- New strategy launched to supercharge $1.7 billion business events industry
- Reinforces WA's status as a global hub for investment and strengthens the visitor economy
- Business events a key driver for the Cook Labor Government's priority to diversify the WA economy and create more local jobs for Western Australians
The Cook Labor Government has unveiled a new strategy to unlock even greater value from Western Australia's $1.7 billion business events sector and further drive tourism, trade, and investment across the State and create more local jobs for Western Australians.
The Western Australia Business Events Strategy 2026-2030 outlines a five-year plan to attract high-value national and international events that align with the State's priority sectors, economic strengths, and diversification objectives.
The Cook Labor Government partnered with Business Events Perth to develop the strategy, which will bolster Western Australia's reputation as a global destination for business, investment, and innovation, while encouraging the growth and dispersal of business events and delegates into regional WA.
Western Australia has a strong track record of securing priority business events, with Business Events Perth securing more than 350 national and international events in 2024-25 that will deliver close to $361 million in direct delegate expenditure for the State through to 2030.
In the last year, Western Australia has hosted a number of high-profile business events, including the 62nd Annual Australia-Japan Joint Business Conference, the Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference and Exhibition, and this week's Land Forces 2026 International Land Defence Exposition, which attracted more than 15,000 visitors to WA.
The newly launched strategy focuses on co-ordination between the WA Government, Business Events Perth, venues, accommodation providers, event organisers, airlines, and tourism operators to attract even more events and encourage delegates to stay longer and explore Western Australia further.
Business events are a major economic driver, acting as a front door for trade and investment opportunities, and generating millions of dollars for the State's economy. They provide a valuable platform to showcase Western Australia's sector strengths and bright minds to national and international audiences, putting the State at the centre of global thought leadership.
The importance of the sector is reflected in the 2026-27 WA State Budget, which includes an additional $10 million over two years for Business Events Perth to support delivery of this strategy.
Find out more at Business Events Strategy .
As stated by Premier and Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister Roger Cook:
"Business events are a $1.7 billion industry and showcase Western Australia and its strengths to national and international audiences, while also creating a space that encourages trade, investment, and knowledge exchange.
"Western Australia offers delegates an unparalleled combination of exceptional natural assets, premium tourism activities, and strategic geographic advantages which will provide delegates with a memorable, world-class, and authentic experience.
"The strategysets out a clear plan to secure the highest-value business events for our State.
"These events deliver far reaching benefits for our priority sectors and help diversify WA's economy and create more local jobs for Western Australians.
"Through this strategy, we are strengthening Western Australia's growing status as a global hub for business, innovation, and opportunity, creating lasting value for local business and jobs that extend beyond the tourism sector."
