Update from the General Manager
The past quarter has provided many reasons to be proud of the progress being made across BCEC, from recognition of our long-term commitment to responsible business practices to new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and connection.
Our recent achievement of EarthCheck Master Certification is a particularly significant milestone. Recognising 15 years of sustained commitment to environmental and social responsibility, the certification reflects the contribution of teams across the Centre and the way responsible practices have become embedded in our operations. BCEC was recognised for best practice across circular economy culture, cultural inclusion, continuous improvement, and staff awareness and training. This achievement reinforces our commitment to delivering events in a way that responds to the priorities of our clients, industry and wider community.
We are also pleased to celebrate Dr Chris McMillan, the inaugural recipient of the BCEC LSQ Bio-Innovation Bursary. Beyond identifying a worthy recipient, the bursary revealed the remarkable depth of talent emerging from Queensland’s research community. The quality of applications and breadth of ideas presented by finalists reinforced the strength of our state’s life sciences sector and the importance of creating stronger connections between research and industry. Supporting Dr McMillan and his work in RNA vaccine delivery using microarray patches reflects BCEC’s longstanding connection with the life sciences community and our belief in the value of investing in the people and ideas shaping the sector’s future.
This quarter has also demonstrated the many ways BCEC brings people together. Brisbane Pop-Up showcased the transformed Plaza Ballroom and the creative possibilities offered by its new ultra-wide LED screen, while the launch of the 2026/2027 Seasoned by Queensland Menu Planner celebrated the expertise of our culinary team and the exceptional local producers behind our menus.
Our role in supporting conventions that create lasting impact also continues. We were proud to welcome association leaders for AuSAE ACE 2026 and to support Brisbane’s successful bid to host the International Federation of Fertility Societies World Congress 2027. Expected to attract almost 3,000 delegates, the Congress will create an important global platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and discussion about the future of fertility care.
In this edition of the BCEC Brief, we share these stories alongside a snapshot of the entertainment and exhibitions ahead, and the colour and creativity Brisbane Festival has brought to the South Bank precinct.
My thanks go to Team BCEC for the professionalism, care and energy they bring to the Centre every day. I also thank our clients, partners and advocates for their continued support, and I look forward to welcoming you to BCEC soon.
Kym Guesdon
General Manager
BCEC awarded EarthCheck Master Certification
BCEC has been awarded EarthCheck Master Certification, recognising 15 years of sustained commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
A rigorous third-party assessment considered performance across operational systems, resource management, waste reduction and energy efficiency, alongside the Centre’s approach to cultural inclusion and the engagement and development of its employees. As EarthCheck’s highest certification level, Master status places BCEC among a select group of convention centres globally recognised for enduring leadership in responsible operations, organisational culture and decision-making.
Supported by the Centre’s Corporate Social Responsibility, BCEC continues to identify practical opportunities to strengthen its performance and build on the progress achieved to date. The recognition further strengthens BCEC’s position as a responsible venue operator and supports the delivery of events aligned with the environmental and social priorities of clients and the wider business events industry.
Bio Innovation Bursary Recipient Announced
Life Sciences Queensland has announced Dr Chris McMillan as the inaugural recipient of the BCEC LSQ Bio-Innovation Bursary, for his work focusing on advancing RNA vaccine delivery using microarray patches. Valued at up to $25,000, the bursary will provide flexible funding to accelerate the translation of research into practical outcomes.
Delivered in partnership with Life Sciences Queensland, the bursary recognises the important role emerging researchers play in maintaining Queensland’s position as a centre for life sciences innovation. The inaugural program attracted an exceptionally strong field of applicants from Queensland’s leading research institutions, highlighting both the depth of talent within the sector and the appetite for stronger industry collaboration. Following an independent review process, Dr McMillan was selected from five finalists whose proposals addressed some of the most significant opportunities in health, biotechnology and medical innovation.
The initiative builds on BCEC’s long-standing connection with Queensland’s research community and its role in hosting national and international life sciences conferences. Supporting Dr McMillan represents an investment in not only an individual researcher, but also in the expertise, partnerships and innovation that will continue to advance the sector.
Brisbane Pop-Up lights up the Plaza Ballroom
BCEC recently welcomed Brisbane’s business events community to the Plaza Ballroom for Brisbane Pop-Up, Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s annual industry networking event. The event brought the sector together in a vibrant setting, creating an opportunity to reconnect with industry colleagues and experience the recently transformed Plaza Ballroom in action.
Energy flowed through the room as colour, light and dynamic visuals created a setting that felt both immersive and distinctly connected to Brisbane. The atmosphere was created through the interplay of customisable dynamic lighting and expansive content across the new 24-metre ultra-wide LED screen, demonstrating the room’s ability to complement the purpose and identity of an event.
