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Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
The leading destination for an unforgettable event.
Situated in the heart of the vibrant Gold Coast, we offer world-class, versatile spaces designed to accommodate events of any size. Our commitment to excellence in service and state-of-the-art facilities promise to produce unforgettable event experiences for every single attendee.
Surrounded by luxurious hotels, fine dining and stunning beaches, our venue offers more than just an event space–it’s a gateway to a truly exceptional experience.
At GCCEC, we don’t just host events; we craft memories that last a lifetime. From unparalleled service and exceptional spaces to award-winning culinary expertise and arenas for events of any kind, you can count on us to set the stage for total event satisfaction. When it comes to hosting unforgettable gatherings, if it’s happening on the Gold Coast, it’s happening here at GCCEC!
Latest News
Navigating the Bump-In: Two Decades of Exhibition Excellence
Two Decades Strong: Metcash and GCCEC Deliver Exhibition Excellence
13 – 15 July 2025
For more than two decades, the Metcash Food Expo has been a highlight of the independent retail calendar. Since 2004, the event has returned year after year to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), highlighting both its significance to the retail sector and the venue’s capability to deliver large-scale, complex exhibitions.
The 2025 exhibition, held from 13-15 July, brought together 350 exhibitors and 1000 delegates from across Australia. The exhibition floor became a dynamic hub of innovation, showcasing the latest food products, retail technologies, and business insights. Beyond business, it was also a chance to strengthen networks and celebrate the power of shopping local.
Why GCCEC? A Venue That Delivers on Every Level
The enduring partnership between Metcash and GCCEC is built on consistency, service, and location. Nick Jeffrey, GCCEC General Manager, explains,
“Metcash is really important to the Gold Coast as a city and I think they return for a number of reasons, one of them being the service, from the planning and development, right through to the delivery of the event. It’s been 22 years Metcash has been here, and the service has been a key factor, it ticks all the boxes for a large exhibition,” he says.
“Also, the fabulous thing about the location of the centre is the close proximity to accommodation venues, the restaurants, the public transport – it’s all there, right here on the doorstep.”
Managing Scale and Complexity with Precision
Behind the scenes, staging an exhibition of this magnitude requires meticulous planning, coordination, and a sharp focus on safety. The event’s bump-in and bump-out process is a feat in itself, involving hundreds of contractors.
Matthew Barton, GCCEC Risk and Compliance Manager, oversees the health, safety, and wellbeing of all visitors entering the venue during these critical stages.
“Metcash is one of our largest events of the year, bringing in hundreds of contractors onsite, extensive truck movement and forklifts, as well as deliveries bringing pallet upon pallet of goods into the centre. We successfully manage it by implementing rigorous procedures and practices to ensure a safe environment for everyone,” he says.
Every participant – whether an exhibitor, contractor, delegate, or visitor is required to complete an induction and provide insurances prior to arrival.
“Our contractors are fully compliant and known to our safety and security teams. Once onsite, they present themselves to security to receive a wristband, having already been inducted in advance. It doesn’t matter the size of the event; we manage it in the same way. The bigger the event just means more resources, but the approach remains consistent to ensure success.”
This structured, scalable approach is a key reason organisers and suppliers alike value GCCEC as a partner.
A Supplier’s Perspective: Logistics on a Grand Scale
For suppliers like Exponet, who are responsible for much of the event build, the scale of Metcash demands months of preparation and precision execution.
According to Matthieu Desprez, State Manager (NSW) of Exponet, “There is a lot of logistics and preparation that goes into it – hundreds of trucks, more than 1,000 power points, and countless custom builds. Everything needs to work seamlessly to create the experience that exhibitors and delegates expect.”
Dean Fenwick, Director of stand builders Visible Projex, says collaboration with the venue is essential.
“When it comes to designing an event like this that has so many perishable products, the number of people involved – plumbers, electricians, build staff, installation staff – is significant. From six months out we start to communicate with the venue, working through emergency evacuations, aisle distances, and logistics. By three months out, we are full-time building. The client speaks highly of the venue – GCCEC is a fantastic facility for us, which is why we keep coming back.”
He also emphasises the importance of venue support once the event is underway.
“Once the event is fully operational, we need venue security 24 hours, particularly overnight, to check temperatures and monitor the condition of the food, which is all sent to charity at the end of this event.”
