A new marketing and advertising campaign has spurred Queensland’s Gold Coast region onto even greater things in terms of meetings and incentives.

The Very GC campaign has positioned the destination as the country’s pre-eminent coastal destination - full to the brim with style, sass and fun.

The opening of the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre in 2004 has done plenty in attracting national and international business to the Gold Coast thanks in part to its functionality and location. And new developments like Q1 Resort & Spa, with its luxury serviced apartments, and the stunning Sofitel Gold Coast, have only helped to build on the success of the destination as a convention and incentive mecca.

Set against a backdrop of golden beaches, world heritage national parks, theme parks, a huge variety of accommodation standards and options, and championship golf courses, the Gold Coast is without doubt one of the best regions in which to hold world-class incentives.

Not only is there a huge range of activities to keep incentive reward recipients delighted and entertained, the destination has a wealth of experienced incentive and event professionals based in the region who understand the nuances of the incentive market.

Companies including Managing Australian Destinations, Off-Site Connections, Event Production Management, and encoreBT are all based on the Gold Coast, with each offering wonderful service to the incentive market. Indeed, the professionalism and dedication to the incentive market on the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s strongest.

Experienced professionals coupled with the quality and variety of venues is what makes this destination such a great and affordable option for incentives. Venues like the stunning Palazzo Versace, Sheraton Mirage, Couran Cove Island Resort and Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to incentives on the Gold Coast. There are many more venues that offer high levels of service and plenty of wonderful options to make incentives truly memorable.
The list of attractions for incentive delegates appears to be limitless, including a warm year-round climate, a safe and secure environment, friendly people, easy access, modern transport links, and a diversity of attractions that would keep even the most seasoned incentive reward traveller begging for more.

The Gold Coast’s young gun venue scoops up more awards.

Despite its youth, The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) is already topping the list of catering favourites in Queensland.

The centre has only been operational for just over two years, having opened its doors on June 29, 2004, and it has already taken out several awards recognising its excellence as a function/convention centre caterer.

Last year, the GCCEC took home the coveted accolades of ‘Caterer of the Year’ and ‘Best Function/Convention Centre Caterer’ at the 2005 Restaurant and Catering Queensland, Sunsuper Gold Coast Regional Awards for Excellence. And just to prove that it wasn’t a “one off”, the centre won both awards again for the same event in 2006, which was held at the Royal Pines Resort at the end of July.

Supported by the Queensland government, the regional awards saw 500 restaurant and catering industry representatives and other guests gathering to recognise the excellent service provided by a variety of establishments on the Gold Coast.

Winning the regional awards for a second consecutive year, GCCEC are now looking to secure wins at both the state and national levels. With a focus on providing clients innovative menus and style of service, GCCEC chef, Michael Fletcher, who heads up the kitchen team, said their success is in their approach.
“We work closely with the client to develop personalised menus that suit their individual event, budget, and theme,” Mr Fletcher said.
“We apply an a-la-carte mentality when it comes to choosing ingredients, food preparation and presentation, yet we cater en masse for groups from 20 to 2000 plus.
“People don’t expect cuisine made with passion when they are at a convention centre. Thats why we are different.”
GCCEC general manager, Adrienne Readings said the ‘Caterer of the Year’ award win could also be attributed to the centre’s service philosophy and innovative attitude towards catering.
“Our service philosophy is simple – we are here to deliver on our client’s expectations,” Ms Readings said.
“It is evident in the way we approach our catering that we are always challenging ourselves to find new and inspiring ways to create and deliver the ultimate event experience.”

Where to meet, eat and sleep on the gold coast is no easy task. not because the destination lacks quality venues but rather it has so many to offer.

Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa, Gold Coast
Set right on the beach, the five-star Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa on the Gold Coast offers a total of 293 guest rooms, suites and private villas, as well as five restaurants and bars, skywalk access to The Golden Door Spa and Health Club, a pool, and four tennis courts. The resort’s meeting rooms feature state-of-the-art conference technology. The largest function room, the Mirage Grand Ballroom can either seat 1050 theatre-style or 600 banquet-style, or can be divided into five smaller rooms. Outdoor venues are also available for conferences or incentives, and festivities can be carried into the night in the Rolls function room, a former nightclub, available for hire until late. For more information telephone (07) 5591 1488 or visit www.sheraton.com/goldcoast.

