Throughout the network of destination bureaux, Australia has secured 366 international business events for the future, representing 1,791 event days, 1,249,027 delegate days and an estimated $743.5 million in delegate spend, according to new data from the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA).

The findings, released today in ABEA’s International Forward Calendar 2026, show a strong pipeline of high-value international events, but also highlight a growing risk to Australia’s future competitiveness as major global destinations ramp up financial support to win business events.

The report shows 67% of confirmed upcoming association conferences include a trade and exhibition component, underlining the broader commercial value these events bring through business connections, knowledge exchange, investment opportunities and industry growth. Healthcare and Social Assistance leads the pipeline, followed by Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.

Melissa Brown, CEO, Australian Business Events Association, said the results prove international business events are not just good for tourism, they are a serious economic driver for Australia.

“Business events deliver high-value visitors, global connections and long-term economic impact. This is not just about filling hotel rooms. It is about attracting international decision-makers, investment, research collaboration and trade opportunities into Australia,” said Brown.

“Right now, the pipeline is strong. But future wins are getting harder. With our limited Business Events Bid Fund Program (BFP),delivered through Tourism Australia, other countries such as Canada, New Zealand and Singapore – real competitors to our market – are gaining ground. Their governments are backing this sector with stronger bid support, and Australia is at risk of losing events we should be winning.”

ABEA’s International Forward Calendar 2026 reveals that international delegates spend 59% more than leisure visitors. The BFPhas also delivered a 53:1 return on investment between 2018 and 2025, generating $1.38 billion in economic value from 205 successful events.

The BFPonly pays out when events are won and delivered, making it a performance-based investment rather than an upfront risk.

Brown said the data should send a clear message to policymakers.

“This Bid Fund Program is not a cost to government. It is an investment that only activates when Australia wins. It brings net new international revenue into the country and delivers returns well beyond the event itself.

“Importantly, government investment now delivers benefits down the track, because these events are won years in advance and their economic value flows later. This is not inflationary spending – it is a strategic investment in future export income, jobs and growth for Australia.

“We are talking about a sector that helps power knowledge exchange, showcases Australian capability, supports priority industries and drives real spending into cities, regions and supply chains.”

The report points to the broader value of international business events across sectors. Around 26% of the current international pipeline sits in healthcare and life sciences, helping connect Australian researchers, institutions and industry with global peers and opportunities.

It also warns that Australia is falling behind competing destinations that are increasing their bid support, while local opportunities are already being lost due to uncompetitive funding packages. One major city alone lost more than $26 million in economic impact from recent unsuccessful international bids, where insufficient financial support was cited as the key reason.

A successful engagement of the BFP is the International Astronautical Congress 2025 Sydney, which delivered an estimated $47 million in economic impact and attracted delegates from 99 countries after a four-year bid process, in which the Tourism Australia BFP was a key factor.

Brown said Australia cannot afford to take future business for granted.

“These events are won years in advance. If we do not have the right support settings in place now, we will feel the loss later, and not just directly by the business events industry, but for the thousands of smaller businesses who benefit from the hundreds of thousands of delegates to come to Australia and spend real money beyond the event they attend.

“The message from this report is simple. Australia can compete, and Australia can win, but only if we match ambition with investment.”

ABEA is continuing to advocate for increased BFP support and longer-term certainty to help Australia secure the next generation of high-impact international events.

“Our industry has an incredible offering that all Australians can benefit from. We just need a small amount of support to turn that investment into major returns. It is high time our influence and impact are recognised for the contribution we make,” said Brown.

Report available at: www.abea.org.au