Canberra is evolving as a business events destination at pace. The city was named second best city in the world for quality of life in the Oxford Economic Global Cities Report in 2024, and this translates into it being an exceptional place to visit and conduct business.

Delegates are always blown away by the choice of venues in Canberra. Whether it be National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, Australian Parliament House or Australian War Memorial, international exhibitions and Australian stories – both modern and dating back tens of thousands of years – are told.

In the next 12 months, the Australian War Memorial’s half-billion-dollar expansion will open its doors, telling powerful stories and presenting new event spaces for clients. A 5-star hotel by Crystalbrook with a rooftop pool and convention floor is also under construction in the heart of the city.

The national capital will soon be the new home for the Australian Centre for Disease Control and National Security Office Precinct, and both will deliver impressive local expertise and capabilities for business events in these fields.

Canberra has more restaurants per capita than anywhere else on mainland Australia. The popular Pialligo Estate is back open, and celebrated Aussie chefs are opening new restaurants to complement the energy our locals have created.

The biggest trend on the horizon is the opportunity for clients to give a little back when they host events in our city. Our new partnership with Hands Across Canberra creates a link for visiting organisations to engage with more than 300 local charities, blending corporate and association events with meaningful community contributions.

As the traditional custodians of the region, the Ngunnawal people, will tell you, Canberra means “meeting place”. By embracing our seasons and stories through the eyes of the nation’s capital, our progressive and innovative city is truly the meeting place of Australia.

Photo at top: iStock/Fritz.