New strategy for business events growth in WA

The Western Australian Business Events Strategy 2026-2030 has been developed collaboratively by Tourism Western Australia and Business Events Perth, and is designed to sharpen the state’s focus on attracting high-value national and international business events.

The strategy will guide Western Australia’s approach to growing its business events sector and maximising the tourism and economic benefits it will deliver during the next five years.

It sets a vision “for Western Australia to be a world-class destination for vibrant and unique business events that inspire delegates to explore the state, underpinned by two goals: ‘Attract and Win’ and ‘Maximise Visitation’”.

The strategy’s five strategic pillars are “WA Awareness”, “Event Prioritisation”, “Optimise Venues”, “Enhance Events” and “Industry Capability”, with each to focus activity on building Western Australia’s global profile; attracting the right events; strengthening the state’s venue offering and industry capability; and creating experiences that encourage delegates to stay longer and explore more of Western Australia.

The strategy launch coincides with Business Events Perth reporting another strong period for the region, directly securing hundreds of national and international business events during the 2025-2026 financial year, which are scheduled to take place in Western Australia through to 2030.

These business events will generate $394.9 million in direct delegate expenditure, delivering more than 320,000 hotel room nights for Western Australia’s visitor economy.

Tourism Research Australia values total business events spend in Western Australia at more than $1.71 billion for 2025, and under the Business Events Strategy, the state “will leverage this impact and pursue flagship business events aligned with priority sectors”.

The strategy will also strengthen international relationships and marketing; support aviation connectivity; activate major events; promote regional dispersal; and build stronger partnerships across government, industry and academia.

“Western Australia has the industries, expertise and experiences to be a strong competitor for high-value business events,” says Western Australia Premier Roger Cook.

“The Business Events Strategy will attract the right events, growing visitation and showcasing Western Australia to national and international audiences, as well as attracting the decision makers driving increased trade and investment for our state.

“Business Events Perth’s 2025-2026 results show the strength of opportunity that lies within our business events sector, with hundreds of events secured through to 2030 expected to generate nearly $400 million in direct delegate expenditure for the state.”

The strategy aligns with the Western Australia Visitor Economy Strategy (WAVES) 2033 and will provide a coordinated framework for Tourism WA, Business Events Perth and industry to strengthen the state’s position in the national and international business events market.

“This strategy provides a clear framework for government and industry to strengthen Western Australia’s position in the global business events market and maximise the value these events deliver for the state,” says Bradley Woods, chair, Business Events Perth.

“Business events generate significant visitor expenditure, while also connecting our industries with national and global networks.

“They showcase Western Australia’s capability and investment opportunity while encouraging delegates to explore more of the state.”

Photo at top: iStock/delectus.

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