Update from the General Manager
As we navigate an exciting and very busy 2025 with back-to-back major events throughout the calendar year, we are also taking time out to celebrate a key milestone for the Centre – 30 years of bringing world-class events to Brisbane and Queensland.
We have many valued stakeholders, partners and collaborators to thank who have contributed to this achievement, as well as our dedicated staff, who share this significant milestone. Planning for our 30th Birthday in June is already underway, so watch this space for further updates!
2025 is shaping up as an outstanding year with the Centre on track to host more than 1,000 events. An impressive line-up of high profile, impactful events are heading our way including the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) for 2,800 attendees and the Brisbane Truck Show, delivering an anticipated 40,000 visitors to the city. Events of this calibre have a high multiplier effect on the local economy, accelerating the Business Events supply chain and boosting local businesses including hotels, restaurants and transport.
As the Centre also prepares to welcome a strong line-up of 26 international conventions in 2025, the calibre of which directly reflects Brisbane’s extraordinary world-leading science and research skills, it is brilliant to see the involvement of a number of our Convention Advocates in this ground-breaking research.
We were excited and very proud to take out top honours at the inaugural Australian Business Events Awards in December, in conjunction with the International AIDS Society for Best Conference of the Year.
The 12th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2023) triggered real world policy change combining cutting-edge science, advocacy and art. The ‘Art Meets Science’ legacy activity introduced at the Brisbane Conference was repeated at the 2024 Conference in Munich and is set to be an ongoing legacy activity at future IAS conferences.
Once again BCEC had the pleasure of celebrating Christmas along with 480 adults and children from The Salvation Army’s community support services at a traditional Christmas lunch and we look forward to hosting The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Launch in May.
We are also grateful and privileged to continue our partnership in 2025 with Emmanuel City Mission, Queensland’s largest homeless shelter, with our culinary team cooking up a big breakfast in the last days before Christmas for the Mission’s many clients and lending a helping hand throughout the coming year.
It is a bumper year for exhibitions with the Centre set to host 50 exhibition events including Worldskills Australia National Championships & Skills Show, the biggest trades and skill competition in the country, said to attract a crowd of 10,000.
As a busy calendar unfolds, we look forward to welcoming our many local and loyal corporate clients who are the backbone of our corporate business and provide audiences with insights and updates on everything from the economy, the environment and the political landscape, to health and general information.
I look forward to welcoming you to the Centre in the weeks and months ahead.
BCEC Hosts World Flu Experts
During the last quarter of 2024, BCEC was honoured to host one of the world’s most influential conferences, OPTIONS XII for the Control of INFLUENZA, welcoming world leaders of the international influenza research community.
International speakers at the Conference included Professor Sir Jeremy Farrar, Chief Scientist for the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Professor Maria Zambon, World Chair of the International Society for Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses (ISIRV), host organisation for the event.
With Australia and Queensland global leaders in immunology, vaccine development and influenza, Professor Kirsty Short, from The University of Queensland (UQ), filled the role of Conference Chair.
A priority for Professor Short and the Committee was emphasising support for the next generation of women scientists at the Conference with the agenda including opportunities exposing young scientists to cutting edge science and meeting world leading researchers in the field.
As the only global scientific meeting with a dedicated focus on influenza, the Conference attracted strong national interest with BCEC and the University of Queensland (UQ) working with Conference organisers, in planning and developing a comprehensive media strategy for the event.
Meet the Team
A refreshed, strong Marketing Team is set to guide the ASM Global managed BCEC ahead of its 30th Birthday in June.
The move is part of the Centre’s foundational planning as an Olympic venue and city partner in maximising the opportunities of hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Karyn Sutton, an accomplished marketing and communications professional, with business development and local government experience, has been appointed Communications & Marketing Manager to lead the team into the future.
Centre General Manager, Kym Guesdon said she was delighted to welcome Karyn into the BCEC family. “I am confident Karyn will contribute greatly to the continuing success of the Centre, helping to accelerate the growth of Brisbane’s Business Events sector.”