The Exhibitor and Retailer Experience
For retailers and exhibitors, GCCEC’s location and facilities enhance the overall event experience.
Ben Ryan, Group General Manager at Ryan’s IGA, shared onsite, “I love the expo. I catch up with people I haven’t seen for 12 months, we do some great deals, and we see some fantastic new product. GCCEC is great, I can walk to wherever I need to.”
The convenience of the venue’s location is echoed by exhibitor Monique St Pierre, Head of Grocery at Unilever who says, “There are restaurants and hotels right across the street so it’s easy to come and go. You really couldn’t ask for a better area and the weather is great. I’ve even asked myself, ‘Why don’t I live up here?”
For Metcash itself, exhibitor satisfaction is a crucial measure of success. Madeleine Fitzpatrick, General Manager Retail, Metcash, highlights, “The exhibitors love coming here and bumping-in, bumping-out couldn’t be easier for them. They love coming back and their stands just get bigger and better every year.”
She also points to GCCEC’s infrastructure as a drawcard, “It’s easy to access, it has very high ceilings, so from a rigging perspective that means we can have really spectacular stands as well.”
Economic and Community Impact
The 2025 Metcash Food Expo once again featured GCCEC’s strengths as a venue to deliver large, complex exhibitions with precision, safety, and style. With more than two decades of partnership, Metcash’s ongoing commitment to the venue is a testament to GCCEC’s service, infrastructure, and destination appeal.
For event organisers seeking a proven venue that combines scale, professionalism, and destination appeal, GCCEC continues to set the benchmark.
A Cut Above the Rest: Exhibitor Experience at GCCEC
EXPO4BARBERS
3 – 5 May 2025
Returning to Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) in May 2025 for its second consecutive year, Expo4Barbers has quickly cemented its reputation as Australia’s leading barbering event.
Drawing 40 exhibitors and more than 2,000 attendees from across Australia, New Zealand, the expo offered a dynamic blend of education, competition, and connection. From live demonstrations and hands-on workshops to high-energy battles and a buzzing expo floor, Expo4Barbers featured vibrant, immersive experiences for professionals across the barbering industry.
Elevating the Exhibitor Experience
For Lino D’Adderio, Owner and Founder of King Louis IX, the expo is all about community and engagement. With over 25 years in the industry and his own innovative styling tool on display, Lino came to Expo4Barbers to connect with both customers and industry peers.
“It’s a strong community, a progressive industry,” he said.
Praising GCCEC’s modern, functional design, Lino appreciates how well the venue adapts for the exhibition space.
“It’s been fantastic for us at the venue – it’s a very cool vibe. I love the high ceilings, the all-black and the floors and lighting are great for our work – as a facility, it’s fantastic.”
He also emphasised the convenience of GCCEC’s location. With accommodation, restaurants, and social spaces just across the road, Lino noted how everything fit together perfectly.
“All the interstate exhibitors love that accommodation is right across the road. Team dinners within walking distance – everything just works so well.” He added, “The GCCEC team have been great, and the size of the space works well as the event continues to grow.”
Jarred Stedman, General Manager of Mocha Group, attended the expo to build brand awareness for the media company, which produces 16 industry magazines annually and runs multiple awards programs – including some already hosted at GCCEC.
“I really like the venue – it’s easy to find, staff are great to work with, the food is fantastic, and there’s always lots of coffee! The barber industry is on a global stage of excellence at this exhibition, and delegates have come from all over Australia and NZ.”
Jarred highlighted the flexibility of the venue, noting its ability to accommodate simultaneous activities, which allowed organisers to design an engaging and diverse program.
He added, “It’s great having a venue with easy access logistically, and with lots of space backstage for operations. The international guests, live podcasts, and multi-brand showcases all under one roof have really highlighted the depth of the industry.”
Arne Compagne, Managing Director of Global Scissors, a barber by trade with nearly 30 years in the hairdressing industry, also returned to the event after the inaugural exhibition in 2024.
“We come here to connect directly with our market,” he said. “It’s very convenient, wellspaced, and the GCCEC team has been really supportive.” Arne particularly appreciated the flow of the space and the energy on the floor.
