Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has released its Annual Financial Report, which shows that the company secured 18 meetings worth an estimated $70 million in direct expenditure to the New South Wales economy for the Financial Year 2020-2021.
Speaking at the company’s Annual General Meeting, Chair of the Board Bruce Baird recognised the resilience of the business events industry and looked to positive future prospects as both domestic and international markets reactivate.
“In 2020-21, BESydney secured new global and national meetings that will attract significant talent and direct expenditure to the State’s economy; and rescheduled 62 percent of meetings affected by COVID-19 into future years,” Baird said.
“We now have a pipeline of events for Sydney for 2022-2029 that includes 95 events, due to attract 127,000 delegates, staying 540,000 delegate days, worth an estimated $503 million in direct expenditure.
“Conditions were tough this year and winning these events – and delivering inspiring experiences for the delegates who attend them – requires a huge Team Sydney effort, now more than ever.”
BESydney chief executive officer Lyn Lewis-Smith highlighted the work done by the State of New South Wales and its residents, celebrating high vaccination rates and the country’s strong health system, which will ensure Sydney provides a safe and reliable destination for international event owners.
“In-person meetings are vital to personal and professional development, company culture, innovation, and business outcomes,” Lewis-Smith said.
“Moreover, the meetings we bring to Sydney promise to deliver significant strategic, economic and social impact for Sydney, New South Wales, and Australia, and as we look to 2022 and beyond, we are confident that the business events industry will play a major role in rebuilding the economy.
“This confidence is buoyed by the NSW Government’s recently announced tourism stimulus package – which includes $6 million in funding to support business events – and we have ambitious plans to build back best with the full support of government and industry.”
During the meeting, ICMS Australasia owner and managing director Emma Bowyer was elected as a member director to the BESydney Board for a three-year term.
Bowyer has worked extensively in the business events industry for almost 20 years, which has included managing some of Australia’s largest and most prestigious conferences; and winning Event of the Year on three separate occasions.
“I look forward to making a meaningful contribution to the BESydney vision and strategy as we work together in a post-pandemic environment,” Bowyer said.
“I’m keen to represent a diverse group of members and to utilise this collective effort to ensure Sydney’s profile is enhanced for the benefit of all stakeholders.”
