Perth, the state’s capital city, is one of Australia’s gateways to the world with connections to more than 110 destinations, and direct flights from major cities like Rome, Paris, Tokyo and Dubai.
Associations can be assured that their delegates will feel welcome in the city. Perth is a multicultural city with 40.5% of the population born overseas. It’s no wonder that both immigrants and international conferences are drawn to Perth. Recently ranked as the world’s 6th most liveable city, and with an average of 8 hours of sunshine daily, Perth has an undeniable appeal.
Aligning with strategic sectors
The city’s draw extends beyond good weather and a diverse population – associations are attracted to Perth’s acumen in a variety of industries. Business Events Perth (BE Perth), the official convention bureau of Western Australia, is sharply focused on working with conferences and events that align with the Western Australian (WA) Government’s economic development framework: “Diversify WA”.
Through Diversify WA, the government hopes to achieve their vision for “a strong and diversified economy developing secure, quality jobs through increased investment across a broad range of industries.” These sectors include the health and medical life sciences field, international education and energy sectors – in which WA excels.
When hosting events in WA, therefore, associations working within these arenas will have much to gain for both themselves and their host destination. By tapping into the local innovation ecosystem to create more unique and valuable programming, associations will be assisting WA in the development of these sectors on the global stage.
As Gareth Martin, CEO of BE Perth describes it, “Business Events in Western Australia extend their impact beyond leisure and the tourism industry. Business events foster not only direct economic growth but drive innovation, facilitate networking and promote cultural exchange. All of which support legacy projects and advance academic and research through global collaboration.”
Cultural Connections
Cultural sustainability is a core element of a holistic approach to sustainability and, in WA, fostering an exchange of cultures is top of mind. In 2021, backed by a $20 million Aboriginal Tourism Fund, WA launched a four-year plan with the goal of making Western Australia the country’s premier destination for authentic Aboriginal tourism.
The “Jina: Action Plan” is not merely an Aboriginal Tourism Strategy, it is an Action Plan with an accountable set of actions designed to drive tangible outcomes. Among the many paths towards achieving their goal, the Jina seeks to make Aboriginal tourism experiences an essential, fully-integrated, part of the mainstream tourism industry – promoting Aboriginal culture and connection to the country.
Associations hosting in WA can therefore expect unique and impactful experiences, with benefits that extend beyond tourism and leisure. Integrating Aboriginal tourism experiences into their event programming not only promotes the concept of global cooperation across cultures but will have a marked impact on event attendees.
When it comes to promotional activities, associations have the opportunity to collaborate with local Indigenous Peoples in several areas. BE Perth collaborates with groups like Nani Creative – an Indigenous-led creative agency – and Ngwarle Untye Art, producing corporate attire and art pieces for gifting, of which associations can also look to incorporate.
Supporting Sustainability
For BE Perth, environmental sustainability is equally integral to their operations. Their team partners with Gondwana Link to help protect existing bushland and restore critical gaps in natural habitats across 100km of south-western Australia – a place of distinct natural diversity.
Gareth Martin had this to say on the partnership: “We are proud to partner with Gondwana Link, one of the ‘Founding 50’ and the only Australian organisation recognised for the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030. Through this partnership, Business Events Perth makes a contribution per travelling international and national delegate to support restoration projects and opportunities for First Nations people in line with Gondwana Link’s vision.”
Impact Beyond Events
With Western Australia’s classic appeals, future-conscious approaches to sustainability and thought leadership in a variety of industries, the destination makes for an attractive option for associations looking to leave an impact that extends beyond tourism and leisure.
Get in touch with Business Events Perth at info@beperth.com to learn how their team can work collaboratively with yours to secure and deliver business events that drive tangible outcomes and long-lasting legacies.