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Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
The leading destination for an unforgettable event.
Situated in the heart of the vibrant Gold Coast, we offer world-class, versatile spaces designed to accommodate events of any size. Our commitment to excellence in service and state-of-the-art facilities promise to produce unforgettable event experiences for every single attendee.
Surrounded by luxurious hotels, fine dining and stunning beaches, our venue offers more than just an event space–it’s a gateway to a truly exceptional experience.
At GCCEC, we don’t just host events; we craft memories that last a lifetime. From unparalleled service and exceptional spaces to award-winning culinary expertise and arenas for events of any kind, you can count on us to set the stage for total event satisfaction. When it comes to hosting unforgettable gatherings, if it’s happening on the Gold Coast, it’s happening here at GCCEC!
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Expos at GCCEC: Three events, one venue that delivers
Three exhibitions. One clear pattern.
Across pharmacy, barbering and independent retail, these case studies show what matters when exhibitions are built to perform: flexible spaces that support different formats, logistics that reduce friction, strong safety and compliance processes and teams who solve problems fast – including when the unexpected hits.
From record attendance and creative activations at the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference, to the high-energy, multi-format program of Expo4Barbers, to the complex, safety-led bump-in operation behind the Metcash Food Expo, GCCEC continues to deliver exhibitions designed to grow with organisers and exhibitors year after year.
APP 2025: Innovation at scale, delivered with confidence
The Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP) is the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. In March 2025, it marked its 20th year at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) with a record 7,500 delegates visiting the Gold Coast. As Australia’s premier pharmacy trade exhibition, APP brought together 250 companies across 450 exhibition stands, creating a high-energy marketplace for innovation, partnerships and learning. Kos Sclavos, pharmacist, former National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and now Convener of APP, says the event’s growth has been matched by the venue’s ability to scale with it. “APP has been held on the Gold Coast since day one,” says Kos. “We’ve grown to fill every hall, every corner of GCCEC.”
A floor plan designed for movement, engagement and standout activations
With exhibitors ranging from major national brands to specialist suppliers, APP requires more than space. It needs flow, visibility, flexibility and the ability to support interactive activations without bottlenecks. GCCEC’s modern layout and expansive foyers supported product demonstrations, networking lounges and customised brand experiences, while still keeping foot traffic moving.
Sustainability is also part of the event’s story. GCCEC achieved EarthCheck Master certification in 2023 and continues to invest in long-term environmental goals for business events. At APP, Kos notes a practical benefit: many exhibition stands are reused year after year, reducing waste while still enabling brands to refresh their experience.
Consistency behind the scenes is what exhibitors feel on the floor
Large exhibitions do not stay seamless by luck. They stay seamless through long-term knowledge, early planning and a team that understands the event in detail. GCCEC Senior Event Manager Wade Russell has overseen APP for years, bringing 12 years’ experience and a clear view of what works – and what to refine each year.
“By planning well in advance, we stay aligned with the APP team to deliver a successful exhibition,” Wade says. “Our in-depth knowledge allows us to adapt, embrace change and remain flexible.”
Kos describes that partnership as essential: “Holding an event of this scale takes expert planning and coordination, and we get that in abundance from the team here.”
“They become an extension of our team” – the exhibitor perspective
Exhibitors often judge venues on two things: reliability (do you get what you asked for?) and collaboration (do they help you elevate?). At APP, exhibitors repeatedly pointed to the GCCEC team as a genuine advantage.
Sarah Tait, Corporate Communications Manager at TerryWhite Chemmart, says: “The team at GCCEC makes the entire process seamless. From planning our stand layout to executing creative activations, they go above and beyond to ensure our presence at APP is successful every year.”
Sarah describes APP as a highlight for her team – a true B2B opportunity to connect with pharmacy owners, share announcements and keep their community informed. She also notes GCCEC’s design flexibility and height capacity as a major benefit for creating impactful displays. “We’ve outgrown some venues, but GCCEC allows us to scale up or down. Nothing is too much trouble.”
For Annette Williams, Head of Brand and Communications at Blooms The Chemist, the value is consistency, particularly when planning from interstate. “Planning a major event from another state can be stressful, but the consistency and collaboration we get from the GCCEC team gives us peace of mind,” she says. “I share my vision, and they bring it to life. They’re consistent, creative, and genuinely collaborative.”
