June 24, 2021 | Produced in partnership with Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre
The Mackay region, strategically located between Brisbane in the south and Cairns in the north, delivers one of Queensland’s leading regional business events destinations and sets a high benchmark to which other regions aspire.
The region has a track record for attracting not only Queensland-orientated business events but also prestigious events such as the National Economic Development Conference (NEDC21) which will take place in October 2021. Mackay’s economic diversity which is represented by a strong resources sector, agribusiness, construction, logistics, education and tourism contributes to the region hosting events such as NEDC21.
Astute planners recognise the destination is well-served with good aviation access, an award-winning convention centre, strong local funding support, an impressive portfolio of off-site venues and for these health-conscious times, uncrowded, wide-open spaces with pristine ocean, river and rural landscapes.
Support funding to continue for business events
The Mackay Regional Council has indicated that the Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Program will continue into 2021-2022, providing generous support for conferences, with up to a maximum of $75,000 provided for those events which meet the program criteria. Since inception in 2015, the program has supported 194 events and 49 conferences, providing a total of $6.8 million in support funding.
Business event product portfolio expands
The Mackay region’s portfolio of interesting off-site locations for conference welcome functions, dinners and social programme events continues to grow.
Just 30 kilometres to the west of Mackay, the 190-acre working beef cattle property Note Park now offers an exclusive-use venue, set amongst rolling green hills and expansive sugarcane fields. The fully-covered entertainment area can seat up to 200 guests and the spectacular valley views and the property’s renowned premium grass-fed beef provide an added incentive to visit.
Back in the Mackay CBD, the 30-acre Queens Park has recently undergone an impressive $8.8 million revitalisation, making it an even more versatile option for off-site events, with conference delegates able to walk to the park from the nearby Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.
The 190-acre working beef cattle property Note Park now offers an exclusive-use venue | Top image: The 30-acre Queens Park has recently undergone an impressive $8.8 million revitalisation
Mackay goes interstate to get local
The Mackay region and the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre head to the inaugural Get Local trade show in Sydney in late July with plenty of good news for planners who are seeking a fresh destination that meets their requirements and also delivers a totally new business event experience.
Staying cutting edge, the MECC has recently made a major investment in the very latest in lighting equipment and is amongst the first venues in Australia to purchase new high-power LED luminaires, wash beams and profiles. These will primarily be utilised in the convention centre halls as part of the main production lighting rig.
Planners are also invited to take a sneak-peek at the convention centre’s facilities via the recently launched high-tech virtual reality tour now available on the MECC website. With venues ranging from the 1000+ seat auditorium through to plenary halls, meeting rooms and exhibition spaces, all surrounded by the gardens of a dedicated convention centre precinct, there will be plenty to talk about at Get Local.
The award-winning Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre