Mackay’s big chance with Professional Conference Organisers
The Region's conference credentials will be put on show to 17 Professional Conference Organisers (PCO’s) and National Media representatives, as marketing of the soon to be opened Convention Centre gathers momentum.
From Sunday, May 24 until Tuesday, May 26, the guests will gain a special insight in to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) and other drawcards in the region.
Mayor Col Meng said the region’s new projects and infrastructure are gaining attention nation wide.
“This type of familiarisation tour has the potential to be good for business and the region.”
“The aim of the tour is to show the directors, managers and consultants from event management companies what we have to offer and how our region has the capability to deliver.”
Most attending have not yet had the opportunity to visit and discover what the Mackay region has to offer and this weekend provided the prime opportunity to capitalise on all areas.
Manager Convention Precinct and Events Mark Fawcett said the majority of attendees have placed "expressions of interest" for holding future conferences at the new $29 million MECC facility.
“It is quite an exciting time - the venue is coming together nicely and the response to the advertising has been highly receptive,” Mr Fawcett said.
Two national media representatives from 'Main Event Magazine' and 'CIM Magazine' have also accepted an invitation to visit.
According to Mr Fawcett both of these magazines are considered as "quality industry bibles" for PCO's to refer to in order to keep up-to-date with industry trends.
“We are extremely excited to have an abundance of decision-makers coming to our region and to showcase the beautiful Mackay region to other state representatives,” Mr Fawcett said.
A PCO is skilled and experienced in managing and providing advice in areas such as Online and Manual Registration Systems, Theming and Set Design, Marketing Programs and Financial Management.
Over the course of three-days, guests of the PCO & National Representative Mackay Regional Famil will follow a busy schedule.
Here is a list of places where you are likely to “bump” in to the guests:
Sunday, May 24
8.30am - 12.30pm City Centre Markets
9.45am - 5.00pm Mackay Explorer Bus
10.00am - 5.00pm Artspace Mackay
Monday, May 25
10.30am - 11.30am Foodspace @ Artspace Mackay Welcome
Artspace Mackay Director, Michael Wardell will take guests on a guided tour of Mackay’s award winning art gallery finishing with some regional café style refreshments at Foodspace.
11.45am - 1.00pm Bluewater Quay Opening Ceremony
Join the opening celebrations as the Mackay Regional Council Mayor opens Mackay’s newest riverfront public space.
1.20pm - 1.45pm Q150 Historic Steam Train Welcome Proceedings
The guests’ visit coincides with our Q150 celebrations (Queensland’s 150th anniversary). As part of the celebrations, Mackay will be host to a restored steam train from Queensland Rail’s Heritage Fleet.
1.45pm - 2.25pm Mackay to Sarina via Q150 Historical Steam Train
Guests will climb aboard to become part of history! The train will go on a magical inland tour through Rosella, Balberra, Dawlish arriving at destination – Sarina.
2.30pm - 4.00pm Sarina Sugar Shed Tour & Afternoon Tea
Get set for a truly unique experience! We will take guests on a tour of the Sarina Sugar Shed – Australia’s only miniature sugar-processing mill and distillery.
Tuesday, May 26
8.30am - 9.30am Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre Site Tour
Be one of the first to experience the MECC construction site up close and personal. MECC representatives will take guests on a guided tour highlighting the Centre’s facilities and services it has to offer.
9.30am - 10.30am MECC Morning Tea – North Foyer
Tantalise your taste buds with a selection tasty morsels and refreshments from the MECC’s Catering Compendium showcasing a selection of fresh seasonal and regional produce.
Council is delighted to work with Mackay Tourism, and various accommodation and hospitality providers in Mackay to showcase our region to this important national arena.
Special media invitation: On Tuesday, May 26 between 8.30am and 10.30am, media are invited to join officials and guests for menu sampling, a site tour and key photo opportunities at the MECC North Foyer.
Contact: Victoria Lloyd
Phone: 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529)