From classic authentic heritage to sleek contemporary modern, Brisbane offers an incredibly diverse range of event spaces for 300-plus. It’s not always easy to find the exact venue that fits between small conference and mega meeting, so here we've rounded up some impressive venue options to inspire ideas for your next Brisbane business event.
Walking through King George Square with Brisbane City Hall towering above you is memorable in itself. Take in the surrounds as you make your way through the grand foyer before entering the main auditorium and looking up at the incredible copper dome above. The classic and elegant features of Brisbane City Hall make for a glamorous and classy affair, and the venue’s history makes for some excellent talking points (see here).
Capacity: Cocktail 2000, banquet 800, cabaret 640, theatre 1178
It’s not every day you’re named World’s Best Convention Centre by the International Association of Congress Centres, and upon stepping inside the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre it’s easy to see why they’ve been awarded such a title. The 44 rooms cater from the tiny to the mammoth events, with the Sky Room and Terrace offering a pretty spectacular vantage point for a fireworks display.
Capacity: Cocktail 4000, banquet 3800, theatre 3958, classroom 1200
The industrial, creative vibe at the Brisbane Powerhouse is just plain cool. We recommend the Powerhouse Theatre for any lectures, seminars or conferences, but if you're planning something where networking and collaboration is involved, the Performance Lawn is for you. Here you can set up a marquee, and deck out the space as needed, complemented by the industrial backdrop of the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Capacity: Cocktail 500, banquet 400, theatre 525, classroom 320
History and classic racing moments are scattered throughout both racecourses. Racing began at Eagle Farm in 1865 and at Doomben in 1933, and its history has been well preserved. Be it for a business meeting or a classy night-time event, there will be a space suitable across the two racecourses.
Capacity: Cocktail 400, banquet 300, theatre 400
Not only does this venue cater to over 300 delegates but, as the name suggests, The Greek Club is your go-to for incredible corporate catering. It's no secret that the success of any event rides largely on the quality of the food, which is why The Greek Club features so prominently on our list. Spanakopita, haloumi, souvlaki - your delegates will be begging for a trip to the Greek Isles. Besides the food, the space is generous and versatile, making it easy to work your theme into the space. Opa!
Capacity: Cocktail 1400, banquet 800, cabaret 520, theatre 1200, classroom 500
With remarkable views of the Story Bridge and city skyline, and an impressive portfolio of event spaces, Howard Smith Wharves is Brisbane’s ultimate boutique venue for every kind of special event. The authentic heritage precinct features unique indoor event spaces and unrivalled options for outdoor events, from rooftop terraces, pop-up marquees and intimate private venues nestled amongst the cliffs.
Capacity:– Cocktail 2118, banquet 1000, cabaret 760, theatre 1120, classroom 520
Capacity: Cocktail 300
Go back to school for your next event at the Kurilpa Rooftop or Concourse at Brisbane State High School. The rooftop offers views that look back towards South Bank and the city that are a little different to a typical city view and are ideal for the bigger groups.
Capacity: Cocktail 1500, banquet 600, theatre 800
Inspiration is the flavour of the day at QAGOMA. Imagine dining among the art installations or sipping cocktails while overlooking what is arguably one of the prettiest views of the CBD. QAGOMA has a number of indoor and outdoor spaces that are suitable for both daytime and well into the night.
Capacity: Cocktail 1500, banquet 300
The Queensland Cricketers’ Club refurbishment has transformed the venue into a sleek and sophisticated space. Inside, the look and feel has been inspired by the art deco era, and outside the view of the iconic Gabba is unforgettable.
Capacity: Cocktail 900, banquet 470, cabaret 376, theatre 640
Queensland’s home of tennis, the Queensland Tennis Centre is host to the state’s largest annual tennis event, the Brisbane International. Pat Rafter Arena proudly stands as the centerpiece that is much more than a court that has welcomed the likes of Roger Federer and Serena Williams in recent years. Its location along a leafier section of the Brisbane River in Tennyson is like a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of the inner city that is only 15 minutes away.
Capacity: Cocktail 800, banquet 500, theatre 5500
The rich history of the site on which the Royal International Convention Centre stands is reflected in the warm design of the venue. The contemporary design is complemented by the preservation of the original hardwood timber and the industrial heritage façade. Royal ICC is now just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant and newly-transformed King St as well as the four-and-a-half star Rydges hotel.
Capacity: Cocktail 4000, banquet 2080, cabaret 1660, theatre 3175
Fancy a day on the course? Or a course that's a bit fancy? Lush rolling greens, exquisite catering options, city skyline views - we're asking ourselves, what doesn't this venue have?
You've gathered up your delegates at a golf course, so why not do things differently and organise a round of golf as a networking exercise that doubles as a means to get the creative juices flowing. It's also close to the city, with easy access for taxis and other transport options nearby.
Capacity: Banquet 380, cabaret 300, theatre 500
Location, location, location. Halfway between the CBD and Brisbane Airport, Brisbane Riverview Hotel offers conference facilities and rooms with a view. Here, the Hamilton Ballroom can host large cocktail or theatre-style events for 300+ guests, complete with the coveted complimentary parking onsite for guests.
