June 21, 2022 | By Bronwen Largier | Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Destination Gold Coast is hosting a mega famil event this week, with 80 PCOs, event decision makers and media on the coast for three days to revel in the capabilities of the city as a business events host.
Up to $40 million of business is up for grabs amongst event organisers and owners attending the program.
“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,” said Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan, ahead of delegates’ arrival into the Gold Coast.
“Eighty fully hosted buyers hailing from domestic and international markets will get the opportunity to connect with our local partners and rediscover a city that is quickly becoming a hub of visionary thinking and one of world’s most exciting business events destinations.
“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.”
Buyers include those representing international markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, the USA, the UK, New Zealand and Japan.
“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,” said Destination Gold Coast’s head of business events, Selina Sinclair, for whom this will be her first iteration of the event.
“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.”
The event will include a beachside welcome lunch Burleigh Pavillion and evening showcases at Miami Marketta and Cali Beach Club. The event’s knowledge program will also include keynote addresses from the City of Gold Coast and the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.
The famil received funding from the federal government under its regional tourism recovery program, being administered by Austrade.
The Gold Coast has over 70 business events worth $95 million locked in for next financial year.