scope
In a landmark development for the Sydney-based business events organization, BESydney has appointed Amanda Lampe as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Lampe will take over from the outgoing CEO, Lyn Lewis-Smith, who will step down in June 2025 after a transformative 12-year leadership period. Lampe’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the New South Wales (NSW) government prepares to unveil its new Visitor Economy Strategy vision for 2035, making this leadership transition a critical juncture for BESydney’s continued growth and development.
A Strategic Appointment to Lead BESydney into a New Era
Amanda Lampe brings a wealth of experience from both the private and public sectors, alongside a deep connection with government and industry leaders at all levels. Her diverse background uniquely positions her to guide BESydney through the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving business events landscape. According to Professor Mary O’Kane AC, chair of BESydney, Lampe’s comprehensive expertise will be a tremendous asset to the organization, particularly as the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy prepares to take shape.
BESydney, which has been an integral part of Sydney’s economic and social fabric for over 56 years, plays a vital role in attracting international business events to the city. As part of her new role, Lampe will be responsible for ensuring BESydney continues to deliver strong economic returns and create lasting social impacts for both Sydney and the broader NSW region. The organization’s long-standing success and global reach are attributed to its ability to foster strong international partnerships, attract high-profile events, and position Sydney as a leading destination for business tourism.
Professor O’Kane expressed confidence that Lampe’s leadership would help BESydney capitalize on a new era of opportunity. Her appointment signals the beginning of an exciting chapter for the organization, one that will further enhance Sydney’s status as a global business events hub.
Lyn Lewis-Smith’s Legacy and Future Transition
Lyn Lewis-Smith, who has served as CEO of BESydney for over a decade, leaves behind a legacy of remarkable transformation and success. Under her leadership, BESydney successfully secured a healthy pipeline of international events, advocated fiercely for Australia’s business and cultural achievements, and positioned the organization as a globally competitive entity in the business events sector. Lewis-Smith’s tenure saw BESydney significantly elevate Sydney’s reputation on the world stage, drawing prestigious international conferences, summits, and business events that have made a profound economic impact on the region.
Reflecting on her time at BESydney, Lyn Lewis-Smith expressed immense pride in the organization’s accomplishments. “It has been an absolute privilege to work with such a high-performing team to secure a healthy pipeline of events, strong government and industry support, and with the organization enjoying a fiercely competitive reputation across the globe,” she remarked. She further stated that she was confident in the capabilities of BESydney’s executive team to continue to grow the organization’s influence and reputation as Lampe steps into the CEO role.
BESydney has also put in place a transition process that will smoothly guide the organization through this period of leadership change. Lewis-Smith is set to officially depart on June 30, 2025, marking the end of an era. During the transition, Lampe will work closely with the executive team and key stakeholders to ensure a seamless shift in leadership and a continuation of BESydney’s critical projects and goals.
Lampe’s Vision for BESydney and the Future of Sydney’s Business Events
In her new role as CEO, Lampe expressed her excitement about the opportunity to lead BESydney and drive the organization’s ongoing efforts to generate significant economic and social outcomes for both local and global communities. “Sydney is one of the great global cities of the world, and we are ideally placed to continue to win more international business events,” Lampe commented.
Lampe is committed to further solidifying Sydney’s position as a premier destination for global business events, and she sees the sector as a key driver of economic activity, job creation, and the fostering of long-term partnerships. “Business events are an important driver of economic activity, job creation, lasting partnerships, and social impact,” Lampe noted. She aims to build on the foundation laid by Lyn Lewis-Smith and the BESydney team, working collaboratively with local and international stakeholders to secure more international conferences, trade shows, and summits for Sydney.
One of Lampe’s primary goals is to align BESydney’s strategies with the NSW Government’s upcoming Visitor Economy Strategy, which outlines a vision to boost the tourism and events sector, enhance Sydney’s appeal as a business destination, and promote long-term economic growth across the state. The new strategy will be central to Lampe’s efforts in ensuring BESydney remains competitive on the global stage, leveraging the government’s plans to attract more international business events to Sydney in the coming years.
BESydney’s Role in Driving Economic Impact and Social Value
Business events have proven to be a crucial contributor to Sydney’s economy. They not only generate significant economic returns but also foster innovation, cultural exchange, and collaboration across industries. The visitor economy, which includes tourism and business events, is a key sector for the Australian economy. In 2023, the NSW Government identified the visitor economy as an area of focus, recognizing the enormous potential for growth, job creation, and international collaboration that international events bring to the state.
BESydney has been instrumental in positioning Sydney as a top global destination for conferences and major international events, making it a powerful economic engine for the region. According to the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources, the business events sector plays a vital role in driving economic outcomes, creating jobs, and enhancing the region’s global competitiveness. Lampe’s leadership will ensure that BESydney continues to play a pivotal role in these initiatives, expanding Sydney’s footprint on the global stage and unlocking new opportunities for local businesses and communities.
The Road Ahead for BESydney
Looking forward, BESydney’s focus will remain on attracting international events that not only deliver economic benefits but also foster meaningful social outcomes. With Lampe’s leadership, the organization is poised to expand its influence and continue its mission to generate substantial benefits for the state of NSW and Australia.
As the transition period continues, Lampe and the BESydney team are committed to enhancing collaboration with government and industry stakeholders, building on the strong foundation laid by Lewis-Smith. Together, they will work to ensure that Sydney remains a leading city for global business events, delivering long-term economic and social value to the community.
Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/besydney-appoints-amanda-lampe-as-new-ceo-to-propel-sydneys-business-event-future/
You may also like
