Inside the Vision for a Global-Scale Convention Centre

Planning unparalleled event experiences well into the future

When Stephen Wood, General Manager of the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC), describes what lies ahead for Australia’s capital, his words carry the weight of a city in motion. “The site has been selected,” Wood says, speaking of the proposed new convention centre that will sit directly across from the existing facility. “It’s a fantastic location, central to the city and directly connected to the lake. It’s been a long-held goal of the ACT Government to link the city and the lake better.”

That vision is now well into the planning stages. The proposed precinct is not just a convention centre—it’s a transformative urban development that aims to redefine Canberra’s relationship with its geography and identity. With potential plans for a sweeping pedestrian bridge spanning a six-lane motorway and connecting the venue to Commonwealth Park and the lakefront, the centre is designed to bridge not only distance but experience. Chief Minister Andrew Barr described the precinct as “a key city-shaping project that will define the city centre” and one of the most significant developments in Canberra’s modern history.

Wood highlights how the precinct aligns with Canberra’s broader evolution into a hub of innovation and national relevance. “We’re seeing Canberra become a centre for engineering, cyber security, and defence,” he says, referencing the incoming University of New South Wales Canberra (UNSW Canberra) campus—the fourth major university to establish itself in the capital. This addition strengthens the city’s position as a leader in education, technology, and national security.

Record-breaking growth

The timing for this ambitious transformation is ideal. Canberra’s business events sector is thriving, having recently achieved a record-breaking year. “We just experienced our biggest year ever,” Wood shares. “We exceeded previous records by about 30%. We’re not only back to pre-COVID levels—we’re well beyond them.”

A combination of geopolitical shifts, Canberra’s role as the seat of federal power, and increasing focus on national defence and security have propelled the city to the forefront of Australia’s events industry. The upcoming national security office precinct, which will consolidate key federal agencies, further cements Canberra’s strategic appeal.

These developments position Canberra as an unmatched location for conferences and delegations. “Things are happening here you just don’t find elsewhere in Australia,” Wood notes.

Designing for flexibility and functionality

The new precinct is envisioned as a versatile space that reflects modern needs. “It will be about three times the scale of our current centre,” says Wood. “But what’s exciting is the inclusion of a flexible entertainment arena.”

This arena is not merely a performance space—it’s a multifunctional venue capable of hosting sports, concerts, galas, and exhibitions. It will be structurally integrated with the convention centre, allowing for flexible transitions and expanded event formats.

“You could be running an international conference one day, a concert the next, and a gala dinner the day after,” Wood explains. “It’s about flexibility, flow, and creating a destination that meets multiple markets.”

Sustainability plays a crucial role in the design philosophy. Canberra already leads the nation with 100% renewable electricity usage and high electric vehicle adoption. The new centre will further elevate these achievements through cutting-edge energy-efficient systems and design principles. “This venue has the opportunity to be a landmark in environmental performance,” says Wood.

Gateway to the world

International connectivity remains a vital focus for Canberra’s growth, particularly within the events and tourism landscape. Before the pandemic, direct international flights from Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways had positioned the city with true global access. Although those routes have paused, discussions are underway to restore them.

“Fiji Airways currently offers a link to North America, and we’re hoping to see Qatar return soon,” says Wood. “But Singapore Airlines is key. From Singapore, the rest of the world opens up.”

Restoring these connections would reinvigorate Canberra’s international outreach. With Singapore acting as a global hub, the capital becomes more accessible to overseas delegates and investors.

“With the new infrastructure, I’m confident we could double our business events output in just a couple of years,” Wood asserts. “That kind of scale will help us reposition Canberra as a must-visit destination for conferences and global events.”

A catalyst for private investment

Major infrastructure projects often trigger broader economic momentum, and Wood sees Canberra’s expansion as no exception. Drawing on the example of Adelaide, where a revamped convention centre led to a flurry of hotel developments, he anticipates similar outcomes in Canberra.

“We’re expecting investment in accommodation, food and beverage, logistics, and transport. The ripple effect will be significant,” he notes. “Business events drive all these sectors, and when you build a venue of this scale, everyone sees the opportunity.”

The implications go beyond hospitality. Enhanced visitation will increase demand for tech providers, tourism operators, and support services, ultimately revitalising precincts throughout the city.

To support this growth, Wood advocates increased investment in the Canberra Convention Bureau. “If you’re going to make such a significant investment in infrastructure, you need to resource the team that markets and fills that infrastructure,” he says. “We already have the intellectual capital—leaders in defence, science, and academia. Now we need to show the world what’s here.”

Local flavor, global standard

Event attendees today seek more than just content—they seek experience. This trend toward immersive, local engagement has prompted the NCCC to deepen its partnerships with regional suppliers.

A notable collaboration is with JDE, a national coffee provider. Together, they’re implementing new dispensing technologies capable of delivering café-quality coffee at scale. “It sounds small, but it’s massive in the Australian context,” Wood explains. “Attendees expect a great cup of coffee, and getting that right at scale is a real competitive edge.”

The NCCC also partners with local favourites such as BentSpoke Brewing and regional wineries to offer attendees a genuine taste of Canberra. This not only supports local businesses but also strengthens environmental goals through reduced transportation and packaging.

“Using local suppliers reduces our carbon footprint and enhances the visitor experience. Everyone wants to taste the region they’re in,” says Wood. “And increasingly, our clients want to know the story behind what they’re eating and drinking.”

Mapping the road ahead

The project is now in the midst of a crucial 12-month commercial planning phase. Early assessments have confirmed the site’s viability, and attention is shifting to determining the best way to fund and deliver the development.

“Given Canberra’s status as the nation’s capital, it makes sense for the federal government to have a role,” Wood states. “Most of the events we host have federal connections—whether it’s defence, politics, or national research.”

A number of funding options may be looked at and given the scale of the project, careful stakeholder alignment and transparent investment strategies are essential.

“That’ll be the real turning point,” Wood says. “When it goes to tender, we’re no longer imagining it. We’re building it.”

A unified industry voice

Another significant development is the launch of the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA). Created through the merger of multiple previously independent bodies, ABEA represents a milestone in the maturation of Australia’s business events industry. It consolidates the advocacy, education, and research arms of the sector into a single, more efficient organisation. This cohesion allows for a sharper, more unified voice when engaging with government, investors, and global partners.

Wood views this as a game-changing milestone. “The first national conference last year was a real moment of validation—the model works,” he says. “It showed that the industry could come together with purpose, and other countries are now looking to Australia as a global leader in this space.”

With more focused coordination and data-sharing capabilities, ABEA is well-positioned to help guide the future of business events in Australia. The association provides a structured platform for policy development, trend forecasting, and professional development, helping ensure the sector remains competitive and responsive to changing global demands. This unified voice not only builds industry resilience but also strengthens the case for strategic infrastructure investment, like the new National Convention Centre, by demonstrating demand and value with clarity and authority.

Canberra is taking the world stage

As Canberra evolves into a global city, the convention centre project stands as a foundation of that transformation. Its ability to bring together culture, business, sustainability, and international connectivity under one roof makes it more than just a building—it becomes a statement of intent and capability. The infrastructure serves as both an anchor and an amplifier for Canberra’s broader aspirations.

“There’s a big ambition here,” Wood concludes. “This isn’t just about Canberra growing—it’s about Canberra taking its place on the world stage. And the new National Convention Centre is key to making that happen.”

At a Glance

Who: National Convention Centre Canberra

What: Australia’s capital premier venue for conferences, exhibitions, and events, serving as a hub for national and international dialogue in the heart of the city.

Where: Canberra, Australia

Website: www.nccc.com.au

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