The Perth Convention Bureau has launched a $50,000 professional development scholarship program open to academics and general staff at Perth’s five universities.

Two $5,000 scholarships are being offered to each institution - the University of Western Australia, Murdoch University, Curtin University of Technology, Edith Cowan University and The University of Notre Dame Australia.

The scholarships are designed to assist in the professional development of university staff, either through attendance at an international conference or undertaking study in their chosen field of endeavour.

Perth Convention Bureau has been running a scholarship program since 1999 and this year has expanded it to embrace each of the universities.

Says Managing Director Christine McLean: “The scholarship program has been responsible for generating meeting business worth an estimated $46.33 million to the Western Australian economy.

“It has been a highly successful initiative that has played a key role in advancing our knowledge across a broad range of subjects while also delivering economic benefits for the wider State.

“The academic community represents an active and influential group of local hosts with the potential to bring conferences to Western Australia that align with the State’s areas of excellence.”

A $10,000 scholarship sponsored by the City of Perth is also being offered to representatives from the broad spectrum of local not-for-profit organisations.

Applicants for the scholarships are required to research an international affiliate organisation, its meeting history and various other criteria to enable the Bureau to develop a case for the meeting to be held in Western Australia.

The Bureau – responsible for marketing Western Australia as a destination for conventions, exhibitions and incentive travel groups –secured business worth an estimated $64.19 million in direct delegate expenditure last financial year.

Scholarship information sessions are scheduled at the following universities: Murdoch, November 13, 12 noon-1.30pm, Senate Room; Curtin, November 14, 12 noon – 1.30pm, Council Chamber Foyer (Building 100); Edith Cowan, November 19, 12 noon – 1.30pm, Council Chambers; Notre Dame, November 20, 12 noon – 2.00pm, Michael Keating Room.

Applications close on Friday 27 March 2009.

Ends

For further information or to schedule a photo opportunity at any of the scholarship launches listed, please contact: Natasha Sellei, Marketing and Media Coordinator, Perth Convention Bureau.

Tel: 9480 3318. Email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it Web: www.pcb.com.au