The 'business' of events management on agenda at CQUni Mackay
Published on 02 March, 2012
Michael Denton knows the secret to success when organising some of Queensland's biggest and most exciting events. He was at CQUniversity Mackay this week to share his knowledge and experience with others.
‘The Business of Managing Successful Events' was hosted by CQUniversity's Queensland Centre for Professional Development (QCPD), in partnership with Mackay Convention Bureau and ABC Tropical North.
Around 35 participants gathered to take part in presentations, discussions, question and answer sessions and group work to build business knowledge and practice when planning and holding events.
Mr Denton has played an integral role in securing many major international events including 2009 ITU Triathlon World Championships, 2003 Rugby World Cup, 2003 Rotary International World Convention, and 2001 Goodwill Games. He has also been the Chief Executive of the successful Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games bid and the Queensland Events Corporation.
Mr Denton said he was happy to be sharing his knowledge with participants from all over the region who were involved with Queensland businesses, organisations and community groups.
"There is an underlying theme to this seminar which is that all events are a business and in order to host a successful event, you must have a successful business plan," Mr Denton said.
Now was a better time than ever to be investing in Queensland's growth and energy when it came to event management and planning.
"Between now and 2018, the Queensland State Government will spend around $600 million supporting and promoting the Queensland tourism industry," he said.
"In the same period, it will invest well over $1.5 billion into events and festivals and supporting infrastructure."
Mackay Tourism general manager David Phillips said it was encouraging to see so many interested participants attending the seminar.
"We are delighted that CQUniversity took on this initiative and Mackay Tourism has come on board to provide funding and sponsorship, along with ABC Tropical North," Mr Phillips said.
"Mackay has enormous potential to host more events. We've got the venues and access to local community but I think it is about having the confidence to do those types of things here rather than jumping on a plane and doing them somewhere else in Queensland."