“There’s been a good vibe, a lot of return customers from last year. That speaks not only to the success of the event but to the appeal of the location and the venue. Accommodation and restaurants are nearby – everything’s close and easy.”
He also praised the operational ease of working with GCCEC. “The bump-in was seamless – fantastic, actually. Everything we needed to get our stock and supplies in was taken care of without a hitch.”
Tanya Nelson, National Education Manager at Dateline Imports, a leading importer and distributor of hair and beauty products in Australia, travels extensively to attend industry events. She finds the atmosphere at Expo4Barbers refreshingly different.
“There’s been a really good energy – very different to other shows we attend throughout the year,” she says.
Dateline’s large footprint at the expo meant bump-in and bump-out needed to be stress-free, and GCCEC delivered.
“It’s an ideal convention centre to work with. We stay across the road, so it’s convenient to get to, and it’s easy for us to get stock in and out and set up.”
Tanya also commended the responsiveness of the venue staff. “They’ve been great – reconfiguring stands, making sure we had what we needed. Nothing’s been too much trouble.”
Organising for Impact
For Fraser Forsey, Director and Lead Educator of 4Barbers and the driving force behind Expo4Barbers, the growth of the event in just its second year has been incredibly positive. His passion for raising the profile of professional barbering through education is central to the expo’s mission.
“Our attendance has grown significantly this year, and we also had six international artists join us,” Fraser said.
While there’s been interest in taking the event to other cities, Fraser is committed to the Gold Coast – and GCCEC.
“We’ve been asked to take it to other locations, but we choose the Gold Coast. It’s destinational: the climate, the vibe. What better place to be?”
The support from the GCCEC team has also been a key factor in that decision.
“It’s amazing here – we love the team and the venue. Everything we request is always accommodated. I want to book it for the next five years.”
A Seamless Fit for EXPO4BARBERS
From high-end scissor makers and educational leaders to media brands and international guests, everyone at Expo4Barbers 2025 agreed on one thing – GCCEC made it all possible.
With its flexible space, excellent logistics, helpful staff, and prime location near accommodation, dining and experiences, GCCEC proved to be the ideal venue for a growing industry event that demands professionalism, adaptability, and atmosphere.
Expo4Barbers isn’t just returning to the Gold Coast—it’s growing with it. As organiser Fraser Forsey put it, “We just want to be here every year.”
Why Venue Location Matters for Attendee Experience
For any event planner, choosing the right venue location is one of the most important decisions. From transport and walkability to access to food, hotels and downtime activities, location impacts how attendees arrive, engage and remember your event.
At the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), location is one of the strongest advantages. Situated in the heart of Broadbeach, the Centre offers everything delegates need within walking distance, backed by services that support efficient, stress-free events. For planners, it means fewer moving parts and better outcomes. For attendees, it means ease, comfort and convenience.
Here’s why event venue location matters and how GCCEC delivers on all fronts.
Accessibility and Transport Links
GCCEC is centrally located in Broadbeach, with excellent public transport connections and on-site infrastructure that supports all types of events, from exhibitions and conferences to business meetings and forums.
Key access features at GCCEC
- Direct access to the G:link light rail at Broadbeach North station, located directly in front of the Centre
- 1,400+ undercover parking spaces available on site for attendees and exhibitors
- Proximity to major roads, including the Gold Coast Highway and Pacific Motorway for private and chartered transport
- Dedicated taxi and rideshare zones, including pickup and drop-off bays right at the main entrance
- Nearby bus stops served by Translink for local commuter access
The Centre is also approximately 30 minutes by car from Gold Coast Airport, making it well positioned for both local and interstate attendees. Its location simplifies transport logistics for organisers coordinating group arrivals, speaker schedules or equipment drop-off. Attendees benefit from a straightforward arrival experience and less time navigating transit routes or parking.
Proximity to Amenities
Because GCCEC is located in Broadbeach, one of the Gold Coast’s most vibrant commercial and leisure precincts, attendees have immediate access to amenities that elevate the overall event experience.
Things to do near GCCEC
- Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, one of the largest shopping destinations in Queensland
- Kurrawa Beach and parklands, ideal for pre-event walks or post-session relaxation
- Dozens of restaurants, cafés and bars ranging from casual eateries to fine dining
- Essential services including pharmacies, convenience stores and banks
This convenience supports a more enjoyable and self-sufficient attendee experience. Delegates can manage meals, breaks and downtime without relying on rigid scheduling or group transport. For multi-day events, it also encourages extended stays and social opportunities. GCCEC’s setting within Broadbeach means everything delegates need is accessible in under 10 minutes on foot.
