Australia. 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). 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. www.pcb.com.au