Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has experienced a boom in conventions for the month of May, hosting 16 conventions during the month – the highest number held over a four-week period since before the pandemic, in 2019.

The majority of the conventions are related to key scientific, medical and healthcare sectors. Two of the conventions are international, with the remaining national and state events.

Among these was the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) Conference & Exhibition 2022, which saw the Centre welcome the largest gathering of the oil and gas industry in the Southern Hemisphere.

In total, BCEC will play host to 100 events during the month, welcoming an expected 43,000 patrons through the doors. A further 14 conferences are scheduled for June, along with five exhibitions and a host of corporate meetings and functions. These will include the hugely popular Lifeline Bookfest and Business Chicks Breakfast, and the high profile CEDA State Budget Address and the Ultimate Origin Lunch 2022.

“As the very first convention centre in Australia to reopen during COVID, we have had time to adapt and integrate efficiency measures into our operations, but there are still challenges and we need to remain flexible,” BCEC general manager Bob O’Keeffe AM said.

“Staffing across the industry remains a concern, but a major recruitment drive delivered very positive results and we are pleased to see many new staff members join our ASM Global family.”