10 minute read
DESTINATION: GOLD COAST
Golden opportunities
The Gold Coast is fast becoming a premier business events destination where business and pleasure harmoniously intertwine in a sun-soaked setting, writes Lana Bogunovich
Known for its sun-kissed beaches, thriving culinary scene and adventurous spirit, the Gold Coast is a hive of captivating experiences superbly suited to business and incentive events. This coastal Queensland gem boasts world-class venues and unique experiences for conferences, meetings, incentives and all types of corporate gatherings. Whether it’s a theme park takeover or a one-of-a-kind regional dining experience, the opportunities for creating engaging and memorable events stretch from coast to hinterland and promise a unique and productive experience for planners and attendees alike.
Setting the Gold standard
Combining world-class amenities with stunning coastal vistas, the Gold Coast’s upscale hotels redefine the standard for corporate events. These opulent venues offer the perfect setting for meetings, conferences, and other types of corporate gatherings, promising an experience of unparalleled elegance.
The Langham, Gold Coast
Taking luxury to new heights, this absolute beachfront property offers 169 hotel rooms and 170 apartment-style accommodations from which delegates can soak up views of the Pacific Ocean or Hinterland. To impress the most discerning clients, host them in the impeccably appointed Chairman’s Suite. Located on the 20th floor, it can host up to five guests with two large bedroom and bathrooms and two separate lounge areas, as well as a study, dining area and butler’s pantry.
The opportunities for creating engaging and memorable events stretch from coast to hinterland and promise a unique and productive experience.
For small to medium-sized events, The Langham, Gold Coast has 11 versatile function spaces, including up to five meeting rooms on its Mezzanine level, while the 618-square-metre grand Diamond Ballroom can host up to 400 pax banquet. With its 7.5-metre ceilings, textured walls and state-of-art AV provided in-house by tech experts Dreamweavers, this spectacular venue brings the glamour to prestigious events.
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
With its bright and breezy interiors, lush gardens and saltwater lagoon with cascading waterfall, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa oozes tropical holiday vibes at every turn. Situated in Surfers Paradise, this luxurious 5-star resort features 238 spaciously appointed guest rooms and suites with sprawling ocean or hinterland views.
The resort’s new spa, Spa by JW, is a top highlight, providing a sanctuary complete with six treatment rooms, saunas, steam experience showers, and relaxation pods. Group bookings and full spa buyouts are available with a range of experiences and packages available, including high tea, making it ideal for incentives and corporate retreats.
For meetings and events, the dedicated conference floor on level two offers 2,000 square metres of event space, with 11 flexible spaces available for all event requirements. The largest of these is the JW Grand Ballroom, providing 680 square metres of pillarless space for up to 1,000 cocktail. It is geared for vehicle access, large-scale exhibitions, gala dinners and product launches and can be divided into separate spaces.
Dorsett Gold Coast
Australia’s first Dorsett hotel has put a fresh and vibrant spin on business events and corporate accommodations, combining the best of modern inner-city style with idyllic beachside vibes. There are 313 contemporary, light-filled accommodations designed with the corporate traveller in mind, which feature large a flat-screen TV with Google Chromecast, complimentary high-speed WiFi, work desk and spacious bathroom with walk-in rain shower.
The hotel’s Level 19 Executive Lounge gives corporate guests the VIP treatment with a private space to take in the panoramic views over breakfast, snacks, and sunset drinks and canapés, making it a great spot for informal meetings and down time. The new-build hotel is situated within the leisure, entertainment and events precinct at The Star Gold Coast, offering a one-ofa-kind experience for business events with world-class bars and restaurants, gaming, spa, event spaces, and direct access connecting to Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) via an undercover footbridge.
The Star Gold Coast
The Star Gold Coast recently unveiled the region’s newest luxury event venue; Level 18 at The Darling. A part of property’s portfolio of premium event spaces, Level 18 boasts coastal views in expansive light-filled spaces that can cater to functions of all sizes. Both the Miami rooms and Penthouse are complimented by wrap-around balconies overlooking panoramic views of the iconic Gold Coast skyline. With a central Broadbeach position, quality finishes, onsite catering and a dedicated events team, this exceptional venue provides a private, exclusive oasis for VIP events.
For large-scale events, planners can also take advantage of The Event Centre – a state-of-the-art theatre and conference facility which can host up to 2,300 delegates – and for fun and frivolous alfresco functions, there’s the rooftop poolside venues, Isoletto Pool Club and Isoletto Privé
Take over a theme park
Bring your event to life with the magic and excitement of Village Roadshow Theme Parks with a complete takeover of one of their world-class theme parks. With spectacular attractions, an award-winning resort and premier conference and exhibition centre, the options for corporate events are endless. Delegates will love having exclusive access to adrenalin-pumping rides and attractions, while private areas and themed dining options can be tailored to suit any event.
Each theme park has its own distinctive charm and attractions, presenting an exciting canvas for unforgettable experiences – and, you can take over any one or combine multiple locations all in one day.
