After a couple of years of disruption in the meetings, incentives, and events sector; the Sunshine Coast is building on the success of 2022 and pushing for a major revival of the market during 2023.
Kelli Vettoretto, HelmsBriscoe – Michelle Burgum & Ali Thompson Visit Sunshine Coast, Business Events – Nio Cho, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
To kick-start the sector, Visit Sunshine Coast Business Events staged a Sunshine Soiree in Brisbane to showcase the region’s best conference and incentive products and update the audience of 50 delegates on new venues, attractions, and activities.
Amanda Mathers, Youngcare – Carlos Furtado, Aussie World – Lisa Walker, Kingfisher Bay Resort K’gari – Lauren Urquhart, Youncare
During 2022, the region began to show positive signs of recovery and hosted a number of business events, including United in Compassion Australian Medicinal Cannabis Symposium, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Summit, Infrastructure Sustainability Council Connect Conference, Joint Australasian HIV & AIDS and Sexual Health Conferences and The Childbirth and Parenting Education National Biennial Conference.
Ali Thompson, Visit Sunshine Coast’s Business & Leisure Events Manager, said the Sunshine Soiree was the perfect opportunity to get meetings and events back on the travel agenda.
“There’s undoubtedly a huge pent-up demand for conferences meetings and incentives, with a real desire for face-to-face meetings and networking,” said Ms Thompson.
“It was great to reconnect with everyone and share optimism for the year ahead.
Lisa Hamill, Rio Tinto – Laurel Koh, GHD Pty Ltd, Alicia Topps, Rio Tinto – John O’Connor, The Rocks Functions, Yandina
“The event brought to life all that our visitors love about the Sunshine Coast and provided a great reminder to the delegates of our competitiveness as a business event and incentive destination.” The event was held at Avello Mantra South Bank with the theme, ‘Sunshine Coast’ – just the best place on earth! The day also included prize giveaways including accommodation stays, giraffe encounters and team building packages for attendees to experience first-hand.
Renee Tanner, Spicers Retreats – Katrina Lee, Master Plumbers Association QLD – Jamie Bonner, ETM
Sunshine Coast operators participating in Sunshine Soiree included: Alexandra Park Conference Centre, Aussie World, Australia Zoo, Breakfree Grand Pacific, Creative Tours & Events, Kingfisher Bay Resort, Mantra Mooloolaba Beach, Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters, Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort, Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas, Rumba Beach Resort, Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, Spicers Clovelly Estate/Spicers Tamarind Retreat, The Rocks Functions, The Sebel Maroochydore and Xperiences.