That collaboration also shows up in food and beverage activations. GCCEC’s Exhibitor Services and Food and Beverage teams work with exhibitors to create memorable stand experiences – from coffee or juice bars through to themed menus and locally sourced elements. For Blooms, cocktails featuring native Australian ingredients (supported by local vendors sourced through the GCCEC team) became a way to stand out while aligning with sustainability values.
Adapting fast when conditions change
In 2025, APP faced a major challenge just a week out: a cyclone hit the Gold Coast – the first in more than 50 years. A marquee was nearly complete when it became clear the storm posed a serious threat.
The GCCEC team acted quickly, with contractors securing the structure immediately. Flooding damaged the surrounding lawn and impacted flooring and footings, but the team rebuilt within days, ensuring 2,200 delegates were seated in the marquee for lunch on opening day. With the support of APP, GCCEC also donated leftover baguettes and sandwiches to local charities post-cyclone to assist families without power.
Then, as if the weather was not enough, the Prime Minister’s attendance was confirmed days out, requiring rapid adjustments to security and logistics, delivered with professionalism and precision.
APP returns to GCCEC in 2026, and Kos says the destination seals the deal: a place where delegates can walk the beach in the morning and enjoy Broadbeach dining at night, with everything close, easy and walkable.
Expo4Barbers 2025: High energy, multi-format, and growing fast
In May 2025, Expo4Barbers returned to GCCEC for its second consecutive year and continues to build its reputation as Australia’s leading barbering event. The expo attracted more than 2,000 attendees and nearly 40 exhibitors from across Australia and New Zealand , combining education, competition and community into a program that stayed busy from open to close.
From live demonstrations and hands-on workshops to high-energy barber battles, live podcasts and multi-brand showcases, Expo4Barbers needs a venue that can support simultaneous activity – without the experience feeling crowded or chaotic.
“Everything just works so well”
For Lino D’Adderio, Owner and Founder of King Louis IX, GCCEC is a strong fit for both the vibe and the practical demands of exhibiting.
“It’s been fantastic for us at the venue – it’s a very cool vibe. I love the high ceilings, the all-black and concrete floors, and the lighting is great for our work. As a facility, it’s fantastic,” he says.
He also highlights the convenience of the precinct: “All the interstate exhibitors love that accommodation is right across the road. Team dinners within walking distance – everything just works so well.”
Jarred Stedman, General Manager of Mocha Group, attended to build brand awareness and praised the venue for being easy to find, with strong staff support, great food and the practical details exhibitors love. He also noted GCCEC’s flexibility in supporting a program with multiple moving parts, and the backstage operational space that helps organisers keep everything running.
For Arne Compagne, Managing Director of Global Scissors, the event delivered a strong vibe and repeat customers, and the operational side made it easy. “It’s very convenient, well-spaced, and the GCCEC team has been really supportive,” he says, adding: “The bump-in was seamless – fantastic, actually.”
Tanya Nelson, National Education Manager at Dateline Imports, travels extensively to attend industry events and called out the atmosphere as refreshingly different, with GCCEC support making logistics stress-free. “They’ve been great – reconfiguring stands, making sure we had what we needed. Nothing’s been too much trouble.”
A venue that supports growth, not just delivery
For organiser Fraser Forsey, Director and Lead Educator of Expo4Barbers, year two brought significant growth, including six international artists. Despite interest from other cities, he’s committed to the Gold Coast and GCCEC.
“We’ve been asked to take it to other locations, but we choose the Gold Coast. It’s destinational: the climate, the vibe. What better place to be?”
On the venue partnership, he adds: “Everything I ask for is always accommodated. I want to book it again for the next five years.”
Metcash Food Expo 2025: Two decades of partnership, and logistics built for scale
Some exhibitions impress because of what you see on the floor. Metcash is also impressive because of what you do not see – the detailed coordination underneath it all.
First held at GCCEC in 2004, the Metcash Food Expo has returned year after year and remains a highlight of the independent retail calendar. The 2025 expo (13 to 15 July) brought together 350 exhibitors and 1,000 delegates from across Australia, showcasing new food products, retail technologies and business insights, while strengthening networks and celebrating the impact of shopping local.
GCCEC General Manager Nick Jeffrey says Metcash returns because the venue delivers on what matters: consistent service from planning through to execution, and a location that keeps logistics contained and simple. He also points to the value of the precinct, where accommodation, restaurants and public transport are right on the doorstep.
