TAILOR-MADE FOR BUSINESS EVENTS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES
For the first time in almost 25 years, Australia played host to the International Coal Preparation Congress, with the Gold Coast’s facilities, accessibility and air of ‘exclusivity’ winning over event organisers.
This biennial event took place over three and a half days in October 2023, attracting key personnel from coal producers, engineering companies, equipment suppliers, laboratory services suppliers and research institutions from across the globe. The wide-ranging program, which was facilitated by the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), included a host of technical, cultural and social events.
The host body considered a range of destinations, with the Gold Coast emerging as the clear leader thanks to its:
- Accessibility - excellent air connectivity for both national and international delegates
- First-rate facilities and accommodation options
- General attractiveness to all attendees as a relaxed destination
- Value for money
The Gold Coast has had a reputation nationally and internationally for many years as Australia’s premier holiday destination. The development of key infrastructure like the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre and a healthy mix of accommodation in a range of price points, along with its value for money, is seeing its reputation grow considerably in past years as tailor-made for business events of all shapes and sizes.
Dining on the Gold Coast is now very sophisticated… Equally importantly, there remain dozens of options for budget conscious delegates during free time.
CATERS FOR ALL DEMOGRAPHICS AND INTERESTS
Some 500 delegates enjoyed a casual golf day at the Greg Norman-designed The Glades Golf Club followed by a formal opening ceremony with canapes and cocktails. Hosted by the GCCEC exhibition hall, this event gave attendees the chance to renew acquaintances and mingle with exhibitors and event sponsors.
The following three days included plenary and break-out congress sessions from over 100 national and international specialists, as well as a uniquely themed gala dinner, complete with entertainment and a lavish three-course meal designed by the GCCEC’s award-winning executive chef, Garry Kindred.
The Gold Coast has an abundance of activities catering for all demographics and interests. At ICPC 2023 one of our biggest challenges was shortlisting the options to include in our partner program when we could have included so many more.
GOLD COAST INSPIRES WITH ITS 'CAN DO' ATTITUDE
As part of ICPC 2023, the event’s partner program showcased three days of tours to attractions including Mt Tamborine and lunch at Fortitude Brewing, Witches Falls Winery, SkyPoint and Burleigh Heads. A further highlight for delegates was exclusive access to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, with a breakfast on the second day of the Congress, while they learned more about local conservation efforts.
The most impressive example of why the Gold Coast is such a good option for conferencing within Australia is the ‘can do’ attitude of those working in venues as well as local suppliers. Venue operators and suppliers that ICMSA dealt with before and during ICPC 2023 exceeded our expectations which resulted in a happy client and event attendees.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.