Gold Coast proves a hit as Logies host

OPINION: There may have been many a complaint about relocating the Logies away from Melbourne, but judging by the beachy relaxed vibe, it turned out to be a pretty popular move.

OPINION

IT was like a destination wedding and some called it Schoolies for those in the television biz — almost everyone was away from home and all up for a good time.

While there was much to and fro pre event and many a sigh at having to travel, the TV Week Logie Awards moving from Melbourne to the Gold Coast proved a big hit.

This was no place for Sydney versus Melbourne rivalry.

And with all television networks away from their home turf, it relieved a lot of the pressure and stuffiness that often overwhelms the big event that has previously been held at Crown in Melbourne.

Gold Logie nominees Grant Denyer, Tracey Grimshaw, Amanda Keller, Rodger Corser and Jessica Marais got acquainted with the Gold Coast back in May. Picture: Getty Images

Landing at the local regional airport, the pilot announced the outside temperature to be a comfortable 22 degrees. Tick. How good is that for winter?

And it was a warm welcome from locals as signs heralded the Logies hitting town.

The Star itself proved itself a worthy location that could have rivalled the Golden Globes at the Beverley Hilton. A much more relaxed, organised and less complicated red carpet also alleviated any pressure and made the whole thing a more enjoyable experience.

Fabulously too, celebs embraced the beachside feel and warm, relaxed party vibe of the city by splashing out with colour and plenty of sparkle that fit perfectly with the Gold Coast reputation.

MORE: Crude jokes that sucked the air out of the Logies

MORE: Best and worst dressed at the Logies

MORE: 60 Minutes gets shock gong

The red carpet at Crown in 2017. Not as much fun. Picture: Getty Images

“Originally everyone thought it was really provincial but now they’re here, everyone is super happy,” a highly placed TV executive told this scribe. “It is a great vibe, everyone is truly loving it.”

Queensland Tourism controversially brokered a four year deal to host the awards, much to the disappointment of the complacent Victorian counterparts.

On ground though the Qld tourism body could have done more to leverage the exposure. Outside the airport welcome and friendly staff at The Star, there were further opportunities to create buzz across the Gold Coast.

Melbourne’s Crown Casino is a bit stuffy, apparently. Picture: Getty Images

With so many stars, and much more space and less traffic and infrastructure concerns, why didn’t they close off the streets of Broadbeach and have a tickertape parade for the stars like they do at the Tamworth Country Music Festival each year where the likes of Lee Kernaghan and Kasey Chambers jump on the back of utes and wave at fans as they parade down the main street of town.

While the Gold Coast exceeded expectations and lived up to its end of the bargain by breathing new life into the event, the 60th annual Logies proved there is work to be done yet by organisers who must move with the times to ensure the whole industry is represented not just the loudest voices.