Industry Educational Program Returns to Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

The first iteration for 2022 of the reinvented ‘BE Immersed’ educational program was held last month by Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. Two bespoke itineraries highlighted new products as well as those products that have provided years of exceptional immersive experiences for business events in the region.

The first group to experience the more intimate program was made up of planners specialising in the corporate market.

The itinerary had a strong focus on the region’s new and upgraded hotels, and rejuvenated meeting spaces, including a sneak preview of the Cairns Convention Centre expansion.

General Manager Rosie Douglas reveal project details that delegates learned during the inspection, “the expansion will be ready in 2023, and includes a 410-seat plenary, three large meeting rooms, exhibition space, a 500-seat banquet room, and an outdoor terrace with spectacular views over Trinity Inlet.”

The Convention Centre’s mantra “Passion is in our nature” is embodied by all of the region’s business events suppliers. Delegates shared with the bureau how they felt the passion from suppliers, evident in the “friendly service, the personal touches… [and it was] definitely infectious (but COVID-safe, of course!)”.

The second group of delegates was made up of planners specialising in the incentive market.

Under the bluest of skies, Port Douglas captivated the group with its iconic Carnivale Longest Lunch event. Tables were laid out along the water’s edge of the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, and guests dined on the freshest seafood and local produce. An ideal way to sample many of the restaurants offering dine-around options for delegates on incentive programs.

Douglas shared the group’s overwhelmingly positive reaction to the outdoor dining experience. “Our hosted delegates were blown away by the exceptional quality and diversity of the food on offer. With so many restaurants to choose from in Port Douglas, incentive groups are spoilt for choice, and will not be disappointed.”

From sitting waterside to sitting in it, the next morning the group floated down the crystal-clear, rainforest-enclaved Little Mulgrave River on a river tubing tour. Working as a team to navigate the mini rapids and overcome trepidations of trying something totally new, many laughs were had and they all ended up downstream one way or another.

Douglas explains, “With minimal impact on the environs in which they operate, our products provide a natural classroom to learn about our region, home to the world’s oldest rainforest.”

The four-day itinerary was plentiful in its activities but also allowed the group to enjoy free time at Crystalbrook Riley. “We know it’s important to allow our delegates to stay connected to their ‘normal lives’ so we built-in time for that. We didn’t want delegates feeling anxious about trying to squeeze in a quick phone call or send off a few emails as they’re getting ready for dinner.”

Both groups toured quintessential tropical offsite venues such as working sugar cane farms, converted World War II naval oil storage tanks at Tanks Art Centre, Hemingways Brewery housed in an historic wharf, and took in the marina views of Salt House. The region’s offsite caterers, Ochre Restaurant & Catering and Nu Nu Restaurant & Events hosted both groups to show them the delectable menus the region can provide.

The BE Immersed Educational Program will continue throughout 2022. Please contact the bureau to see if you can grab a spot on the next one!