Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) and The Star Brisbane joined forces to win the bid to host the Professional Conference Organisers Association Conference (PCOA24) which will take place from 1 to 3 December 2024.

Delegates will be among the first in the world to experience Queen’s Wharf – Brisbane’s new $3.6 billion entertainment and lifestyle precinct – with the conference being hosted at The Star Brisbane, in the heart of the new riverside precinct.

PCOA24 is expected to attract more than 400 professional conference organisers, in-house event planners, and meeting industry professionals to network, learn and collaborate.

BEDA General Manager Tourism, Business & Major Events, Lorelle Chittick said the conference was a chance to foster lasting partnerships and showcase Brisbane as a leading destination for global business events.

"We’re thrilled to have secured this win for Brisbane, and eager to showcase our beautiful city, including the transformative Queen's Wharf precinct, to influential event and conference organisers from across Australia and New Zealand” Ms Chittick said.

“Brisbane is a modern, connected and sustainable global city that is rapidly evolving and has so much on offer for event and conference organisers.

“Our acclaimed event facilities, hotels and world-class dining are backed up by new and unique tourism experiences and an enviable sub-tropical climate.

“Brisbane is a globally recognised innovation hub with strengths in science, technology, energy and sustainability, making it the perfect destination to host conferences across established and emerging sectors.

“As the city’s official convention bureau, BEDA will support the successful delivery of this conference to ensure a memorable experience for attendees, and leaving a lasting impression of Brisbane as a premier destination for future business events.”

The Star Brisbane Chief Operating Officer Hospitality, Kelvin Dodt said The Star Brisbane signalled a thrilling new era for events in Queensland and had already proved instrumental in attracting more industry-leading events to the region.

“Interest in The Star Brisbane and Queen’s Wharf event spaces has surpassed our expectations. We are incredibly proud to work with BEDA and PCOA to showcase the best of Brisbane to Australia’s top conference organisers, event planners and meeting industry professionals and help drive future business for the city,” said Mr Dodt.

President of the PCOA Barry Neame said the last time PCOA gathered in Brisbane was in 2016. PCOA24 would bring industry professionals back to this vibrant destination, rekindling the connection between the organisation and the city.

“PCOA24 is set to be a landmark event where attendees can look forward to fostering connections and driving business events forward,” Mr Neame said.

“The Star Brisbane and the entire Queen’s Wharf precinct will provide an ideal backdrop for PCOA24.”