Accommodation Options Nearby
GCCEC is within easy walking distance of a wide range of accommodation, which is essential for multi-day conferences, expos and events that bring attendees from across Australia.
Where to stay near GCCEC
- The Star Gold Coast: connected directly to GCCEC by covered walkway
- Meriton Suites Broadbeach: offering self-contained apartments, less than a 5-minute walk
- Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach: less than 500 metres from the Centre
- Avani Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences
- Peppers Broadbeach
- Dorsett Gold Coast
- Crown Plaza Surfers Paradise
GCCEC works closely with many of these providers to assist organisers with accommodation referrals. While bookings are made directly with the hotels, GCCEC’s Event Planning team can help connect you to the appropriate contacts for group arrangements and negotiated rates.
Staying close to the venue reduces delegate stress, improves session attendance and supports early starts or evening functions. With no reliance on shuttles or long commutes, organisers can focus on content and connection instead of logistics.
Delegate Feedback on Location
GCCEC regularly surveys event organisers and attendees, and location remains one of the most positively rated features of the venue. Feedback highlights how easy it is to access the Centre, walk to hotels and explore the local area between sessions.
In particular, organisers report strong attendance levels when events are held at GCCEC, due in part to the convenience of the Broadbeach location and the availability of surrounding amenities. Attendees also value the ability to walk from accommodation to the venue without needing shuttles or parking logistics.
The surrounding atmosphere also contributes to a better overall experience. Delegates often comment on the blend of business-ready infrastructure with the relaxed coastal energy of the area. This balance helps maintain engagement across multi-day events and supports informal networking in nearby cafés, restaurants and outdoor spaces.
Host in the Heart of Broadbeach
Location can make or break an event. At GCCEC, your guests are welcomed to a purpose-built venue with premium access, walkable accommodation and world-class amenities all within reach.
Choosing GCCEC means simplifying logistics, elevating attendee satisfaction and creating a seamless experience from arrival to departure. With Broadbeach at your doorstep and everything your program needs under one roof, your next event starts in the right place. Get in touch today!
Making the Most of GCCEC’s Meeting Rooms
Not every event calls for a ballroom or exhibition hall. Sometimes, the success of your strategy session, training program or community meeting depends on finding the right-sized space with the right features. At the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), a collection of versatile meeting rooms offers exactly that professional environments backed by in-house services and a central Broadbeach location.
Whether you need a quiet boardroom, a training space with tech support or multiple breakout rooms for a seminar, GCCEC’s spaces are designed for flexibility, ease and performance. With full-day and half-day options and support staff on site, the Centre makes meeting planning straightforward and results-focused.
Room Sizes and Configurations
GCCEC has 22meeting rooms located on the ground and mezzanine levels of the Centre. These rooms vary in size and configuration and are fitted with operable walls, allowing them to be adjusted for different group sizes or event formats. Spaces range from small rooms of approximately 40 square metres to larger formats suitable for over 1000people, depending on layout.
Popular configuration options include:
- Boardroom setups for leadership meetings and briefings
- Classroom and U-shape styles for training and collaborative sessions
- Theatre-style layouts for presentations or information sessions
- Banquet or cabaret arrangements for catering-inclusive meetings or networking events
Several rooms also offer access to adjacent pre-function or foyer spaces, which can be used for registration desks, tea breaks or displays. Rooms are equipped with climate control and acoustic insulation to maintain a professional, comfortable environment. Meeting rooms can be booked individually or grouped together for multi-stream programs or rotation-based training formats.
The Event Planning team at GCCEC works with you to match the right room to your guest numbers and session objectives.
AV and Tech Support
Every meeting room at GCCEC includes in-built audiovisual infrastructure, supported by the venue’s in-house AV and IT teams. This means your sessions can run without relying on external equipment or technicians, and there’s always support on hand if you need it.
