Some examples of strategic wins have been the 2017 Australian International Education Conference, 2018 Berry Quest International, 2019 International Farm Management Association Conference, XXXVI Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research Delegates Meeting and Open Science Conference 2020, Interferry International Annual Conference 2020 and Asian Wave and Tidal Energy Conference 2020. Along with making a substantial direct economic contribution to the economy, these conferences allow Tasmania to attract global talent, international students, showcase its key industries and suppliers to the world, highlight its excellent research capabilities and cement its place as the gateway and research hub for the Antarctic. Tasmania is also growing its share of the lucrative Corporate and Incentive market segments. These events often stem outside of the city to incorporate innovative products such as Penicott Wilderness Tours, Willi Smith Apple Shed or Bangor Vineyard Shed – to name just a few. The advent of new hotel supply will also help grow this segment, particularly in the International market. However, looking to the future, Tasmania, and Hobart as the capital city, seriously needs to plan to keep its competitive edge by addressing conference infrastructure. Several capital and regional cities are investing substantially in new convention centres to woo business visitors to their locations. In 2015 BET led a pre-feasibility study with stakeholders for a dedicated convention centre in Hobart. The report estimated that with such a facility, business events could potentially contribute an additional $100 million per annum in visitor expenditure and around 40,000 extra visitors (excluding accompanying partners) to Tasmania within 10 years of the centre opening. It also recommended a full feasibility study to evaluate the actual capital expense, funding models and anticipated operating outcomes as the next step. BET successfully lobbied the State Government to undertake a comprehensive full feasibility study which is currently being done by KPMG and due for release later this year. The outcome of this report is still unknown and it could go either way as to whether a convention centre in Hobart is a feasible option. Regardless, the sector needs to be mindful that on-going investment is critical to ensure that Tasmania remains competitive and continues to serve the needs of the market in a dynamic manner. This also applies to the broader visitor economy and leisure market whereby new and or upgraded product is critical and just as importantly stays on ‘brand’ to Tasmania. Through continued investment, the support of major industry partners, ambassadors and stakeholders, and collaboration from our impressive and professional industry, Tasmania with its distinctive and popular brand will continue to stand out on both the national and international business events stage. Stuart Nettlefold has been the Chief Executive Officer of Business Events Tasmania since 2010. He finishes in the role at the end of May 2018 www.businesseventstasmania.com.au
June 2018 www.tha.asn.au
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