Sold out Sunshine Coast Showcase in Sydney signals strong demand for business events in the region
Qualified buyers linked to more than 12,000 delegates and $45 million in economic impact attended the reimagined Sunshine Coast business events showcase in Sydney this week.
The Sunshine Coast’s flagship business events roadshow, the Sunshine Coast Showcase, was a sell out in Sydney, reinforcing strong and growing market demand from qualified event buyers for the region.
Held on Wednesday 29 April, the showcase brought together 60 qualified buyers and 20 Sunshine Coast suppliers in a dynamic, interactive format designed to strengthen engagement and drive meaningful business connections.
The attending buyers represented more than 12,135 delegates and an estimated $45 million in potential economic impact[1], highlighting a significant pipeline of business events actively considering the Sunshine Coast for future programs.
Formerly known as the Sunshine Coast Soirée, the reimagined Sunshine Coast Showcase introduced a gamified, quiz-style format to create a more engaging, memorable and commercially effective experience, with the evening hosted by well-known bachelor from the bush, Alex Thompson-Welch.
The interactive format was complemented by curated Sunshine Coast prize packages, giving buyers the opportunity to experience the region firsthand – from luxury hinterland retreats and coastal resorts to iconic attractions and wellness experiences.
Head of Business Events at Visit Sunshine Coast, Ali Thompson-Ennis, said the sold-out result reflects both the strength of the showcase concept and the region’s evolving position in the business events market.
“There is a strong appetite for the Sunshine Coast, driven by the evolution of our product and the opportunities we offer planners to step outside the intensity of capital cities, without compromising on quality or outcomes,” said Thompson-Ennis.
“The Sunshine Coast is a place where work and play genuinely collide. We offer a diverse mix of venues, experiences and natural assets, alongside a rapidly growing ecosystem across clean tech, health, agriculture and advanced manufacturing.
“Importantly, we operate as a connected destination. Our industry works collectively to support event delivery, giving planners confidence that their event will be both seamless and impactful,” said Thompson-Ennis.
Local operator Sunreef participated in the showcase, highlighting its range of marine-based experiences designed to connect delegates with the region’s coastal environment.
Co-owner Jonny Fell said the event created valuable opportunities to engage with buyers seeking unique and memorable delegate experiences.
“The interaction with genuine buyers looking for new and interactive experiences was incredibly valuable. Our offering is all about giving people the chance to emotionally connect to the environment through memorable marine experiences. This sits perfectly with what event organisers are looking for - something engaging, and uniquely Sunshine Coast,” said Fell.
Following the success of the Sydney event, the Sunshine Coast Showcase will continue its national roadshow, with upcoming events scheduled for the Sunshine Coast (17 July) and Melbourne (14 October). Event buyers are encouraged to register their interest early, with strong demand expected across the remaining showcases.