Capacity: Cocktail 400, theatre 300
Gambaro Hotel oozes luxury, sophistication and style. Chandeliers hang above the elegant Josie’s Room, or take it one step further and use all of Level One for a large-scale event. There’s just 68 accommodation rooms, but guests who manage to nab one are the real winners here. Food-wise, choosing between Gambaro Seafood Restaurant and Black Hide Steakhouse is near impossible.
Capacity: Cocktail 600, banquet 450
After a $4 million facelift, the Hilton has never looked better with a bigger, bolder and better offering. The best part? Convenience: the Hilton has the event spaces, accommodation and Vintaged Bar and Grill all in the one building with the bustling Queen Street Mall shopping heart on the doorstep.
Capacity: Cocktail 1000, banquet 560, cabaret 440, theatre 800, classroom 450
Standing proudly on the highest point of the CBD, Hotel Grand Chancellor’s $17 million purpose-built conference centre is a state-of-the-art setting for any sleek business event. Each function room has been designed to take advantage of the natural light and scenery that the picturesque and often floral Roma Street Parkland provides.
Capacity: Cocktail 920, banquet 400, theatre 560, classroom 320
The Mercure Brisbane is welcoming from the moment of arrival. In the lobby, it’s all about Brisbane’s friendly reputation with a tropical garden centrepiece breathing life into the space. It’s springtime year-round in the Mercure Ballroom, where jacaranda-patterned carpet lines the floor. While we know Brisbane has some incredible laneways, the Mercure has taken it to the next level and created its own private laneway. Chelsea Lane has a retro-industrial design feel and the menus curated especially for this space are nutritious and delicious (yay) but also carbon neutral.
Capacity: Cocktail 600, banquet 560, cabaret 344, theatre 650, classroom 342, tiered 640
While it’s perfect for events with smaller numbers, the Novotel Brisbane can host up to 400 delegates cocktail-style in the light-filled Lawson Room. For delegates wishing to stay onsite, there are more than 290 rooms available. The Novotel is easily accessible if you’re arriving by Airtain…or any train for that matter, as Central Station is just across the road.
Capacity: Cocktail 400, theatre 350
Large CBD venue spaces are ideal because of the convenience they offer. Overlooking the beating heart of the city that is King George Square, the Pullman has a number of spaces that can accommodate larger groups across a variety of set-ups. After the formalities are over, guests can make their way to the top floor, where rooftop bar Sixteen Antlers pours a mean cocktail with unbeatable views.
Capacity: Cocktail 850, banquet 500, cabaret 400, theatre 730
Royal on the Park is one of Brisbane’s longest-standing hotels and upon entering the hotel, it’s not hard to see why it is something of an institution. Step inside and feel be transported to the Gatsby era as you experience the elegance of the hotel. With function rooms featuring names such as Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Ballroom really need no further explanation – their elegance is simply insinuated.
Capacity: Cocktail 800, banquet 420, theatre 700
The function spaces at Rydges South Bank offer state-of-the-art technology for the business side of things and South Bank’s cultural precinct is quite literally on the doorstep for fun at 5.01pm. Showcase the spectacular views of South Bank and Brisbane’s CBD from the Rooftop Level, or host a large sit-down meal in the Podium Room.
Capacity: Cocktail 600, banquet 380, cabaret 300, theatre 500
The Sofitel can host anywhere from 12 to 1100 delegates and with impressive function spaces such as the Grand Ballroom, they do it impressively. If staying onsite is a requirement for delegates, the Sofitel has more than 400 rooms, including the Opera Suite which has housed some of the biggest celebrities in the world in the past,
Capacity: Cocktail 1100, banquet 650, cabaret 500, theatre 1100, classroom 600
The Stamford Plaza Brisbane sits elegantly along the Brisbane River with spectacular city views to one side and the City Botanic Gardens on the other. Be it for a formal, black tie event in the Grand Ballroom or an outdoor event in the Riverfront Gardens with the city skyline sparkling in the background, the Stamford Plaza offers outstanding luxury facilities across its rooms and conference facilities.
Capacity: Cocktail 700, theatre 300
Take the world’s third-largest sand island, add a dash of sea breeze and multiply that by 260+ days of sunshine per year and voila, that is the Tangalooma Island Resort experience. Once the hard days’ work of conferencing is over, hand-feed wild dolphins at sunset before tucking into a reef and beef-style barbecue beside a bonfire on the beach.
How good does dinner on the beach sound? Like a dream, if we’re honest.
Capacity: Cocktail 300, banquet 300, theatre 300
It doesn’t get more elegant – or exclusive – than Tattersall’s Function Centre. There’s just 18 suites onsite, but the function rooms can accommodate up to 400 cocktail-style in the Grand Ballroom. This beautiful, historic venue offers elegant and classic spaces in Brisbane’s CBD.
Capacity: Cocktail 400, banquet 300, theatre 350
Taking design cues from Aussie flora and fauna, Queensland classics and the Brisbane River, the super trendy 312-room hotel is a playful nod to the city’s ‘Brisvegas’ nickname and laid-back vibe. Offering 312 stylish rooms and more than 1000 square metres of event space, the possibilities are seemingly endless for staging a memorable event.
Capacity: Cocktail 650, banquet 450, cabaret 360, theatre 750, classroom 525
Planning an event in Brisbane? Check out the Brisbane Event Planner for more information on Brisbane venues, accommodation and services, all in one place.