8 February 2019

Brisbane will roll out the welcome mat for the world’s leading posture and gait clinicians and researchers following its successful bid to host a significant world congress in 2021.

Brisbane’s economic development board, Brisbane Marketing, collaborated with Tourism & Events Queensland and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) to secure the International Society of Posture & Gait Research (ISPGR) World Congress for 20-24 June 2021.

Conditions related to posture and gait span people of all demographics – from the child who has trouble walking steadily to the elderly person whose mobility is impaired from a stroke or Parkinson’s disease.  Developing better assessment, treatment and rehabilitation techniques can drastically improve patient quality of life and associated public health costs.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said Brisbane trumped other national and international cities vying for the chance to host more than 500 delegates from over 40 countries who will explore the latest research and clinical findings, issues and ideas in the field.

“Brisbane, as Australia’s New World City, is home to game-changing health and medical science research and practice. I am proud that our local expertise played a role in Brisbane securing the ISPGR World Congress for the first time,” Cr Quirk said.

“This important congress is set to deliver a $1.5 million economic boost as Brisbane brings it back to the Asia Pacific region following a number of years in the United Kingdom, North America and Europe

“Bidding for business events is a priority for Brisbane. They generate more than $257 million for the local economy every year, showcase our growth industries, and allow visiting delegates the chance to experience our subtropical climate, world-class accommodation and tourism experiences.”

The Queensland Government supports the event through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Business Events Acquisition and Leveraging Fund.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones welcomed the announcement of the successful bid.

“Queensland’s vibrant capital city continues to demonstrate its position as a world-class event host,” Ms Jones said.

“This is a place where life is beautiful one day, perfect the next, and delegates can enjoy the region’s tourism experiences, climate, dining and friendly culture in between conference commitments.

“The Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, is proud to support business events like this which generate significant economic benefit for the state.”

BCEC General Manager Bob O’Keeffe said the Centre was honoured to be selected as the host venue for the International Society of Posture & Gait Research (ISPGR) World Congress in 2021.

“The Centre’s strong working partnerships and collaboration with Brisbane’s research and scientific communities continues to play a significant role in helping to secure these niche scientific conferences for BCEC and Brisbane,” Mr O’Keeffe said.

“The benefits and legacies of hosting knowledge-based and scientific conferences are considerable in showcasing Brisbane’s leading science and research strengths and the Centre’s reputation for hosting world-class events.”

ISPGR President and Professor of Movement Neuroscience at Liverpool John Moores University, Mark Hollands, said a number of factors contributed to Brisbane being selected as the 2021 host destination.

“Brisbane is a warm and welcoming city with exceptional research institutions, award-winning conference facilities, and a range of new hotels and experiences for delegates,” Professor Hollands said.

“We expect our Asia-based members to take advantage of Brisbane’s close proximity to the region, while access from across the globe is easy with direct flights from more than 80 destinations.”

Media enquiries: Kylie Sully, Brisbane Marketing

M: 0411 407 128 | E: ksully@brisbanemarketing.com.au