The Asia-Pacific region is a
major growth area for global associations, and European-based organisations are
prioritising deeper engagement with the region
Expanding regional presence helps organisations grow membership, strengthen
global networks and unlock collaboration opportunities.
“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.
Bringing global associations
closer to APAC members
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 geography makes it a regional hub for
organisations seeking to strengthen engagement across Asia-Pacific while
maintaining strong links with Europe and other international markets.
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.”
Support that goes beyond hosting
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 helps 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 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 5th
World Conference of Women’s Shelters, held in Sydney in 2025, helped
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.
Proof in
practice: expanding global networks
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
at IMEX Frankfurt Hall 8 – F220
