Several of DFAT's recent international media visits (IMVs) have been focused on the lead-up to the G20 meeting in Brisbane in November 2014. Groups of economics journalists from the G20 countries have been hosted in Sydney and Brisbane, and shown aspects of Australia's economy and trade potential up close. The visiting journalists tweet content and file stories throughout the visits: a mix of social media stories and traditional economics reporting, as well as feature stories.

Besides the usual major sectors such as resources, mining and education, the journalists have been exposed to Australian science and innovation, sport, and the creative industries.

In some cases, the journalists are from countries where Australia is not well understood beyond the stereotypes. "The international media visits are a great opportunity to dispel myths, and provide a more contemporary view to audiences in G20 countries that Australia is much more than a 'lifestyle superpower'; we are an innovative and creative country, a leader in scientific research, and the world's 13th largest economy," says DFAT's Public Diplomacy Branch Assistant Secretary Lisa Wright.

July's G20 international media visit brought 11 journalists from eight countries to Sydney, for a program developed around the B20 and G20 Trade Ministers' meetings. The delegation met industry chiefs such as Rio Tinto CEO Sam Walsh, and Trade Minister Andrew Robb, and had the opportunity to network with media colleagues.

There were site tours of LNG infrastructure and rail transport projects on a day trip to Gladstone; a Sydney Harbour Bridge climb; and visits to bio-engineering and nanotechnology institutes at the University of Queensland. The delegation attended a performance of Jandamurra at the Sydney Opera House, and witnessed the NSW Blues losing to the Queensland Maroons at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.