10 June 2003GOLD COAST – The Gold Coast, more known as a playground for Asian tourists than for business events, is showing that it is serious in chasing the latter with its new convention centre, soon to be the new landmark in this resort city.
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), being constructed right in the heart of the city, is due for a July 2004 opening. It boasts of a good location, with direct access to the major road system and hotels in the Gold Coast area. It will also be joined by a covered walkway to the Conrad Jupiters Hotel, which boasts the only casino in the area and arguably one of the most popular hotels here.
The GCCEC has one large arena, which is able to accommodate 6,000 paxs. This area can also be spilt into three to accommodate 1,250 pax, 2,500 pax, and 3,500 pax each, depending on the clients’ requirements. The foyer in the centre can be opened or closed to accommodate functions of up to 6,000 pax.
GCCEC's general manager Adrienne Readings said the centre is open for bookings from this July.
But it is has already bagged one event, with 2,500 pax, booked for July next year. There have been queries from Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Taiwan, the latter a top business events market for the Gold Coast, he said.
"The GCCEC is more than a convention centre, it is a one stop shop where we are able to provide services such as translation services, exhibition suppliers, destination marketing company and help with post conference tours," said Readings.
The GCCEC is targeting business events from the insurance, technology, manufacturing and direct marketing segments, both from the domestic and Asian markets.
Currently, the domestic markets (Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane) form 60 percent of the business events market to the Gold Coast with the balance of 40 percent from the Asia and international market.