Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has taken out the industry’s top accolade for Banqueting & Catering at the Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) 2019 National Awards.
The Centre’s championing of local, sustainable and ethical produce and its reputation for culinary excellence and innovation was celebrated at the prestigious annual industry awards. The national award follows on from BCEC taking top honours at the MEA Queensland Awards in two categories, Banqueting & Catering and Event Venue Capacity 1500+.
This award is the latest honour for the Centre’s Executive Chef, David Pugh. Pugh is one of Australia’s culinary icons and a former Queensland Ambassador Chef. In 2019 Pugh was announced by the Queensland Government as a ‘local champion’ for a lifetime supporting and promoting local produce and driving the use of sustainable and ethical practices in the local food industry.
BCEC General Manager, Bob O’Keeffe said it was a great honour for the Centre to be recognised as Australia’s best for banqueting and catering. “We are very proud of our Food & Beverage product. It is an integral part of offering our clients and guests a world-class experience'’.
O’Keeffe said a key part of the Centre’s success in this space was the continuing investment in innovation and the dedication, passion and forward-thinking of the Food & Beverage Team.
BCEC was the first convention centre in Australia to set up a dedicated Dietary Kitchen and the flow on impact of this venture on the industry had been substantial.
“Innovation and agility will be key moving forward, particularly with our Food & Beverage product,” he said.
Following this week’s announcement by the Queensland Premier that designated businesses such as BCEC can work directly with State Government on site-specific COVID Safe Plans, Bob O’Keeffe said the Centre’s team was working on a return to business and looking forward to welcoming clients and guests to the Centre.