Chief Executive Officer of Business Events Sydney (BESydney) Jon Hutchison, has said 2010 is destined to be a big year for business events in Sydney.

BE Sydney, supporting the 2010 launch of the Events NSW Master Events Calendar has marked the upcoming year as an attractive year for business events.

Hutchison said the Calendar showcases the wide variety of festivals, attractions, art, music, dance and theatre happening around the city.

Breakfast on the Bridge, part of the Crave Sydney festival is just one example of the types of events on the Events NSW Master Events Calendar.

“With something always happening in Sydney, business events can be planned to coincide with one of Sydney’s many festivals. This can allow for delegates to receive a break from proceedings and truly experience what Sydney has to offer,” said Hutchison.

“Whilst 2009 was a tough year for the tourism industry, BESydney exceeded its target by 27% and is well positioned to achieve 2010 targets. Our incentive business from Asia is rapidly growing with many groups confirmed for 2010, ranging from 200 to over 1000 delegates, largely from the insurance and pharmaceutical industries.

“Many companies are vigilant about travel budgets, however others are continuing to realise that face to face meetings are important for business, helping to drive growth by fostering collaboration, idea-sharing and generation, and employee retention,” said Hutchison.

BESydney has confirmed 43 business events for 2010, with 58,750 delegates expected to contribute an estimated $221 million to the local economy.

According to Hutchison the number of events in Sydney this year can attest to Sydney’s popularity as the premier destination for staging business events.

“Key business events include the 93rd Lions Clubs International Convention, with an expected 20,000 delegates and the 7th International Orthodontic Congress with an expected 6,000 delegates,” he said.