Push to maintain Games momentum

BUSINESSES will be given tools to make the most of the post-Games glow at a dedicated Gold Coast Business Week, to be held next month.

Mayor Tom Tate said it was important to stay on the national and global radar, now we had the attention.

“On the back of the success of the Commonwealth Games, we’re brimming with confidence and with confidence comes prosperity,” he said.

“We’ve got to get out there and let everyone know the Gold Coast is open for business — and it’s not just tourism and development.”

Seven key themes will feature throughout the week: health and knowledge, business and investment, education, transport, events, culture, and infrastructure.

The council has worked with innovation festival Myriad on a program of events which will culminate in a “Gold Coast Way Ahead” forum on May 15.

The forum, to be hosted by Sky News chief business reporter Ingrid Willinge, will feature international speakers including Jeremy Bloom — a world champion skier, entrepreneur and CEO of marketing software firm Integrate.

Venture capitalist and artificial intelligence expert Jacqueline Garavente will also join the forum, at The Star Broadbeach.

Local experts from the health, business, education, transport, events, culture and digital infrastructure industries will also be on hand to share their local knowledge with the international guests.

Cr Tate said light rail stage three and a renewed push to attract high-level film production would also take centre stage as the city looked to maintain momentum after GC2018.

“I’d be keen to work with the Premier to attract more movies like Thor to the city,” he said. “Our stunt workers are among the world’s best.

“It’s also about supporting businesses in terms of how they emerge in terms of expanding and reinventing themselves to stay ahead and be competitive.”