Sydney: your gateway to APAC growth
Why Sydney is the gateway to APAC growth for global associations
Sydney gives global associations a strategic base for growing membership, partnerships and professional networks across Asia-Pacific. With international connectivity, world-class business event infrastructure, leading research institutions and support from Business Events Sydney, the city helps associations connect regional members with global expertise.
“For many European associations, Asia-Pacific represents one of the most dynamic regions for professional and scientific growth,” says Jamie Ades, Association Director Europe at Business Events Sydney (BESydney). “Membership in many fields is expanding rapidly across the region, supported by investment in research, education and innovation.”
According to United Nations population data, Europe’s median age is around 43 years, and North America’s is about 39 years, compared with roughly 33 years across Asia and Oceania, creating a strong pipeline of early-career professionals.
Why is Asia-Pacific important for global associations?
Asia-Pacific is an important growth region for associations seeking to expand membership, engage early-career professionals and build new scientific and industry partnerships.
For many Asia-Pacific professionals, travelling to business events in Europe or America can be prohibitive. Hosting a global event in Sydney makes participation far more accessible, connecting regional members with the global community.
Sydney’s credibility as a global business events destination
Sydney is a top-tier destination for international business events. It combines world-class convention facilities, strong international transport connections and an experienced events ecosystem capable of delivering global congresses.
The city’s reputation as a centre of research, innovation and industry collaboration – supported by strong partnerships across academia, government and industry – provides a trusted environment for international organisations seeking stability, operational excellence and long-term collaboration.
“Sydney offers a strong combination of accessibility, global reputation and regional connectivity,” Ades says. “It provides a gateway to the broader Asia-Pacific region while offering the operational reliability and infrastructure expected from a major global congress destination.”
Jamie Ades
Associate Director - Europe (BESydney)
How does Sydney support international congresses?
Sydney has the infrastructure and professional events ecosystem required to deliver international association congresses. BESydney works with associations throughout the bid and delivery process, providing strategic insight, evidence-based data and introductions to local stakeholders.
“Sydney’s research institutions and industry sectors are highly engaged in international collaboration, which creates valuable opportunities for associations to develop strong scientific programmes and knowledge exchange,” Ades says.
BESydney also help associations identify funding pathways and strategic partnerships that strengthen bids and support programme development.
Through initiatives such as the Sydney Meetings Fund, eligible meetings with fewer than 600 delegates may be funded for up to $80 per participant. Larger events are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Connecting Europe and Asia-Pacific
For European associations seeking to strengthen engagement across Asia-Pacific, Sydney offers a platform for collaboration.
The city’s global outlook, renowned research institutions and active industry sectors create an environment where organisations can connect with regional experts and build partnerships.
“Associations that host congresses in Sydney often see long-term benefits, including increased membership from the Asia-Pacific region and stronger research collaborations with regional partners,” Ades says.
The Global Network of Women’s Shelters saw the 5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters, held in Sydney in 2025, strengthen connections between regional networks and international organisations. Post-event research found that more than 85 per cent of participants believed the conference helped foster new international partnerships and collaborative relationships.
Evidence from international congresses in Sydney
The impact of hosting in Sydney is evident in the scale and global reach of major association congresses delivered in the city.
The WONCA World Conference 2023, hosted at the International Convention Centre Sydney, welcomed 3,031 delegates from 98 countries, including 42 per cent international delegates. Similarly, the FDI World Dental Congress 2023 attracted 10,500 participants from 129 countries, alongside more than 150 exhibitors and 220 scientific sessions.
Associations report stronger collaboration across Asia-Pacific after hosting in Sydney.
The European-based International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI) held its 25th World Congress in Sydney in 2024, bringing together clinicians, researchers and policy leaders from across Europe and the region.
As one participant noted: “The biggest impact from my point of view from the 2024 conference was my collaboration with a colleague from Italy… The conference was a great opportunity for people in Australia to be exposed to what’s happening overseas.”
The congress also broadened engagement across Asia-Pacific, helping organisations connect with global institutions. A University of Technology Impact study noted, “The presence of representatives from the World Health Organization and other peak bodies… enabled many attendees and Australian organisations to build networks and connections with them.”
Early-career engagement also emerged as a key outcome, with scholarships and mentoring programmes supporting “encouragement of young researchers and attracting new talent”.
These outcomes demonstrate how hosting in Sydney can help European associations expand membership reach, develop regional partnerships and strengthen long-term engagement with Asia-Pacific professional communities.
A destination for long-term regional impacts
With BESydney’s expertise, funding pathways, local networks and strategic guidance, organisations gain the support they need to expand their presence and unlock new opportunities across the Asia Pacific region.
Connect with the BESydney team
to grow your regional impact and strengthen connections across Asia Pacific.
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