Sea World Nara Resort
Located five minutes from Surfers Paradise and set among tropical gardens on the Broadwater, Sea World Nara Resort offers 405 rooms with either a private balcony or patio. Linked by monorail to Sea World, the venue boasts seven conference rooms with capacities ranging from small groups of 15 to 280 theatre-style and up to 400 cocktail-style. The resort offers conference groups an exclusive tour of Shark Bay at Sea World, which is free for most bookings (subject to minimum numbers). For more information telephone (07) 5591 0000 or visit www.seaworldnara.com.au.

Legends Hotel Gold Coast
Legends Hotel is situated in the heart of Surfers Paradise, 100 metres from beaches and a short stroll from shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The hotel offers 403 guest rooms and suites with private balconies, boasting views across the ocean, hinterland and the night lights of Surfers Paradise. It has a number of column-free function rooms, including the pillarless ballroom with adjacent outdoor terrace that holds up to 400 cocktail-style and 270 banquet-style. For more information telephone (07) 5588 7888 or visit www.legendshotel.com.au.

Palazzo Versace
Exclusive and exquisite, the Palazzo Versace offers 205 hotel suites, 72 condominiums with private balconies, the Salus Per Aquum spa, and a private marina accessing the Pacific Ocean. The hotel’s conference facilities include a boardroom that seats 12-pax, and the Marco Polo room which caters for 40 banquet-style. Decorated with a gold leaf ceiling and silk wall panelling, and with the ability to split into three well-sized meeting rooms, the La Medusa Ballroom offers the largest space, accommodating 270 banquet-style and 500 cocktail-style. For more information telephone (07) 5509 8000 or visit www.palazzoversace.com.au.

Hotel Watermark Gold Coast
Located in Surfers Paradise, Hotel Watermark offers 385 guest rooms and suites, together with a range of conference venues, breakout rooms and banqueting areas. The hotel has a selection of facilities including two restaurants and bars, a gymnasium, two pools with spas, business centre, and recently opened L’Aqua Day Spa which features more than nine treatment rooms. When it comes to conferences, Hotel Watermark has several venues with high-tech audio-visual equipment catering for between 10 and 300 delegates. The largest room, The Atlantis Ballroom, holds up to 400 cocktail-style and 230 banquet-style. For more information telephone (07) 5588 8032 or visit
www.hotelwatermarkgoldcoast.com.au.

Gold Coast International Hotel
Only 50 metres to the golden beaches of Surfers Paradise, the Gold Coast International Hotel is a five-star resort offering a range of guest rooms and suites over 22 floors, plus two levels below ground. The hotel has undercover parking for 230 cars, a gymnasium, sauna, spa and steamroom, two tennis courts, a swimming pool and swim-up bar. There are 16 conference, meeting and function venues available, from a boardroom catering for 10 to the Grand Ballroom seating up to 700 theatre-style or 500 banquet-style. For more information telephone (07) 5584 1200 or visit www.gci.com.au.

Couran Cove Island Resort
Located on South Stradbroke Island just a 40 minute ferry ride from the Gold Coast, Couran Cove Island Resort offers a variety of waterfront guest rooms and suites, and features a day spa, swimming pool, an 84 berth marina, tennis courts, and a 22 kilometre surf beach. Capable of catering to up to 300 delegates in 11 indoor rooms and eight outdoor options Couran Cove also features a number of dining facilities and activities for incentives. For more information telephone (07) 5597 9000 or visit www.couran.com.

Radisson Gold Coast
Set in the secluded Palm Meadows, the Radisson Resort Gold Coast is a stone’s throw from two championship golf courses, shopping, and sandy white beaches. The resort offers 308 spacious guest rooms, each a balcony or private courtyard, and has 13 meeting rooms with the largest being The Masters Ballroom which caters for 700 cocktail-style or 400 banquet-style. The resort also features four floodlit tennis courts, a restaurant, two swimming pools, a bar, an outdoor spa and a health and beauty day spa. For more information telephone (07) 5555 7700 or visit www.radisson.com/goldcoastau.

Need something to do ‘beyond the ballroom’? do your delegates need a break, need to unwind, or simply need to chill out? then have a read of these options.

