The Visionary Program brings together respected Tasmanian leaders from sectors including education, technology, cyber security, energy, research and the creative industries. These leaders already operate in national and international networks where decisions are made about where conferences and events are held, and the program gives them the tools to advocate for Tasmania on a global stage.

While business events deliver strong visitor spend, their broader value lies in what happens before, during and after delegates leave. Like a reverse trade mission, conferences bring decision makers, researchers, investors and leaders to Tasmania. They promote Tasmanian ideas and innovation globally, support trade and investment connections, attract skilled workers and create powerful knowledge exchange between local and international experts.

In 2022–23 alone, Business Events Tasmania helped attract more than 23,500 interstate and international delegates, generating over $110 million in direct expenditure and supporting around 1,000 jobs across the state.

Business Events Tasmania CEO Marnie Craig said the Visionary Program builds on work already underway, while unlocking significantly greater potential.

 

“We are already working with a group of Visionaries who help attract major conferences and global attention to Tasmania,” Ms Craig said.

 

“With proper investment, this program is designed to grow that network substantially, creating hundreds of active ambassadors who can advocate for Tasmania in their own sectors and forums around the world.”

 

“Business events are often talked about in terms of hotel rooms and restaurants, and that matters.

 

“But their real power is in connecting Tasmania to global ideas, research, investment and talent. Conferences are where collaborations begin, where businesses form partnerships, where people sharpen their thinking and where many decide that Tasmania is a place they want to return to, invest in or build a future.”

 

One of the Tasmanians helping to put the state on the map is Theo Kapodistrias, an award-winning lawyer, speaker, and presentation skills coach whose work connects Tasmanian voices with national and global audiences.

As Executive Director and Curator of TEDxHobart, Theo has helped showcase local ideas worth spreading to the world, building a platform that highlights the depth of Tasmanian thinking, creativity and leadership.

Theo said conferences and forums play a critical role in shaping ideas, leadership and opportunity.

 

“Conferences are where people find the confidence to share ideas, test thinking and build meaningful connections,” Mr Kapodistrias said.

 

“They are also where Tasmania isn’t just as a destination, but as a place rich in talent, creativity and insight. When people encounter Tasmanian voices in these settings, it changes how they see the state and what they believe is possible here.”

 

Ms Craig said Tasmania’s scale and connectivity give it a unique advantage in hosting high value, knowledge focused events.

 

“Our smaller size and close links between conference venues, industry, institutions and communities mean delegates can move quickly from ideas to experience,” she said.

 

“That is why Tasmania consistently punches above its weight in business events that deliver lasting value.”

 

“The Visionary Program is about giving Tasmanians the tools and support to advocate for their home state, so Tasmania is recognised not just as a place to visit, but as an Innovation Island rich in ideas, talent and global connection.”

 

Discover more about the Visionary Program here.