Brisbane’s academics, researchers and industry professionals are being invited to apply for the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Convention Trailblazer Grant. The initiative supports local leaders in attracting international business events to the city.
Delivered by the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), the programme offers up to AUD$5,000 (excluding GST) for recipients to attend an international conference in their field. Funding can be used for registration and travel costs, helping applicants build global networks and promote Brisbane as a future host destination.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the programme is designed to strengthen local industries and create new opportunities for the city’s economy. “The Trailblazer Grant gives our city’s innovators the opportunity to connect on a global stage and advocate for Brisbane as the destination for their next world-class conference,” he said.
Since its launch in 2017, the Trailblazer programme has contributed to at least nine successful conference bids, generating an estimated AUD$10m economic impact.
Dr Bojana Spasojevic, an aviation lecturer at Griffith University and previous recipient, said the grant allowed her to attend an international research conference and later collaborate with BEDA on a bid to bring the event to Brisbane.
BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan said conventions play an important role in promoting Brisbane’s expertise and growing its visitor economy. “Brisbane is undergoing a historic infrastructure transformation, with more than AUD$100bn in major projects enhancing venues, transport connections, and lifestyle precincts,” he said.
In 2024-25, BEDA and partners secured a pipeline of 79 national and international business events, forecast to deliver more than AUD$77m in economic impact. Applications for the 2026 Trailblazer Grant close on 24 February 2026.
