Navigating ‘Sunshine Coast Events vs Cost of Living’

Delving deep into the dynamics of operational costs and changing consumer behaviours, the panel will unravel the implications, challenges and potential solutions.

Drawn from across the broad spectrum of the event industry our panel includes -

• Daniel Cullinan, Melbourne Storm and Sunshine Coast Lightning
• Bronwyn Edinger, Caloundra Events Centre
• Marc Pico, Big Pineapple Festival
• Melissa O’Bryan, Solbar
• Julie-Ann Brown, Cloud Nine Weddings
• Melissa West, Atlas Events and Sunshine Coast Marathon

Guests will also experience a fantastic wearable art display courtesy of the upcoming Australian Wearable Arts Festival.

Connect with industry experts from all sectors of the events world, gain fresh perspectives and discover innovative approaches to event success.

Date: Tuesday 23rd July 2024
Time: 5.30 - 8.30pm
Location: Solbar | 10/12-20 Ocean Street, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Tickets: $25

President SCEIA, Dr Lenny Vance said the event would be an opportunity for our local event industry to gain valuable insights and boost your networks for navigating the intersection of ‘Sunshine Coast Events vs The Cost of Living’.

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it,” Dr Vance said.
 
“Lately, there has been a lot made of the economic headwinds that confront us all.

“Interest rates are biting, the cost of living is deemed a crisis and consumer behaviour has transmuted from a pandemic hangover.

“The events industry, typically servicing a discretionary income market, has generally taken a battering from those macro-environmental headwinds.

“We have heard of multiple festival and live music venue closures with the finger of blame pointed at rising supply change costs and consumer weariness. 

“But let’s consider a different narrative.

“Tourism Australia research shows business travel rates returning to pre-pandemic levels.

“In fact, Queensland saw a record 20% upswing over the last 12 months with the Sunshine Coast enjoying a 15.5% upswing.

“The Sunshine Coast will host over 1,000 different business events in the coming year with around $20m worth of further event opportunities in the pipeline.

“The Sunshine Coast region hosted 2,883 weddings in 2023 - that’s 12% of all weddings held in Queensland!

“And from what I hear our lycra events, like the Sunshine Coast Marathon, are selling out like hotcakes.

“UniSC research shows Sunshine Coast locals and visitors alike are calling out for more night-time entertainment.

“Air New Zealand’s seasonal flights from Auckland have just taken off again.

“Jetstar have just commenced direct routes between Sunshine Coast and Cairns and three new weekly services to New Zealand.

“And three new major hotels are being planned on the coast.

“To me this sounds like opportunities for our local events industry if we take a holistic view.

“Regardless of which sector of events you might be servicing, essentially you are delivering an experience as your core product.

“And the audiences being attracted by the broad spectrum of events create demand for the supply chain and add-on experiences from right across the events and hospitality industries. 

“So, what can we all learn from the event sectors that are succeeding? How can we work collaboratively across the sectors to leverage the new opportunities on our horizon? 

“These are topics a panel of event experts will explore at our next Sunshine Coast Events Industry Association (SCEIA) event.

“Pessimists complain about the wind; optimists expect it to change; realists adjust their sails.” 

Tickets are limited so book now for networking and solution finding.  

This industry event is support by Sunshine Coast Council.