WESTERN AUSTRALIA is stepping up efforts to attract tourism, trade and investment after a strong year for its business events sector, unveiling a new five-year strategy aimed at securing more high-value conferences and exhibitions.
The Western Australia Business Events Strategy 2026-2030 comes after Business Events Perth secured more than 350 national and international events in 2024-25, which are expected to generate almost A$361 million (about USD251.6m) in direct delegate expenditure for the state through to 2030.
The sector has been bolstered by a series of major conferences and exhibitions held over the past year, including the 62nd Australia-Japan Joint Business Conference, the Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference and Exhibition, and the Land Forces 2026 International Land Defence Exposition, which attracted more than 15,000 visitors to Western Australia.
State leaders developed the strategy in partnership with Business Events Perth as part of a broader push to position Western Australia as a destination for business, investment and innovation, while encouraging more delegates to extend their stay and explore regional parts of the state.
Western Australia’s Premier Roger Cook, who is also Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister, said business events played a central role in the state’s economic development.
Business events are a AUD$1.7 billion industry and showcase Western Australia and its strengths to national and international audiences, while also creating a space that encourages trade, investment, and knowledge exchange.”
The strategy involves government agencies, Business Events Perth, venues, hotels, airlines, tourism operators and event organisers to attract more national and international meetings, conferences and exhibitions.
Cook said the plan was focused on winning the highest-value events for the Western Australia. “The strategy sets out a clear plan to secure the highest-value business events for our state.
“These events deliver far reaching benefits for our priority sectors and help diversify WA’s economy and create more local jobs for Western Australians.”
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The importance of the sector has also been reflected in the state’s latest budget, which allocates an additional AUD$10 million over two years to Business Events Perth to help deliver the strategy.
Cook said the state’s appeal extended beyond its conference facilities, citing its tourism offering and location as key selling points for delegates.
“Western Australia offers delegates an unparalleled combination of exceptional natural assets, premium tourism activities, and strategic geographic advantages which will provide delegates with a memorable, world-class, and authentic experience.”
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He added that the strategy would help strengthen Western Australia’s position as a destination for business and innovation while delivering benefits across the wider economy.
“Through this strategy, we are strengthening Western Australia’s growing status as a global hub for business, innovation, and opportunity, creating lasting value for local business and jobs that extend beyond the tourism sector.”
Main image… Perth’s waterfront conference precinct is one of the features of Elizabeth Quay as Western Australia embarks on a five-year visitor strategy
