Mackay conventions experiences boon with sustainability focus
The Mackay region will be participating at the Convene Q trade show, which is to be held for the first time at the Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane in mid-July.
This will be the fifth year that Mackay has participated at the show and happens as the award-winning Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) heads into a new period of environmental sustainability, with an extensive solar installation well underway on its rooftops.
As part of a $2 million Mackay Regional Council city-wide initiative, a 70w solar plant is being placed on the MECC’s Auditorium roof and a 100w plant installed atop the convention centre. As well as being environmentally-friendly, this solar initiative is estimated to provide a return on investment for the Centre within four years.
The local economy is also buoyant, with Mackay currently the strongest regional economic performer in northern Australia and North Queensland. The flow-on effects are evident, with Mackay attracting strong conference growth, across a range of diverse sectors.
2020 is looking particularly strong for the MECC. Coming events include an inaugural combined conference for Rotary Districts 9550 and 9570 in May, which is expected to attract approximately 400 delegates from throughout northeastern Australia and from as far afield as Timor Leste.
Later that month, an estimated 350 delegates will attend the Association of School Business Administrators (Qld) Conference. It will be the first time that the conference has been staged in North Queensland, highlighting Mackay’s strong destination appeal, depth of infrastructure, centrality and ease of access.
In September 2020, the Bowen Basin Symposium is expected to attract 600 national and international mining sector geologists to Mackay. The Symposium is only held once every 5 years and as testimony to the MECC’s capacity and capability, this is the second time the event has been held at the convention centre.
Nicky Hansen, Sales & Business Development Coordinator with the MECC acknowledged the convention centre was delighted to attract these conferences and mentioned some of the influencing reasons.
“Mackay has a wonderful climate, enjoys excellent aviation access, has an extensive range of accommodation and great outdoor venues for offsite business event functions,” she said.
“Strong local support also includes our city’s Invest Mackay Events and Conferences Funding Program. We’re hoping to meet with planners on the Mackay Region Stand (Stand #55) at Convene Q and convince them of the benefits of taking their events to a regional location which offers great results and something extra special.”
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