BESydney to host inaugural International Advisory Board forum in Sydney

SYDNEY - Sydney and the Hunter Valley will be showcased to leading international business events representatives when Business Events Sydney (BESydney) welcomes members of its new International Advisory Board (IAB) to New South Wales (NSW).

BESydney’s IAB, which is being launched next week, will play a vital role in helping to cement the state’s position as a leading global location for international business events as the harbour city gears up for the much anticipated development of the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).

The IAB brings together leaders in business events and related fields from North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific to guide and consult BESydney on issues and opportunities facing both decision makers and destinations in a changing world.

Chief Executive Officer of BESydney, Lyn Lewis-Smith, comments “We are delighted to welcome nine of the 17 members of the IAB to this inaugural forum to our vibrant city. They will see first-hand how city-wide collaboration is keeping Sydney future-focused for business events.”

“We’re also looking forward to their unique perspectives and advice on the global marketplace for business events, and Sydney’s positioning for future success.”

The IAB will meet approximately every six months in Europe, North America or Sydney, and will be facilitated by leading international meetings consultant and ex-President of the Vancouver Convention Centre, Barbara Maple.

During her 10-year tenure with the Vancouver Convention Centre, Barbara oversaw a major redevelopment of the facility and she was subsequently engaged by the NSW Government in 2012 as a member of the advisory panel that assessed the tenders for the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP), which includes ICC Sydney.

Barbara comments, “This is a fantastic initiative by Sydney to establish a global advisory board in the lead up to the opening of ICC Sydney in 2017.”

“The leaders that BESydney has identified to form the IAB come from diverse backgrounds representing individual associations, industry groups and association management companies. It is a testament to Sydney that individuals of this calibre have agreed to join the panel.”

While in Sydney, IAB members will meet with key government and industry stakeholders to gain an insider’s view of the multi-million dollar infrastructure projects set to transform Australia’s global city, including ICC Sydney and Barangaroo South, and learn more about the economic strategy and priority sectors set to drive growth in NSW over the next 10 years.

Six of the international guests will also take part in a one-day tailored program in the Hunter Valley mirroring the activities that visiting international delegates often enjoy in the region, such as wine tasting at Tyrell’s Vineyard and Keith Tulloch Wine; fine food and wine at Bimbadgen Estate; and a golfing experience at The Vintage - all while enjoying the local hospitality of Chateau Elan.

Bringing together three international leaders who are at the forefront of meeting trends, issues and opportunities, BESydney is anticipating a morning of robust discussion, valuable insights, and a truly global perspective on the current international business events environment and what future success looks like.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews