS SPECTACULAR NATURAL BEAUTY, VIBRANT CULTURE AND EXCELLENT OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE. THE COUNTRY HAS A DISTINGUISHED TRACK RECORD OF HOSTING LARGE-SCALE EVENTS AND INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS, BACKED UP BY STATISTICS FROM BOTH THE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS AND CONVENTION ASSOCIATION (ICCA) AND THE UNION OF INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS (UIA).

AUSTRALIA HAS LONG BEEN KNOWN AS A GREAT PLACE TO MEET.

As one of the world’s leaders in business, science and medicine, Australia is already the natural venue of choice for many high profile conferences. In addition to being innovative in advanced manaufacturing, design, business, communication and the delivery of services, it also hosts a number of international exhibitions and trade shows every year, in a wide range of industries from medical to manufacturing, agribusiness to finance.

INNOVATION CLUSTERS Significant research infrastructure, a highlyskilled workforce, a can-do attitude and a varied and sophisticated customer base have cemented Australia’s leadership in many fields. They include:

+ Agribusiness: Australia’s agribusiness is globally renowned. Its competitiveness is being greatly advanced by exciting new, locally developed technologies - including intelligent transport and food packaging solutions, advanced farm management and breeding programs. + Finance: The world’s most resilient economy, Australia has around $1.3 billion in funds under management and one of the most sophisticated and liquid debt and equity markets. With the largest investment fund assets pool in Asia, and the fourth largest in the world, Australia’s financial service companies now have a truly global footprint. The industry is the fourth largest sector in the Australian economy. + Mining and resources: The Australian

minerals industry is an industry of considerable size and economic and social significance. The sector is in the top five producers of most of the world’s key minerals commodities, including the world’s leading producer of lead, bauxite and alumina, diamonds (by volume), ilmenite, rutile and zircon (and synthetic rutile) and tantalum.

It’s also the second largest producer of uranium, zinc and nickel, and is responsible for significant infrastructure development. + Biotechnology: Home of the bionic ear and the world’s first cancer vaccine, Australia’s biotechnology sector was recently ranked second in the world by the Economic Intelligence Unit, and first as a location for conducting clinical trials. Australian medical devices are world-renowned for their

AUSTRALIA’S FAST FACTS + Australia leads the world in the development and manufacture of mining equipment, technology and services. + Home of the bionic ear and the world’s first cancer vaccine, Australia’s biotechnology sector is among the most competitive in the world. + Australia’s $208 billion agribusiness sector feeds more than 60 million worldwide. + Australia boasts the world’s most resilient economy. + Australia is a world leader in smart grid technology to deliver intelligent energy, e-health and e-education. + Australia is sustainable par excellence: it’s the birthplace of the famous Earth Hour, the world’s largest global climate change initiative.

innovation, quality and diversity, with solid R&D links to the precision engineering industry. + Information Technology: Australia’s information and communication technologies (ICT) industry has a global reputation in a diverse range of specialties - including telecommunications, security, e-commerce, wireless networking, intelligent transport systems and digital content. It is also a world leader in the provision of government technology solutions, eLearning and IT services. + Manufacturing: The Australian reputation for innovation is reflected in its advancedmanufacturing industries, its fastest growing export sector. Australia gave the world the black box flight recorder, the ultrasound scanner, polymer banknotes and a host of innovations in renewable energies, medicine and more. Across all industries, the country is renowned for the design, safety and reliability of its products, and the ability to link in with Australia’s worldleading research and development sector.

In addition, Australia has a strong reputation as a location to conduct clinical trials.

It is ranked highly for the level of knowledge transfer between companies and universities and for the availability of R&D personnel.

As a country of early adopters, Australia is the ideal location for trials of new services and products, and Australians have quickly adapted to technical innovations including mobile phones, digital photography and electronic funds transfer.

MORE THAN JUST EVENTS The continued importance of the Asia-Pacific region as a source of world economic growth makes Australia a strategic location for business opportunities in Asia. The country is just a short flight away from the emerging professional classes - and growing delegate base in Asia. It is well placed to capitalise on growth in China and India. Its relative proximity to these two countries, combined with its already strong trade links, mean that Australia’s geographic location represents a significant asset.

