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Tuesday, 28 October 2025

The Gold Coast Sets the Stage for World-Class Events

Gold Coast
A City That Lives and Breathes Events

The Gold Coast is more than just a destination — it’s a stage where the world comes to connect, celebrate, and create. From high-octane sporting spectacles to world-renowned cultural festivals and dynamic business gatherings, the Gold Coast is shaping an events calendar that reflects both the spirit of its people and the ambition of its future.

In July, the Gold Coast Marathon broke records with over 39,000 participants — 10,000 more than the previous year — generating millions for the local visitor economy and showcasing the city’s natural beauty to global audiences. Soon after, BLEACH* 2025 lit up the city with 11 days of music, performance and art, transforming venues from RACV Royal Pines to the sands of Kurrawa Beach and the HOTA precinct into vibrant cultural hubs.

These landmark moments are part of more than 100 events in Experience Gold Coast’s growing portfolio — alongside 1,000-plus annual arts and cultural productions and major conferences secured by its Business Events division.

Where Events Define the Destination

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn says few places on Earth can turn their streets, beaches, and waterfronts into spectacular event arenas like the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast 500 at Surfers Paradise
“Here, events don’t just happen — they define the city,” Warn said. “From the Gold Coast 500 roaring through Surfers Paradise, to jets soaring during the Pacific Airshow, and live music filling parks during Blues on Broadbeach — nowhere lives and breathes events like the Gold Coast.”

This energy underpins the city’s event strategy: a destination-led approach that fuses sporting spectacles, cultural celebrations, and major business gatherings. The goal is clear — connect the city’s natural assets and vibrant lifestyle with growth sectors such as health, screen, innovation, education, and sport.

Global Sporting and Cultural Moments

The Gold Coast’s international appeal continues to grow. This November, the Australian men’s cricket team will face India, followed by the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 — bringing elite global football to the coast.

“These events don’t just fill stadiums,” Warn added. “They connect us to new markets, audiences, and trade opportunities across Asia, India, and beyond.”

A Rising Star for Business Events

Experience Gold Coast’s Director of Business Events, Brooke Campbell, says the city’s dynamic events calendar is unlocking new potential for business event organisers.

“Major moments like the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast offer incentive groups opportunities to integrate show-stopping experiences into their itineraries, turning business events into unforgettable memories,” Campbell said.

This year and beyond, the Gold Coast will host a series of landmark business gatherings including the FUJIKIZAI 80th Anniversary Incentive Trip, the SAS Co., Ltd. Incentive Trip, and the ITS Australia Summit 2025 — a major event promoting safer, more sustainable, and inclusive transport innovation. The World Surfing Conservation Conference in 2026 will further position the city as a global meeting place for ideas, innovation, and sustainability.

A City Evolving with Vision and Luxury

Beyond events, the Gold Coast continues to evolve into a sophisticated, world-class destination. With over 20 hatted restaurants, Australia’s largest public gallery outside a capital city, and an ever-growing lineup of cultural and culinary attractions, the city’s appeal is stronger than ever.

The Mondrian Burleigh Heads

The recent opening of the Mondrian Gold Coast in Burleigh Heads marks a milestone in luxury accommodation. Looking ahead, developments like The Star Residences, St. Regis, and Ritz-Carlton will contribute to more than 5,500 new rooms by 2032, ensuring ample capacity for future events and conferences.

“For organisers, that investment translates to quality and diversity,” Campbell said. “Whether it’s a gala dinner in a hatted restaurant, a private evening at HOTA, or a program built around our festivals, the Gold Coast offers experiences that are simply unmatched.”

The Future is Bright on the Gold Coast

As the city prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, its investment in infrastructure, venues, and creativity is shaping a bold, sustainable future for events. With a population forecast to hit one million by 2045, the Gold Coast’s vision is clear — to remain a leading international stage for business, culture, and connection.

From the stadium to the shoreline, from the boardroom to the beachfront, the Gold Coast is setting the stage for events that resonate across the world.

Find out more about Experience Gold Coast:
Website: www.experiencegoldcoast.com.au

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