That’s Very GC

I can’t remember the number of MEA (formerly MIAA) conferences I’ve attended, and I certainly can’t remember there being more than 650 delegates at any of these prior to this latest one on the Gold Coast. Why were the numbers so big this time around? Is it because the business events industry in Australia is so buoyant right now? Is it because of the destination – as the tagline used to say before everything went “Very GC” – “the always changing, ever amazing Gold Coast” (or words to that effect). Is it because of the educational component – the keynote speakers and the business sessions? Personally, I couldn’t see a great difference from previous years. Or what about the awards? Perhaps that was the motivator? Without knowing how many entrants there were this time around I can’t say whether this was the primary reason for such a rise in delegate numbers either. Perhaps it was the conference chair, Suzie Jones and her team who helped boost numbers? Or what about the new MEA CEO, Linda Gaunt?

Do I have any clue at all? No, not really. But what I will say – probably foolishly if I know what’s good for me – is that Queensland continues to be one of the strongest states for supporting the business events industry, be that in staging events or attending them, and the Gold Coast remains one of the greatest drawcards for business events nationally. I can’t recall the last time MEA held its annual conference on the Gold Coast. It was obviously before my time. From memory the last time it was in Queensland it was held in Townsville, with fair numbers attending. Perth last year saw about 400 delegates attend, which pretty much appears to be about average for MEA conferences. This time 250 more people or thereabouts have put their hand into their pockets to attend this event. Not a bad little bonus for the organisers when registration is a little over $1000 a pop. No doubt Sandra Passaro and her Gold Coast Tourism team are doing cartwheels at the delegate numbers to this MEA national conference. It’s a clear sign to me at least that the Gold Coast has something that many other destinations do not have. That could be the cheap and easy access to the region, the quality venues, the weather, and the pre and post-conference touring options. And perhaps the new Gold Coast branding is playing its part as well. I can only wish Tasmania the best of luck for MEA 2007.