Business Workshop Showcases the Gold Coast

Client/Supplier Business Workshop

Fourteen ICCA Australia members and their association conference clients descended on the Gold Coast recently for the ICCA Australia – Client/Supplier Business Workshop (pictured), a joint venture between the Gold Coast Convention Bureau (GCCB) and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC). The three day event showcased the Gold Coast as a premier conference and meetings destination within a tailor-made association business exchange environment.

ICCA Australia members each invited a client to discuss their specific event requirements, and service providers to promote their company and services to senior decision makers actively looking for future destinations and venues.

Elizabeth Rich

Facilitated by Elizabeth Rich, former CEO of the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA), the ICCA Australia Client Supplier Business Workshop initiated forum discussions on a variety of topics identified by participants who shared observations on trends, innovative ideas and overcoming challenges in today’s meetings environment.

An educational program featured CIM publisher Alexandra Yeomans speaking about social media in today’s business landscape; Bruce Sullivan from Red Hot Relationships, who presented an inspirational and uplifting seminar on relationships, business and life, and law firm partner Mike Prior who addressed the more serious side of the industry - contracts, legalities and risks.

Seaworld's Penguin Encounter

The program also saw guests experience a number of iconic Gold Coast spots, including award winning hotel-casino complex Jupiters; Seaworld, where guests experienced the park’s “Penguin Encounter”, and McLarens Landing on South Stradbroke Island, where they enjoyed tropical island festivities under the stars.

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre’s General Manager Adrienne Readings says the three day programme brought value to ICCA members and clients not only through the business exchange but also by participating in forum discussions and openly exchanging ideas.

“The Workshop was not only a business networking event which provided a setting for members to showcase their venue and services, but also allowed both members and clients to build genuine relationships, creatively share ideas and really understand each other’s needs,” she says. “I think the event was a tremendous success bringing tangible benefits to both the members and the clients, and building relationships that went well beyond a business level.

ICCA Asia Pacific chairman Martin Winter said events such as this which bring clients, venues and destinations together are of enormous value.

“Even though we communicate on a regular basis there is nothing like having the opportunity to meet face to face to discuss the real issues which will determine where and how events will take place,” he says. “I am sure that everyone who participated not only secured new business but also benefited greatly from this experience that ICCA has facilitated”.