Imaginative experiences from beach to hinterland, Gold Coast epitomises excellence in incentive program design.
Global incentive travel organisers can take inspiration from recent IRF research when creating meaningful in-destination moments for their participants. The research indicates that customised and unique experiences are top drivers of destination choice.
As “Australia’s favourite playground”, Gold Coast is home to more than 160 amazing experiences. All within a 30-minute drive, designing an impressive program has never been easier. From weaving wow moments to immersive educational sessions, participants can experience so much more on the Gold Coast.
The Exhilaration Factor
Imagine kicking off with an adrenaline-charged day at Warner Bros. Movie World. Create a “play to win” concept by incorporating behind-the-scenes action from the Hollywood Stunt Driver 2 experience. Create a “moment of reflection” component within the program where participants can use their video to share learnings from their experience with their colleagues.
Host a large gala extravaganza the participants deserve at one of the eight venues at Warner Bros. Movie World. Star Pavilion can cater up to 3000 guests for a cocktail party or 1200 for a banquet dinner. Make your participants feel like stars whilst they mix and mingle with their favourite DC Universe superheroes. Imagine taking selfies with the exclusive JL 52 Batmobile and tasting some of Australia’s finest wines within a gala set up fully themed in the company’s brand colours.
“The team at Movie World went above and beyond, from the planning to the delivery stage, to ensure that our event was memorable for all our guests. They say that anything is possible at Movie World and the team really delivered on this. Their support in creating a bespoke and unique event was amazing, and we had so much fun working with the team,” – C. Marchand, an Australia-based event producer.
The Exclusivity Factor
Located a stone’s throw from the pristine Gold Coast beachfront, the surfer-chic QT Gold Coast is the perfect buy-out option for the generation-next participants. Inspired by the Aussie beach culture of the ‘50s and ‘60s, incentive organisers can hone into the “co-living” concept trend and solidify a sense of belonging.
Turn up the vibes on arrival with a kick-off cocktail party on The Green – an outdoor venue adjacent to the hotel lobby. Showcase a local brewer’s craft beer and pair them with food stations highlighting sustainably sourced ingredients. Impress the crowd with any of the seven “must see” Gold Coast musicians as they dance the night away.
QT Gold Coast also offers outstanding dine-around experiences. Participants can playfully follow the neon lights to Yamagen Japanese, wander through Bazaar Marketplace, and kick back in rooms where golden hues meet sun-kissed serenity.
Up the ante by including some of Gold Coast’s brilliant entrepreneurs in a series of immersive “Think Different” workshops and host them in any of the six brand-new qtQT rooftop cabins. Cap this off by introducing healthy treats and meditative breaks so participants can feel recharged and inspired.
The Ecosphere Factor
Planning a retreat for C-Suite Executives on the Gold Coast can deliver a greater return. Begin the day trip with a helicopter ride across some of Queensland’s sprawling national parks. From there, take in the fresh air and explore spectacular landmarks within the wonderous Springbrook National Park like the five cascading waterfalls, the 2000-year-old Antarctic Beech Trees and the Natural Arch.
After feeling rejuvenated by the heritage listed rainforest, venture to Bower Estate and learn about their nature and wildlife restoration journey. Immerse into their sustainability philosophy through their well-known culinary experience called Feasting Tables where teams can share delicious food and celebrate success together in the clear marquee nestled amongst lush greenery.
Richard Soo, MD of Malaysia-based MEP Meeting & Exhibition Planners Sdn Bhd, who attended Destination Gold Coast’s signature familiarisation program This Is Gold Coast in 2022 shared, “The Bower Estate’s timeless charm and breath-taking natural beauty creates the perfect backdrop for unforgettable experiences, unencumbered by any distractions. With its tranquil surroundings, impeccable service, and meticulous attention to detail, every event held at the Bower Estate is guaranteed to be an extraordinary affair.”
Connect with Destination Gold Coast to create the incentive trip your team deserves.
This branded content is brought to you by Destination Gold Coast.