Sydney’s 13/14 results shine and BESydney board welcomes new directors

By Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia, 5 November, 2014

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has celebrated outstanding results in securing international events for New South Wales (NSW) during financial year 2013/14: the bureau secured 84 events, worth just over $200 million, and delivered 76 events that contributed almost $250 million to the economy. 

At the company’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), BESydney Chair, Col Hughes, said that sound business strategies and execution, along with strengthened city-wide connections, particularly with the NSW Government and corporate Sydney that came together to support bids such as Sibos 2018, enabled the company to achieve such strong results in a challenging environment.

“In such a competitive and increasingly crowded global market, finding leverage in our strengths and advantages – proving Sydney’s point of difference – is more important than ever. Collaboration has been key to our success. It’s in our DNA,” said Mr Hughes.

The bureau shared how its notable achievements over the past year helped to tackle challenges and embrace opportunities identified as important or unique to Sydney. This included the International Advisory Board (IAB) and Key Distribution Partner China Program, as well as the launch of the new Sydney Shines brand, release of a new study, Estimating inscope expenditure attributed to business events in New South Wales, and ranking in the world’s top 20 cities for business events by both ICCA and UIA.

The bureau also celebrated a number of industry awards wins including the DMAI inaugural Humanitarian Award for its leading Beyond Tourism Benefits research, the MEA Destination Marketing Organisation Award and Hall of Fame status, and the Prevue Visionary “Return On Experience” Pillar award.

BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said, “We’ve had so many wins to celebrate this year – it’s hard to pick a favourite. Hosting the 105th Rotary International Convention and its more than 19,000 participants – without a purpose-built convention centre – and, of course, winning Sibos for 2018 also top the list in what has certainly been a memorable year for the team.”

“We simply could not achieve what we have in isolation. We know that collaboration absolutely drives innovation and contributes directly to our results. The support that is behind events in Sydney – both government and corporate – grows daily. I think our focus on delivering strategic impact in our work – how we are helping to achieve broader economic and social objectives for NSW and Australia – drives our success.”

The AGM was also an occasion for BESydney members and strategic partners to elect two new Member Directors.  BESydney is delighted to welcome back Scott Boyes, Vice President Operations for NSW/ACT at Accor. Scott was elected outright at the AGM for a second term. The company is also pleased to welcome its newest board member, Helen Radic, Director of Sales and Marketing at Sydney Harbour Marriott Circular Quay. Helen was elected after a draw between two candidates for the second vacancy forced a re-vote for this board role. 

Both industry leaders are respected and will draw on their extensive knowledge to help ensure Sydney continues to be the place where the world chooses to connect, collaborate and innovate. 

Col Hughes, BESydney’s Chairman, welcomed Scott’s return to the board, highlighting his valuable contribution during his last term, particularly his role in fostering hotel collaboration in support of the Sibos 2018 bid.

Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney, congratulated Helen and Scott on behalf of the global BESydney team.

“We work with our strategic partners and members to champion Sydney and together we have delivered some exceptional results for the city. We look forward to working with both Scott and Helen as Member Directors,” said Ms Lewis-Smith.

 

Source: Business Events Sydney