Griffith University's Business School has awarded Major Events Gold Coast (MEGC) the 2023 Outstanding Industry Partner of the Year.
The award recognises the ongoing support MEGC has provided to Griffith Business School staff and students, in particular, through its work-integrated learning internships, support of the school’s researchers and recruitment of Griffith University graduates.
"We are honoured to receive this award in recognition of the wonderful collaborative partnership we have developed with the Griffith Business School over a number of years," said Avril Harris, Interim Executive Director of Events.
"That partnership has enabled us to support numerous research pilot projects within our festival environments, contribute to government grant submissions and offer internship opportunities to students, assisting graduates to get that first break in the local events sector."
MEGC, now part of the newly formed Experience Gold Coast, is responsible for curating and growing the city’s major events portfolio, positioning the Gold Coast as a global events destination. It delivers a calendar of award-winning annual festivals including Blues on Broadbeach, Cooly Rocks On, SPRINGTIME and Groundwater Country Music Festival, while also managing the city's major event attraction and investment program.
The award recognises the valuable partnership between Griffith Business School and MEGC and celebrates the close collaboration with Griffith Institute for Tourism and the Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management by announcing MEGC as the School’s Outstanding Industry Partner of the Year at the Better Business Dinner on Friday 3 November 2023. The Outstanding Industry Partner Award is given to a partner who aligns with Griffith Business School’s values-led vision and mission in advancing innovative business practice through deep engagement that contributes to a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future. It celebrates their support of Griffith Business School’s endeavors and their ongoing contribution to the betterment of our community.
“Major Events Gold Coast is such a valued partner," said Griffith University Pro Vice Chancellor (Business), Professor Caitlin Byrne. "The team's continued support contributes to long-term impacts for our students, through work-integrated learning opportunities, which has resulted in Griffith Graduates making up 23 per cent of MEGC's workforce.
"We are deeply proud of the strong and collaborative research partnership which has led to important consortium research bids and the co-design of industry strategy development projects.”
The acting CEO of Experience Gold Coast Rachel Hancock said the Award was recognition of the important work the MEGC team continues to do in helping nurture the next crop of event specialists.
"The Gold Coast's major event sector is one of the city's key drivers of economic activity alongside our tourism industry," said Ms Hancock. "More than ever, we need experienced and passionate young people leading the charge to help grow our reputation as the ultimate events destination."
MEGC is proud to be recognised alongside previous winners of the Outstanding Industry Partner of the Year Award: Gold Coast Health, Queensland Airports, Logan City Council and Trade and Investment Queensland.
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Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.