CELEBRATE A YEAR TO REMEMBER

AS ANOTHER hectic working year draws to a close, Brisbane’s top event planners say the city provides many options to celebrate 2012.

Bustling with innovation, industry, research and development, Brisbane offers a strong proposition for corporate events, networking and forging long-term relationships with clients and contacts.

Brisbane Marketing describes the ‘river city’ as a metropolis, with an influential foothold in the international community, from which ideas and industry are nurtured.

“It is a place for debates, discussions and discoveries; a place for world-class conferences, conventions and meetings,” says convention bureau director Annabel Sullivan.

Apart from the idyllic sub-tropical climate, Brisbane is favoured for its world-class infrastructure, affordable venues and short travel time between the airport and CBD.

“It is a city of skills and strengths in emerging knowledge-based industries and offers great access to international thoughtleaders, researchers and developers,” says Sullivan.

“Brisbane is also home to a great mix of recreational pursuits and easy day-trip options, ideally suited to partner programs and pre- and post-touring.”

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk believes the city continues to be an attractive place for business and pleasure activities.

“Jones Lang LaSalle’s New World of Cities report shows Brisbane is forecast to be the fastest-growing mature city in the world for the 2012-20 period,” he says.

“We are already very successful in bringing business conventions to Brisbane, but continue to work hard to bring more, particularly in the industries that are important to Brisbane.”

Quirk hopes to attract people from all over the world by hosting more major business, sporting and cultural events.

“Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle, outdoor dining and natural attractions such as the river and bay demonstrate the city’s unique advantages,” he says.

“I encourage all visitors to stay longer and enjoy what Brisbane has to offer.”

Bookings for end-of-year events should be made early as places at many of the city’s top venues are filling fast in the weeks prior to Christmas.

Many options for staff parties and celebrations are available.

Brisbane Business News has compiled details of some of southeast Queensland’s premier venues to assist in making choices for your event or staff function. To read the entire guide get your copy of the August issue of Brisbane Business News - out now at a newsagent near you.