AEG Ogden, a venue management company in the Asia Pacific with venues throughout Australia, Asia and the Middle East, has managed BCEC since its opening in 1995.
The Queensland Government has re-appointed AEG Ogden as managers of the award winning Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) for five year period from 1 July 2017, together with a five year option.
AEG Ogden, a venue management company in the Asia Pacific with venues throughout Australia, Asia and the Middle East, has managed BCEC since its opening in 1995.
The re-appointment of AEG Ogden as venue managers, acknowledges the effectiveness of the management of the Centre which this year was voted The World’s Best Convention Centre by the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC), in July 2016 confirming Queensland’s reputation as a world-class destination for globally recognised conferences and events.
Queensland’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Jackie Trad said, “It’s wonderful news that BCEC will again be in these capable hands. Since it was built on part of the former World Expo site, the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre has been a centrepiece venue for the people of Brisbane, Queensland – and in a very real sense, the world. BCEC continues to be a major contributor to boosting Queensland’s economy.”
During 21 years of successful and continuous operation, BCEC has hosted 18,000 events and 14 million guests delivering $3.87 billion in economic benefit to Queenslanders.
The Centre’s financial performance has been outstanding, funding operating and asset management costs from profits since opening, and continues with the Centre celebrating its biggest October ever this year. The October performance follows very strong monthly results delivering its best ever results for the first four months of a financial year during the Centre’s 21 year history.
In an increasingly competitive environment, BCEC is looking at strong future growth having secured 140 new conventions for Brisbane during the 2015/16 Financial Year with 1,400 future bookings right through to the year 2029 bringing more than 900,000 guests and an added economic benefit of $1billion.
AEG Ogden Chairman and CEO, Harvey Lister paid tribute to management and staff at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on securing a long-term extension to manage the venue.
“Bob O’Keeffe and his team have been committed to providing world-class and innovative service over many years, culminating in winning the most prestigious award possible in the highly competitive business events industry earlier this year.
“AEG Ogden’s reappointment as venue manager for a further 10 years is testament to their hard work and professionalism, and we look forward to working with all major stakeholders in ensuring Brisbane continues to attract events which in turn contribute significantly to the local economy,” Mr. Lister said.
BCEC General Manager, Bob O’Keeffe said key factors in the continued performance success of the Centre included the extended industry knowledge and expertise of its many loyal and long term staff, uncompromising focus on high standards of personal service and being able to create opportunities and innovate.
“The re-appointment of AEG Ogden as Managers heralds an exciting new era for the Centre, shaping a future BCEC and building on 21 years of experience excellence and culture of innovation with a strategic plan for growth to enhance our industry leadership.”
As the major driver of Business Events to Queensland, BCEC will continue to promote Brisbane and the South Bank Convention Precinct to the national and international business events market as part of its destination marketing activities.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