Dreamworld
Home to Tiger Island, Nick Central, The Australian Wildlife Experience, Wiggles World, Channel Ten’s Big Brother and its spin-off show Friday Night Games, FlowRider and some of the tallest, fastest thrill rides in the world, Dreamworld is the ultimate place for fun. Located at Coomera near Surfers Paradise, the theme park is bursting with must-do rides and must-see shows. For more information telephone (07) 5588 1111 or visit www.dreamworld.com.au.

Byron Bay Ballooning
Jump into the wicker basket of one of Byron Bay Ballooning’s hot air balloons for an early morning flight. Only 45 minutes from the Gold Coast, Byron Bay Ballooning has about 25 different launch sites within a 50km radius of Byron Bay. You will be invited to assist the pilot and crew to prepare the balloon for flight, and then after a gentle launch into the sky, your flying experience will last for around an hour. After landing in a farmer’s field, you will be treated to a breakfast at the five-star guest house, Victoria’s, with complimentary glass of champagne. For more information telephone (02) 6684 7880 or visit www.byronbayballooning.com.

Warner Bros Movie World
The only Australian movie-related theme park, Warner Bros Movie World is a fun-filled, action-packed experience that offers all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to its visitors. Home to heart-thumping rides like Lethal Weapon and Superman Escape, the theme park has something for everyone. Meet your favourite stars and enjoy the behind-the-scenes action, comedy stunts, shows and attractions! For more information, telephone (07) 5573 8485 or visit www.movieworld.com.au.

Tall Ship Sailing Cruises
With vessels departing from Marina Mirage, only five minutes from the centre of Surfers Paradise, Tall Ship Sailing Cruises Australia offers ultimate adventure sailing cruises for incentive and corporate groups. With full day, half day and sunset itineraries, plus jet skiing, parasailing, beach 4WDing, whale watching and wilderness tours available, Tall Ship can provide personal charters to suit groups of 20 up to 500. Complimentary pick ups from all hotels and resorts are also available. For more information telephone (07) 5532 2444 or visit www.tallship.com.au.

INFINITY
If you’re after something a bit different, INFINITY is a mind-blowing journey into 20 futuristic maze-like ‘worlds of wonder’. Take your conference delegates on a chemical free trip where they will be immersed in special effects and illusions, exploring this high-tech funhouse located at the Chevron Renaissance in Surfers Paradise. In small teams of four, delegates will use their senses and imagination to find their way through different environments, such as the Electron Maze, Light Canyon, Infinite Kaleidoscope, Cyclotron and Star Chamber. The INFINITY journey takes around 30 minutes. For more information telephone (07) 5538 2988 or visit www.infinitygc.com.au.

Sip cocktails on the deCk of Q1
Spend some time at the highest point above the Gold Coast, 230 metres above ground at the Observation Deck of the world’s tallest residential building, Q1. From Levels 77 and 78, explore the custom designed viewing area and enjoy 360 degree views from the surf to the hinterland. Stop at the stylish Skybar café and lounge bar on Level 77 for a cocktail or two. For more information, telephone 07 5630 4700 or visit www.q1observationdeck.com.au.

Dance and dine at Melbas on the Park
If you want to dine at a delicately lit restaurant or bust some moves with groovers in the crowd on a large dance floor, Melbas on the Park is the spot to go. The restaurant, cocktail bar and nightclub is polished and professional, and boasts an air filtration system to keep all areas refreshingly clean. Located in Surfers Paradise, Melbas has firmly established itself as a premier entertainment venue. For more information visit www.melbas.net.au.

Grab a bargain at the Night Markets
Night markets on the beachfront are held every Wednesday and Friday night from 5.30pm to 10pm along the Esplanade in Surfers Paradise. Strolling around the markets from stall to stall, you have the opportunity to pick up all sorts of locally made accessories, arts and crafts, food, jewellery, homewares and music. For more information on this and other markets held at various locations on the Gold Coast, visit their website www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/markets.

See the live stage show Tempo Rouge
Take an awe-inspiring journey through the exotic world of colour, mesmerising global rhythms and explosive energy at Conrad Jupiters’ new live stage spectacular Tempo Rouge. Held in the 1125-seat Jupiters Theatre, Tempo Rouge will provide you with 90 minutes of entertainment, incorporating a fusion of song, dance, talented international specialty acts and flamboyant costumes. For more information vist their website www.conrad.com.au.

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