Six Brisbane-based business and research pioneers will receive up to $5,000 each to attend a leading international conference in their field and in turn, assist Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) to bid for Brisbane to host future business events. 

As Brisbane’s official convention bureau, BEDA and its partners secured 90 new business events in 2023-24, worth more than $100 million in future economic impact. 

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the grant was a fantastic way to promote Brisbane and attract international conferences to the city. 

“I would like to congratulate this year’s six recipients who have been selected to represent Brisbane in this year’s Trailblazer program,” Cr Schrinner said. 

“Harnessing their experience and expertise helps put a human face to the city and sell our incredible story to the world. 

“From MedTech to sustainability, research and tourism, Brisbane is leading in industries that matter, which makes us a natural choice for international business events and conferences. 

“Conferences alone inject millions into our economy every year, so it’s critical we do what we can to bring more of them here so that’s why the Trailblazer program is so important.” 

BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan said hosting major conferences showcased the city’s industry expertise and homegrown talent while also delivering substantial economic benefits.

“Brisbane has earned an impressive resume of prestigious global accolades that are helping to drive visitation, growth and investment in the region,” Mr Ryan said.

“Every business event we attract brings more visitors and global attention to our city, reinforcing our position as an international destination of choice.”

“For both business and leisure travellers, Brisbane’s connectivity, world-class accommodation and venues, and vibrant lifestyle precincts ensure an exceptional and ever-evolving delegate experience.”

Dr Bojana Spasojevic is an aviation lecturer and former Lord Mayor’s Convention Trailblazer Grant recipient. She was thrilled to attend an international conference and advocate for Brisbane to host the event in the future. 

“Being awarded a Lord Mayor’s Convention Trailblazer Grant was a definite career highlight and an invaluable opportunity for me to promote and extend my research into the economic value of the aviation sector,” Dr Spasojevic said.

“I’m humbled by the investment from BEDA, and it makes me even more committed to campaigning for the conference to be held in Brisbane in the coming years.”

This year’s successful recipients of the Lord Mayor’s Convention Trailblazer Grant are:

• The University of Queensland Associate Professor Emma Beckman, whose PhD research in Para Sport focuses on strategies to improve the lives of people with a disability through sports, physical activity and exercise.

• Dr Rocky Chen, a senior lecturer and ARC DECRA Fellow in the Data Science Discipline within the School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering at The University of Queensland, develops trustworthy data-mining solutions to improve predictions and recommendations. His current focus is on accessibility-aware hotel search systems and socially responsible AI that supports marginalised communities.

• Griffith University Associate Professor Martin Downes, an expert in health technology assessment, epidemiology and evidence-based medicine, has led a wide range of research projects into factors affecting mental health.

• Professor Shaun Gregory, Director of the QUT Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Director of the Cardiorespiratory Engineering and Technology Laboratory and Co-Director of the Artificial Heart Frontiers Program, is an innovator in cardiovascular engineering and medical devices.

• Neurologist Dr Alexander Lehn is a QUT Faculty of Health Associate Professor whose practice at Princess Alexandra (PA) and Mater hospitals focuses on functional neurological disorders (FND) through his direction of PA’s movement disorder service and deep brain stimulation service at both hospitals.

• Professor Gemma Sharp is the Founding Director for the international Consortium for Research in Eating Disorders (CoRe-ED) and, as such, leads a global movement of experts improving eating disorder research and care. 

Each recipient will receive a grant of up to $5,000 to attend their nominated event between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.