Australia Strengthens Cultural Tourism as PCEC Hosts An Evening with Anna Funder: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Written By: Minal Aditi Lakra

Minal Aditi Lakra

I graduated with a degree in Finance from the University of Calcutta and further strengthened my financial expertise by pursuing both the Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) programs. Over the past decade, I have dedicated myself to building a career aligned with my long-term professional aspirations, combining analytical thinking with strategic communication. Currently, I work as a Public Relations Strategist at Travel And Tour World (TTW), a global travel media platform that connects industry leaders with travelers worldwide. My role involves translating the vision, insights, and innovations of tourism stakeholders—including governments, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality brands, and event organizers—into compelling stories that inform, inspire, and influence global travel audiences. Through strategic storytelling and media engagement, I help bridge the gap between industry leadership and evolving traveler expectations.

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July 15, 2026 6:44 PM

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Australia’s meetings and events industry is increasingly demonstrating that convention centres are no longer reserved solely for trade exhibitions, international congresses and corporate conferences. As destinations compete to attract a broader mix of visitors throughout the year, cultural programming has become an important pillar in strengthening tourism, enriching local communities and enhancing venue utilisation. The upcoming An Evening with Anna Funder, taking place on 31 July 2026 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC), reflects this growing evolution.

Rather than bringing together exhibitors or industry delegates, the event showcases one of Australia’s most celebrated contemporary writers, creating an experience that appeals to readers, academics, students, historians and visitors interested in literature and public discourse. While modest in scale compared with international exhibitions, events such as these contribute meaningfully to Perth’s cultural calendar and reinforce the convention centre’s role as a versatile destination capable of hosting diverse experiences.

Located in the heart of Perth’s central business district, the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre has become Western Australia’s flagship venue for conferences, exhibitions, entertainment performances and community events. Its strategic location beside the Swan River, integrated transport links and proximity to hotels, restaurants and entertainment precincts make it an important asset for both the tourism sector and the broader visitor economy.

The official programme describes An Evening with Anna Funder as an opportunity for audiences to hear directly from the internationally acclaimed Australian author, whose award-winning works—including Stasiland, All That I Am and Wifedom—have earned widespread recognition for their historical research and compelling storytelling. During the evening, Funder will discuss her writing process, the historical archives that inform her work and the enduring relevance of literature in understanding society and political history.

Unlike major trade exhibitions, the event does not feature exhibition halls, commercial exhibitors or international country pavilions. The organisers have also not published attendance projections or delegate figures. Instead, the evening centres on an intimate conversation between the author and the audience, highlighting ideas, storytelling and intellectual engagement rather than commercial exchange.

For Perth, however, the tourism value extends well beyond the stage. Cultural events encourage domestic and interstate visitors to extend their stay, generating demand for accommodation, restaurants, cafés, transport providers and local attractions. Visitors attending literary events frequently combine their trip with experiences such as exploring Elizabeth Quay, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the city’s vibrant waterfront dining scene. This wider visitor spending contributes to local businesses while enhancing Perth’s reputation as a destination offering more than traditional leisure travel.

The event also illustrates how modern convention centres are diversifying their programming. Across Australia and internationally, venues that once focused primarily on corporate meetings are increasingly incorporating concerts, theatrical productions, public lectures, literary festivals and cultural performances. This flexibility enables convention centres to maximise year-round utilisation while attracting different visitor demographics during periods between large-scale conferences.

Accessibility further enhances Perth’s appeal. Perth Airport provides direct international connections to several destinations across Asia, the Middle East and Europe, while the city’s public transport network offers convenient access to the convention centre through nearby train stations, bus services and pedestrian links. Visitors can choose from a broad selection of accommodation ranging from luxury riverside hotels to business-focused properties within walking distance of the venue, making attendance convenient for both local audiences and travellers arriving from elsewhere in Australia.

Western Australia’s broader tourism strategy has increasingly emphasised high-quality experiences that showcase culture, creativity and knowledge alongside the state’s natural attractions. Literary events complement this approach by attracting audiences seeking meaningful cultural engagement. They also provide opportunities for educational institutions, libraries, book clubs and cultural organisations to participate in discussions that extend beyond the event itself.

From a destination marketing perspective, hosting acclaimed Australian authors at internationally recognised venues reinforces Perth’s position as a city capable of delivering diverse events throughout the year. While global trade fairs and international congresses generate substantial business travel, cultural programmes help maintain a continuous calendar of activities that encourages repeat visitation and broadens the city’s appeal to different market segments.

For the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry, this diversification carries strategic significance. Convention centres increasingly compete not only on exhibition capacity and meeting facilities but also on their ability to support flexible programming that serves both business and community audiences. By hosting literary events alongside conferences, exhibitions and entertainment productions, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre demonstrates how modern venues can remain commercially sustainable while contributing to cultural enrichment.

As international destinations continue investing in multi-purpose event infrastructure, the distinction between business venues and cultural spaces is becoming increasingly blurred. An Evening with Anna Funder exemplifies this transition. Although it is neither a trade exhibition nor an international convention, the event strengthens Perth’s cultural profile, supports the local visitor economy and highlights the evolving role of convention centres in shaping destination appeal. In doing so, it underscores how thoughtfully curated cultural programming can complement traditional MICE activities and reinforce Australia’s standing as a destination where business, ideas and creativity come together under one roof.