The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) contributed an estimated A$383 million (US$248 million) to the Gold Coast economy in the 2026 financial year, underlining the role of business events in driving visitor spending.
More than 60 per cent of the venue’s business came from returning events, with medical and well-being, education and retail among the largest sectors represented. The venue also hosted conferences, exhibitions, graduations, sporting events and community celebrations during the year.
GCCEC said business event visitors spend, on average, 57 per cent more than leisure travellers, benefiting accommodation providers, restaurants, attractions and other local businesses.
The venue enters the new financial year with a programme of new and returning events, including several multi-year agreements.
Nick Jeffrey, general manager of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, said: “Business events are a powerful driver of high value visitation, bringing people to the Gold Coast with a clear purpose to connect, learn, collaborate and do business.
“Delegates are not just attending an event; they are experiencing the city. Delegates stay in our hotels, dine in local restaurants, visit attractions and experience the city first-hand, creating opportunities for return visitation, future investment and greater awareness of the Gold Coast as a business events destination.”