Beyond Brisbane Pop-Up, these capabilities open new creative possibilities for events of every style. Explore how different screen formats, visual content and lighting combinations can transform the Plaza Ballroom, creating an environment to each event and experience designed to capture attention.
Chef's in the spotlight for menu launch event
BCEC’s culinary team recently stepped into the spotlight for the launch of the 2026/2027 Seasoned by Queensland Menu Planner. The evening offered guests a first taste of the new menu, with live cooking and prep stations demonstrating the techniques and attention to detail behind key dishes.
The evening celebrated Queensland produce with local suppliers hosting dedicated stands giving guests the opportunity to engage directly with them. Woombye Cheese, Humpty Doo Barramundi and Urban Valley Mushrooms offered tastings of their specialised products and connected with guests to provide insight into their provenance and processes. The evening’s panel, hosted by Kylie Lang, extended the conversation as the suppliers joined Executive Chef Matthew Arnold and Executive Sous Chef Glen Bell to discuss the local produce, collaborations and expertise that continue to elevate event dining at the Centre.
The launch will return every two years, alternating with the Riverfire celebration to provide an annual client event focused on connection, Queensland flavours and BCEC hospitality.
Conferences driving impact
BCEC recently welcomed association professionals and industry leaders as Venue Partner for AuSAE ACE 2026 where the sector gathered to explore the challenges and opportunities influencing the future. BCEC was proud to present An Industry Conversation with Julius Solaris, providing attendees an international perspective on attracting tomorrow’s delegates and responding to changing expectations around events and membership.
Looking ahead, Brisbane has been announced as the host city for the International Federation of Fertility Societies World Congress 2027. The successful bid was led by the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand in partnership with IFFS, with support from BCEC, Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Tourism Australia.
Securing the Congress represents a significant win for Brisbane and is expected to contribute approximately $10.8 million to Queensland’s economy. Beyond its economic contribution, the event will provide a global platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Almost 3,000 clinicians, researchers and policymakers will explore the technology, science and social considerations influencing the future of fertility care, with a strong focus on global access and inclusion.
Event Snapshot
BCEC’s upcoming entertainment calendar will welcome a diverse line-up of stand-up comedy, live performances, thought-provoking speakers and major exhibitions. International comedy stars Aziz Ansari and Greg Davies will bring their acclaimed shows to BCEC, alongside Guy Montgomery’s live adaptation of Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee and the theatrical production The Italian Divorce. Audiences will also head from author and speaker Jay Shetty and evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, each bringing their ideas and perspectives to the stage.
The Great Hall will host a series of orchestral experiences, including ECLIPSE: Pink Floyd Orchestrated and Queensland Symphony Orchestra performances of The Music of Joe Hisaishi and How to Train Your Dragon in Concert.
Across the exhibition halls, The Fitstop Global Games will make its Brisbane debut, bringing fitness communities together for two days of competition. The season will also see the return of popular exhibitions, including Food & Hospitality Queensland, the Craft & Quilt Fair, Good Food & Wine Show, Brisbane Disability Expo, Supanova, The Oddities & Curiosities Expo and the Pregnancy, Babies & Children’s Expo.
Explore all events on BCEC’s What’s On webpage and sign up to our monthly What’s On newsletter to stay up to date.
Around the precinct
South Bank has come alive in September for Brisbane Festival, Australia’s largest international arts festival, returning with a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity and community. The program has brought together almost 2,000 artists across more than 750 performances, spanning theatre, music, dance, circus, public art and interactive experience. With more than 70 per cent of the program free to the public, the festival has created opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience the city’s cultural life from first light to after dark.
The annual Riverfire celebration once again illuminated the Brisbane skyline, bringing the community together for one of the city’s most anticipated events. Across the wider program, Festival Village has transformed South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt into a lively riverside destination, while major productions, international artists, world premieres and free installations have extended the festivities across Brisbane’s stages, streets and public spaces. With another week of activity still to come, audiences can continue to explore the diverse mix of free and ticketed experiences presented throughout the festival.
For more information, visit Brisbane Festival.
QAGOMA is celebrating 70 years of creativity and innovation with Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company, an exclusive-to-Brisbane exhibition presented in association with Brisbane Festival. The exhibition explores the creativity behind the Muppets, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth through hundreds of original objects, puppets, animatronics, costumes and screen material, while a world-first inclusion of the Great Hall set from Fraggle Rock: back to the Rock takes visitors behind the scenes of a working puppeteer’s film set.
Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of the Jim Henson Company is open now until April 2027, tickets are available to book via QAGOMA.
Media enquiries: Karyn Sutton, Communications and Marketing Manager
T: 07 3308 3022 M: +61 467 721 754 E: [email protected]
