In a rapidly evolving world marked by unprecedented disruptions and continuous change, the importance of promoting Australian research and innovation internationally has never been clearer. Business Events Sydney (BESydney), a leading not-for-profit organisation supported by the New South Wales (NSW) Government, is proactively engaging Sydney-based academics, researchers, and specialists to spearhead bids for hosting international association conferences in Sydney.
Global association conferences represent unique platforms that significantly enhance visibility for Australian researchers and innovators, creating lasting benefits for the host city, its academic community, and national innovation networks. According to BESydney, successfully hosting international academic events not only boosts Sydney’s global profile but also attracts investment, fosters international collaboration, and opens pathways for future educational and professional opportunities.
Empowering Local Academics to Become Global Leaders
BESydney has issued a call for Sydney’s brightest minds across academia and industry sectors to take the initiative and lead global conferences, directly contributing to Australia’s reputation as a hub of innovation and research excellence. Through its comprehensive ‘Be the Voice’ campaign, BESydney highlights stories of academic leaders who have successfully secured global conferences, encouraging others to follow suit.
Kristian Nicholls, BESydney’s Chief Client Officer, underscores the importance of empowering local academics to initiate international collaboration opportunities. Nicholls stated, “Academics are encouraged by their peers to host global conferences in Sydney but often lack the know-how to navigate the complex bidding processes. We provide dedicated support throughout the journey, making it easier for academic leaders to showcase their innovative work on an international stage.”
Strategic Support from NSW Government and BESydney
With strong backing from the NSW Government, BESydney offers extensive assistance to academic professionals embarking on the conference hosting process. This support includes funding opportunities for eligible international meetings hosting over 100 delegates, comprehensive strategic guidance, advocacy training, and tailored marketing expertise. BESydney’s experienced team specialises in connecting academic institutions with global associations, facilitating the delivery of successful, high-impact events.
The collaboration between BESydney and NSW’s academic institutions further leverages Sydney’s advanced infrastructure, manufacturing capabilities, and cutting-edge research facilities, making it an attractive destination for high-profile global events. According to official NSW Government resources, hosting international conferences significantly contributes to local economic growth, technological advancements, and enhanced global reputation for Australian research institutions.
Voices of Academic Leaders Championing Sydney
Prominent Sydney-based academics have already taken leadership roles in securing major international conferences, advocating for Sydney as a globally recognized academic and innovation centre.
Dr Cecelia Gzell, a renowned Radiation Oncologist at Icon Cancer Centre, serves as Chair for the Biennial Congress of the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS) scheduled for 2026. Dr Gzell emphasises the value of hosting such events locally: “Holding a congress in Sydney ensures Australasian delegates can present their work on a global stage, significantly enhancing their visibility and fostering international collaborative relationships.”
Similarly, Associate Professor Beena Ahmed from the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has actively taken prominent roles, including Program Chair for IEEE EMBC 2023 and General Co-Chair for Interspeech 2026. Professor Ahmed highlighted the profound impact these events have on academic visibility and cross-border collaboration, ultimately driving research excellence.
Professor Steven Faux AM, Rehabilitation and Pain Physician at St Vincent’s Hospital, has been instrumental as Scientific Program Chair for the World Congress of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM) scheduled for 2024. He emphasized the strategic importance of such global conferences in enhancing professional development, creating meaningful academic networks, and significantly elevating Sydney’s reputation in medical research.
Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu from the Robotics Institute at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), who is co-leading the bid for the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) in 2028, further underscores Sydney’s growing international stature as a research and technology hub. Professor Liu stated, “Hosting prestigious international events showcases Sydney’s technological strengths and accelerates opportunities for collaboration and innovation across global academic and industrial communities.”
Harnessing International Events to Drive Local and Global Impact
Hosting global academic conferences in Sydney provides tangible long-term benefits for the local and national research ecosystems. These events catalyse innovation, support economic growth through visitor expenditure and investment, and raise Australia’s profile as a leading destination for educational and professional excellence.
Official NSW Government data further validates the economic and social impact generated by international academic conferences, highlighting increased employment opportunities, enhanced knowledge exchange, and international recognition of Australia’s research capabilities.
BESydney’s active engagement with academia aligns closely with the NSW Government’s strategic objectives outlined in key policy documents, including “Global NSW” and “Future Economy 2030”, which emphasize positioning Sydney as a global hub for research, innovation, and investment.
BESydney’s Comprehensive Support Model
BESydney offers an extensive suite of support services to facilitate the entire conference lifecycle—from initial strategic bid preparation to event execution. Services include:
- Strategic and practical bid development assistance
- Tailored advocacy and networking support
- Marketing and promotional strategy planning
- Event logistics and operational management advice
- Funding and financial support for eligible conferences
This comprehensive assistance empowers local academics and industry specialists to confidently navigate the complexities of securing and hosting international conferences, maximising the global impact of their initiatives.
Join the Movement: Be the Voice
BESydney’s ongoing campaign, ‘Be the Voice,’ invites ambitious academics and researchers from Sydney to step forward as global leaders in their respective fields. Academic institutions and individuals interested in harnessing this opportunity are encouraged to engage with BESydney to explore how they can contribute to and benefit from hosting international academic and professional events.
Academics and specialists interested in leading global conferences can find additional information and express their interest through BESydney’s dedicated portal.
By facilitating these pivotal events, BESydney continues to position Sydney—and by extension, Australia—as a prime location for global knowledge exchange, innovation leadership, and collaborative growth, ensuring a vibrant future for the nation’s academic community and industries.
Image Credit: BESydney
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