Do you have a Brisbane conference on the horizon? Here’s our tips to get the most from your stay in the River City.

Brisbane is a great place for conferences, and we’re looking forward to the many conferences that will be hosted here in the year ahead. There’s no better place to network, learn amongst other experts and get the latest industry updates.

With warm sunny days, an open and spacious city design, and a laid back welcoming culture, Brisbane makes a fantastic host for conferences of all sizes and across all industries.

From tech to transport, communications to consultation, Brisbane is about to open its doors to just about every type of conference.

From Brisbane Airport to the CBD in just 20 minutes.

Airtrain is the fast and economical way to get to the heart of Brisbane CBD. With trains departing the airport every 15 minutes in peak times, you’ll never have to wait for long – perfect for those on strict timelines or for delegates who are only visiting for the day.

While you’re in Brisbane for your conference, check out our top 5: things to do, what to eat and where to stay.

5 exciting things to do while you’re staying in Brisbane

Who said that conferences have to be all work and no play? Bring together the best of both worlds during your stay in Brisbane by filling your spare time with some of the city’s best activities. Bring along your colleagues and make it a party, as each of these activities are suitable for groups.

#1 Tee off at Holey Moley Golf Club

Is there a better way to wind down from a big day of learning than by hitting a few balls with your coworkers? Get into the swing of things at Holey Moley Golf Club and be a part of the action.

#2 Sip on an Old Fashioned at Savile Row.

Wind down after a big day with a delightfully bitey Old Fashioned at the candlelit Savile Row. Made famous for its ambient atmosphere, this venue is the equivalent to a long relaxing bath, but so much better.

#3 Close out the day with a sundown picnic at New Farm Park.

Make the most of the Sunshine State’s long days with a post-conference picnic in New Farm Park. Grab a rug, your colleagues, a bagful of snacks and finish off the day with the feeling of grass under your feet.

#4  Revisit your childhood with some arcade action at Netherworld.

Who said games are just for kids? Netherworld Arcade puts a mature twist on the classic arcades games that punctuated our childhoods. End your week with a good ol’ fashioned pinball session.

#5 Feel your worries wash away with a free live music experience courtesy of City Sounds.

Visitors and Brisbanites alike gather together to soak up the sweet tunes of international and local acts. Looking for a city-side location and a totally free musical performance? City Sounds will be music to your ears.

5 dishes to fuel up on

Science tells us that hunger has a direct impact on our moods. Put your best foot forward while you network by fueling your body with delicious local fare. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between – Brisbane is a foodie paradise.

#1 Dig into a local interpretation of Japanese cuisine at Honto. 

Stepping into Honto is like stepping into another world. Hidden away from the street, Honto marries a moody atmosphere with a thoughtful menu to create a dining experience like none other.

#2 Wake up early and line up for the best baked goods in Brisbane, à la Agnes Street Bakery.

Are Brisbane bakeries the new fine dining restaurants? The long snaking lineup outside Agnes Street Bakery suggests so. Start your morning off with a slice of smoked potato sourdough toast, or a Basque cheesecake (forget what they say – you can have dessert for breakfast).

#3 Leave Happy Boy with a stomach full of noodles, grinning ear-to-ear.

Just as the name suggests, Happy Boy is all about putting smiles on faces. Dig into its scrumptious contemporary take on Chinese food from beneath the fairy-lit trees.

#4 Grab a nutritious meal on the run thanks to Botanica Real Food.

A Brisbane institution, Botanica Real Food allows you to pick and choose your mixed salad box from the 18+ salads they have on offer each day. Made fresh each day and packed with nutritious ingredients, this is the type of salad that you can make friends with.

#5 Indulge in a more sophisticated version of the classic pizza party at Julius Pizzeria.

Tucked away on South Brisbane’s Grey Street, you’ll find Julius Pizzeria. Before you even lay eyes on Julius, you’ll be enveloped by the smell of fresh woodfired pizzas from down the street. Totally authentic and best paired with a big glass of rossi.

5 places to stay in Brisbane

After a big day of learning, you want to lay your head somewhere safe. Cosy. Relaxing.
Lucky for you, Brisbane is spoilt with plenty of restful accommodation options.

#1 Stay in the heart of Brisbane at Sofitel Brisbane Central.

Smack bang in the centre of Brisbane is the sophisticated Sofitel Brisbane Central. Boasting Brisbane’s largest hotel event and meeting facilities, Sofitel is the ideal place to work, rest and play during your Brisbane conference.

#2 Enjoy the best South Bank has to offer from Mantra South Bank.

The Mantra South Bank combines luxury rooms with the perfect location. Situated a very short walk from the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, plenty of public transport, and all of the best places to visit in South Bank. Relax in the pool or spa, or utilise the state-of-the-art conference rooms. Perfect for the business traveller!

#3 Accomodation just a stone’s throw from the action? Stay at Emporium Hotel South Bank.

Emporium Hotel South Bank is composed of 143 luxurious suites, unparallel views of Brisbane city and a range of events and conference spaces. A short walk from South Brisbane train station, Emporium Hotel South Bank marries style and function to create an accomodation experience like no other.

#4 Directly opposite Central Station is where you’ll find Adina Anzac Square.

A short walk from Central station is Adina Anzac Square. Having recently undergone a million-dollar makeover, Adina has never looked or felt so good. With cosy rooms and heritage stylings, it’s the perfect place to recharge and relax.

#5 Lean into the new romantic charm of Ovolo Inchcolm in Spring Hill.

Set in a 1920’s style building, Ovolo Inchcolm brings together classic design with a chic contemporary twist to create a perfectly executed new romantic sophistication.

We hope these recommendations make your next Brisbane conference one to remember.

Learn lots, network plenty, and remember to unwind at the close of each day.

You’re in Queensland, after all!

For more articles just like this one, hop over to the Airtrain Blog.