Karyn says she is thrilled to be joining the BCEC team at a significant time in history with Brisbane and the Centre in the global spotlight in the lead-up to the Olympics. “Helping to tell the story of BCEC’s contribution is hugely exciting,” she said.
Around the Precinct
The South Bank cultural and lifestyle precinct, home to BCEC, has been buzzing with activity over the holiday period with a host of exciting happenings on the agenda in coming weeks.
Art enthusiasts have been flocking to visit the eleventh chapter of QAGOMA’s flagship Asia Pacific Triennial exhibition series, now showing at both Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. See the most exciting and innovative developments in contemporary art from around our culturally diverse region – the work of 70 artists, collectives and projects from more than 30 countries. It’s a must-see experience before the exhibition closes on April 27.
Come March, some of the world’s greatest minds will converge at the Queensland Museum to celebrate science, art and technology. The World Science Festival will take science out of the laboratory and into Brisbane’s streets, parks, museums, galleries and performing art venues.
BCEC joins the festival this year, hosting the Quantum Australian Conference 2025 with world-leading Quantum researchers, startups and big techs among the audience. 2025 marks 100 years since the foundational discoveries that gave a rise to Quantum.
The 10 day festival from March 21 – March 30, is expected to attract a crowd of more than one million, locals and visitors!
Business South Bank, considered the voice of the precinct, will hold its well-attended annual Leadership Breakfast at BCEC on March 19.
As one of the most popular events on the BSB calendar, the 2025 event is sure to be a sell out with the following line-up of guest panelists, former Queensland Premier Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk; founder of ePharmacy and Chemist Warehouse and Chair of Queensland Ballet, Brett Clark AM and CEO of Health and Wellbeing Queensland Adjunct Professor Dr Robyn Littlewood.
A Fresh Perspective on Dining
As BCEC embarks on another dynamic year, our Executive Chef, Matthew Arnold, and Executive Sous Chef, Damien McDermid, believe a great banqueting experience starts with passion, creativity and a commitment to excellence. They are focused on setting new benchmarks in culinary craftmanship and delivering premium dining experiences for our guests.
With decades of combined experience and a dedication to culinary leadership, they are driving the development of menus that reflect evolving dining trends, diversity and celebrating Queensland produce.
The year ahead will see an emphasis on options for catering, including bespoke menus and an expanded selection of choices catering to varied dietary needs. Matthew and Damien’s longstanding relationships with trusted local suppliers continue to ensure the finest seasonal ingredients, underscoring BCEC’s dedication to quality and sustainability.
Recent upgrades to our kitchens, completed during the Christmas period, have further enhanced our capabilities. New state-of-the-art equipment, advancements in recycling opportunities, food waste management practices and minimised packaging reinforce our focus on operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Driven by creativity and care, BCEC’s culinary team is excited to elevate the dining experience for your next event. Get ready to discover menus that are not only delicious, but also thoughtfully designed for a better future.
Community Wrap-Up
Led by the spirit of community, our team has been proud to contribute to a variety of impactful initiatives to support local charities, school engagement programs, fundraising and volunteering.
In November BCEC participated in the Movember initiative to raise awareness about men’s health issues and held a sausage sizzle fundraiser, raising $3,715 in donations. In addition, we welcomed our community partner EcoMarines for their annual Engagement Program and provided an opportunity for 800 students to meet with government representatives and industry experts to exchange ideas and learn more about environmental and marine conservation.
Team members volunteered at Emmanuel City Mission, Queensland’s largest homeless shelter, which serves more than 200 vulnerable people daily. From the early hours, our culinary team prepared and served a hearty breakfast, offering warmth and friendly conversation over coffee.
The incredible, community-funded work Emmanuel City Mission does to provide safety, connection and support is beyond measure and to further their mission, we proudly donated $10,000, raised through our Containers for Change QLD program.
BCEC hosted the Centre’s 14th Annual Salvation Army Christmas Lunch, welcoming over 480 children and adults who benefit from the organisation’s services in Brisbane and surrounding areas. The event was a joyous occasion filled with entertainment and a festive feast, made possible by the dedication of BCEC staff from all departments, and thanks to the generosity of Bidfood Australia Ltd, the children received goodie bags filled with toys, art supplies and tasty treats.
