Top Conference Venues Brisbane for Hire

Planning a Brisbane conference is no easy feat. There are so many decisions to make, and it can be difficult to know where to start. To make things a lot simpler, the first thing you need to decide on is the venue. From there, you can figure out the agenda, styling, activities, vendors and all the rest.

So should you host your conference in meeting rooms with access to hotel facilities or in a conference centre where there's more space? We'll help you figure it out. Read on for our guide to conference venues in Brisbane city.

Where can I find a conference room in Brisbane?

In terms of neighbourhoods in Brisbane that would be suitable for conferences, there are plenty. Here's a list of the best conference rooms for Brisbane business meetings and conferences:

Brisbane City

The old banking district is where you'll find many of the city's grandest office blocks and also some attractive hotels. The Brisbane CBD is also home to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is one of the largest convention centres in Australia. From Central Brisbane it's just short drive to Brisbane Airport, making it an easy commute for long-distance attendees.

For a metropolitan feel that's still close to amenities like restaurants, shops and bars, this neighbourhood is worth looking into. You'll find plenty of meeting rooms and conference venues in the Brisbane CBD for any size event.

Paddington / Bardon

This suburb has become one of Brisbane's hubs for creative professionals thanks to its proximity to New Farm Park (a large parkland) and some beautiful cultural attractions like Old Government House or Queensland Art Gallery — both open all year round! The best thing about Paddington as an option for conferences though is that it's only minutes from the city centre via public transport so you can leave your car at home if necessary. Hotels are also plentiful in this area, and its proximity to shops means you can make a day of it when the conference is over.

New Farm

This suburb has plenty of culture and some excellent restaurants on offer. It's also only around 20 minutes from Brisbane CBD so your guests will be able to explore more than just lunch options for their breaks during the conference. For those looking for something with a little extra space, there are hotels here that have been renovated or built recently — perfect if you're hosting an international event! You'll find many different styles of venues in New Farm too, including art galleries, theatres and wineries, giving it lots of variety as far as conferences go.

South Bank

This district is home to many of Brisbane's major attractions, like the Queensland Art Gallery and State Library. The proximity to these cultural hotspots makes South Bank a fantastic spot for events that plan on including some form of an educational element. The best thing about conference venues at South Bank? There are always nearby attractions like the Brisbane River for those who need to take a break from their conference sessions. It is also just a short walk to the CBD.

Woolloongabba

This suburb is adjacent to the Brisbane CBD, making it a convenient option if you're looking for city-centre access without actually being in the heart of the action. Hotels are plentiful here and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants around if your attendees need to find somewhere to grab a bite during their breaks.

Fortitude Valley

As the heart of Brisbane's nightlife scene, Fortitude Valley has plenty to offer for after-conference entertainment. This neighbourhood has plenty of bars and restaurants for your guests on the conference break but isn't as close to the CBD or South Bank — meaning there are more affordable options available in this area. It also offers something many other Brisbane neighbourhoods don't: Fortitude Valley is home to Australia's oldest pub still operating under its original name! This means anyone with a thirst for history will love exploring what Fortitude Valley has on offer.

Beyond its sights and sounds, Fortitude Valley is well serviced by public transport with buses running every few minutes from most points of interest, including Central Station. This makes it ideal for people looking for something close but still outside the CBD.

Greenslopes

An inner-west Brisbane suburb with plenty going on in terms of shopping and restaurants, Greenslopes is an excellent place for functions that want to combine business with pleasure. You'll find plenty of hotels in the area as well as some popular foodie haunts. This suburb is also home to one of Australia's largest public hospitals, meaning it might be worth checking out if you're looking for a conference venue in Brisbane that's close to medical facilities!

What are the best types of Brisbane conference venues for my event?

There are an array of conference venues and meeting rooms to choose from in Brisbane. The type of conference venue you book will depend on the size of your event and what you want out of it. Here are a few of the types of conference venues Brisbane city has on offer:

Hotel function rooms

Hotels offer a range of functions and meeting rooms that are perfect for smaller business events. These venues allow you to select from different types of spaces and cater the event exactly how you want it, which is ideal if time is an issue or your budget is tight. There will be food and beverage options provided by the hotel as well as the staff who can take care of catering and your room setup.

Exhibition centres

If you're having a larger function with up to 1000 delegates then exhibition centres are likely the best conference venue for you. This type of event space provides plenty of room but also has all the necessary amenities and modern facilities, including catering facilities, sound systems, AV equipment, stage setups and breakout or meeting rooms. This means there'll be no need for any additional outlay in regards to equipment hire for the venue.

Pavilions or marquees

If you're looking for a more temporary venue option, then Brisbane pavilions and marquees are perfect for you! These venues provide covered space that's great for outdoor events as well as shade to protect attendees if it should rain too heavily on your event day. These event venues come with some of the standard conference features such as AV equipment hire and staging so there'll be no need to hire any additional gear from outside suppliers.

Co-working spaces

If you're throwing a small, intimate gathering for 50 delegates or fewer, then one option is a co-working space that provides both function spaces as well as meeting rooms if needed. Although there is less room, this events space provides the same amenities as other conference venues, such as AV equipment, data projector, flip chart, and catering facilities.

Restaurants

For corporate events between 50 and 200 delegates, Brisbane restaurants are a great conference venue choice. You may find that the food is reasonably priced and the staff are more than happy to cater for your event. The atmosphere is also very relaxed and informal so it may be the perfect place if you want something different from a hotel conference venue or your typical meeting rooms. Choose one with spectacular views of the Brisbane River for a truly unforgettable event. Not to mention, some even venues even have a private bar, perfect for after-work drinks to socialise with your colleagues!

What should I consider when looking for a Brisbane conference venue?

Looking for the perfect conference venue in Brisbane city can be a daunting task, but it's important to choose somewhere that's close to public transport and has the right amenities for your event. Whether you're looking for a hotel function room, an exhibition centre or a restaurant, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. When deciding on the venue for your conference in Brisbane, there are a few main things you'll want to prioritize.

The first is the proximity of the conference spaces. You'll need to have accommodation and transportation nearby so guests don't waste time travelling back and forth.

Next, think about how much space you’ll need. Some venues offer smaller spaces, such as meeting rooms and boardrooms, if that's all you require. Some have larger function spaces with multiple rooms if those suit your event better.

Finally, decide what kind of atmosphere will suit both participants and speakers best: modern? classic? eclectic? What conference activities do you need to prepare for? Whatever vibe you're going for, there's a Brisbane venue that hits all the right notes. All you have to do is start looking.

Discover more top-rated conference venues in Brisbane

Did you know that there are over 100 hotels in Brisbane city alone, with many offering function rooms perfect for conferences, workshops and seminars? To see which venue has what type of space, head to VenueNow for our curated selection of conference venue hire in Brisbane.