Welcome to our weekly wrap-up of MICE News, which covers meetings, incentives, conferences, and events across Australia and around the world. If you are in the MICE industry, this is what you need to know as our writers stay on top of the latest developments.
If you have any MICE news, please send it to kate@travelmonitor.com.au
Business events take the spotlight pre-Election
Business events professionals from across New Zealand are meeting in Christchurch the week before New Zealand’s General Election for the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) annual conference and The Bizzies awards.
BEIA Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins says this year’s conference on 27-29 October comes at a time when the country is evaluating its priorities, and when the business events sector is gaining profile as a strategic economic and intellectual asset for New Zealand.
“In the lead up to the election on 7 November, we will be talking about the vital role business events play in growing a more productive, innovative and internationally connected economy,” she says.
“Not only do we want to attract more events to our country and across our regions, we also want to attract events aligned with national priorities to maximise the value they create for New Zealand.”
Delegates will gain valuable insights into the latest economic forces shaping New Zealand’s business environment and what they mean for the business events sector. High-profile economist Brad Olsen, sponsored by Celebrity Speakers NZ, will update delegates on the current economic landscape and lead interactive discussions tailored for individual business organisations.
The Tasman unveils Lumina – A new luxury event space in Hobart
The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart has opened LUMINA, a new luxury event space in Parliament Square overlooking the city’s waterfront, extending the hotel’s hospitality and culinary offering into a dedicated venue for business events, incentive travel, weddings and private celebrations. Designed by fjcstudio, the architects behind The Tasman, the pillar-free space is built from cantilevered glulam beams manufactured from Tasmanian plantation oak, the largest weighing four tonnes, and can flex from 180 guests theatre style up to 220 for a standing cocktail event, with a separate pre-function space for up to 100 guests.
General Manager Carolyn Smith said “LUMINA marks an exciting new chapter for The Tasman and for Hobart’s events landscape,” noting the venue has already secured 40 events since enquiries opened last November, while Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff welcomed the private investment in Parliament Square and Business Events Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Marnie Craig said the addition strengthens the state’s position as a premium incentive and business events destination, pointing to corporate and incentive visitors spending an average $1,347 per delegate per day. LUMINA is now open and accepting event enquiries.
Australian franchise conferences choose Cairns
Six franchise conferences are being held in Cairns in 2026 attracting 3450 delegates to Tropical North Queensland, including the Body Fit Conference which has returned for the second year in a row.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) Partnerships and Events General Manager Tara Bennett said multiple franchises were choosing Cairns for their annual conference allowing busy franchise owners to combine Tropical North Queensland holiday with their business commitments.
“Since the National Franchise Convention for 360 was held at the Cairns Convention Centre in May 2024, attention has turned to our destination for its ability to deliver a world-class business event in an international destination,” she said.
“Cairns has attracted 13 franchise conferences bringing more than 6000 delegates who injected $27 million into the region.”
WTTC in Malta for Landmark Global Summit
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is set to bring more than 200 of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism CEOs and senior executives to Malta next month, as Valletta prepares to host the 26th WTTC Global Summit from 7–9 October 2026.
Momentum for the Summit continues to build, with the growing delegation reflecting the breadth and influence of WTTC’s global membership. WTTC’s annual Global Summit remains the premier gathering of Travel & Tourism CEOs and C-suite executives, providing a unique platform for private sector leaders, governments and international organisations to exchange ideas and shape the future of the sector.
The event will gather senior decision-makers from across the Travel & Tourism ecosystem, spanning hospitality, aviation, cruise, travel technology, financial services, destination investment and travel distribution. Their presence will offer Malta an unparalleled opportunity to showcase its tourism offering, business environment and investment potential to some of the sector’s most influential figures.
For senior executives looking to be part of this landmark gathering, WTTC is offering a limited number of Executive Access Passes to the 2026 Global Summit. For the first time, senior leaders from organisations outside the WTTC Membership community can join the world’s leading Travel & Tourism CEOs and government leaders in Valletta, with access to the full Summit agenda, exclusive networking opportunities and key social events. Executive Access Passes are limited and available now. Find out more and secure your Executive Access Pass
