15 January 2026
EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST: NEW INTERNATIONAL INCENTIVE INITIATIVE
Experience Gold Coast soft-launched its new incentive program at Australia Next in December 2025, with funding allocated for this short-term initiative.
The program aims to position the Gold Coast as a leading incentive destination for the Asia market, while remaining open to all international markets. Further promotion is planned at AIME, Melbourne in February, with a focus on generating opportunities for industry partners over the next 12–18 months as part of this new initiative.
Key Criteria:
- Group sizes of 70–250 delegates, with a minimum two-night stay on the Gold Coast.
- Funding of up to $70 per person, paid post-event.
- Gold Coast itinerary must include a formal meeting or function.
- Accommodation and experiences must be delivered by Experience Gold Coast industry partners (as referenced in the Meeting Planners Guide).
Program delivery required by 30 June 2027.
SAVE THE DATE: THIS IS GOLD COAST 2026
As communicated in December, This is Gold Coast 2026 (TIGC26) will be held from Monday 3 to Thursday 6 August 2026.
Sea World Resort has been confirmed as the host venue for the trade show on Tuesday 4 August 2026, supporting the refreshed, connection-focused concept planned for TIGC26. We thank all partners who submitted proposals for consideration.
Further information will be shared shortly. Eligible partners (BE Partner level and above) are asked to keep an eye on their inbox later this month for the TIGC26 Partner and Exhibitor Prospectus, outlining partnership and exhibitor opportunities.
WELCOME BACK, AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We hope you had a restful and joyful holiday season, filled with time to recharge and celebrate with those who matter most. As we return after Christmas and New Year, we’re excited to reconnect and begin another year of partnership together.
The start of a new year brings fresh energy, new goals, and renewed focus. In the months ahead, we’ll be building on the momentum of last year while introducing new initiatives, opportunities, and ways to collaborate. We look forward to a great year ahead.
TRADE ACTIVITY FOR FY26
- Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) Tradeshow, Melbourne: 9-11 February 2026
- BEA/JTB Japan MICE Famil, Gold Coast: 24-26 February 2026
- BEA USA Showcase, USA: 10-19 March 2026
- Gold Coast Connect – Melbourne: 11 March 2026
- Gold Coast Connect – Sydney: 12 March 2026
- BEA Southeast Asia Showcase, TBC: April (TBC)
- IMEX Europe, Frankfurt: 19-21 May 2026
PARTNER PRODUCT UPDATES
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
The next monthly product update kicks off per the below details:
Date: Tuesday 3rd February 2026
Time: 30 – 45 mins per update
Where: Experience Gold Coast office in Broadbeach or online via Teams
How: Email the team at businessevents@experiencegoldcoast.com to allocate a time.
UNIQUELY GOLD COAST
CLIENT NEWSLETTER
We’re excited to share that we have a refreshed edition of our client newsletter Uniquely Gold Coast - a quarterly connection to all things Gold Coast. From local supplier updates and inspiring city stories to thought leadership and insightful case studies, our newsletter is designed to keep clients informed and engaged.
If you have any new products, services, or case studies you'd like us to feature, please send them our way - we’d love to include them in an upcoming issue.
QUICK SNIPPETS
EXPERT GUIDE TO GOLD COAST BUSINESS EVENTS
The Experience Gold Coast Meeting Planners Guide provides you with an overview of the region, including information on venues, accommodation, attractions and the specialist services available to help you plan your event. Keep an eye out for the refreshed edition, coming soon.
VIEW THE 11 DEC 2025 BUSINESS EVENTS UPDATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
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.