Could new website increase business events?
The convention bureau for Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Business Events Sunshine Coast (BESC), has unveiled a new look website offering a range of extra services tailored to help meetings and event planners.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Simon Latchford, said: “The digital tourism landscape has changed dramatically since the previous version of the website was built in 2012, with a larger percentage of visitors now accessing business events information via a mobile or tablet device.
“The website is the first step for event planners researching destinations and seeking inspiration. Digital technology is a key element in how the industry books events with this new site providing direct access to suppliers who can deliver the experiences,” Mr Latchford said.
“We recognise the value of business events to the region with 24,903 business event delegates injecting $36 million into the Sunshine Coast economy*,” said Mr Latchford. “In addition to filling mid-week capacity and generating a higher spend per visitor; business events promote and showcase our expertise, innovation and attract global leaders and investment decision makers who would otherwise not have come to our region,” added Mr Latchford.
The new website development project follows a string of bids by BESC including the Australian Event Awards and Symposium to be held on the Sunshine Coast from 21-23 September 2016, the Australian Macadamia Industry Conference to be held 18-20 October 2016 and Australian Society of Travel Writers AGM and Awards event to be held 18 – 20 August 2017.
The website features the Sunshine Coast’s capability through highlighting event case study of business hosted in the region including:
Australian Smart Communities Summit
Maroochydore is the only greenfield CBD development in an existing urban area in Australia, and smart technology is being embedded throughout the new city centre. So it was fitting for the Sunshine Coast to host the inaugural Australian Smart Communities Summit – the first conference of its type in Australia. Delegates came from around Australia, New Zealand, Asia, USA and Europe, with confirmation that the destination was a huge drawcard.
Social Media in Tourism Symposium #SoMeT15AU
What does the Sunshine Coast have in common with New Orleans and Amsterdam? In 2015, the Sunshine Coast joined these two other world-renowned destinations in hosting the premiere global conference for destination marketers. Held each year in the United States, Europe and Australia since 2009, the Sunshine Coast welcomed the Social Media in Tourism Symposium – #SoMeT15AU resulting in over 11 million Twitter impressions during the conference.
Mazda MX-5 Beach Launch
Noosa offers many spectacular sights, but none could top the jaw-dropping reveal event as guests experienced the new Mazda MX-5 launch, with the vehicle helicopter-landed on Noosa Main Beach. “The Sunshine Coast provides the ultimate combination for a roadster launch – fabulous weather, amazing roads and stunning landscapes,” said Karla Leach, Mazda Australia PR senior manager.
Bespoke food experiences
A natural food bowl, the Sunshine Coast is rapidly becoming Australia’s favourite taste destination. Whether it be a paddock-to-plate degustation, fresh-off-the-trawler seafood BBQ, chef-guided food trail or a spectacular market stall cocktail reception; the Sunshine Coast offers a bounty of foodie adventures, tasty attractions and gourmet experiences to wow delegates.
Experiences include: behind the scenes producers tour, Noosa Hinterland paddock to plate trail, long lunch in the macadamia grove, farm shed paddock to plate long lunch, camels and canapes, free ranging chef bush food discovery, gourmet food and wine.
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