Safety and compliance that scales with complexity
Metcash involves extensive truck movement, forklift activity, pallet deliveries and hundreds of contractors during bump-in and bump-out. GCCEC Risk and Compliance Manager Matthew Barton oversees safety, security and wellbeing during these critical stages.
Every participant must complete inductions and provide insurances prior to arrival. Contractors check in with security onsite and receive wristbands, helping ensure controlled access and consistent compliance.
Matthew summarises the approach: “It doesn’t matter the size of the event; we manage it in the same way. The bigger the event just means more resources, but the approach remains consistent to ensure success.”
Suppliers and stand builders value early collaboration and strong onsite support
Metcash demands months of planning for suppliers and stand builders. Exponet’s Matthieu Desprez describes the scale: hundreds of trucks, more than 1,000 power points, and countless custom builds that must work seamlessly.
Visible Projex Director Dean Fenwick says early, detailed collaboration with the venue is essential, particularly with perishable product requirements and the number of trades involved. He also notes the importance of venue security once the expo is operational, including overnight coverage to support food safety and monitoring.
Exhibitors and retailers notice the “easy”
For retailers and exhibitors, the location and walkability are part of what makes the event enjoyable and efficient.
Ben Ryan, Group General Manager at Ryan’s IGA, says: “I love the expo. I catch up with people I haven’t seen for twelve months, we do some great deals, and we see some fantastic new product. GCCEC is great, I can walk to wherever I need to.”
Monique St Pierre, Head of Grocery at Unilever, echoes the convenience: restaurants and hotels across the road, easy movement, and a Gold Coast setting that makes attendance appealing.
For Metcash itself, exhibitor satisfaction is a key measure of success. Madeleine Fitzpatrick, General Manager Retail at Metcash, says: “The exhibitors love coming here. Bumping-in, bumping-out couldn’t be easier for them. They love coming back and their stands just get bigger and better every year.” She also highlights GCCEC’s high ceilings as a rigging advantage, enabling spectacular stands.
Watch the videos that make up the three-part series
Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP)
How Infrastructure Is Powering Ideas
The most successful events are shaped by more than creative programs or compelling speakers. They depend on the environments that support them, the technology that underpins them and the infrastructure that supports organisers to bring ambitious ideas to life.
At the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, recent upgrades have been delivered with this in mind, strengthening the foundations that enable organisers to do more with their events. These investments support greater flexibility, stronger delivery and more confidence across event design. The impact is felt across every stage of the event journey, from first impression through to final session.
The experience begins at the precinct, not the podium
For many events, the experience starts well before the first session begins. How guests arrive, navigate the space and encounter the event brand plays a powerful role in shaping a delegates first impression.
Across the venue, enhanced external signage and the introduction of a new highway road sign strengthen visibility and reinforce presence as delegates approach the venue. Inside, expansive foyer screens provide organisers with prominent platforms for messaging, content and storytelling, helping shape the experience from the moment of arrival.
Improvements to digital wayfinding throughout the building further support this experience, helping delegates move confidently through the venue while reinforcing event branding across key touchpoints.
Beyond the building, 240 metres of programmable LED awning lighting now transforms the exterior into a bold canvas of event colour. Customisable in five metre blocks, it creates a cohesive connection between arrival and atmosphere.
According to Kerri Brown, Executive Manager of Marketing and Communications, the impact of thoughtful branding is significant. “Great events create moments, but immersive branding creates memories. When clients transform the Centre into their own environment, delegates feel more connected, more engaged and more inspired. That is when a venue becomes part of the story, not just the backdrop.”
Where the room works as hard as the content
Inside the room, the quality of the environment directly influences how content is experienced. Visibility, lighting, atmosphere and technical reliability all play a role in whether sessions feel engaging, clear and professional.
Recent investments in industry-leading laser projection and upgraded lighting across key event spaces are designed to improve visual clarity and consistency across rooms of all sizes. Brighter, sharper projection and improved visibility help ensure content can be seen clearly from front row to back.
For organisers, this supports stronger production outcomes. For speakers, it builds confidence in delivery. For delegates, it creates an environment where focus is easier to maintain and engagement come easy.
The infrastructure that bold events rely on
As event formats continue to evolve, digital performance is no longer a background consideration. It underpins how sessions run, how delegates engage and how confidently organisers can design increasingly complex programs.
GCCEC’s rollout of WiFi 6 across the venue is purpose-built for high-density environments. The upgraded network supports significantly more devices and faster speeds, enabling more sophisticated formats and more reliable performance at scale.
