A Sunshine State of Mind – Why the Sunshine Coast Shines for Business Events

Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast’s appeal as a top destination for corporate events and conferences stems from its blend of natural beauty, diverse experiences, and the region’s ability to create lasting memories.

This destination radiates a unique ‘sunshine state of mind,’ infusing attendees with a sense of clarity and productivity – creating the ideal environment for collaborative and successful business events.

Beyond its iconic 60km of white-sand coastline, lush hinterland rainforests, and welcoming locals, the Sunshine Coast boasts one of Australia’s fastest-growing regional economies. Over the last 15 years, it has outpaced other regional economies, thanks to its strategic focus on key growth industries.

Guided by the Sunshine Coast’s Regional Economic Development Strategy, the region has identified seven high-value industries to spearhead future growth. These industries include Food & Agribusiness; Health & Wellbeing; Knowledge Industries & Professional Services; Education & Research; Aviation & Aerospace; Clean Technologies; and Tourism, Sport and Leisure.

Sunshine Coast

As a host city for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Sunshine Coast is investing heavily in infrastructure, further elevating its appeal as a business events destination. Ongoing projects include expanding its major sports stadium, developing a new CBD smart city – Australia’s only Greenfield CBD – and establishing the $5 billion Sunshine Coast Health Precinct, the nation’s largest health infrastructure project.

Access to the Sunshine Coast has never been easier. Sunshine Coast Airport now services over 150 flights per week with four airlines connecting to major Australian cities, and international flights to Auckland. Sunshine Coast Airport, recognized as the first Australian airport to achieve Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality status, also manages over 90 hectares of environmental conservation area, reinforcing the region’s dedication to sustainability.

Sustainability on the Sunshine Coast is a way of life. It is the only place in Australia where three UNESCO biospheres exist side by side, offering a unique blend of conservation and responsible development. Visit Sunshine Coast has launched a Sustainability Program in collaboration with Reforest and the Sunshine Coast Council, enabling event attendees to calculate and offset their carbon footprint by contributing to local reforestation efforts.

Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast’s vibrant culinary scene, known for its fresh local produce, provides unique opportunities for crafting unforgettable food and agritourism experiences for business event attendees. As “Australia’s Craft Beer Capital,” it offers distinct culinary delights to elevate any corporate event.

Aligning with the growing wellness trend, the region offers health and wellness activities – ranging from wellness retreats to team-building exercises – providing corporate groups with opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Currently, the Sunshine Coast is well-suited to host groups of 50 to 200 people, with properties ranging from Noosa to Caloundra and the Glass House Mountains. For larger groups of up to 1500, select venues are available, and the region aspires to build 5-star properties and a convention centre within the Maroochydore CBD to cater to even bigger business events in the future.

At Visit Sunshine Coast Convention Bureau, our dedicated Business Events team assists event organisers in planning successful conferences with tailor-made itineraries, supplier introductions, and venue sourcing all at no cost.

The Sunshine Coast creates moments of joy, clarity, and lasting impact for attendees – come and experience a ‘sunshine state of mind’ for your next business event.