The Gold Coast will welcome 1400 education professionals when it hosts the Australian International Education Conference in 2020.

The event is estimated to inject more than $3.3 million into the city’s economy and will see leading international education practitioners, teaching staff, research and policy makers convene on the Gold Coast for the first time in over a decade.

The four-day program will take place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in October 2020 and is hosted by IDP Education in conjunction with the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA).

“It’s been 15 years since the conference was held on the Gold Coast, so it is an opportunity to reflect on the growth and success of Australia’s international education sector and the education opportunities international students are taking up in cities and towns around the country,” said IDP Education CEO Andrew Barkla.

The bid was secured by Destination Gold Coast in partnership with Study Gold Coast and Study Queensland within Trade and Investment Queensland.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista said the conference win highlights the region’s ability to integrate business events, leisure travel and education pathways.

“We are delighted the Gold Coast has been selected to host the 34th annual Australian International Education Conference, as we continue to solidify our reputation as a premier business events destination and a remarkable place to live, work, study and play,” she said.

“The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s best performing regional edutourism markets, with students and visiting family and friends contributing an estimated $1.7 billion in total economic value to the region.

“As a destination of extraordinary diversity, our unrivalled business events offering, authentic experiences and enviable climate are just some of the key reason’s organisers choose to host their conference on the Gold Coast, with many returning to paradise.”

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