Gold Coast Conference Venues: Your Ultimate Guide

The success or failure of a conference can depend on many factors, but one significant part is the venue. Without a proper space to hold the event, difficulties may arise and attendees could end up having a disappointing experience. Don't worry, though! The Gold Coast has just what you're looking for. Here's a guide to help you find the perfect venue for your next conference on the Gold Coast.

What are the most common conference venues on the Gold Coast?

The best thing about hosting your conference on the Gold Coast is the view and proximity to the beach. Regardless of where you choose to host your conference, you and your guests will surely have an excellent time on the Gold Coast. Some of the types of meeting spaces you can find in this Queensland city include:

Convention Centres

If you want a large professional venue to hold your conference, then a Gold Coast convention centre is the place to be! Convention centres are large, multi-purpose venues providing all the services required to stage your conference. They come equipped with conference facilities like audiovisual equipment, stages and dance floors, breakout rooms and just about anything else you may want to host a memorable conference. This is the perfect location for global conferences or corporate events on a large scale where you anticipate a large number of attendees.

Hotels and Resorts

On the Gold Coast, hotels and resorts are the most sought-after conference venues with stunning views, natural light and perfect locations near transport. This is because they can host large functions and offer all the facilities you require to ensure your next conference is a success. With breakout areas, high-impact audiovisual presentation equipment, catering facilities and professional staff, Gold Coast hotels have everything required for a productive conference. In the absence of in-house audiovisual facilities, hotels usually have a preferred AV company that can be hired to take care of your conferencing needs. You may also offer world-class accommodation to the speakers and delegates travelling from other locations.

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How much do conference venues on the Gold Coast cost?

One vital factor to consider when planning a conference on the Gold Coast is pricing. Here's a breakdown of what you might expect in terms of costs:

Venue Hire

You can expect to pay around $90 to $130 per person for a full-day venue hire at most Gold Coast hotels, resorts, and convention centres. This fee generally includes using the main conference space, basic AV equipment, and standard amenities like tables, chairs, and linens. Depending on the venue, you might also have access to additional facilities, like breakout rooms or outdoor spaces, for an extra charge.

Catering

Catering is a crucial part of any conference, and venues on the Gold Coast have many options to cater to every taste and dietary requirement. In planning catering costs, budget $50 to $100 per head for the full day's meals and refreshments. This usually entails morning and afternoon tea breaks, lunch, and even a cocktail networking function in the evening.

Audiovisual Equipment

Having the right audiovisual equipment is an integral part of any conference. On the Gold Coast, most venues offer a basic event package, which usually includes the use of speakers, microphones, projectors, and screens as part of their venue hire fee. However, additional costs will likely be incurred for events requiring advanced AV equipment, such as video conferencing setups, LED walls, or complex lighting systems.

Aside from the essential elements such as venue rental, catering, and audiovisual, several other services and facilities can add to your conference experience on the Gold Coast. These include:

• Transportation Services: Depending on where your conference location is and where your attendees are staying, transportation may be required. Most venues have shuttle services included in their package or can suggest good local transportation companies. Planning for transportation ensures that all speakers and delegates can move freely between venues, accommodations, and any off-site activities.
• Decor and Theming: If you would like to have the conference space customised to fit a specific theme or brand identity, some Gold Coast venues offer decor and theming services. This can include lighting design and stage layouts to branded banners and centrepieces. The cost of these services varies widely, depending on the complexity and scale of the design needed.
• Event Management Services: Hire professional event managers who understand the Gold Coast venues for ease of operations. They will assist with coordinating logistics, solving on-the-spot problems, and managing event flow, giving you full focus on conference content and participation. Event management companies usually have packages that can be customised to cover the specific services you require.

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What Amenities to Look for in a Gold Coast Conference Venue?

Aside from the basic fees associated with venue hire, AV and catering, another critical aspect to consider when choosing a conference venue on the Gold Coast is the range of amenities offered. These include:

Accommodation Options

It's essential to consider the proximity and quality of accommodation for your attendees. Many venues are located within hotels or have an affiliation with neighbouring hotels, thus providing easy overnight accommodation options. These arrangements can be especially helpful for multi-day conferences. Expect to discuss group rate discounts or special rates with the hotels since these greatly lower the price of accommodations for participants.

High-Speed Wi-Fi

Reliable high-speed internet is not a luxury but a requirement. Make sure that the venue has strong Wi-Fi coverage throughout the property. This is particularly crucial if your conference program has activities such as live polling, interactive sessions, or delegates needing constant access to email and other internet services. Ask if there are data caps, and if they exist, plan for them to be able to meet all delegates' needs.

Breakout Rooms

For conferences featuring workshops or parallel sessions, having access to breakout rooms is invaluable. These smaller rooms allow for more focused discussions or activities with fewer participants. Confirm that the venue offers adequately equipped and comfortable breakout spaces that can support activities ranging from group interactions to seminars, ensuring that all needs are met seamlessly.

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Discover the Wonderful Conference Venues the Gold Coast Has On Offer

Want to host a successful Gold Coast conference? It all starts with the venue. VenueNow offers a wide range of Gold Coast conference venues that will certainly knock your delegates' socks off. Check out VenueNow today to find the perfect venue for your next event!

How much do Gold Coast conference venues cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Gold Coast conference venues cost between 60 per person and 90 per person. For example, a 200 person conference would cost approximately 12000-18000. Costs may differ based on your food and beverage requirements, AV requirements, event date and time and the type of venue you decide to book.

What are the top Gold Coast conference venues?

Here are some of our favourite Gold Coast conference venues:

1. Quest Robina
2. QT Gold Coast
3. Dream Centre
4. Skypoint Australia
5. Mantra on View Hotel
6. voco Gold Coast
7. Mantra Legends Hotel
8. InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
9. Dreamworld
10. Novotel Surfers Paradise

How do I find and book Gold Coast conference venues?

Finding and booking a Gold Coast conference venue is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:1. Enter Gold Coast as your location and conference as your event type into VenueNow's search engine.2. Narrow down your search results by entering more filters such as number of people, event date, room layout and budget.3. Send enquiries to venues to request pricing and availability (we recommend sending 3-5 enquiries to different venues to ensure you get the best price).4. Review your quotes and connect directly with your favourite venues to book a site visit and finalise your booking.5. Host your event!

How far in advance should I book a Gold Coast conference venue?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Gold Coast venue 90 days in advance of the event. For larger events and event dates in December we recommend allowing additional time as there may be limited availability.

Can VenueNow help me find a Gold Coast conference venue?

We sure can! VenueNow's team of Venue Booking Experts can help you find the perfect venue, collect quotes from multiple venues on your behalf, negotiate the best price with venues and book venues, all for free. Simply send us your event brief and our team will be in contact with venue recommendations within 24-48 hours.