Speaking about what Australia can offer associations, Julie Sheather clearly states that Australia’s ultimate goal is to promote the

many reasons why associations should meet here. She puts it like this: ‘we’re providing a ‘one-stop shop’ for associations in their initial consideration of Australia, facilitating their contact with bureaux and centres in the Australian destination right for them. That goes beyond choosing between an event in the Australia desert, tropical north Queensland or one of our major cities, to helping them identify where they can best explore new areas relevant to their association.

This might be the places where our worldleading agribusiness sector is based, where the equipment and technology being used in mines around the world is being developed or for a roundtable with our financial leaders who have made Australia the world’s most resilient economy.’

In other words, if you choose to come to Australia to organise your congress, convention or conference, it will be more than just an event. It will just make sense. The time is now, the timing perfect: Australia will provide a highly relevant, highly secure stage for any association event.

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> DESTINATIONS & INFRASTRUCTURE

Sydney Adelaide

AUSTRALIA’S UNIQUE DESTINATIONS AND BEST INFRASTRUCTURE: TAKE YOUR PICK! IT’S EASY TO SEE WHY ASSOCIATIONS THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN TO AUSTRALIA SHOULD AND WHY THOSE WHO HAVE SHOULD RETURN. THE COUNTRY’S DESTINATIONS ARE UNIQUE, WHILE ITS MEETINGS VENUES ARE AMONG THE BEST IN THE WORLD FOR TECHNOLOGY, CAPACITY AND SERVICE STANDARDS.

BRISBANE Positive and forward-thinking, generous and optimistic, Brisbane is Australia’s new world city, offering all the business essentials and firmly connected to global markets through world-class domestic and international airports. A boutique expansion of the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre will be completed in 2011 providing 18 additional meeting rooms and new event spaces including two tiered auditoria.

Brisbane

ADELAIDE Nestled between world-famous wine regions and beautiful white beaches, Adelaide is a vibrant city with a thriving restaurant scene and a year-round programme of exciting festivals and events. Convention organisers benefit from a well backed ambassador program connecting their events with areas of speciality and industry, whilst delegates can enjoy a hassle-free and compact city layout, moving from venue to venue free of transport costs.

Facts for the association planner + Delegate accommodation rooms: 7,127 + Adelaide Convention Centre: Exhibition space of 10,500 m2 Up to 25 meeting rooms Largest tiered theatre capacity: 2,350 + Key industry sectors: medical/health, science, defence, agribusiness and sustainable energy

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Facts for the association planner + Delegate accommodation rooms: 13,000 + Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre: Exhibition space of 20,000 m2 24 meeting rooms Largest tiered theatre capacity: 8,000 + Key industry sectors: information and communication technology, healthcare and life sciences, creative industries, mining technologies and services

CAIRNS Cairns offers balmy tropical weather and World Heritage listed natural attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef and the oldest tropical rainforests on earth, with easy access from Asia and Europe. It is a city which combines an effervescent and relaxed vibe with extensive meeting facilities, good infrastructure and a confident can-do attitude.

Facts for the association planner + Delegate accommodation rooms: 7,000 + Cairns Convention Centre: Exhibition space of 4,055 m2 22 meeting rooms Largest tiered theatre capacity: 5,000

+ Key industry sectors: agriculture, education and training, manufacturing, tropical medicine and marine science

CANBERRA Canberra is Australia’s national capital, centrally located between the main population centres of Sydney and Melbourne, and home to Australia’s federal government and national research institutions. Architecturally planned, it is a vibrant city with numerous cultural attractions set in an attractive natural environment. Canberra is well serviced by airlines and has extensive high-end accommodation.

Facts for the association planner + Delegate accommodation rooms: 5,067 + Canberra Convention Centre: Exhibition space of 2,400 m2 15 meeting rooms Largest tiered theatre capacity: 2,500 + Key industry sectors: government, health and medical research, environmental sustainability, defence and education

Cairns

> DESTINATIONS & INFRASTRUCTURE

Gold Coast

Canberra

DARWIN A beautiful tropical harbour city, Darwin offers the closest Australian gateway to Asia.

Both Darwin and the town of Alice Springs in Central Australia are in the Northern Territory, a region with a strong indigenous culture and a natural ‘outback’ environment reflecting the ancient soul of Australia.

