Brisbane Convention Centre to reopen from August – business recovery begins

Just as Melbourne begins its 6 week lock-down, Queensland Treasurer, the Hon. Cameron Dick has announced that  Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) will re-open in August 2020 following the approval by Queensland Health of its Site Specific COVID Safe Plan.

The Treasurer stated that the reopening of BCEC is a significant milestone for Queensland.

“As we unite and recover from the pandemic, it’s cause for celebration that we can welcome staff and visitors back to this outstanding venue”, the Treasurer said.

BCEC’s Plan is integrated with VenueShield, a new environmental hygiene protocol developed by BCEC’s parent group, ASM Global and rolled out at ASM Global’s 325 venues worldwide. VenueShield provides the most advanced hygienic safeguards and exceeds current regulations.

To develop the comprehensive new protocols, ASM Global engaged its in-house executive teams including BCEC and distilled the expertise from across its global network of venues spanning stadia, arenas, theatres, convention and exhibition centres, including the Asia Pacific region.

The Centre is planning to host its first events from August 2020, with the health and wellbeing of our clients, patrons and staff a top priority.

A newly developed BCEC Safe Event Guideline has been prepared and will assist clients in planning their events at the Centre and encompasses all the necessary health and hygiene safeguards, food safety measures and social distancing required under the current opening conditions.  The Guideline is designed to ensure the safe hosting of events, providing reassurance and confidence for the Centre’s patrons and staff.

BCEC General Manager, Bob O’Keeffe AM said: it is yet another sign of green shoots in the recovery of the Business Events industry.  “BCEC drives almost 70% of Brisbane’s business events room nights and we are looking forward to welcoming events back to the Centre and doing what we do best, attracting much sought-after and high yield business events to Brisbane and Queensland.”