BATTLE OF THE ICCA RANKINGS

SYDNEY and Melbourne are vying for the title of top Australian event city in the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2016 Country and City Ranking Report.

Based on the number of meetings per city, Sydney was ranked top in Australia at 41st place worldwide, tied with New York City with 61 meetings held during 2016.

Melbourne was close by at 44th place with 58 meetings.

Business Events Sydney ceo Lyn Lewis-Smith said,“With no purpose-built convention centre for the past three years, BESydney also deliberately adjusted its strategy to drive short-lead Asian incentive business to the city”.

Melbourne Convention Bureau ceo Karen Bolinger said Melbourne came out on top for delegate attendance in Australia.

“We strategically target events that are going to have the greatest benefit to the client and the city, whether that be legacy outcomes, trade and investment opportunities and importantly strong delegate attendance.”

Brisbane jumped up an impressive 17 positions to rank 76 in the world with 34 business events in 2016.

Brisbane Convention Bureau acting gm Juliet Alabaster said Brisbane also experienced a growth in delegate attendance.

“Our city welcomed almost 3,900 more delegates in 2016 to reach 16,719,” she said.

ICCA rankings apply to international association meetings with 50 or more delegates that occur regularly.