
About Us
Business Events Tasmania
Business Events Tasmania (BET) is a specialist bidding organisation responsible for marketing Tasmania as a business event destination.
We are a not for profit member organisation, offering specialist bidding services to deliver tangible benefits to the visitor economy. We also drive long lasting legacies through the attraction of strategically valuable business events to Tasmania.
We pride ourselves in the collaborative approach we take with members, key stakeholders and local partners. Working with BET means you will receive the most extensive, up-to-date information that ensures the success of your next conference, without price restrictions or commission levies.
For over 30 years, we have taken a lead role in promoting Tasmania as a business event destination to national and international associations, corporate organisations and event planners. Conference connections underpin knowledge creation and in exchange, attract global talent, encourage trade and investment, nurture collaboration, foster innovation and provide social benefits. And so, backed by strong local relationships, we also work in collaboration with the Tasmanian State Government to attract and support strategically valuable business to the Tasmanian economy.

Richmond, Experience Tasmania Tours

Peppers Seaport Launceston

Salamanca, Hobart
“Our team will provide local knowledge and insight into the best venues, service providers and experiences along with fully costed proposals.”
Our Role
When asked what they like most about Tasmania as a business events destination, event planners say, “the standard of service from Business Events Tasmania”. We make a point of it. Our complimentary services are available to anyone organising a business event with 15–1,100 attendees, including professional conference organisers, corporate event managers, personal assistants, association committees and association members or local hosts. Our approach is always friendly and professional, our team is extremely knowledgeable and what’s more, our services are complimentary.
We’ll prepare a comprehensive proposal for you to present to your client or committee, including quotes from the venues and service providers that meet your event specifications. Site inspections and famils are welcomed. We can support you across all aspects of your Tasmanian conference, convention or business event, thanks to our extensive range of resources, sample itineraries and tools to boost delegate numbers. Corporate social responsibility opportunities are also available to include in your event plan and budget.
Our Board
Mark Kelleher
Chair
Mark Kelleher is a respected industry leader, who draws on his extensive experience in international business, investment and trade, tourism, corporate governance and stakeholder management. Mark’s previous roles include CEO of the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC, Secretary of the Tasmanian Government Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts, and prior to this a number of senior roles in the renewable energy sector.
Ralph Freckleton
Director
As General Manager of Tasmania’s largest conference venue, Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, Ralph is well placed to actively contribute to the Business Events Tasmania Board. His experience brings relative and current skill sets around event management, sales and marketing, IT, finance, governance and business management.
Dominic Baker
Director
Dominic Baker brings significant experience in tourism and hospitality to the BET Board. Prior to his current role as Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Tasmania, Dominic spent thirteen years with the Federal Group in a number of roles, most recently as the General Manager Casino Resorts and Entertainment. Leading the strategic direction and successful operations of Tasmania's Wrest Point Hotel Casino and the Country Club Casino and Resort, Dominic was responsible for almost 1,000 staff.
Professor Dominic Geraghty
Director
Professor Dom Geraghty holds the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Launceston) at the University of Tasmania, driving delivery of the Northern Transformation’s vision and strategic objectives for the city and region. Originally from Ireland, where he obtained a BSc (Honours) from the National University of Ireland, he completed a PhD at Deakin University in 1988. Dom moved to UTAS in 1991, researching and teaching for almost three decades.
John Fitzgerald
Director
John Fitzgerald is CEO of Tourism Tasmania. He has had an extensive career in senior executive management positions in the tourism industry in Australia. Previous to his appointment, John held the position of CEO at Tourism NT and was responsible for all aspects of the agency’s strategy and operations.
Paula Leishman
Director
Paula is the founder and Managing Director of Leishman Associates, an industry leading conference and events business based in Hobart and Melbourne. Paula has over 25 years’ experience in Conference and Event Management and is a Certified Event Manager through the Professional Conference Organisers Association; she is the Tasmanian Director of this peak industry body, and was the 2012 Telstra Business Women’s Awards Business Owner of the Year for Tasmania.
Sarah Thomas
Director
After several years in hospitality Sarah graduated with a degree in marketing and human resources and went on to own a café and retail business. Sarah has since worked extensively within the tourism and hospitality industry in sales and marketing roles including for Business Events Tasmania, RACT and in her current role as Director of Marketing at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart. Sarah is also President of Skal International Hobart, a worldwide organisation for travel and tourism professionals.
Nathan Darke
Director
Nathan Darke has been in the Travel and Tourism industry for over 20 years, bringing to the BET Board a diverse range of experience and expertise of the Tourism Industry. As a Director of a Nationally Awarded and respected Travel Agency, specialising in corporate and leisure travel, he oversaw its successful sale to an ASX listed Travel Management Company, along with joining their ranks in an executive capacity. Employed by Federal Group in early 2020, he now leads the groups Sales and Distribution Team including Conference and Events sales for the entire Federal Hotels and Resorts portfolio.
Tom McDevitt
Director
Tom McDevitt is the Principal Director of TM Management Group. This venue & events business was awarded the highly sought-after Princes Wharf 1 management contract by the Tasmanian Government in 2015. Tom attended the Hutchins School, going on to complete a Bachelor of Business Management and a Bachelor of Marketing. Tom is a passionate Tasmanian and a highly motivated individual. Tom is a member of the Variety Children's Charity Tasmanian board and is their Grants Committee Chair.