Bursting with a stellar cast of screen legends and amazing venues, Warner Bros. Movie World will make your guests the stars of the night as they walk the red carpet surrounded by lights, fans and paparazzi. From thrilling roller coasters and character meet-and-greets, to unique themes like Hollywood Glitz & Glam, Western Showdown, and Super Heroes, your only limit is your imagination.
At Sea World, throw a spectacular Atlantean party in the new Atlantis precinct or a Festival of Fun in the Plaza. At the recent This is Gold Coast 2023 event, Destination Gold Coast threw an epic event in this new precinct, complete with food festival style catering and remarkable entertainment that included an incredible laser and pyrotechnics show from Skylighter Fireworks; drummers, fire twirlers and roaming characters from Izit Entertainment; and DJ, saxophonist, and mirror laser violinist from Velvet Rope Entertainment.
Think pink
Elevate your private event to a theatrical spectacle that will have your guests tickled pink at the iconic and eclectic Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub in Broadbeach. This cabaret and dinner theatre venue is renowned for its captivating cabaret performances, featuring talented artists who deliver an array of entertainment, from aerial acrobatics to burlesque shows. Whether you’re after an exclusive space or whole venue buyout, the retro-chic décor, glittering bar tops and plush pink furniture will allow you to create a one-of-a-kind event that oozes glitz and glamour at every level.
There are two spaces which can be hired exclusively, each one with its own bar –The Nest (23 pax) and The Birdcage (80 pax) – while full venue hire gives you 808 square meters of space for up to 600 standing or 186 seated. The venue’s culinary offerings are equally impressive as are the innovative cocktails, all of which can be tailored to your event with a dedicated events team on hand to ensure every detail is just as it should be.
Set sail
There’s few things better than sipping champagne aboard a luxury superyacht at sunset. YOT Club’s dreamy superyachts are so much than your usual party boat, offering sophisticated floating venues for stylish events. Have your event set sail across the tranquil waters of Gold Coast Broadwater on YOT Blue (58 pax), an 80-foot stunner with three entertaining areas and retractable sunroof, or on YOT 75 (68 pax), which offers two spacious levels, each with its own full-service bar.
Kick off or end the night on land at YOT Deck – a summer pop-up venue situated in Mainbeach offering delectable Australian cuisine and multiple spaces set against sprawling marina views.
Events with artistic flair
Artistic excellence meets exceptional hospitality at Home of the Arts, simply known as HOTA. Situated on the banks of Nerang River in the heart of Surfers Paradise, HOTA is the largest regional arts and entertainment centre in Australia. In addition to showcasing the best of the region’s dynamic arts and culture scene, this dynamic venue also offers numerous indoor and outdoor spaces for hosting memorable events.
Spread across four levels and surrounded by beautifully landscaped parklands, you’ll find: The Plenary – Theatre 1, which seats up to 1,128 across two levels; two Cinemas (218 and 148 pax); the light-filled Panorama Room with terrace (100 pax); the airy and highly versatile Lakeside Room and Lakeside Terrace (500 and 100 pax); the HOTA Outdoor Stage ideal for large outdoor events and HOTA Lawn Bar for alfresco cocktail events for up to 150 guests. You also won’t want to miss the opportunity to treat your delegates to an exquisite dinner at HOTA’s hatted restaurant, Palette.
Savour a taste of the Coast
The Gold Coast’s culinary ethos is a blend of fresh local ingredients, international flavours and sustainability, making it a haven for food-loving business events. When it comes to creating mouth-watering experiences in some of the region’s most breathtaking settings, Kiff & Culture are your go-to experts.
Specialising in immersive experiences on the Gold Coast, Kiff & Culture create customised events, incentives, tours and itineraries that offer an authentic regional experience through connecting with local flavours, purveyors and artisans, and landscapes. From vineyard tours to gourmet dining and multi-da epicurean adventures, Kliff & Culture have a range of experiences which can be tailored to your event's specific needs.
A favorite experience is the Long Lunch in the Orchards, which can cater for groups of up to 60 pax. Hosted within a secluded section of the beautiful orchard at Tropical Fruit World, guests are treated to a stunning chef-crafted banquet of local produce and regionally crafted beverages whilst immersed in a beautiful alfresco setting.
Fire to Fork is another signature outdoor dining experience, where food is cooked over an open fire, bringing a theatrical element to your team lunch. There are several partner venues which can host this event, including wineries, distilleries and a hinterland country escape, with capacity for up to 800 guests, depending on the venue. The experience can also be enhanced with a range of beverage packages, entertainment and other add-ons to help bring your vision to life.
DON'T MISS
Make time for mindfulness with a guided walk in the picturesque Burleigh Head National Park. Jellurgal Aborigional Cultural Centre offers guided tours along a scenic beachside rainforest walkway during which you can learn about First Nations culture, traditions, and history.
