Mackay, North Queensland has been selected as the host destination for the National Economic Development Conference (NEDC21), from 13-15 October 2021.
The flagship event of Economic Development Australia, the national body for economic development professionals in Australia, the conference will bring members together at Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC).
The event is expected to attract up to 250 economic development professionals, as well as their partners and families.
NEDC21 will run across two days and will be accommodated in a socially-distanced manner by MECC’s flexible range of meeting rooms and spaces.
The conference will include a masterclass, local study tours and site visits, an awards gala dinner and networking functions.
Andrew Bobeldyk, manager, MECC and Events, said the bid win conveyed a strong message about the region and venue’s capacity and capability for business events.
“The conference theme is to be centred around transformation through a circular economy and Mackay provides a perfect example of such a concept,” he said.
“Acknowledged as a thriving regional centre, its economic diversity is represented by a strong resources sector, agribusiness, construction, logistics, education and tourism.
“The type and calibre of conferences which we continue to attract to the MECC reflect those specialisations and give us an edge in the highly competitive business events marketplace.”
NEDC21 organisers have indicated the conference will proceed irrespective of COVID restrictions, with scope for it to also be held as a hybrid or online event should it be deemed necessary.
