ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has launched the THINK CANBERRA Conference Support Program, an initiative of the Canberra Convention Bureau which will provide support to academics and researchers to bring international conferences to Canberra.

Organisations can apply to the Bureau for funding of up $10,000 to assist in winning and hosting an international conference in Canberra.  The funding can be used to attract pre-eminent key note speakers, presenting a Bid for an international conference, employing a Professional Conference Organiser or attracting delegates.

"THINK CANBERRA is not just about $10,000 to bid for or put on a conference. It's about the enormous expertise and networks held by the bureau, the Research and Learning Institutes Group, our universities and cultural institutions – which together make Canberra a knowledge hub and a high quality commodity," the Chief Minister said.

"THINK CANBERRA also has strong connections with StudyCanberra, particularly in relation to the aim of raising awareness of Canberra as Australia's 'Learning Capital', and as a preferred destination for academics and researchers to visit and study," the Chief Minister said.

The StudyCanberra initiative provides over $2 million over four years to promote Canberra as a destination of choice for domestic and international students. Its objective is to increase the capacity of ACT tertiary education for research and innovation, and to promote the contribution of education to the ACT economy.

"Our significant alumni networks, national and international, are an important market for attracting conventions to the capital. THINK CANBERRA and StudyCanberra can both tap into these to promote Canberra as a preferred destination for research, learning and innovation throughout Australia and overseas," the Chief Minister said.

The Bureau's Chief Executive, Ms Robyn Hendry, said the Bureaus is delighted the Chief Minister was able to launch this new initiative, showing the value that the ACT Government places on bringing international conferences to Canberra.

Ms Hendry noted that "bringing more conferences to Canberra generates jobs, and, importantly, showcases Canberra's strengths to the world."  She went on to say that "conferences attract outside expertise here, leading to collaboration, enhanced global networks and richer educational experiences."

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