Leadership Shifts at Business Events Sydney as it Reports Robust Growth

Lyn Lewis-Smith, the CEO of Business Events Sydney (BESydney), is not renewing her contract and will be stepping down in July.

“While leading this organization for more than a decade, I have always believed in this industry and the impact it has on the world,” said Lewis-Smith, who was appointed CEO in 2012.

Another well-known exec in Sydney’s business event community also recently retired. In August, Geoff Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney and group director of convention centers, ASM Global, stepped down. He opened the center in December 2016. Joining ASM Global in 1994 to open Cairns Convention Centre, in 2003 he moved to Brisbane to open Suncorp Stadium before moving on to ICC Sydney. 

Sixty-Nine Meetings Convene in Sydney

BESydney reports that it hosted 69 global and national meetings. Numbers were shared during its general meeting at the Australian National Maritime Museum. These events gathered 51,000 delegates generating an estimated $216 million.

As of June 30, 2024, BESydney reports securing 58 global and national business events encompassing 101,000 delegates and an estimated $401 million in direct expenditure.

This is up from the last reported numbers for 2022-2023. There were 57 global and national meetings that attracted 41,000 delegates. The estimated economic impact was $155 million.

The average spend per international association delegate per conference day was reported as $852. 

The trend of mixing work with pleasure is being felt in Sydney as well. Beyond the business event, attendees are extending their stay in Sydney an extra four days, reports BESydney.

The Sydney Meetings Fund has contributed to the city’s success. The fund covers on-the-ground expenses for small group meetings and incentives held in Sydney through December 31, 2025. Stipulations include a meeting size of at least 75 attendees. The fund will provide $40 per attendee. The event must be at least three nights and not yet confirmed. Applications close December 31, 2024.