New data from Tourism Research Australia has found Brisbane’s business travel sector is soaring, with a record 5.8 million visitor nights to the year ending December 2024.
The 30 per cent increase to the previous year appears set to continue in 2025 with figures already confirming close to 100,000 people will attend Brisbane business events.
To date the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) has secured 95 business events for the city in 2025, many in collaboration with partners including the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
These events are forecast to inject more than $125 million into the local economy, fuelling the city’s $11.3 billion in annual visitor spending, while also highlighting the region’s thriving industries of agriculture, logistics, life sciences and tourism.
The homegrown Brisbane Truck Show returns in May 2025, with an anticipated attendance of more than 40,000 visitors. Also in 2025 will be the International Conference on Microneedles, the Conference for the Organisation for Human Brain Mapping, and the International Mental Health Nursing Conference.
Commenting on the strong local business events sector, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane had everything a business needed to create an exceptional delegate experience.
“Brisbane’s growing reputation as Australia’s most small business-friendly city and our unparalleled lifestyle makes us the perfect host for business events,” Cr Schrinner said.
“As well being a global leader in agriculture, health and tourism, must do destinations like Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank and Fish Lane are exciting drawcards for visitors to connect outside of business hours.”
Tourism features strongly on Brisbane’s business events calendar too, with the Australian Tourism Exchange, Australia’s largest annual tourism trade event, being held in late April. It brings travel wholesalers and operators from over 30 countries to experience the city firsthand.
BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan said Brisbane was home to some of the brightest minds and greatest innovations in agriculture, health and tourism, all major drivers of the city’s robust economy.
“Tourism is one of Brisbane’s most important industries, driving a record $11.3 billion in visitor spending,” Mr Ryan said.
“Our health sector is set to grow 36 per cent by 2031, powering innovation in vaccines, immunotherapy, medical robotics, pharmaceuticals, and artificial organs.
“Agriculture is also booming, supported by strong trade relationships with Asia, while our transport and logistics industry is growing faster than the national average, benefiting from one of the best freight networks in the country.
“These dynamic industries make our city a magnet for international conferences and the thousands of delegates who will stay, shop and dine in our city.”