BYRON BAY and Ballina businesses are joining Byron Shire Council and Destination NSW to relaunch Byron as a destination that can provide a world class experience for conferences of 200 plus delegates.
Funded under Destination NSW’s Regional Visitor Economy Fund, ‘Conferencing Byron’ is a collaborative project initiated by a core group of Byron visitor economy stakeholders to relaunch Byron as a destination capable of catering for conferences with 200-300 delegates.
The project aims to establish a connected network of businesses who service the growing conferencing market and to attract 10 new conferences to the Byron Shire over the next 18 months in key market categories; Medical Associations, Professional Services, and the business incentives market.
“This is an opportunity to attract a different type of visitor to the Shire,” Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson said.
“Visitors attending for conferences tend to bring partners and families, stay for longer periods, choose to shop locally, and take the time to explore our beautiful region beyond the Byron town centre itself.
“This project aligns very closely with Byron’s ‘Don’t Spoil Us, We’ll Spoil You’ brand and will attract a higher yielding visitor with a more balanced impact on our local community,” he said.
Heading up the Steering Committee for the project, Jane Laverty, Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator says, “establishing the Byron Business Event Bureau will provide conference organisers with the links to world class venues, accommodation and activities as well as experiences that can include leading local food producers, creatives and technology start ups.
“While the focus is on attracting key target markets, the benefits of this project will extend to pre and post-conferencing activities, local businesses and dispersal of visitors to other attractions throughout the Northern Rivers region,” she said.
Conferencing Byron received $120,000 in funding under Destination NSW’s Regional Visitor Economy Fund Program, which was matched dollar for dollar by industry contributions.
The funding partners of Conferencing Byron are:
- Destination NSW
- Byron Shire Council
- Elements of Byron
- Byron at Byron
- Byron Ballina Airport
- Flash Camp
Enquiries relating to Conferencing Byron can be directed to Byron Shire Council’s Economic Development & Tourism team 02 6626 7000 or to discuss how you can be part of the Byron Business Events Bureau supplier group please call the Project Manager, Jennifer Murphy on 0407 330 966.
I agree Jenny , getting people to Byron is not a problem. Conference rooms are not our biggest attraction. Why do we need more people when the current infrastructure and environment can’t cope.
This is sickening,
Byron is a special place,
Not to be raped and pillaged
for her brand name.
Enough is enough .
How can the Mayor
Let this happen ???
What a boring idea for Byron.