Key Moments
This year, the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre proudly celebrates 30 years of bringing people together, three decades of innovation, inspiration, connection, and unforgettable moments.
Through the years, the Centre has been at the heart of Brisbane’s cultural and economic story, welcoming world leaders, visionaries, and legendary performers who have shaped history. From royalty such as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Cambridge Prince William, to global icons like the Dalai Lama and Sir David Attenborough, to music legends including Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Ringo Starr, and The Wiggles, each moment has added to our rich legacy of celebration and impact.
Beyond the spotlight, BCEC has also been home to defining events, from the globally broadcast 2001 Goodwill Games to the 2014 G20 Leaders’ Summit and the largest post-pandemic international conference in the Asia-Pacific, the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. These milestones showcase the Centre’s lasting influence in shaping Brisbane’s story on the world stage.
This timeline honours the key moments, achievements, and people who have made the Centre what it is today. Step into the journey and discover the legacy that continues to bring Brisbane to life.
1996
The Brisbane International Motor Show roared to life, launching an annual tradition, and Brisbane is treated to pomp and ceremony with the first Military Tattoo.
1998
Lifeline Bookfest begins, creating an annual tradition. Today, it unites book lovers, offering thousands of titles while supporting a meaningful cause that continues to inspire.
1998
The first Children’s Christmas Party brought festive magic to young hearts, starting an annual tradition that continues to spread joy and brighten lives.
1999
Microsoft TechEd brought tech minds together to explore innovations, fostering knowledge-sharing and driving industry growth in a milestone event for the digital age.
2001
The Goodwill Games united 1,300 elite athletes. BCEC hosted 500 international journalists, transforming Exhibition Hall 4 into a broadcasting hub, reaching 1 billion viewers.
2001
Following the September 11 attacks, the Prime Minister shockingly cancels CHOGM during a Centre tour, just days before the highly anticipated October event.
2002
Equitana Asia Pacific transformed the Great Hall with 50 trailer loads of sawdust and sand, along with 800 horses and 100 cattle, delivering a world-class equestrian spectacle.
2003
The Golden Oldies Rugby World Festival Dinner set a record as Australia’s largest sit-down banquet, with 4,202 guests served fillet of beef in just 20 minutes.
2003
The Rotary International Convention united 15,000 delegates from 113 countries, featuring inspiring sessions and a dramatic moment with a horse galloping through the Great Hall.
2014
The G20 Leaders’ Summit brought 27 world leaders, eight global organisations, 4,000 delegates, and 2500 media representatives to Brisbane.
2022
The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction hosted 3,850 attendees, becoming the largest international conference post-COVID.
