PCEC forecasts increased revenue

A host of “hero” events, attracted in part by the development of new hotels and Elizabeth Quay, is set to drive significantly increased revenue into the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, with flow-on effects for the wider economy.

PCEC general manager Nigel Keen said the centre, ranked first in BNiQ’s list of convention centres based on banquet capacity, was anticipating a 28 per cent increase in revenue for confirmed business between January and June next year, compared with the previous corresponding period.

Mr Keen said events including the world’s biggest liquefied natural gas conference LNG 18 and several major international health conferences would have positive flow-on effects for Western Australia’s hospitality and tourism industries, and the wider economy.

“Conferences like these don’t just show up on our doorstep,” he said, noting the Perth Convention Bureau had worked hard to secure them, and had been assisted by new hotel and major infrastructure developments that were “truly changing the face of Perth.”

Almost 10,000 people are expected to visit Perth as part of upcoming major international and national events at the PCEC.

PCEC director of sales for association and not-for-profit sectors Tracy Baker, said the PCEC was not just attracting new “hero” events, with stalwarts such as the Australian Oil & Gas exhibition and Oz Comic Con, continuing to be booked.