Australia is Now Strengthening Perth’s Visitor Economy as Tom Gleeson Brings Out of Touch to PCEC This August: Read Further to Know More

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.

See Full Bio

July 15, 2026 5:59 PM

Image generated with Ai

Australia’s live entertainment sector continues to play an increasingly important role in supporting domestic tourism and city economies, with major convention and exhibition venues expanding beyond business conferences to host nationally recognised cultural performances. On 8 August 2026, acclaimed Australian comedian Tom Gleeson will bring his latest stand-up tour, Out of Touch, to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC), adding another high-profile event to the venue’s diverse calendar and reinforcing Perth’s position as one of Australia’s leading destinations for business events and live entertainment.

While comedy performances differ significantly from international trade exhibitions or corporate conventions, they nonetheless contribute meaningfully to the visitor economy. Audiences travelling from regional Western Australia and interstate often combine attendance at headline performances with overnight stays, dining experiences and broader exploration of Perth, generating additional revenue for hotels, restaurants, retailers and transport providers.

The performance forms part of Tom Gleeson’s national tour promoting Out of Touch, his latest stand-up production. Known throughout Australia for his sharp observational humour and satirical commentary, Gleeson has built a loyal following through television programmes including Hard Quiz and Taskmaster Australia. His reputation attracts audiences seeking premium live entertainment, making the Perth performance one of the notable cultural events scheduled at PCEC during the Australian winter.

Located on the banks of the Swan River in the heart of Perth’s central business district, the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre has established itself as Western Australia’s premier venue for conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, concerts and performing arts. Since opening in 2004, the venue has hosted thousands of national and international events across sectors including mining, energy, healthcare, education, technology and tourism. Its flexible event spaces allow organisers to accommodate everything from international conventions welcoming thousands of delegates to theatre-style productions such as Tom Gleeson’s performance.

The ability to diversify programming has become an increasingly valuable strategy for convention centres worldwide. Rather than relying solely on corporate conferences, venues are broadening their event portfolios to include concerts, comedy tours, cultural festivals and community performances. This diversified approach helps maximise venue utilisation throughout the year while attracting a wider demographic of visitors.

For Perth, such events reinforce the city’s attractiveness as both a leisure and business destination. Visitors attending performances frequently extend their stay to experience the city’s waterfront precinct, restaurants, bars and cultural attractions. This pattern of “bleisure” travel—combining business or event attendance with leisure activities—continues to shape travel trends across Australia and internationally.

Accessibility also strengthens Perth’s appeal. Perth Airport offers extensive domestic services alongside international connections linking Western Australia with destinations across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Efficient public transport, modern accommodation and a compact city centre make it straightforward for visitors to travel between the airport, hotels and the convention centre.

Although Out of Touch is a theatre performance rather than an exhibition, its economic contribution extends beyond ticket sales. Hospitality venues surrounding PCEC typically experience increased patronage before and after performances, while accommodation providers benefit from visitors travelling from regional areas. Taxi services, rideshare operators and public transport networks also experience higher passenger volumes on major event evenings.

Unlike trade fairs or international congresses, the event does not feature exhibitors, commercial showcases or business delegates. Instead, the programme centres entirely on Tom Gleeson’s live performance, offering audiences an evening of contemporary Australian comedy. Consequently, there are no participating countries, international exhibitors or keynote speakers beyond the headline performer himself.

Nevertheless, events of this nature remain an important component of destination marketing. A vibrant entertainment calendar enhances Perth’s reputation as a dynamic city capable of hosting a broad spectrum of experiences throughout the year. For convention centres, maintaining a balance between business events and public performances supports financial sustainability while increasing community engagement.

The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre continues to demonstrate this versatility through its annual programme, accommodating everything from international industry conferences to family entertainment and nationally touring productions. Such flexibility enables the venue to remain active across different market segments while contributing to Western Australia’s broader tourism objectives.

Visitors attending Tom Gleeson’s performance can also take advantage of Perth’s wider tourism offerings. Nearby attractions include Elizabeth Quay, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, the Swan River foreshore and the city’s growing collection of restaurants, cafés and cultural venues. These experiences encourage longer stays and greater visitor expenditure, supporting local businesses beyond the immediate event.

The official organisers recommend purchasing tickets through the authorised Ticketek platform, ensuring secure entry and up-to-date event information. As with all performances at PCEC, attendees are encouraged to plan transport in advance and arrive early to enjoy the venue’s facilities before the show begins.

As Australia’s convention centres continue evolving into true multi-purpose destinations, performances such as Tom Gleeson – Out of Touch illustrate how entertainment complements the traditional meetings and exhibitions industry. While not generating international delegate numbers associated with global trade events, cultural performances enrich the visitor economy, broaden venue utilisation and strengthen Perth’s appeal as a year-round destination for both residents and travellers.

For Western Australia, this continued blend of business events and live entertainment reinforces the strategic importance of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in supporting tourism, hospitality and the wider visitor economy, ensuring that the venue remains at the heart of Perth’s cultural and economic landscape.