More than 6000 delegates descended on Cairns recently for the annual Amway China Business Owners leadership seminar program.

In waves of around 900 guests at a time, top-performing sellers experienced the Cairns and Great Barrier region and signature activities from wildlife encounters to fine dining.

With over 65 per cent of guests arriving on direct services from Asia, the groups enjoyed five days of memorable experiences, proving Cairns to be a capable, leading business event destination.

“The seamless operation of Amway China’s large-scale leadership seminar program is proof that Cairns has the infrastructure and capability to welcome large groups,” said Business Events Cairns and Great Barrier Reef general manager Rosie Douglas.

“Our world-class hotels, restaurants, attractions and event delivery capabilities make Cairns a strong contender for leadership seminars and business events.”

The itinerary 

Groups got their bearings with a scenic ride on the Skyrail Cableway where they cruised above rainforest that dates back more than 150 million years.

By using the Skyrail mobile phone app, Amway China sales agents were able to have a running commentary in Mandarin. The rail speed could also be adjusted to ensure their itinerary was kept on track.

Groups encountered native Australian wildlife at the Rainforestation Nature Park including crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, koalas, dingoes, cassowary and python snakes.

More animal encounters of a different type were had at KUR-Cow Barnwell Farm where sales agents got up close and personal to animals on a working cattle farm.

Among those experiences included feeding cattle and a horse show where Australian stockmen and drovers demonstrated how they herd cattle.

Delegates took full advantage of Cairns as the gateway to The Great Barrier Reef, with a full day tour with Great Adventures and a tour of the new Cairns Aquarium that’s home to 15,000 sea creatures and event spaces for up to 300 guests.

A new extension to the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum in Cairns was transformed into business sessions by day and a gala dinner by night.

The gala dinner was the work of Ochre Restaurant and Catering, whose focus was to serve local fresh produce, and Encore Event Technologies.

The two companies transformed the venue into a reef and rainforest wonderland, with guests being entertained throughout the evening with cutting edge magic and performances from leading Chinese artists.

Groups were accommodated throughout the city including the new Riley from the Crystalbrook Collection, the recently refurbished 184-room Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns and the renovated Pullman Reef Hotel Casino.

The verdict

Sales agents are said to have left feeling recharged and inspired, giving the program positive feedback.

“The feedback from sales agents has been outstanding and they have left Cairns more motivated and inspired to perform when they get home,” said Douglas.

“They embraced our tropical lifestyle, enjoyed our local seafood and fresh produce and a new knowledge of the Great Barrier Reef and Australian wildlife.”