Destination Gold Coast hosted 26 delegates for ‘This is Gold Coast’, a three-day event showcasing some of the best venues, experiences and professional services on offer for business events on the Gold Coast.
Influential conference decision-makers, professional conference organisers and media representatives attended the program from 22 – 24 June. The delegation represents companies and associations with the potential to generate more than $14 million in future business events for the city.
Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the return of this event, after cancelling last year, represented a significant step towards recovery for the Gold Coast’s business events sector.
“We’re incredibly proud to showcase our city to this valued group of influential hosts to see first-hand how incredibly well the Gold Coast delivers on staging successful business events,” said Ms O’Callaghan.
“Our resilient and resourceful business events industry partners have joined us in developing an inspired and innovative program designed to leave our delegates with the ideas and connections to create an unforgettable conference on the Gold Coast.”
Program highlights included a welcome lunch at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, watching the sunset onboard YOT Club and breakfast at RACV Royal Pines Resort. Delegates also experienced the newly opened $60 million Gallery at HOTA, Home of the Arts.
According to Ms O’Callaghan, the event could not have come at a better time, as the city worked to rebuild its $570 million pre-COVID business events economy.
“This sector is built on face-to-face interaction, and we are hearing loud and clear from our partners and delegates that nothing beats human connection,” she said.
Village Roadshow Theme Parks (VRTP) COO Bikash Randhawa said, “It’s wonderful to see the return of the Business Exchange event, which is a great initiative by Destination Gold Coast to continue the sector’s post-COVID recovery. There is an excitement around the sector as business events are starting to get attention, and we feel clients are craving to get back together for face-to-face events.
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, as well as visiting major meeting venues.
‘This is Gold Coast’ is an initiative of Destination Gold Coast in a collaborative city approach with industry partners.
