Delivered by Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), the program provides successful applicants with up to $5,000 (excluding GST) to attend an international conference in their field, helping them build networks, showcase their expertise and position Brisbane as a future host city.

Grant funding can be used to cover registration fees and travel expenses, supporting recipients to take the first step in attracting global conferences to Brisbane.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the initiative aimed to boost local industries, create jobs and power Brisbane’s $275 billion future economy.

“The Trailblazer Grant gives our city’s innovators the chance to connect on a global stage and champion Brisbane as the location for their next world-leading conference,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Through this program we can back professional growth, draw influential events and business travellers to Brisbane and reinforce our standing as a great place to visit and do business.”

Since its launch in 2017, the Trailblazer program has built a strong pipeline of potential events, directly contributing to at least nine successful conference bids with an estimated $10million economic impact for Brisbane.

Recent recipient, Dr Bojana Spasojevic, Griffith University aviation lecturer, said being recognised as a Trailblazer was both professionally rewarding and personally motivating.

“Receiving a Lord Mayor’s Convention Trailblazer Grant was a career highlight – it gave me the chance to attend an international aviation research conference, grow my networks, and take my research to the global stage,” Dr Spasojevic said.

“I then partnered with BEDA to develop a competitive bid to bring the conference to Brisbane, allowing me to make an impact on the industry by showcasing Griffith University’s leading research and paving the way for new international collaboration.”

BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan said conferences and conventions provided an excellent opportunity to highlight Brisbane’s appeal as a destination for business and leisure.

“The city is undergoing a historic infrastructure transformation, with more than $100 billion in major projects enhancing venues, transport links, and lifestyle precincts. For delegates, this means world-class facilities, easier access, and vibrant experiences right across the city,” said Mr Ryan.

By hosting global events here, we not only connect international leaders with Brisbane’s innovation and expertise, we also support the city’s ongoing growth and create lasting legacies for our communities.”

In 2024–25, BEDA and its partners secured a pipeline of 79 new international and national business events, forecast to deliver more than $77 million in economic impact for Brisbane.

Applications for the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Convention Trailblazer Grant are now open and will close at midnight on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.