Facts for the association planner + Delegate accommodation rooms: 7,386 + Darwin Convention Centre: Exhibition space of 4,020 m2, 12 meeting rooms Largest tiered theatre capacity: 1,500 + Key industry sectors: renewable energy, resources (oil, gas and minerals), indigenous and tropical health, rural and remote services and desert environments

Darwin

Melbourne

Perth

GOLD COAST

PERTH

A resort-style destination with year-round warm weather and a range of coastal attractions and activities, the Gold Coast allows delegates to recharge their batteries while attending their association meeting. The Gold Coast offers a wide variety of accommodation, entertainment, and food and beverage venues, all accessed via two international airports located on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane.

Perth and Western Australia offer business event delegates and organisers the chance to gain a fresh perspective with space to think, breathe and connect with miles of pristine beaches, forests and wildlife. A key gateway to Asia and the centre of Australia’s resources-driven growth for the past 10 years, Western Australia has a reputation for innovation and development associated with its dynamic, fast-growing location.

Facts for the association planner + Delegate accommodation rooms: 35,000 + Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre: Exhibition space of 10,000 m2 18 meeting rooms Largest tiered theatre capacity: 6,000 + Key industry sectors: education, environmental sustainability, health and medical research, creative industries, computer and information technology

Facts for the association planner + Delegate accommodation rooms: 8,247 + Perth Convention Exhibition Centre: Exhibition space of 16,554 m2 22 meeting rooms Largest tiered theatre capacity: 2,500 + Key industry sectors: mining and resources, professional services, manufacturing, agribusiness, health and medical research

MELBOURNE

SYDNEY

Modern and multicultural, Melbourne is an undisputed sports, cultural and culinary capital; a city with a European approach to style and a lifestyle that puts it in the fast lane. Melbourne has the first ‘6 Star Green Star’ environmentally rated convention centre in the world, extensive accommodation facilities and a comprehensive public transportation system.

As Australia’s largest city, cosmopolitan Sydney provides the headquarters for 60% of Australia’s top companies, as well as many Asia-Pacific regional offices. With the stunning harbour and fabulous Sydney Opera House as a backdrop to its professional stage, Sydney is an unbeatable combination of performance and quality of life all in one location.

Facts for the association planner + Delegate accommodation rooms: 24,462 + Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Exhibition space of 30,000 m2 52 meeting rooms Largest tiered theatre capacity: 5,541 + Key industry sectors: science and medical research, creative industries, design and technology, education and biotechnology

Facts for the association planner + Delegate accommodation rooms: 32,500 + Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre: Exhibition space 27,500 m2 31 meeting rooms Largest tiered theatre capacity: 3,500 + Key industry sectors: finance, information technology, mining and minerals, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing

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> CASE STUDIES

WHY THEY CHOSE AUSTRALIA THREE CASE STUDIES GIVEN AUSTRALIA’S WIDE RANGE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES, IT CAN HOST EVENTS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES. BELOW ARE THREE CASE STUDIES: A VERY LARGE CONVENTION, A BIG CONGRESS AND A SMALLER MEETING. But it was not just the convention. From 20 to 24 June, Sydney hosted 130 delegates, their partners and several translators for the meeting of the Lions Clubs International Board of Directors. Then from June 24 to 27, Sydney hosted 1,500 Lions delegates at a ‘mini convention’, a training session for district governors from 750 Lions Clubs districts around the world at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2010 20,000 delegates 20 June - 2 July 2010 Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (Darling Harbour precinct) Since 1917, Lions from across the globe have gathered annually at the international convention, an event that has become synonymous with the excitement of visiting new places and experiencing new cultures.

Lions also learn about other club and district projects, participate in the parade and elections, attend seminars and make personal connections with international leaders.

The 2010 Lions Clubs International Convention was hosted by Sydney from 28 June to 2 July. Highlights included a ‘welcome to country’ from Sydney’s traditional Indigenous owners. Macquarie Street, in the CBD, was closed for a day to host the spectacular Lions Club International Parade of Nations during which all delegates marched through the city accompanied by floats and bands. There were three plenary sessions - which filled Sydney Entertainment Centre to its 12,500 capacity motivational guest speakers and workshops, and an entertainment spectacular showcasing Australian culture.

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Delegates had a chance to visit the city’s iconic landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, or enjoy the cosmopolitan lifestyle, from fine dining on the harbour’s edge, bush walks to secluded bays and breathtaking views, sailing on the harbour, weekend markets in the historic Rocks precinct, or taking in a show at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

23RD WORLD’S POULTRY CONGRESS (WPC 2008) 2,300 delegates from 82 countries 30 June - 4 July 2008 Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Held every four years, World’s Poultry Congresses are the peak global poultry science and technology forums involving researchers, poultry industry personnel, government regulators, suppliers and poultry producers.

