Brisbane recorded a 30.5% year-on-year surge in business visitor nights in 2024, reaching a record 5.8m – the strongest performance on record, according to new Tourism Research Australia data.
The bumper growth comes as Brisbane prepares to host 89 major national and international conferences in 2025, secured by Brisbane Economic Development Agency (many in partnership with the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre). The events are forecast to attract more than 98,000 attendees and generate over 180,000 visitor nights, injecting $123 million into the local economy.
The line-up includes the World Angus Forum (7–8 May) and the EvokeAg conference (18–19 Feb), collectively bringing more than 2,600 agri-food leaders and innovators to the city. Brisbane will also host the International Conference on Microneedles, the Conference for the Organisation for Human Brain Mapping, and the International Mental Health Nursing Conference.
Tourism also features strongly on the calendar, with the Australian Tourism Exchange set to bring wholesalers and buyers from over 30 countries to experience Brisbane firsthand.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the city had everything 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,” he said.
BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan said the conferences showcased the strength of Brisbane’s economy and innovation. “Our health sector is set to grow 36% by 2031, powering innovation in vaccines, immunotherapy, medical robotics, pharmaceuticals and artificial organs,” he said. “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.”
Brisbane’s $11.3bn visitor economy is being buoyed by a business events programme that spans sectors including transport, education, technology, energy and tourism. The city’s largest event, the Brisbane Truck Show, is expected to attract over 40,000 delegates in 2025.