Most rooms can come equipped with:
- Ceiling-mounted data projectors or LED screens
- Presentation laptops or connection panels for BYO devices
- In-room audio with microphones as required
- Lecterns with control panels for volume and visuals
- Wireless and cabled internet access
If your meeting involves hybrid delivery, video recording or streaming, GCCEC’s technical team can provide enhanced services tailored to your setup. Because the AV and IT teams are based on site, they are familiar with each room and can provide rehearsals, pre-checks and real-time troubleshooting on the day of your event.
GCCEC also provides digital signage screens outside each room, which can display your event title, logo or welcome message. For clients who need multiple concurrent sessions, the AV team can assist with shared content displays, live switching and presenter transitions across rooms.
Catering and Layout Options
All catering at GCCEC is delivered by the venue’s in-house team and prepared fresh in its commercial-grade kitchen. Catering packages are available for groups of all sizes, with flexible options suited to meetings, training days or community events.
Available options include:
- Arrival tea and coffee stations
- Morning and afternoon tea with sweet or savoury options
- Working-style lunches served in-room or in a foyer
- Hot or cold buffet options for longer sessions
Menus are designed to cater to dietary requirements with advance notice, and GCCEC’s kitchen can accommodate a range of preferences. Whether you’re hosting a half-day session or a full-day workshop, catering can be timed to fit your agenda and delivered seamlessly to your meeting space.
The Event Planning team can also assist with table layouts that incorporate food stations, delegate movement and AV visibility, ensuring every element works together smoothly. Special setups such as grazing tables, themed refreshments or individually packaged meals can also be arranged with prior notice.
Booking Tips and Availability
Meeting rooms at GCCEC are in regular demand for business events, training programs and association gatherings. To secure your preferred date and setup, the following tips can help:
- Book early for weekday mornings or seasonal peaks, such as school holidays and major local events
- Share your session timings, AV needs and catering preferences upfront to help with room allocation
- Ask about half-day or full-day booking options, which can be tailored to your agenda
- Let the team know if you require multiple rooms or back-to-back sessions across different spaces
- Request assistance with parking passes, signage and delegate directions as part of your planning
GCCEC does not publish fixed pricing due to the variety of event types and room uses. Instead, the team provides customised proposals based on your needs, duration and inclusions. Meeting room bookings typically include furniture, basic AV, signage and access to foyer spaces if required.
Parking is available onsite via the Centre’s underground car park, which offers over 1,400 spaces. The venue is also located directly next to the Broadbeach North light rail station, with multiple nearby accommodation options, making it convenient for both local and travelling attendees. Organisers can also ask about room access timing, bump-in options and post-event cleaning.
Book a professional space tailored to your meeting needs at GCCEC
At GCCEC, meeting rooms are more than just four walls. With integrated AV, premium catering, central access and support from a dedicated Event Planner, your sessions run with the same level of professionalism as large-scale conferences.
From small business briefings to corporate planning days and professional development sessions, GCCEC offers a scalable and streamlined environment for Gold Coast meetings of any size. The team will guide you through every step, from layout planning to agenda timing.
Contact the GCCEC team to check availability or request a quote for your next meeting room hire.
The Ultimate Guide to Hosting Hybrid Events
Hybrid events have become a smart solution for organisations wanting to reach broader audiences without sacrificing the energy and engagement of in-person experiences. As flexibility and accessibility take centre stage, hybrid event planning is now a key part of any successful event strategy. The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) is perfectly positioned to support this shift, combining modern venue facilities, powerful technology and a hands-on team who know how to make it all run smoothly.
Whether you’re hosting a national conference, a leadership retreat or a product launch, here’s how GCCEC can help you bring your event to life (and reach more than just onsite delegates.
What Makes an Event Hybrid?
A hybrid event at GCCEC brings together both in-person and virtual event audiences into one cohesive experience. The aim is to keep everyone whether in the room or joining online engaged, informed and connected. It’s not just about streaming a few sessions. It’s about designing something that works equally well for people onsite and people tuning in from anywhere.
At GCCEC, a hybrid event might include:
- Live-streamed presentations from our main arena or meeting rooms with pro-grade sound and visuals
- Interactive tools like real-time polls, chat and Q\&As to keep both audiences involved
- Networking opportunities, with in-person meetups and digital breakout rooms running side by side
- On-demand content, so remote attendees can catch up or revisit key sessions later
- Tailored content tracks, offering the right balance of live and virtual experiences
The key? Planning for both audiences from the beginning and having the right support team to help you do it well.
