1. Dubai Business Events (DBE) has reported a strong first half of 2017, with 97 bids being awarded to the city, as well as welcoming over 51,000 delegates. The convention bureau expected business events to the Middle Eastern city would have an economic impact of AED375 million (A$130 million).

2. The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) will welcome The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) to Sydney next month for a series of talks with industry and government.

3. The Adelaide Convention Centre has released a new online exhibitor service centre, designed to allow exhibitors to order services and resources offered by the venue. This includes audio-visual, stand catering, cleaning, wi-fi and telecommunications.

4. Melbourne has secured Victoria’s largest ever conference, having won the right to host the 2022 World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC 2022). The event will bring over 14,000 delegates from across the globe and generate more than $85 million in economic contribution for Victoria.

5. Sheraton on the Park Sydney is about to embark on a $40 million renovation of its Sheraton Club Lounge and 558 guest rooms.

6. Latest figures by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed int’l visitors entering Australia for conventions and conferences jumped by 9% based on a year-on-year comparison for the 12 months to Jun 2017. For the previous financial year to Jun, there was 219,700 arrivals in Australia for business events, compared to 202,400 in the 2015/16 financial year.

7. The NSW Government has announced plans to drive visitor growth in Western Sydney with the release of its Western Sydney Visitor Economy Strategy. As part of the proposal, money will go towards driving business events to the region.

8. The International Convention Centre (ICC Sydney) is claiming to be the first venue of its kind in Australia to launch a virtual reality (VR) video experience. It will assist conference organisers, event planners, delegates and travellers to get a feel of the venue as they go on an immersive trip in the centre.

9. Intercontinental Perth City Centre will open its doors on 15 Oct. The 16-storey hotel will have 240 rooms, a Club InterContinental, a collection of new dining and bar options and an event area.

10. Sofitel Darling Harbour has opened its doors, making it the first luxury hotel to be built on Aussie shores since 1999.