Business Events Sydney (BESydney) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the 2023/2024 financial year, reporting impressive achievements and a robust forward events pipeline extending through 2030. Hosted at the Australian National Maritime Museum, the AGM highlighted BESydney’s critical role in strengthening Sydney’s visitor and knowledge economies, showcasing a successful year of impactful global and national events.

BESydney’s FY 2023/2024 achievements were significant, including 69 major meetings that attracted 51,000 delegates and generated an estimated $216 million in direct expenditure for New South Wales. Furthermore, 69 new business events were secured, expected to draw 61,000 delegates and contribute an additional $217 million. By June 30, 2024, BESydney confirmed a pipeline of 58 events through to 2030, projected to bring 101,000 delegates to Sydney and generate approximately $401 million in direct economic impact.

At the AGM, BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith, a prominent figure in the business events industry, announced her decision to step down in July 2025 after a distinguished 12-year tenure. Her departure marks the end of a remarkable period of leadership that elevated Sydney’s profile as a premier global events destination. Lyn expressed pride in BESydney’s contributions to the industry and conveyed confidence in the organization’s future under new leadership.

The AGM also underscored the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, including the New South Wales Government, the City of Sydney, and the academic community, which have been instrumental in BESydney’s achievements. Chair Professor Mary O’Kane AC commended the BESydney team and expressed gratitude to Lyn Lewis-Smith for her visionary leadership, acknowledging her impact on both the organization and the global business events landscape.

In addition to reporting financial performance, the AGM announced the ratification of new Board Member Nathan Cox, Vice President Operations NSW & ACT at Accor, and the appointment of Michael Magafa, Commercial Director APAC at Encore Event Technologies. These new appointments bring fresh perspectives and expertise to BESydney’s Board, replacing outgoing members Emma Bowyer of ICMS Australasia and Marcus Hannah of Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems.

Looking ahead, BESydney is poised to continue its growth trajectory with renewed government funding for FY 2025, reflecting the significance of business events to New South Wales’ visitor economy. With a strategic roadmap in place and a well-established legacy, BESydney is well-positioned to sustain its success and build on its reputation as a leading business events organization.

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