Business Events Tasmania launched a new program designed to secure more business events for the state of Tasmania. The Catalyst Program, launched by the Minister for Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, will provide the platform for Tasmanians to get involved in bidding for events.

Business Events Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Stuart Nettlefold said, “A Catalyst is something that initiates or causes an important event to happen. We know that there are many Tasmanians who attend business events around the country and internationally every year that could be hosted in Tasmania. We are asking those Tasmanians that know of a conference, corporate meeting, incentive, seminar or exhibition, currently held elsewhere, to initiate for that event to be hosted in Tasmania. By providing Business Events Tasmania with information on the event, the Business Development Team can then prepare a comprehensive bid to win that event for the state. We call these Catalysts Champions. Catalyst Program Champions can be involved in the bidding process if they wish to, or they can simply provide information or an introduction. The ultimate objective of this program is to win more business events, and the subsequent economic and social benefits, for Tasmania.”

The Catalyst Program has also enlisted a Patron, Charles Wooley, to be the international ‘face’ and chief ambassador for the program. “As a journalist, I have been around the world enough times to know that I live in one of the best parts of it.  Those of us who travel professionally should take a little time to share Tasmania with the wider world by becoming a Champion.  Don’t keep our island a secret.”

Business Events Tasmania CEO, Stuart Nettlefold, said that Charles Wooley was approached for the role of Patron because of his enthusiastic passion for Tasmania, his high profile locally, nationally and internationally, and his exposure to business leaders and decision makers. “A series of high profile Ambassadors are also being sought for each of the State’s key industries. I have approached twelve industry leaders in fields that Tasmania excels in, to become Ambassadors for this program and Tasmania in their industry or sector” said Mr. Nettlefold.

Ambassadors have been approached to represent Tasmania in Agriculture, Aquaculture, the Antarctic sector, Arts and Culture, Finance and Economics, Innovation, Maritime, Medical Research, Tourism and Events, Forestry, Sport and Recreation and Education.

In the 2009/10 financial year Business Events Tasmania won 106 bids for business events, representing nearly 25,000, valued at over $31 million dollars.

“This is up 56% on the year before and we intend to win even more business in 2010/11 – particularly with the help of local champions.”