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Sydney to host Microsoft Imagine finals in 2012

An exciting Microsoft event is coming to Sydney

Sydney has been selected as the host city of the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012 Worldwide Finals.

Microsoft's Bill Gates describes the event as "the Olympics of the software world"

You can be sure the eco business cards will be flying as over 400 student finalists from 100 countries display work that harnesses imagination and technology to solve the world's problems.

Organiser Business Events Sydney (BESydney) sees hosting the Imagine Cup as a chance to show Sydney to the world.

"The competition provides a platform to exchange ideas, stimulate creativity and make valuable connections for the future," said Jon Hutchison, chief executive officer of BESydney

"What better place for this event than Sydney, Australia?"

Managing director of Microsoft Australia Pip Marlow also commented on the announcement: "We have the brightest and smartest talent in Australia and in hosting the championships here next year, we hope to help inspire a new generation of student inventors and imagine-makers."

Mr Hutchison estimates the benefits to the Australian economy of hosting the competition at $6.6 million dollars, as well as the enormous promotional opportunity to representatives of over 100 countries.

BESydney is a partnership between the NSW government and the tourism industry. It is responsible for promoting Sydney as a business events destination.