Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the Gold Coast will welcome more than 1,000 delegates for the World Federation of Chiropractic Biennial Congress in March 2023.
“The event is expected to inject $2.4 million into Gold Coast’s economy and will bring together chiropractic association leaders and executives worldwide to share best practice experiences, cultivate networks and explore areas of innovation,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“We’re delighted with the outcome of a collaborative bid with our industry partners to attract this highly regarded international congress and we look forward to welcoming these delegates to the Gold Coast.”
Securing the event is a milestone after the city endured months of hardship impacting both tourism and business events as a result of COVID-19 shutdowns and travel restrictions.
Ms O’Callaghan said kick-starting the recovery of business events is a priority for the Gold Coast as interconnected industries are set to benefit from a pipeline of upcoming domestic and international conferences.
“Prior to the pandemic, Gold Coast’s business events market share increased by five per cent to generate a staggering $570 million in economic impact,” she said.
“The Gold Coast remains one of the world’s most desirable destinations for delegates to meet, offering COVID-safe spacious and adaptive venues that are ready to offer a haven for delegates, backed up by incredible experiences, attractions and natural beauty.”
The bid was secured by Destination Gold Coast in partnership with Tourism Australia support by the Business Events Bid Fund Program (BFP), and Tourism and Events Queensland and will be hosted at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said securing the conference on the Gold Coast provides the local business events industry with some confidence in the pipeline of future events as it recovers from the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“Lucrative business events require significant planning and by winning events such as this one, we are helping to drive the long-term recovery of our visitor economy while also ensuring Australia remains front of mind among decision makers as a world-class events destination,” Ms Harrison said.
The Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland said it is proud to support business events like this, which are attracting visitors, supporting local jobs and promoting our destinations.
