The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB), in partnership with Tourism Australia and Qantas, has announced it would offer one middle to senior level convention bureau staff member a cash grant of $5,500 and return international flights to undertake a proposed successful development project that brings benefit to their bureau and AACB members.

AACB CEO, Andrew Hiebl said, “The AACB is glad to be continuing this partnership in the professional recognition and encouragement of excellence in our industry”.

“Tourism Australia and Qantas both recognise the important role that convention bureau play in attracting business events to Australia and, therefore, see this scholarship as an investment in the future leadership of the industry,” he said.

Penny Lion, Executive General Manager Events at Tourism Australia, said, “Tourism Australia is proud to continue its long-standing sponsorship of the AACB Staff Scholarship program. It’s one of the many ways we support the development of our industry, and we know it will deliver benefits for Australia.”

Rob Harrison, Head of Agency Partnerships, Qantas, said, “Qantas is pleased to continue its support of a program that recognises excellence and a commitment to the business events sector. The scholarship will go towards delivering benefits for the business events industry and inbound tourism.”

Samantha Thompson from Gold Coast Business Events was last year’s winner, with a winning proposal based around the research, planning and implementation of a large-scale business events legacy strategy, focused on the Commonwealth Games 2018. Samantha intends to visit Scotland to gain greater insight into the Business Events Legacy Plans designed to leverage the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

As part of the scholarship requirements, Samantha will share her observations and lessons learned during the 28th AACB Annual Conference in 2017.