Large franchise praises resort appeal of Cairns convention

Hungry Jack’s Convention

Hungry Jack’s has praised the resort appeal of Cairns and its ease of access for delivering a successful convention for the large franchise.

Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef has published a case study on the Hungry Jack’s National Convention which was organised by Dreamweavers Event Creators and Producers.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland General Manager of Partnerships and Events Tara Bennett said it had been a coup for Cairns to host the large franchise convention in October 2024 and the subsequent feedback was exceptional.

“The resort appeal of Cairns with its natural reef and rainforest beauty and the bonus of five-star hotels close to the Cairns Convention Centre helped to win the four-day conference for 950 delegates,” she said.

“The conference was timed to coincide with the opening of a new Hungry Jack’s on Sheridan Street to profile the brand to the local community.

“Cairns is an intimate destination, so it was possible to achieve a brand takeover with custom LED signage welcoming delegates at Cairns Airport, a highly visible shuttle bus custom-branded with ”Still Fired Up” moving around the city, and the delegates walking along the Esplanade each day in their branded shirts.”

Dreamweavers Director of Events Helena Medhurst said the venues being near to each other, and the ease of walking along the boardwalk areas made the destination feel tropical and easy to navigate, just like a resort.

“There were great offsite options for a group this size which made delegates feel like they were able to enjoy more of Cairns instead of everything taking place in the one venue, which often happens in larger cities,” she said.

“The welcome event was held on the waterfront at Hemingway’s Brewery with the Cairns brewer creating a custom-made lager called Thirsty Jack’s to offer delegates.

“We were delighted that Hungry Jack’s was one of two events that year selected to be held at the historic Rankine Timber Shed which was used as a secret location for a social event with a rock and roll theme. Each venue placed great value on food and beverages being locally sourced, allowing paddock to plate presentation.”

Ms Bennett said delegates were encouraged by Hungry Jack’s to do post and pre touring which helped to boost the $1.8 million in direct expenditure to a $2.7 million injection into the Cairns regional economy.

Hungry Jack’s Chief People Officer Jenny McKie praised the convention as outstanding.

“Our goal was to make it better than the last event and after witnessing the level of participation, engagement and energy, I’m confident we achieved our goal,” she said.

Read the case study: https://businesseventscairns.org.au/resources/case-studies/