Destination Gold Coast has announced Matthew Deaner, chief executive officer of Screen Producers Australia (SPA), as the newest member of BE Connected Gold Coast ambassador program, with the aim of showcasing the city as a thriving hub for innovation and attracting more business events.

With the Gold Coast rapidly emerging as a major player in the global film and television sector, having Deaner represent the city in the screen industry is a highly welcomed development for the business events ambassador program.

Having led SPA, the leading organisation for content producers, for more than a decade, Deaner has played a crucial role in securing the Gold Coast as the host city for SCREEN FOREVER for an additional three years. As the premier annual screen industry event, SCREEN FOREVER serves as a platform that brings together more than 1,000 local, national, and international professionals from the screen industry, promoting and strengthening Australia’s screen sector.

“I am passionate about nature, creative and energising cities and the screen industry as well as bringing people together to develop our sector and the Gold Coast is the perfect destination to facilitate this,” Deaner said.

“The value of getting together to be inspired, connect and do business during SCREEN FOREVER has such a positive and profound effect on our industry.

“From incredible weather and diverse locations to world-class production facilities and business networks and a huge local network of skilled technical screen workers, the Gold Coast has so much to offer for both film makers and delegates.”

Destination Gold Coast Interim chief operating officer Rachel Hancock said that with Deaner’s involvement in BE Connected Gold Coast, the city was poised to further elevate its reputation as a desirable destination for innovation and business events.

“As an advocate for the film industry Mr Deaner will help showcase the Gold Coast as a hub for both the film industry and best- in-class business events, whose benefits go beyond visitation and are a key contributor to the city’s growth,” Hancock said.

“The internationally recognised expertise of these thought leaders and their organisations play a major role in attracting both national and international conferences to the Gold Coast and showcasing our creativity and innovation on the world stage.”

Deaner is the 15th ambassador to join BE Connected Gold Coast which features innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who are driving change and helping to move the city forward across a range of industries including medical, engineering, sport and film.

The film industry is booming on the Gold Coast and the support and investment from City of Gold Coast and State Government has contributed to the city’s success as a global destination for film makers and for hosting conferences for the screen industry.

In addition to securing SCREEN FOREVER, the city will host Screen Horizons 2023 in July and The Australian International Movie Convention is also set to return to its pre-pandemic home at The Star Gold Coast in October.