The program of the 2008 congress was relevant to the needs of the poultry industries globally, with the added challenge of incorporating five individual associations’ programs into one cohesive scientific and technical congress program.

Sydney Convention Centre

ASSOCIATIONS COMING TO AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA HAS ALREADY BEEN CONFIRMED AS THE LOCATION FOR HUNDREDS OF ASSOCIATION EVENTS IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS. THE FOLLOWING LIST CONTAINS JUST SOME OF THESE EVENTS OR YOU CAN SEE THEM ALL AT BUSINESSEVENTSAUSTRALIA.COM/ASSOCIATIONS 1st International Conference on Sustainable Gardening 4th International Social Role Valorization (SRV) Conference 6th World Environmental Education Congress 6th IVS General Meeting

> CASE STUDIES

This was the first time that a concurrent industry exhibition was organised by the host body in conjunction with the congress, and with 220 exhibitors it was the largest poultry trade exhibition ever held in Australia.

Many of the delegates were from developing countries, which necessitated an active and effective fund raising program to support the attendance of these participants. In promoting the Congress at International Meetings, there was also the obvious challenge of distance and this was countered by the strong appeal of the destination and by the successful marketing and information provided on pre and post touring packages.

Brisbane was chosen by the bid team in 2000 based on 15 criteria including conference and exhibition facilities of the venue, international access, accessibility and cost of accommodation, transport and traffic and climate.

The success of the Congress according to Congress Chair, Dr Bob Pym, was due to a number of factors including ‘a superb facility in BCEC, a relevant and broad based scientific and technical program, thought provoking,

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

challenging plenary sessions from keynote speakers, excellent oral and poster presentations, the inclusion of a number of concurrent affiliated meetings and the close involvement of poultry producers.’

ACD College Dinner in museum gardens

ACD 43RD ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING 733 delegates 16-19 May 2010 Darwin Convention Centre

End region of the Northern Territory. The Darwin Convention Centre showed why it is regarded as one of Australia’s leading venues - five days of plenary sessions, concurrent symposia, meetings and a trade exhibition of more than 84 booths.

The Territory influence was evident in all facets - from the conference theme, ‘Dermatology at the Frontier’, through to the creative indigenous-style artwork on the registration brochure, programme materials and awards ceremony. A cultural focus highlighted the conference social programme which included a walking tour of Darwin escorted by a local indigenous guide, a visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and an evening at the world-famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.

The College capitalised upon the Territory’s reputation as a destination renowned for beautiful artworks, and therefore chose the Darwin conference as a very relevant destination in which to launch their inaugural Annual Scientific Meeting Art Exhibition.

Last May, Australia’s Northern Territory welcomed the Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) and provided more than 700 dermatologists and medical practitioners from Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, USA and Europe with a chance to experience art, culture and the outback as the perfect complement to a sophisticated meeting.

An extensive conference and scientific meeting programme was matched by diverse social and touring activities designed to showcase the outstanding assets of the Top

12th International Conference on Language and Social Psychology 14th World Congress on Human Resources 16th ISRRT World Congress (Radiography) 19th Biennial Congress of the Association of Enterostomal Therapists 20th Congress of the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology (IACCP) 22nd International Conference on Atomic Physics (ICAP) 24th Annual Australasian Society for HIV Medicine Conference 26th Asia Pacific Academy of Opthalmology Congress 34th International Geological Congress ACTA International TESOL Conference Asian Psychological Association Conference (APsyA)

Darwin Convention Centre

AUSIMM International Uranium Conference International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists General Assembly of Intl Union of Geodesy & Geophysics (IUGG) IEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference International Congress on Innovations in Nursing International Cotton Genome Research Conference International Meeting of the Pacific Rim Ceramics Society Multiflo Sales & Technical Summit United Nation’s Youth Association (UNYA) / National Youth Conference World Buiatrics Congress

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> P RACT I CA L FACTS

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN TRAVELLING TO AUSTRALIA BELOW ARE A FEW FAST, PRACTICAL FACTS ABOUT AUSTRALIA. ONCE YOU’RE AWARE OF THEM, YOU WILL BE SET TO ENJOY A UNIQUE AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE, FROM START TO FINISH.