Technical Requirements for Streaming
To deliver a high-quality hybrid experience, you need more than just a good internet connection. It takes the right mix of technology, planning and expertise, which is exactly what GCCEC offers.
Here’s what’s included to keep your stream sharp and your delivery reliable:
- Reliable high-speed fibre-optic internet, with built-in backup so your stream stays smooth even under pressure
- Fully integrated AV setups, including HD cameras, sound desks, lighting rigs and switching equipment
- Flexible platform support, whether you’re using Zoom, Teams, or something more customised
- Onsite virtual tech support, including specialists who can troubleshoot live, coordinate feeds and keep everything running without a hitch
- Centralised AV control rooms, so your entire production live and virtual is managed in one place
You won’t be chasing different suppliers or guessing which cable goes where. Our team works with this setup daily and it shows.
GCCEC’s Hybrid Event Capabilities
GCCEC isn’t just hybrid-capable. It’s hybrid-ready. From the layout of our rooms to the way our tech is installed, everything is designed to make your event run as smoothly online as it does onsite.
Some of the features that make GCCEC ideal for hybrid events:
- Versatile spaces equipped for hybrid delivery, from boardrooms to the 6,000-seat Arena
- In-house AV production team, with camera operators, sound engineers and streaming techs all under one roof
- Enterprise-grade internet, giving you the confidence to stream without interruption
- Professional recording options, so your content can be reused, archived or edited for future use
- One team, one brief, with your event manager working closely with our AV crew to handle every detail
No need to bring in external crews or juggle multiple points of contact. It’s all handled here by people who know the venue and the tech inside out.
Creating Equal Engagement for Both Audiences
Keeping both your in-room and online audiences engaged is where many hybrid events stumble. At GCCEC, we help you avoid that by designing interactions that work for everyone, not just the people in the front row.
Ways we help make engagement feel equal across both audiences:
- Live Q\&A moderation, so online questions get just as much airtime as those from the floor
- Multiple camera angles, giving remote attendees a true sense of the room, not just a static feed
- Breakout and networking tools, helping people connect whether they’re across the room or across the country
- Well-paced agendas, designed with time zones and attention spans in mind
- Session design tips, so presenters know how to keep both audiences engaged
We work with you to build an event that’s truly hybrid not just a livestream tacked onto a live show.
Planning Support and Expertise at GCCEC
When you book an event at GCCEC, you’re not left to figure it all out on your own. You’ll be supported by a team who’ve helped deliver everything from corporate workshops to multi-day business forums and who know how to make hybrid formats work.
You’ll get help with room layouts, tech integration, content pacing and advice on how to keep remote participants engaged. Need someone to coordinate with your virtual platform provider? We’ve done that. Want tips on running live polls that actually get responses? We’ve got you covered.
From your first site visit to the final session wrap-up, you’ll have a consistent team guiding you through every step. That level of support doesn’t just reduce stress it gives you peace of mind that your event will run smoothly on the day.
You bring the content and the audience. We’ll help you deliver it, wherever they are.
Make your hybrid event seamless. Partner with the experienced team at GCCEC.
With purpose-built infrastructure, a hands-on AV team and years of experience running high-impact events, GCCEC is more than just a venue. We’re your hybrid event partner. Whether you’re planning something small and focused or large and complex, we’re ready to help you bring it all together.
Want to see how we can support your next event? Explore our Event Planning Tool or reach out to our team today.
Catering That Impresses: Menu Options for All Events
At the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), food is an integral part of the event experience. With all catering services managed by our in-house team, we offer a tailored and flexible approach for conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, meetings and social events.
Whether you’re organising a corporate function or a special celebration, our catering options are designed to support your event with quality, consistency and attention to detail. We work closely with event organisers to understand the event flow, guest profile and dietary requirements to deliver food that complements the experience from start to finish. Here’s what sets event catering at the Gold Coast’s premier venue apart.
Catering Services Available at GCCEC
All catering at GCCEC is managed by our experienced in-house team. This gives organisers confidence in both the quality and reliability of service. Our team prepares and delivers food directly from the venue’s commercial kitchen, located on site. This allows for seamless coordination with event timings, dietary requirements and floor layouts.
