The destination’s signature business events showcase offers event planners from the Australia and New Zealand a chance to experience the newest and best of the Gold Coast over three or four days. Up to 70 planners are expected to attend.
This year will mark the tenth iteration of the program which aims to generate event business for the Gold Coast, in turn boosting the destination’s visitor economy during the working week when leisure visitors are typically low.
“Over ten years, TIGC has connected hundreds of conference and event organisers and key decision makers with the city’s most inspiring venues, extensive range of accommodation and unique once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” said Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn.
“Last year this event generated more than $59 million in business event leads, which is a testament to our team, our tourism partners and our city’s business event offerings.”
Emma Bowyer, CEO of PCO ICMS Australasia and attendee at last year’s This is Gold Coast, said the showcase revealed a “more sophisticated city than it’s probably ever been”.
“To me, Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing, sophisticated cities in Australia. It’s a different offering than any other city. So my takeaway has been, it’s a city that’s come to know itself and its capabilities,” she said.
Bowyer was impressed by the event from the pre-famil which showcased Tropical Fruit World, Balter Brewery and Palette, the restaurant at arts precinct, Home of the Arts (HOTA).
“From the get-go, you know, you only get a first impression once and I think they nailed it. My first impression exceeded expectations and it never went down from there.”
She also said she could see relevance to some of her clients in the products put forward.
Head of business events at Experience Gold Coast, Brooke Campbell, said This is Gold Coast 2024 was an exciting opportunity to show off the destination’s business events capabilities once again.
“The Gold Coast is continuing to invest in business events infrastructure, we are growing a reputation as one of the most accessible and inclusive cities in Australia and we are working towards greater sustainability within the events industry,” she said.
As it stands, the Gold Coasts hosts one in every two business events held in Queensland.
