The Perth Convention Bureau (PCB) has had a productive start to the new financial year, securing seven conventions which are expected to deliver 4,130 delegates and inject $5.54 million into the Western Australian economy over the next four years.

Among the wins are three large international conventions - an inaugural International Islamic Conference in 2009 (1,250 delegates); the 8th Spark of Life International Conference in 2011 ((560 delegates); and an International Sustainable Gardening Conference in 2012 (500 delegates).

Two national meetings secured are set to be held in regional areas.

These include the Sweet Adelines National Convention which is expected to attract 750 women choristers to the coastal resort city of Mandurah in 2010 and the Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health’ SARRAH National Conference which will see more than 200 delegates descend on Broome for four days in September 2010.

Another significant win is the Local Government Managers Australia National Convention in 2012 when more than 600 delegates will gather in Perth.

The two other national meetings were secured for 2009 - the 7th National Farm Health and Safety Conference (150 delegates) and the Insolvency Practitioners Association National Conference (320 delegates).

PCB Acting Managing Director Christine McLean said the bid wins had provided a “welcome kick start” to the Bureau’s sales results during what is traditionally a slow period.

“Generally, the first quarter to the new financial year is traditionally soft for us but happily we’ve had a really productive start to 2008-09 so the prospects look very encouraging,” she added.