More than 170 event planners and buyers, and 55 exhibitors from the city’s hotels, venues and service providers converged on Fortitude Music Hall for this year’s industry event that connected businesses and showcased the best of the city’s events industry.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said industry interest in this year’s Brisbane Pop-Up indicated the city’s multi-million-dollar event market was poised to thrive after more than a year of uncertainty.

“There’s a rising feeling of optimism in Brisbane, and we’re on our way to being well and truly open for business in the events space,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Brisbane Pop-Up was the perfect opportunity to bring the industry back together and provide the local events industry with a much-needed boost.”

Cr Schrinner said this year’s Pop-Up showcased the city’s capability for hosting COVID-19 safe events while reconnecting a sector heavily impacted by restrictions.

“This year’s Pop-Up was about restoring confidence in event planners and giving them the opportunity to see how it can be done, then connecting them with the suppliers who are ready for business again,” said he said.

Cr Schrinner said that given the economic downturn in the events sector last year, many small business suppliers, services, venues and accommodation providers spent this time developing new products and services.

He said participating in Pop-Up was the perfect opportunity to unveil these new offerings.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), the economic arm of Brisbane City Council, will continue to deliver signature events like Brisbane Pop-Up to help drive small business growth as the local economy continues to recover.

Brisbane Pop-Up was made possible thanks to the following sponsors: Fortitude Music Hall, Skylighter Fireworks, Wine & Dine'm Catering, Valiant Events and The Prop House.