Australia Next 2024

About Australia Next 2024

From 8 to 11 September 2024, Cairns/Gimuy in Tropical North Queensland hosted Australia Next 2024 (formerly known as Dreamtime), Business Events Australia’s premier incentive showcase.

As international buyers, media and Australian industry sellers gathered, the event highlighted Australia’s unique incentive offerings for programs, combining stunning natural settings, innovative infrastructure, and strong sustainability initiatives to captivate and inspire international business events decision-makers.

Australia Next plays a pivotal role in driving international business events, attracting delegates from key markets including Greater China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, North America, and the United Kingdom.

The Cairns/Gimuy advantage

Cairns/Gimuy’s combination of world-class event infrastructure, breathtaking natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, and a compact, easily accessible city layout, made it the perfect choice for Australia Next 2024.

With its cutting-edge facilities and eco-conscious design, the newly redeveloped Cairns Convention Centre provided a modern venue for the Business Session component. Located just a 10-minute drive from Cairns Airport and within walking distance of hotel accommodation and the marina, the Centre reinforces the city’s strategic location, and compact and accessible design.

Outside the conference space, the region’s diverse venues provided unique backdrops for off-site and networking events, highlighting their capabilities to deliver memorable experiences.

A program of unforgettable moments

The Australia Next 2024 program delivered two days of exceptional events, showcasing Tropical North Queensland’s unique venues, warm hospitality, and world-class event delivery capabilities for incentive programs.

The event officially kicked off with the Business Session at Cairns Convention Centre, hosted by Business Events Australia, which connected Australian industry sellers and international buyers through pre-scheduled appointments. The day concluded with a Welcome Event at The Sugar Shed at Yorkeys Knob Cane Farm, hosted by Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, in partnership with Tourism & Events Queensland. Set amid Tropical North Queensland’s sugarcane fields, the venue combined rustic charm and modern facilities, offering sugarcane cocktails and BBQ delights to create an unforgettable Queensland-inspired experience.

Day two began with a networking breakfast at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal. This beautifully restored heritage venue provided a historic yet elegant setting, boasting panoramic views of Trinity Inlet. Delegates went on to enjoy the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Showcase, experiencing firsthand the region’s unique and immersive tourism experiences. Highlights included a scenic helicopter adventure and private charter of the Reef Magic pontoon at the Great Barrier Reef; a scenic rail journey through World Heritage-listed rainforest into the village of Kuranda; getting up close to a koala at Rainforestation Nature Park; and quad bike riding through KUR-Cow Barnwell Farm, to name just a few.

The day concluded with the spectacular Australia Next Dinner at the Tanks Arts Centre, set in historic concrete tanks within the lush surrounds of Cairns Botanic Gardens. The venue’s distinctive blend of industrial history and tropical beauty provided an unforgettable setting, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

A commitment to sustainability

Business Events Australia via Australia Next 2024 reaffirmed its dedication to sustainability by once again achieving carbon-neutral certification through Climate Active, one of the most rigorous carbon-neutral certifications available. This certification reflects a robust commitment to reducing emissions wherever possible and offsetting the remainder by investing in impactful carbon offset projects.

Tourism Australia’s carbon offset investments included supporting land restoration and job creation through the Talisker project in Western Australia, and empowering communities and local landowners to protect their natural heritage via the Guatemalan Conservation Coast project.

As a farewell gift, Tourism Australia planted a tree on behalf of every Australia Next buyer and journalist via the Daintree Rainforest Restoration program and locally in Cairns, the event utilised electric buses throughout the program, showcasing a commitment to integrating sustainable practices at every level.

Survey results highlight event success

According to post-event survey results, Australia Next 2024 in Cairns/Gimuy was a success, with 100 per cent of buyers satisfied with the overall event and more likely to send travellers to Australia post their experience.

Cairns/Gimuy itself impressed, with 99 per cent of buyers satisfied with the destination’s capabilities for hosting business events. Additionally, the pre- and post-famil visits across Australia received 100 per cent participants satisfaction.

These outstanding results underscore the event’s effectiveness in showcasing Australia’s capabilities for hosting world-class events and incentives, reaffirming its position as a premier business events destination, and to drive demand for future incentive business.