Destination Gold Coast is hosting 80 PCOS, decision-makers, and media this week for ‘This is Gold Coast’, a three-day familiarisation showcasing the city’s purpose-built infrastructure for business events.
This year’s program is being held from 21-23 June and is the largest since before the pandemic, which Destination Gold Coast chief executive officer Patricia O’Callaghan said was perfectly timed to capitalise on the pent-up desire for meeting face-to-face again.
“Business events is a sector built on face-to-face interaction, and we are hearing loud and clear from our partners and delegates that nothing beats human connection,” O’Callaghan said.
“This annual event is a cornerstone for the business events sector, and this year, we are incredibly proud to showcase some of the Gold Coast’s newest accommodation and event spaces blended with fresh experiences and offerings.”
This year’s delegation of 80 fully hosted buyers comes from domestic and international markets, and represents companies and associations with the potential to generate more than $40 million in future business events for the Gold Coast.
Innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship are the key focus areas of the 2022 program, which includes a Knowledge Program that showcases the city’s innovation and entrepreneurship, and an Industry Knowledge Exchange at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) where delegates met with more 30 Gold Coast meeting and accommodation venues and specialist suppliers.
Other highlights include a welcome lunch beachside at Burleigh Pavillion and evening showcases at Miami Marketta and Cali Beach Club.
Destination Gold Coast’s head of business events Selina Sinclair said the Gold Coast’s credentials to stage business events continues to grow.
“We’ve received an extraordinary level of interest to attend ‘This is Gold Coast’ and we’re ready to deliver a memorable event in The Imagination Capital of Australia, leaving no doubt for decision-makers and buyers that we’re the best choice for business events in Australia and globally,” Sinclair said.
“The business events sector is an important part of our weekday visitor economy and prior to the pandemic generated $570 million in economic benefit for the city.”
Destination Gold Coast has so far confirmed more than 70 business events for 2022-23, worth $95 million in economic value for the city.