This infrastructure supports live streaming, event apps, real-time interaction, hybrid delivery and the growing digital expectations of both organisers and delegates. The outcome is an experience that feels seamless in the room and dependable behind the scenes.
For General Manager Nick Jeffrey, this reliability is now fundamental to how venues support great events. “Connectivity underpins how people engage, participate and share. By strengthening our digital foundations now, we’re giving organisers the confidence to push boundaries and giving delegates an experience that feels effortless and connected.”
The kind of venue ambitious events need
What connects these upgrades is not any single feature, but the intent behind them. Each investment has been shaped by how organisers are using the venue today and how event delivery continues to evolve.
Rather than treating infrastructure, technology and environment as separate considerations, GCCEC’s approach recognises that they work best when designed together. The result is a venue that supports organisers in being more creative with their concepts, more ambitious with their formats and more confident in their delivery.
Because increasingly, great events are not just hosted in a space. They are enabled by it.
Spotlight on Gold Coast – 2025
Business is booming in southeast Queensland, with the Gold Coast a city of progress that is capitalising on its beautiful weather, natural surrounds and easygoing vibe that leaves visitors feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
As you exit Coolangatta Airport and make your way north along Gold Coast Highway, it’s clear to visitors this coastal pocket of sunny southeast Queensland is evolving rapidly. For the city of Gold Coast, which hugs 57km of pristine coastline that meets the Pacific Ocean, its famous skyline is changing shape in front of our eyes.
There is currently major buzz in southeast Queensland, with Brisbane, just 78km up the M1 Pacific Motorway, home of the 2032 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and Gold Coast confirmed to host several sports. While much focus is on the Queensland capital as it builds the infrastructure required to host a major international event, the Gold Coast is also changing at pace, with new business and leisure facilities, a pipeline of new hotels, and growing stature as a major events hub.
AMAZING VENUES
Since 2004, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre has been the epicentre of conferences and events on the Gold Coast. The venue spans 15,000 square metres of exhibition and events space, including a 6000-seat tiered arena, 22 meeting rooms, foyers bathed in natural light, plus 2000 square metres of parklands and external space.
According to Nick Jeffrey, general manager, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, the facility is only part of the region’s business events story, with the city and its attractions the real stars of the show.
“The Gold Coast stands at the forefront of Queensland’s business events industry,” he says. “Renowned for world-class venues and unbeatable natural surroundings, the city delivers the complete delegate experience where business, wellbeing and lifestyle come together effortlessly.
“The destination has become a defining part of the delegate experience. Delegates are extending their stays, blending business with leisure, and the Gold Coast is perfectly suited to bring that balance to life. The shift towards experience-driven travel is attracting high-calibre events and the city is redefining what the delegate experience can be.
“More than half of our clients return, and destination is a big part of that story. The Gold Coast leaves a lasting impression that extends well beyond conference walls. Step outside Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre and the best of the Gold Coast awaits.
“Everything a delegate needs is within walking distance, with beachside mornings, exceptional dining and first-class accommodation combining to create a setting that inspires purpose and presence.”
Read the full feature at Spice News here.
Build a Bike Turns 10
GCCEC CELEBRATES A DECADE OF TWO-WHEELED CHRISTMAS MAGIC
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) marked a very special milestone over the festive season, celebrating the 10th year of its much-loved Build a Bike initiative.
On Wednesday 10 December, GCCEC partnered with Act for Kids to build and donate 87 bicycles to vulnerable children needing a little extra joy at Christmas. Since launching in 2016, Build a Bike has grown from a simple act of kindness into a celebrated annual tradition, uniting GCCEC’s team and business partners to gift hundreds of children the joy, freedom and confidence that comes with their very own bicycle.
In addition to their new bikes, children also received books, games and toys through the GCCEC Toy Drive, helping to bring a little extra Christmas magic to families who need it most. Event production and management company Dreamweavers donated their time and vehicles to help deliver the bikes, while local Gold Coast business Mike’s Bikes provided expert safety checks to ensure each bike was safe and ready for its new owner.
Dr Katrina Lines, CEO of Act for Kids, said the 10th year of Build a Bike demonstrated the extraordinary impact of collective generosity. “This incredible display of community spirit simply wouldn’t be possible without GCCEC and the many local businesses, services, individuals, organisations and sponsors who’ve come together this year. Act for Kids is truly grateful for their support.”
