Australian MICE leaders urge public private cohesion

MICE representatives from New South Wales (NSW) Australia have called for a cohesive public private development strategy in the global MICE industry.

The Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct is due for redevelopment.

Addressing international business and political delegates at the IMEX Politician’s Forum in Frankfurt last week, The Hon Nick Greiner AC, Chairman of Infrastructure NSW, said; “Business events as part of an aligned development strategy can benefit our economies, industries and communities. To maximise the impact of this, a whole-of-government approach is essential. We all need to be on the same page, focusing on the same goals. This is something we are championing in New South Wales.”

Lyn Lewis-Smith, chief executive officer of Business Events Sydney, added; “We have recent research that shows how business events deliver benefits beyond the tally of tourism receipts. They create opportunities for global networking, trade and investment, information exchange and innovation, all of which can contribute to increased productivity.

“These far-reaching and long-lasting benefits are valuable for the future growth and development of communities, regions and countries. We need to recognise and measure the impact of these other benefits as much as we need to measure the visitor economy impact.”

In a joint presentation, the pair upheld the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct as a PPP development model for the sector. The billion-dollar project is scheduled for completion in 2016 and is expected to be a “world-leading convention centre”. 

By Mark Elliott, 28 May 2012, Monday 8:27 AM