A new expo, showcasing Queensland’s business events industry, has just been launched, Convene Queensland.
Convene Queensland (ConveneQ 2014) will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) on July 29 next year and is expected to attract exhibitors from throughout the state. Buyers will be sourced from the local market as well as from other parts of Queensland and Australia, and New Zealand.
While it will have its own distinctive Queensland character, ConveneQ will follow the successful formula of Convene events in Auckland and Christchurch.
Stu Freeman, director of exhibition organising company ProMag Publishing, says ConveneQ will host buyers from Sydney, Melbourne, North Queensland and other parts of Australia, The event will also host highly qualified meeting, conference and incentive organisers from New Zealand. All hosted buyers will commit to taking part in pre-scheduled appointments.
Buyers from South East Queensland will be able to choose a completely ‘free-flow’ approach or opt to pre-arrange one or more appointments.
ConveneQ will also include morning and afternoon tea and lunch, entertainment showcases, educational seminars and other networking functions.
Freeman says details will be confirmed in coming weeks and months. He says it was important to announce the show date just over a year out so that Queensland companies can budget and plan to take part.
“Initial research has revealed that there is definitely a demand for this expo. It will be a one day show, with an affordable entry level for exhibitors,”
Freeman said, adding the BCEC is an enthusiastic partner in the expo.
BCEC general manager, Bob O’Keeffe says it is always extremely pleasing to welcome a new event to Brisbane.
“Exhibitions are a powerful face to face sales and marketing medium and play a significant role in the lucrative Business Events sector. ConveneQ presents a great opportunity for Brisbane to showcase its appeal as a dynamic events destination.”
Freeman said that while this is a new event, suppliers to the conference, incentive and function sectors can be assured that we have a successful formula for a show of this kind.
“At the Convene event in Auckland this April, the average length of stay per visitor was more than three hours. So buyers are definitely there to do business.”
He says the Convene portfolio of events attract not only prfessional conference and incentive organisers but also corporate meeting planners, association executives, business travel managers, executive secretaries and PAs, and exhibition organisers.
“Anybody who organises an event – from the annual Christmas party or corporate team building event through to a national or international conference – will be encouraged to attend ConveneQ,” he added.
