The Queensland Government has launched a new funding program to attract business events to the sunshine state.

Announced on Wednesday (10 March, 2021) by Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, the National Business Events Program aims to help rebuild the business events and tourism industries in the wake of COVID-19.

“Business events and conferences are an important contributor to the economy of many Queensland tourist destinations,” said Hinchliffe.

“We also know business travel for conferences, conventions and corporate events has dropped significantly because of the pandemic.

“Our new National Business Events Program is designed to inspire Australian business organisations to switch off video conferencing and re-start face-to-face corporate and convention events in Queensland.”

Hinchliffe noted figures released by the Business Events Council of Australia, which estimates up to $35.7 billion to be lost to the Australian economy over 12 months, due to corporate events not taking place.

Is my event eligible for funding?

Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) will be coordinating the program, which will focus on national association or corporate events with more than 350 delegates.

Applicants can apply for funding between $17,500 and $95,000 based on $50 per persons attending a two-day event or $100 per persons attending an event with a minimum duration of three days.

Half of all delegates must live outside of the Local Government Area where the event is being held and stay for at least two days.

Funding is to be spent in Queensland to cover costs associated with the event venue, delegate accommodation and/or ground transfers.

Hinchliffe said the program will have flow on effects for the event destination and the state.

“Not only do corporate travellers generally spend more on business trips, they often bring the family back for a Queensland holiday experience,” he said.

“Kick-starting national corporate events in Queensland supports local tourism jobs and the state’s economic recovery.”

For more eligibility details or to apply for Queensland’s business events fund, click here.