Catering services include:
- Plated meals for seated events such as gala dinners or awards nights
- Buffet-style service for larger groups or casual settings
- Cocktail receptions, including canapés and bite-sized items for networking functions
- Break catering for conferences and meetings with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea options
- Custom food stations available by arrangement for themed events
- Licensed beverage service, including full bar setup and beverage packages
Our team supports a range of event sizes, from small meetings to large exhibitions, with catering options that are logistically sound and carefully timed. Each offering is designed to align with your program and floorplan.
Menu Highlights and Dietary Flexibility
We believe exceptional event catering should offer variety, flavour and inclusivity. Our culinary team designs menus that suit a wide range of guest preferences and dietary requirements without compromising quality.
Menus include:
- Corporate catering options such as working lunches and delegate packages for conferences
- Cocktail menus for stand-up functions and launch events
- Formal plated menus for dinners and banquets
- Morning and afternoon tea selections featuring sweet and savoury items
- Customisable menus developed in consultation with the client
When it comes to dietary catering options, our kitchen team handles requests with precision and care. Dishes are clearly labelled and prepared with food safety in mind. Our catering process includes early collection of guest dietary information, allowing us to prepare suitable alternatives that reflect the same quality as the main menu. The goal is to make every guest feel welcome, included and well-fed.
Seasonal Menus and Local Ingredients
One of the defining features of GCCEC’s catering is our commitment to using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. This not only supports regional producers but also ensures every menu delivers peak freshness and flavour.
Our menus change annually and draw on what’s best from Southeast Queensland. In spring, you might see dishes featuring local prawns, micro herbs and tropical fruits. In cooler months, menus shift toward heartier options like braised meats, root vegetables and rich sauces made with local wines.
We partner with local fruit and vegetable growers, seafood suppliers, bakeries and roasters whenever possible. This approach contributes to more sustainable food practices and reflects the Gold Coast’s distinct culinary identity. Clients who value sustainability and provenance often request locally inspired menus. Our team is always happy to work within this brief.
If you’re planning a themed or concept-driven event, seasonal ingredients can be adapted to suit the atmosphere, visual presentation and tone of your program.
Client Feedback and Catering Satisfaction
GCCEC regularly receives positive feedback about its catering services through post-event surveys and direct correspondence with organisers. While individual experiences may vary, catering is often highlighted as a valued part of the event offering.
Common feedback themes include:
- High satisfaction with the freshness and presentation of meals
- Appreciation for the range of options available for different event formats
- Recognition of the venue’s flexibility with dietary requests
- Praise for efficient service during high-volume events
Organisers consistently mention how seamless the catering experience feels, particularly during tightly scheduled programs or large-scale events where timing is critical. Our catering and floor teams work hand in hand with your event planner to ensure service flows smoothly and discreetly with minimal disruption to your agenda. This collaboration is one of the reasons catering remains a highlight in post-event reports.
In-House Expertise and Commercial-Grade Facilities
One of the key advantages of hosting your event at GCCEC is access to an experienced culinary team working within a purpose-built environment. The Centre’s 13 commercial kitchens are equipped to handle catering for events ranging from small corporate meetings to seated functions of over 3,000 guests.
Because all food is prepared on site, the kitchen team can maintain quality control, respond quickly to changes and deliver fresh food to multiple spaces across the venue simultaneously. This is particularly important for large exhibitions or conferences with staggered break times.
GCCEC’s Executive Chef and culinary leadership team bring deep experience in high-volume and premium event catering. Menus are designed with large-scale execution in mind and food presentation is carefully planned to ensure consistency no matter the guest count.
This level of infrastructure and expertise means your event’s catering is managed efficiently and professionally from the kitchen to the table.
Explore premium catering options from GCCEC
At GCCEC, catering is handled by professionals who understand the needs of events held within a large-scale modern venue. With full commercial kitchen facilities on site, diverse menu packages and a strong focus on quality and flexibility, our catering offering is designed to complement every event type.
We work closely with you from concept to delivery, ensuring that your menu aligns with your event vision, audience profile and schedule. Whether you need plated service for a formal dinner or efficient break catering for a fast-paced conference, our team is ready to support you.
Learn more about our catering services or get in touch to start planning today.