Coast’s the ‘it’ spot to confer

THE Gold Coast’s booming conference industry is injecting $2 million extra every week into the economy as the early interest in the 2018 Commonwealth Games ripens.

The latest Queensland Business Events survey shows the direct economic impact of conferences jumped 21 per cent in the past year to $565 million.

The figures are even more impressive given they relate solely to conference days and not what was spent by visitors before and after their events.

The Gold Coast held 124 business events in the 2015-16 financial year, nearly half of which were for international groups. Overall, more than 3300 conferences, meetings and incentive travel programs were held here.

Another was added to that list this week with the city winning the rights to a 2000delegation conference projected to provide an $8 million windfall.

Gold Coast Business Events director Anna Case said securing the 70th International Communication Association (ICA) conference in May 2020 was a “real coup” for the city.

“ICA was seeking a destination that would make their members’ eyes light up and the Gold Coast undoubtedly has that unique appeal to international delegates,” she said.

“We met the key criteria (of) easy and affordable accessibility, world-class meeting facilities and reasonably priced accommodation.”

Gold Coast Tourism chief executive Martin Winter said the city was experiencing renewed interest in business events, particularly from sporting organisations.

He said the skyrocketing popularity was driven by the global interest in next year’s Commonwealth Games, availability of world-class venues and the beach-to-rainforest experiences for delegates.

“We’re seeing an incredible injection of new infrastructure on the Gold Coast which will ensure ongoing capacity for our business events industry with new event space, upgraded venues and unique, money-can’t-buy experiences for groups,” he said.

“In the sport sector alone, we’ll welcome 11,700 delegates to our city for 29 conferences and meetings. Organisers tell us participants are keen to soak up the unique atmosphere.

“We’re in the best position now to take advantage of the international focus on the Gold Coast with a renewed offering for groups to meet here.”

The bid for the International Communication Association conference was championed by QUT Media and Communications professor Terry Flew.

“The conference will be a major contributor to the Gold Coast’s economic and intellectual capital, fostering fresh ideas and conversations, as well as a direct economic contribution into the business events and tourism industry,” he said.

We’re seeing an incredible injection of new infrastructure on the Gold Coast MARTIN WINTER