LANGUAGE Australia’s national language is English, but as a multicultural nation Australians come from more than 230 countries and speak over 200 languages.

you are likely to find an area of the country where the climate is just right to suit your event. For detailed information about the climate, consult the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website: bom.gov.au

AUSTRALIAN CURRENCY Australian currency ($A) is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents equals one dollar). The most common credit cards are accepted most places.

VISAS GETTING HERE Australia has eight major international gateways and is easily accessible from all parts of the world. There are over 40 international airlines flying to Australia and with hundreds of international flights arriving and departing every day, it is easy to transfer delegates to and from your event.

All visitors to Australia (except New Zealand citizens) require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). For more information, visit immi.gov.au. For business event organisers, the International Event Coordinator Network (IECN) is a valuable starting point. More information can be found at immi.gov.au/ visitors/iecn

GETTING AROUND

LIVEABILITY

Australia is one of the world’s most urbanised countries, with 70 per cent of the population living in our 10 largest cities, so you can get around easily by air, rail and road. Australia’s airlines provide extensive coverage allowing you to hop quickly between cities and sights.

Four of the World’s Top 10 Most Liveable Cities 2010 are in Australia according to a study by The Economist’s Business Intelligence Unit, which assesses which places around the world provide the best and the worst living conditions, ranking 140 global cities on 30 criteria covering stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructure.

CLIMATE Whatever time of year you come to Australia,

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MEETING IN AUSTRALIA Australia has all of the resources that associations need to stage successful events. Australia offers a ‘one-stop shop’ for associations in their initial consideration of Australia, helping identify the best locations to explore new areas relevant to their business needs, to access the government and industry support needed to help plan and to develop successful events, drive maximum delegate numbers and ensure everything goes smoothly from visas to partner programs.

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre T: +61 7 5504 4000 E: sales@gccec.com.au www.gccec.com.au

Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau T: +61 3 9693 3333 E: mcvb@mcvb.com.au www.mcvb.com.au

Business Events Australia

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

T: +61 417 885 215 E: associations@tourism.australia.com www.businessevents.australia.com

T: +61 3 9235 8000 E: enquiries@mcec.com.au www.mcec.com.au

Adelaide Convention Bureau

Northern Territory Convention Bureau

T: +61 8 8303 2333 E: sales@adelaideconvention.com.au www.adelaideconvention.com.au

T: +61 8 8999 3921 E: info@ntconventions.com.au www.ntconventions.com.au

Adelaide Convention Centre T: +61 8 8212 4099 E: sales@adelaidecc.com.au www.adelaidecc.com.au

Darwin Convention Centre T: +61 8 8923 9000 E: sales@darwinconvention.com.au www.darwinconvention.com.au

Brisbane Marketing T: + 61 7 3006 6200 E: conventionbureau@brisbanemarketing.com.au www.meetinbrisbane.com.au

Perth Convention Bureau T: +61 8 9218 2900 E: info@pcb.com.au www.pcb.com.au

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

Perth Convention Exhibition Centre

T: +61 7 3308 3000 E: enquiries@bcec.com.au www.bcec.com.au

T: +61 8 9228 0300 E: sales@pcec.com.au www.pcec.com.au

Cairns Convention Centre

Business Events Sydney

T: +61 7 4042 4200 E: sales@cairnsconvention.com.au www.cairnsconvention.com.au

T: +61 2 61 9331 4045 E: info@besydney.com.au www.businesseventssydney.com.au

Canberra Convention Bureau

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre

T: + 61 2 6247 7500 E: enquiry@canberraconvention.com.au www.canberraconvention.com.au

T: +61 2 9282 5000 E: info@scec.com.au www.scec.com.au

Gold Coast Convention Bureau T: +61 7 5592 2699 E: conventions@gctourism.com www.goldcoastconventions.com

Thanks to the John Curtin School of Medical Research ANU and the University of Queensland for images of leading Australian scientists.

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The Australian Association Project is a joint initiative between the Australian Government through Tourism Australia and Australia’s leading Convention Centres and Bureaux through the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) to provide Associations with the information, access and support they need to bring their events to Australia.

For further information, contact the Australia Associations Project T: +61 (0)417 885 215 E: associations@tourism.australia.com

businessevents.australia.com/associations