Lighting Up the Centre
Supporting the Centre’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and embracing new technologies to enhance client and guest experiences, we have recently embarked on a program of lighting transformation throughout the venue as part of the Centre’s ongoing lighting strategy.
The Centre’s popular Plaza Ballroom and iconic Great Hall have undergone a major lighting refurbishment, replacing original fixtures and dimmer controls with LED systems which can be programmed individually.
Project lead, BCEC’s Building Services Manager, Paul Alexander was instrumental in the development, design and delivery of the strategy which systematically replaces older generation lighting systems and fittings.
BCEC’s Bob O’Keeffe AM, General Manager at the time and now CEO, championed the project, kicking off its first stage in 2015 and has seen much change as more and more areas are updated. Bob attributes its success to Paul’s vision.
“Paul’s commitment to state-of-the-art technologies has resulted in a highly functional energy efficient lighting network. We’ve had sensational results with a number of large lighting projects as part of the strategy, enhancing our premium spaces as well as delivering daylight harvesting and significant energy reductions.”
3,600 lights were installed in the Great Hall and Plaza Ballroom over a period of just seven weeks, an extraordinary achievement. This followed work in the Centre’s Car Park, Exhibition Halls and Concourse.
The Centre worked closely with local designers and manufacturers to ensure the original light fittings could be reclaimed and recycled, embodying the Centre’s commitment to minimising waste sent to landfill.
A VIP Evening to Remember
BCEC proudly hosted a VIP dinner on the opening night of the PCO Association Conference, continuing our long-standing tradition of supporting the Professional Conference Organisers Association’s annual event.
Hosted by key members of our Sales and Events team, the dinner brought together 33 PCOs and in-house meetings managers, and was hosted on our stunning Sky Terrace, providing breathtaking views of Brisbane’s city skyline and the newly completed Queen’s Wharf precinct.
Guests included representatives from Tourism Australia, Tourism and Events Queensland, and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), making the evening a true celebration of collaboration across the industry.
Our menu showcased BCEC’s renowned Seasoned by Queensland philosophy, highlighting the very best of Queensland’s fresh, locally sourced produce. It was a night of meaningful connections, exceptional hospitality, and an opportunity to demonstrate why BCEC continues to lead the way in world-class event experiences.
Upcoming Events
As we prepare for a busy exhibition calendar, we are delighted to welcome a number of new exhibitions to the Centre, including Turf Games Fittest in the City, which kicked off in January along with the iconic and very popular Lifeline Bookfest.
We also welcome many of our favourite long-term exhibitions including The Brisbane Home Show with more than 190 exhibitors, 21st – 23rd February, and Gluten Free Expo 2025, 15th and 16th March and for the athletes among us – HYROX Brisbane for the second year, 1st and 2nd March. Also on the calendar, Brisbane’s Annual Wedding Expo, 16th March and Disability Connection Expo, 21st and 22nd March.
ON STAGE
For those who love showtime, the year kicked off with some incredible on-stage entertainment with a number of performances sold out, but many more on the calendar. To ensure you don’t miss out in future, sign up to our mailing list to be the first to find out what’s on at the Centre.
BCEC Precinct partner, Queensland Symphony Orchestra film + orchestra events:
- QSO presents Skyfall In Concert – Friday 4th April
- QSO presents Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsTM Part 2 In Concert – Saturday 5th April 1.30pm and 7.30pm performances
- Goo Goo Dolls (sold out) – Tuesday 25th February
- An Evening With Graham Norton (sold out two performances) – Thursday 13th and Friday 14th March
- Sarah Millican (sold out two performances) – Sunday 23rd and Monday 24th March
- Gabby’s Dollhouse Live (limited tickets) – Friday 28th March, 10am and Saturday 29th March 10.00am, 1.00pm and 4.00pm
- Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert (sold out) – Sunday 30th March
