Event organisers take on the Goldie for This is Gold Coast
Destination Gold Coast hosted 80 professional conference organisers, decision-makers, and media representatives last week for ‘This is Gold Coast’, a three-day familiarisation to showcase the Gold Coast’s purpose-built infrastructure to create memorable and extraordinary business events.
The 2022 program, from 21 – 23 June, was the largest hosted by the city since before the pandemic.
Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said ‘This Is Gold Coast’ was perfectly timed to capitalise on the pent-up desire for delegates to meet again face-to-face.
“Business events is a sector built on face-to-face interaction, and we are hearing loud and clear from our partners and delegates that nothing beats human connection,” O’Callaghan said.
“This annual event is a cornerstone for the business events sector, and this year, we are incredibly proud to showcase some of the Gold Coast’s newest accommodation and event spaces blended with fresh experiences and offerings.
“80 fully hosted buyers hailing from domestic and international markets will get the opportunity to connect with our local partners and rediscover a city that is quickly becoming a hub of visionary thinking and one of world’s most exciting business events destinations.
“The delegation represents companies and associations with the potential to generate more than $40 million in future business events for the city.”
Innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship will be front and centre this year with the program accelerated by a robust Knowledge Program that will showcase the innovation and entrepreneurship that is shaping the Gold Coast into a smart and sustainable city of the future.
The Knowledge Program, which will include keynotes from the City of Gold Coast and the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, received grant funding from the Australian Government under the Recovery for Regional Tourism Program administered by Austrade.
Destination Gold Coast’s head of business events Selina Sinclair said the Gold Coast’s credentials to stage business events continue to grow.
“We’ve received an extraordinary level of interest to attend ‘This is Gold Coast’ and we’re ready to deliver a memorable event in The Imagination Capital of Australia, leaving no doubt for decision-makers and buyers that we’re the best choice for business events in Australia and globally,” said Sinclair.
“The business events sector is an important part of our weekday visitor economy and prior to the pandemic generated $570 million in economic benefit for the city.”
Program highlights include a welcome lunch beachside at Burleigh Pavillion, a future-focused Industry Knowledge Exchange at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre and evening showcases at Miami Marketta and Cali Beach Club.
Delegates considering the Gold Coast for a future business event had the opportunity to engage with over 30 Gold Coast meeting and accommodation venues and specialist suppliers in a full day of pre-scheduled meetings at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Image: iStock/ymgerman
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
business events conference organisers Destination Gold Coast familiarisation Patricia O’Callaghan this is gold coastLatest News
Aussies a hit on the conference floor for IPW 2024
Diana Ross on opening night, Keanu's Dogstar band and a dozen lobster rolls. All in a week's work at IPW 2024.
Premium hotel operator ERDI launches it’s own academy in heart of Melbourne
ERDI expects to be shaken not stirred with the launch of its ERDI Academy in its Melbourne hotels.
Tropical North Queensland action-packed events calendar for adventure enthusiasts
Hanging out for that next dose of adrenaline? It's time for you to head north!
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
Two days in Fiji! If you didn't attend this conference we're sure you've got FOMO.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Two thirds of Australians support introduction of tourism tax, survey reveals
Can you guess which generation was the most outraged at the news? Hint: It is exactly who you think!
“The consumer really just wanted more classic reward availability” – customers underwhelmed by Qantas FF shakeup
All this consumer wants is to sit behind someone that doesn't push their seat back to near-horizontal levels.
Aussie travellers warned of ‘significant’ visa shifts in destinations including Chile, US and Vietnam
To be honest are biggest advice for having a layover in the US, is just don't.
Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian
Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!
Final Call: Travel DAZE Exec early birds are about to expire
Much like the auctioneer at the hottest sale of the year, we're giving you one more chance to jump at this deal!
Forget the weekend! Experience Gold Coast launches mid-week travel campaign
Your boss might be a bit bothered if you jet off mid-week, but you'll be the envy of all of your Instagram followers.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council warns of losing tourism dollars to NSW & QLD
Trendy cafe's hidden in CBD laneways can only get so many tourism dollars, clearly!
AIME 2024 rustles up $330m for APAC economy
This figure is a 65 per cent increase on 2023, much alike The Nibbler staff's alcohol consumption.
Amex GBT to purchase CWT for $871m
It's big deals like this that get a firm handshake - hence the sore hands over at the CWT and Amex GBT offices.
Boeing cleanout: CEO, chair to go as safety crisis plagues the manufacturer
CEOs are falling thick and fast these days. We should have started up a bingo game with their headshots in the office.
Star boss resigns, admits retaining NSW casino licence unlikely under his leadership
The CEO resigned after 18 months in the role. 'Another one bites the dust' rumoured to be heard playing in Pyrmont.
Corporate Traveller swings amateur golfers around the globe for World Golf Competition
How're your golf skills? Consider yourself a Tiger Woods or often get quadruple bogeys? We take after the latter.
Corporate travellers to spend big on Melbourne F1 despite financial pressures
Part of the attraction is sick days after the event as corporate travellers suffer creaked necks and blown eardrums.
Bonza officially kicks off Gold Coast-Darwin route
The Flying Purple Thumb is back at it with another route. We swear, we're going to make this nickname stick!
South West Sydney Tourism launches Western Sydney Tourism Awards
Penrith's 3 consecutive NRL premierships wasn't enough? The people of Western Sydney could fill the trophy cabinet more!
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Industry leaders at odds over who should pay accommodation levy
There's not as much gore in the Hotels vs. Airbnb saga as there is in Alien vs. Predator, but it's just as thrilling!
Singapore Airlines revamps premium economy with new menu, amenity kit
Felt Singapore Airlines was lacking "the sauce" (as the kids say). Bolster belief in the carrier's je na sais quoi here.
Business Events Adelaide set for 20th Destination SA event
Destination SA turns 20! Hopefully it's not celebrated with vodka cruisers and vapes like most 20th birthdays.
Boeing’s woes delay massive Virgin Australia order
This delay means Virgin staffers will be without that new plane smell, inspiring us to sell it in a can.
All the winners from the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Somehow missed this news recently? Good thing you're subscribed to our fabulous newsletter!
Corporate international travel from Brisbane up 30% YOY: Flight Centre
Queenslanders seem keen to go somewhere that actually serves good beer! Sorry, we actually like Great Northern.
Amora Brisbane undergoes $30m remodelling, geared up for MICE offerings
When $30m goes into an amazing hotel to get it geared up for MICE offerings, that's amore!
Corporate Travel Management’s CEO Laura Ruffles steps down
CTM confirmed that Ruffles will be stepping down due to a personal health issue, effective immediately.
Qatar Airways crowned World’s Best MICE Airline at World MICE Awards
You could say Qatar Airways really 'nabbed the cheese' with this one! Alright, we'll see ourselves out...
Qantas, Jetstar & Virgin hike airfares as supplier costs inflate
Supplier increases means you'll pay more. It's like pass the parcel, but instead of getting a present, you owe money.