Business Events Sydney (BESydney) closed out 2025 securing the greatest number of future events in a single calendar year in the company’s 55-year history. During this record-breaking year, the business events bidding specialists secured 81 business events that will attract around 59,000 delegates, staying a total of 253,000 days and generating more than AUD$252 million in future direct expenditure for Australia’s gateway city.
BESydney chief executive officer Amanda Lampe acknowledged her expert team and the organisation’s extraordinary public and private sector partnerships that contributed to the achievement. “We are going into 2026 with the best outlook for Sydney’s business events forward calendar in the company’s history,” Ms Lampe said.
These events act as a major stimulus for the New South Wales Government’s new Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, in which business events were recognised for the first time as a key driver of economic growth for the state. They benefit not only the visitor economy and employment across tourism and hospitality but also play a powerful role in driving innovation, trade, investment, and talent attraction across diverse sectors – from advanced manufacturing and AI to higher education and scientific research.
BESydney is focused on building on its record-breaking momentum in 2026. With the opening of the 24-hour Western Sydney International Airport and Sydney Airport’s expansion plans, the city’s global air connectivity is set to strengthen significantly. The growth in aviation links will be complemented by the arrival of several major hotel brands and a wide range of new visitor experiences coming online.
The organisation also plans to significantly increase its business development and marketing activities both locally and internationally throughout 2026. This includes a major new partnership with Tourism Australia to host its signature incentive showcase, Australia Next, in 2027. “Business events continue to be a powerhouse for Sydney – driving economic value while building global connections that strengthen the city’s reputation as a centre for innovation, talent and investment,” Ms Lampe added.
BESydney collaborates with international and local professional and scientific associations, event specialists, and government stakeholders to secure high-profile association conferences and corporate events for Sydney. A selection of last year’s successful bid wins includes:
International Labour and Employment Relations Association World Congress 2027, over five days, with 1,000 delegates and an estimated direct expenditure of AUD$4 million.
World Hydropower Congress 2027, over three days, with 700 delegates and an estimated direct expenditure of AUD$2.6 million.
Asia-Pacific Circular Hotspot 2026, over three days, with 400 delegates and an estimated direct expenditure of AUD$865,000.
IEEE World Congress on Services 2026, over four days, with 500 delegates and an estimated direct expenditure of AUD$2.8 million.
Allianz Life Indonesia Annual Agency Incentive 2026, over 1,000 delegates and an estimated direct expenditure of AUD$6 million.
The previous record year was 2019, when BESydney secured events that generated AUD$249.8 million in direct expenditure for New South Wales.