Tasmania is a tiny state on the rise, with a recent surge of interest in Launceston and north Tassie this year so far.
Business Events Tasmania (BET) has recorded a jump of 23% in bid conversion this financial year alone, with BET’s chief executive officer Stuart Nettlefold saying it all comes down to quality.
“We’ve listened to previous feedback that has told us there is a lack of understanding of what Launceston can offer business events,” he said.
“So at the start of the 2014/15 financial year, and with the support of the Tasmanian State Government and local governments, we appointed a Business Development Manager. Misty Sanderson is based in, and specifically focused on, driving business into the region.”
“Having a physical presence in Launceston has provided us with the benefit of someone on the ground, pulling together all the great products and services on offer and presenting them in the best possible light for the destination. Someone that is experiencing the city and surrounding towns every day and aware of the latest activities and dining experiences to hit the market”
BET’s director of sales Claire Harrington has also been receiving extremely positive feedback from national PCOs and event planners in relation to northern Tasmania.
“It’s really great to see that PCOs are considering Launceston and the surrounding areas and we’re getting overwhelming feedback that they like what they see!” she said.
“Event Planners are loving the broad range of high end activities available, and things a little ‘out of the box’ that they can’t get in a bigger city. Everything they need is easily accessible and the region wholeheartedly supports hosting business events, to the point where venues, service providers, producers and even the city’s Mayor are happy to work cooperatively to put together delegate experiences a bit different to the norm.”
“Clients have fallen in love with Tasmania and having already held events in Hobart and southern Tasmania, they’re looking for new experiences – Launceston can give them just that.”
With some larger events including the Bioenergy Conference (Nov 2015), Australian Society for Infectious Diseases Annual Scientific Meeting (Mar 2016) and Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology National Conference (May 2016), more and more delegates are due to experience the charm and diversity that Launceston can provide.
“We’re confident that as knowledge of northern Tasmania, and the food and wine experiences, easily accessible and beautiful offsite venues, and a fully serviced airport increases, we will continue to see bid activity and secured events grow” Nettlefold said.
