How GCCEC is leading the way in modern event planning
As the events industry continues to evolve, planners are focusing on innovation, flexibility and attendee experience. In 2025, delivering a successful event means more than booking a space. It’s about creating meaningful, modern experiences that reflect changing expectations. At the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), we’re supporting these shifts with responsive infrastructure, a professional in-house team and a strong focus on sustainability and technology.
Here’s a closer look at the top event trends for 2025 and how GCCEC is positioned to help you implement them seamlessly.
Virtual Integration
Redefining hybrid experiences with seamless technology
Hybrid and virtual elements remain central to modern event planning in 2025. Rather than basic streaming, today’s organisers are seeking robust technical setups that allow for genuine audience engagement, both in the room and online.
Virtual integration at GCCEC
- Integrated in-house AV services: Our experienced AV team can manage hybrid setups using the venue’s own infrastructure, including multi-camera switching and live stream feeds.
- High-speed, reliable connectivity: GCCEC offers fast and secure wired and wireless internet access throughout the venue to support virtual components without interruption.
- Support for major platforms: The venue can work with planners to incorporate livestreaming or video conferencing tools like Zoom, or Teams into event delivery.
- Flexible production support: While GCCEC doesn’t operate its own studio, our flexible event spaces are suitable for filming with blackout options, audio control and staging support.
With technical support available on-site and infrastructure to match, GCCEC makes it simple to extend your event experience beyond the physical space without overcomplicating logistics.
Sustainability Focus
Delivering greener events that meet modern standards
Sustainability is a growing priority across the business events sector. Planners are increasingly seeking venues that offer transparent and achievable practices to align with their organisation’s environmental goals.
Sustainability at GCCEC
- EarthCheck Master Certified: GCCEC has maintained EarthCheck Gold Certification for over a 15 years, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to best-practice sustainability.
- Sustainable catering practices: Our chefs incorporate seasonal and locally sourced ingredients where possible, and the kitchen operates with energy-efficient equipment and responsible waste management. We also offer an enviro-friendly menu:
- Operational efficiencies: The venue uses recycling streams and water-saving features across the site to reduce environmental impact.
- Planner collaboration: We provide guidance on running lower-impact events, such as minimising single-use items, using reusable signage and offering bulk water stations.
GCCEC integrates sustainability into daily operations. It’s not an add-on; it’s part of how events are delivered responsibly.
Wellness-Driven Conferences
Placing people and wellbeing at the centre of your program
Conferences in 2025 are more people-focused than ever. Organisers are prioritising attendee wellbeing with thoughtful scheduling, healthier catering and environments that support focus and comfort.
How GCCEC supports wellness
- Natural light and spacious design: Many of GCCEC’s spaces and foyer areas benefit from ample natural light, contributing to a more comfortable and energising atmosphere.
- Nutritious menu options: Our catering team offers custom menu planning including vegetarian, gluten-free and low-GI options to support a range of dietary needs and wellness goals.
- Breakout and rest areas: The venue can setup quiet lounge zones and outdoor balcony areas where attendees can recharge between sessions without leaving the event precinct.
- Walkable location: GCCEC’s position in Broadbeach encourages incidental wellness with easy walking access to local accommodation, the beach, parklands and cafes.
These features help planners create events that leave attendees refreshed, not fatigued. That supports productivity, focus and longer-term engagement.
Interactive Exhibition Design
Turning traditional displays into immersive experiences
Exhibitions are evolving to become more engaging and experience-driven. In 2025, exhibitors are looking for layouts and facilities that support conversation, connection and content-rich activations.
How GCCEC supports this trend
- Flexible, column-free halls: Our exhibition halls offer more than 6,000sqm of open space, allowing for dynamic stand layouts, themed zones and custom visitor journeys.
- Power and rigging capabilities: GCCEC’s ceiling rigging and in-floor power access support AV installations, suspended signage and technology-enabled displays with minimal obstruction.
- Support for AV-heavy builds: The venue’s in-house AV team is available to assist with lighting, vision and sound for exhibitors seeking more dynamic stand designs.
- Clear loading access: Easy ground-level loading docks and wide access points allow exhibitors to bring in custom builds and interactive displays with minimal disruption.
GCCEC offers the flexibility, infrastructure and support needed to deliver modern exhibitions that invite interaction rather than observation. In 2025, the most successful events will be those that embrace change: events that are accessible, sustainable and focused on people. At GCCEC, we work closely with event organisers to align with these evolving needs, offering the right mix of service, space and support to bring any vision to life.
Book your next event at GCCEC with confidence.