“For some of these children, these gifts may be the only presents waiting for them under the Christmas tree. Bikes are a wonderful way to support a child’s physical development, but they also help build social skills by creating opportunities for kids to connect and play with others.”
Nick Jeffrey, General Manager of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre said the heart of Build a Bike has always been about community. “Build a Bike has become one of our most meaningful traditions. Celebrating ten years of this initiative is a testament to the generosity of our team, partners and Gold Coast community.”
“This initiative goes far beyond bikes. It’s about creating smiles, relieving pressure for families and giving children a moment of pure happiness, and that is something we are incredibly honoured to drive.”
Real impact, real voices
For many families, Build a Bike delivered more than just a present, it created moments that stay with them long after Christmas Day. A little girl’s words said it all: “It was the best Christmas, because I got my bike.”
A mother, whose children received bikes, shared through tears of joy: “It means they got to have the Christmas they deserve, and it took a lot of pressure off me trying to find the extra money to make their Christmas special.”
A teenager added: “I’m so happy to have a bike to ride to my friend’s house and to school.”
As GCCEC celebrates a decade of Build a Bike, the initiative continues to prove that when a community comes together, small actions can create powerful and lasting change for children who need it most.
GCCEC Wins Silver for Best Business Event Venue in Queensland
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) has been awarded Silver in the Business Event Venue category at the 2025 Queensland Tourism Awards, recognising its reputation for excellence in business events and its significant contribution to the strength and success of Queensland’s visitor economy.
This prestigious honour recognises GCCEC’s industry leadership, reflected in its exceptional event experiences, end-to-end service capability, customer service excellence and responsible business practice. As Australia’s largest regional convention centre, GCCEC continues to attract major events that create considerable and lasting economic and social impact for the Gold Coast and throughout Queensland.
GCCEC proudly congratulates fellow category winners and finalists, recognising their exceptional achievements across Queensland’s tourism and events industry. They also wish to acknowledge the continued guidance and support QTIC provides to the industry and its partners.
General Manager of The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Nick Jeffrey, said the award reflects the dedication and expertise of the entire team. “Earning Silver for Best Business Event Venue is an outstanding achievement for the Centre. It speaks to the vision that guides us and the skill, commitment and care our people bring to every event.”
“We are committed to delivering world-class events through a passionate and connected team, while continually evolving as an industry leader with a distinctly different approach. We are proud to represent the Gold Coast and grateful to our clients, partners and people who support us in delivering events that are inspired by location and perfected by service.”
This recognition follows a strong year for the Centre, marked by record-breaking events and attendance, major investment in new technology and continued advancement of its sustainability commitments through EarthCheck Master recertification. The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre looks forward to participating in Tourism Week 2026, set to take place on the Gold Coast.
Global Leadership in Sustainable Practices
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) achieves EarthCheck Master recertification, reaffirming its leadership in sustainable operations and responsible event delivery.
Recognised as the highest level of achievement under the EarthCheck program, Master Certification celebrates more than fifteen years of continuous benchmarking, improvement and demonstrated commitment to environmental and social performance.
As part of the certification process, GCCEC was recognised as a regional leader in both waste recycling and community contributions, achieving exemplary results against key EarthCheck performance benchmarks. These achievements reflect the Centre’s long-standing focus on environmental responsibility and meaningful community engagement across the Gold Coast.
This accomplishment marks GCCEC’s seventeenth year of sustained benchmarking through EarthCheck, highlighting the Centre’s long-standing commitment to improvement and accountability.
Nick Jeffrey, General Manager of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, noted, “Sustainability is at the heart of how we operate. Achieving EarthCheck Master status for another year reflects the shared effort of our entire team, who make sustainability a part of how we do business.”
“Phase two of our Five-Year Sustainability Strategy is now under way, focusing on practical initiatives that reduce waste, improve efficiency and create lasting benefits for our people, partners and community.”
Stewart Moore, CEO and Founder of EarthCheck, congratulated GCCEC on its continued commitment, “Achieving and maintaining EarthCheck Master Certification demonstrates more than operational excellence, it showcases a culture of progress, accountability and genuine care for people and place.”
EarthCheck is the world’s leading business advisory group specialising in sustainability and destination management for the travel and tourism industry. The Master Certification is reserved for organisations that have been continuously certified for more than fifteen years and have achieved best-practice standards across key environmental and social indicators.