The world’s largest marine mammal conference will head to Perth in 2023, drawing in thousands of marine experts from around the world and injecting some $10 million into the local economy.
Business Events Perth worked alongside a dedicated local organising committee to secure the bid for the 25th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals.
The business event is expected to attract more than 2,000 members of the Society for Marine Mammals (SMM) to Western Australia over eight days, including pre- and post-touring to the regions.
Business Events Perth chief executive Gareth Martin said the event is a great win for the state.
“This is welcome news for Western Australia and comes at a crucial time for the local business events industry, which has been impacted significantly by the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
“We are proud to secure such a high-profile event for the state, and regional Western Australia will also benefit with many delegates dispersing to our regions to experience our marine mammals firsthand.”
Federal Minister for Tourism Simon Birmingham also welcomed the bid win.
“This conference will provide a boost to the local economy and give businesses confidence in the road ahead as the industry begins to rebuild from the impacts caused by coronavirus,” he said.
“Lucrative business events such as these require significant planning and by securing them now we are not only looking to the long-term recovery of our tourism industry but ensuring Australia is kept front of mind for decision makers as a world-class events destination.”
Perth’s bid was supported by Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program (BFP) and was successful against strong competing bids from China and Singapore.
Daniella Hanf, a member of the local organising committee, said the society is looking forward to welcoming colleagues to Western Australia in 2023.
“This is the first time that the conference will be held in Australia, providing a fantastic opportunity for local groups engaging in marine mammal science, conservation and management to to better connect with the international scientific community,” she said.
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