Queensland Convention Centres - "World's Best"

Queensland's two leading convention centres - the Cairns Convention Centre and the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre - have been named in the top three Congress Centres in the world in 2004, Premier Peter Beattie said.

Cairns was announced as the world's best Congress Centre while the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre was also in the final three.

"This is fantastic - especially knowing that the new $130 million Gold Coast Centre will be up there with them in the future," said the Premier.

"And all three are Smart State magnets bringing more investment and creating jobs right across the State."

The winner was announced at the annual General Assembly of the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) held in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Nominations for this prestigious Apex Award come from AIPC's 130 venue members from 49 countries.

"This world's-best success vindicates my Government's decision to back the convention and conference industry.

"They not only make a significant contribution to our tourist industry through current and return visits, but they lead to investment in other industries and add handsomely to more job creation," he said.

Both convention centres are Queensland Government owned venues.

The Cairns Convention Centre is managed by Queensland based venue management company Ogden IFC, while the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is managed by Convex Pty Ltd, of which Ogden IFC is a major shareholder.

Brisbane-based Ogden IFC is the largest venue management company in the southern hemisphere. Among other venues it manages are Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Telstra Stadium in Sydney and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The Apex Award is made annually on the basis of a comprehensive performance and customer satisfaction analysis carried out by an independent team from the University of Applied Sciences in Heilbronn, Germany.

The evaluation process ensures an objective analysis of data taken from surveys covering topics such as congress facilities, project management, catering and technology.  Surveys are completed by event organisers and meeting planners and provided in confidence directly to the evaluation team.

ENDS

6 August 2004

For More Information:

Geoff Donaghy
Managing Director
Cairns Convention Centre
Telephone: 07-4042 4200
Facsimile: 07-4052 1152
Email:  gdonaghy@cairnsconvention.com.au