Queensland’s Sunshine Coast will welcome hundreds of delegates to the region this August for the United in Compassion (UIC) Australian Medicinal Cannabis Symposium.
Visit Sunshine Coast worked in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council via the Business Events Assistance Program to secure the medical event, which is set to attract more than 400 delegates.
It’s expected to deliver an estimated economic value of more than $600,000 to the region.
Taking place on 13-15 August at Novotel Twin Waters Resort’s Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, the symposium will feature international experts in the field, as well as a trade exhibition, a nurse’s conference, a health professionals event and a gala dinner.
After her son endured acute, unrelieved pain as the result of a terminal illness, Lucy Haslam began advocating for the legalisation of medicinal cannabis and created the conference, which will see experts examine the issue and create pathways for legislative change.
“I bring experts together from around the globe to share their knowledge and experience and hopefully drive wider acceptance of medicinal cannabis,” she said.
“We are expecting this to be a very powerful event, attracting health care professionals, industry representatives, the legal fraternity and interested members of the general public, who are often the most passionate advocates for sensible change.
“There are a vast range of problems with the current system that will be addressed at the symposium, including drug driving issues, high costs for patients and the difficulty with access for veterans and first responders, especially those with PTSD.”
Visit Sunshine Coast business events manager Maureen Brennan said the event will help position the region as a prime destination for medical and public interest-related conferences.
“The Sunshine Coast has outstanding medical and educational institutions, with a renowned research and development sector, so conferences examining medical issues are a ‘natural’ for us,” she said.
“We also have the advantage of an upgraded Sunshine Coast Airport, which has established direct air services from major city hubs such as Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Melbourne, and internationally with Auckland.
“Following the pandemic, there is increasing demand for conferences in areas which can offer a more open, less crowded environment, complemented by ease of access and high-quality facilities.”
