Delivered by Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), the grant provides successful applicants with up to $5,000 (excluding GST) to attend a major international conference in their field and advocate for Brisbane as a future host city.

Grant funding can cover conference registration fees and travel expenses, giving local experts the opportunity to build global connections and pitch Brisbane for future conferences.

Heading into its eighth year, the program supports professionals working in science, health, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, technology and research to attract conferences that support local businesses and showcase Brisbane.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the program helped turn Brisbane’s global connections into local opportunities.

“This grant backs Brisbane's best and brightest to make connections overseas and then bring those opportunities home.

"Major conferences fill our hotels, restaurants and venues, support local jobs and bring new ideas and opportunities to Brisbane," Cr Schrinner said.

"Since 2017, our Trailblazers have helped secure at least twelve international conferences, generating an estimated $13 million for Brisbane’s economy.

“It also puts Brisbane researchers and businesses in the same room as global leaders in their field, opening doors to new partnerships, investment and ideas.

"If you are leading the way in your field, we want to back you to help bring the world’s best to Brisbane."

BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan said the program provided a unique opportunity for local experts to grow their international profile while making a lasting impact on Brisbane’s economy and reputation.

“Business events are one of the most effective ways to connect Brisbane's priority industries with international decision-makers, investors and collaborators,” Mr Ryan said.

“We encourage researchers, academics and industry professionals with strong international standing to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to expand their networks, raise their profiles, and create new opportunities for collaboration.

“Every conference secured for Brisbane creates opportunities to attract new knowledge, investment and talent, while giving local experts access to global insights and connections that can benefit their organisations and careers.”

Previous grant recipient and Director Queensland Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies, Dr. Emma Beckman said the grant opened doors to global networks and new professional opportunities.

"The Lord Mayor's Convention Trailblazer Grant has been an incredibly rewarding experience that extended well beyond attending an international conference,” Dr. Beckman said.

“It enabled me to build global connections, strengthen my industry profile, and create new opportunities for both my career and the sector.

“The support from the BEDA team was instrumental, providing expert guidance, advocacy, and connections that helped turn an idea into a strong international bid.

“The experience has highlighted the potential for bringing global expertise to Brisbane, fostering collaboration, creating lasting industry benefits, and further strengthening the city's reputation as a world-class destination for innovation and knowledge exchange."

Since launching in 2017, the Trailblazer program has helped build a strong pipeline of international event opportunities, directly contributing to at least twelve successful conference bids and generating an estimated $13 million in economic impact for Brisbane.

Eligible recipients will attend an international conference between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2028 and help position Brisbane as the host city for future international conferences and events.

For more information about the Lord Mayor’s Convention Trailblazer Grant visit Lord Mayor's Convention Trailblazer Grant | BEDA - Brisbane Economic Development Agency