WELL ESTABLISHED AS Australia’s playground, Queensland’s Gold Coast has plenty to offer corporate groups for conferencing or incentives. Apart from its white-sand beaches, the Gold Coast is known for
its theme parks, which have special offerings for business events, including after-hours access to rides and activities complete with entertainers and catering. Other options range from islands to the hinterland and include
five-star spa resorts as well as a convention centre that is a monorail ride away from beaches, restaurants and shopping. And it’s all within easy reach of anywhere in Australia – Gold Coast Airport (
GoldCoastAirport.com.au) has up to 25 flights a day from Sydney and 15 from Melbourne. There are also regular services from Adelaide, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Mount Isa, Newcastle and Perth. Airport COO Paul Donovan says more than 5.6 million passengers
were welcomed last year, making it the fifth busiest international airport in Australia. Gold Coast Convention Bureau (
www.GoldCoastConventions.com)
director Anna Case says memorable pre- and post-conference touring opportunities are a key attraction of the region. The diversity offered by 55km of coastline and 100,000ha. of heritage- listed rain forest means business events groups have a variety of experiences on offer. Broadbeach is conference central, with the Gold Coast
Convention & Exhibition Centre (
www.gccec.com.au) linked to shopping and restaurants by monorail. The centre can cater for up to 6000 guests. General manager Adrienne Readings says it is the most-attended
regional convention centre in Australia, offering free Wi-Fi internet connection (up to 3000 users at once), a full-service in-house audio- visual department and contemporary award-winning catering. Within walking distance are more than 3000 accommodation
rooms, surf beaches, restaurants, Jupiters Hotel & Casino and the chic Broadbeach precinct. Broadbeach is known as one of the dining meccas of the Gold
Coast with more than 100 restaurants, cafes and bars. Broadbeach Alliance CEO Jan McCormick says the precinct offers something for every taste and budget. Accommodation options include Jupiters Hotel & Casino and Sofitel Gold Coast, which both have conference spaces. There is always something new on the Gold Coast, and
construction has just started on the new $41 million Gold Coast Aquatic Centre redevelopment, which will include a 50m. competition pool for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Beyond the Games, the centre is expected to deliver economic
and community benefits, and will have the potential to be a special venue for business events. Work is expected to be completed in about 12 months’ time. Also of interest for business events is a new luxury coach, the Croc
Express. Introduced by Australian Day Tours (
www.daytours.com.au), the $300,000 Mercedes Benz vehicle seats 58 people and is available for day tours to Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast.
E
An EA perspective EAs have been on the frontline for business events in the Gold Coast. Here is what they have to say...
Our group stayed at the QT Hotel Surfers Paradise, a quirky
and funky establishment. The accommodation rooms were excellent, no matter what view was offered. The “young” concept of the hotel to provide guests with a refreshing and energetic atmosphere was much appreciated. The conference rooms were spacious and the AV support proficient. All staff around the hotel were courteous. The “lemonade welcome” when we arrived was different, creating a nice homely atmosphere. Zimmer (Sydney) EA Roger Foenander.
For conferencing, the Gold Coast experience is a real eye
opener. You are spoilt for choice. Memorable experiences can be secured at exceptionally reasonable rates, and there are a host of little surprises that can be organised to give your event that wow factor. So intimate was the environment for our event we were made to feel like part of an extended family. The Gold Coast offers excellent breakout and dinner spaces, and locations to suit any size group or budget. The Gold Coast is the total package. Even transfers can provide a sense of occasion, including on the back of a Harley Davison (a must-do for any conference) or making an amazing entrance by helicopter. AIOP Queensland division president Louise Burton.
Dreamworld’s event team created an absolutely wonderful
experience for our staff party. Catering for more than 130 guests, the evening had such a variety of entertainment there was something for everyone. That’s what attracted us to their great value package. Our aim was to host an extraordinary event that was fun for all staff members as well as their partners. This was certainly achieved by Dreamworld, which gave us exclusive access to rides, retro-style photos, the Tattoo Parlour and a DJ in the restaurant. The team did a fantastic job of meeting our every need during the planning process and on the night. The service was first class and the food was delicious and plentiful. Many guests have told me it was the best party they’ve ever attended. SMEC document controller (PA at the time of the event) Josie Thew.
Our executive leadership team planning day at Sea World
went very smoothly, from arrival through to departure. The service was wonderful and staff members extremely helpful. The catering was also exceptional. We look forward to returning to SeaWorld for future meetings/events. Gold Coast City Council executive PA Pauline Thomson.
APRIL/MAY 2013 I
WWW.EXECUTIVEPA.COM.AU 37
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68