6 November 2020
Thousands of delegates came through the doors of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) last month, signalling a positive surge in confidence in face-to-face meetings.
Events at the Centre included conferences, business meetings, school graduations and formals and a 250-person fundraising lunch. Clients were required to operate under the Centre’s approved COVID safe plan while onsite. The plan covers conditions of entry, record keeping, social distancing, deliveries, food service, team wellbeing and event specific requirements.
The School Business Managers’ Association, Queensland (SBMAQ) state conference was held 13-16th October. The event attracted over 600 participants and included plenary sessions, masterclasses, catering, an exhibition, daily themed dinners and a gala awards event.
Local Government Association Queensland Conference, officially opened by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, ran from 19-21st October and welcomed over 500 delegates and 85 exhibitors.
“There’s no denying that there’s a lot of additional work required on our side to host events at the venue at the moment – from extra deep cleaning, COVID marshalling, labour intensive food preparation and service to traffic, flow, messaging and record keeping,” said Adrienne Readings, General Manager, GCCEC.
“However, the response to these events has been overwhelmingly positive from all stakeholders and it’s really encouraging to see people back meeting and networking at the Centre,” she continued.
For the remainder of the year, the Centre will host several graduations, formals, networking breakfasts, two more conferences and Christmas events.
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre received approval to operate under its Site-Specific COVID Safe Plan in June.