12 May 2015 New setting to showcase Australia at IMEX Frankfurt Guests visiting the Australia stand at this year’s IMEX Frankfurt will not only gain greater insights into Australia’s world‐class appeal and capabilities in hosting business events, they will also get to experience the relaxed coastal feel of an Australian beach house ‐ without leaving the trade show floor. Tourism Australia’s brand new stand will bring Australia to Frankfurt, with a new design, new meeting areas, and a brand new hospitality space on an elevated, private second level. A 15 strong delegation representing Australia’s business events industry are joining Tourism Australia at IMEX Frankfurt to showcase the very best Australia has to offer in the conference, incentive and association markets. Australia successfully hosted key global events in 2014, including the 20th International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, the World Parks Congress in Sydney, and the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brisbane. 2015 will be another successful year, with confirmed events including the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention in Sydney, the 19th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association in Melbourne, and the Asia‐Pacific Autism Conference 2015 in Brisbane. According to recent research commissioned by Tourism Australia, Australia’s global reputation as a place to do business is an increasingly important factor when choosing it as a business events destination. Australia also performed strongly against other destinations on critical factors such as safety and security, as well as the quality of business event facilities, accommodation and local cuisine. “Australia is really leading the way when it comes to inspiring key influencers and decision makers, driven by the knowledge that the country can deliver outstanding and world‐class events regardless of the size.” said Penny Lion, General Manager Business Events Australia. “Our diverse business events destinations, together with state of the art facilities, excellent food and wine, clean natural environments, and track record in successful event delivery are just a few of the reasons Australia consistently ranks as a preferred business events destination,” said Penny Lion, General Manager Business Events Australia. “In addition, Australia is continuously innovating, with investment in key infrastructure and the ongoing development of products and experiences. To that end, we are proud to showcase some of the very best Australia has to offer at IMEX Frankfurt.” Of the 15 Australian business events industry partners joining Tourism Australia at IMEX Frankfurt there are seven destinations from across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns, Adelaide and the Gold Coast all of which represent an impressive range of products, services and experiences available in Australia. IMEX Frankfurt will highlight the latest news and business events offerings from:  Adelaide Convention Bureau  Adelaide Convention Centre  Arinex Pty Ltd  Brisbane Convention Bureau  Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre  Business Events Sydney  Cairns Convention Centre  Gold Coast Business Events  Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre  International Convention Centre Sydney  JCM Destination Australia & New Zealand  Melbourne Convention Bureau  Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre  Perth Convention Bureau  Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre ENDS For further information or interview requests please contact: Kim Moore Tourism Australia P: +61 2 9361 1306 E: [email protected] Kyra Washington FleishmanHillard P: +61 2 9025 9237 E: [email protected]