Gold Coast business: The Professionals in Education (PIE) Live Australia to be held in 2023

Gold Coast businesses are set for a multimillion boost next year, after the city pulled off a major international coup which will put it on the map. Here’s how to get a slice of it.

THE Gold Coast will host one of the world’s largest education conferences in a major coup for the city’s struggling events sector.

The Professionals in Education (PIE) Live Australia will be held in July 2023 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Center and will bring more than 400 delegates from the lucrative sector to the city.

It was secured during Mayor Tom Tate’s July trip to the UK, in which he controversially flew first-class.

The PIE chief executive Amy Baker made the announcement in London overnight and said the Gold Coast had stood out as a viable events location.

Alfred Slogrove CEO from Study Gold Coast with Destination CEO Patricia O’Callaghan and Mayor Tom Tate are happy about securing an International Education Conference for the Gold Coast.

“Following our successful events in the UK and Canada in 2022, Australia is the natural, next destination for us to bring our conference to, given the industry’s importance and Australia’s commitment to a world class student experience,” she said.

“The Gold Coast offers a highly appealing destination for our event – first class venues and accommodation, easy transport links and a beautiful coastal backdrop, which we feel confident our delegates, speakers and sponsors will all appreciate.

The conference is expected to inject more than $3 million into the economy.

Cr Tate said hosting the event would have long-term benefits for the city.

“It is a mark of respect for the world class level of education we have to offer,” he said.

“With more than 400 delegates expected to attend the conference along with international exhibitors and sponsors, The PIE Live Australia is worth more than $2 million to the local economy and is a major vote of confidence in our city.”

The event will be held at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. Picture Glenn Hampson

The PIE will come after the Gold Coast next month hosts AIEC, Australia’s largest international education conference

Study Gold Coast CEO Alfred Slogrove said the Gold Coast was rapidly becoming a major education hub.

“The global education reputation of the Gold Coast has grown considerably over the past decade and is known for its world leading technology, innovation, advanced research, and robust pathway outcomes,” he said.

“At the heart of the Gold Coast’s advancement is a thriving education and knowledge economy driven by our distinguished universities, innovation, and some of Australia’s leading education providers.

“Beyond the direct economic contribution this event injects into the Gold Coast economy it also leads to new partnerships while attracting talent to our major and emerging industries.”

Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan welcomed the announcement as a strong vote of confidence in the city’s credentials.

“Business events are an important contributor to our economy and securing The PIE Live Australia comes as a major global coup for the Gold Coast,” she said.

“Since borders reopened in February, the UK has been our second largest international market and we need to make the most of this important visitor market because they are already travelling and seeking out global destinations.”

“The Gold Coast is a city coming of age for business events because it offers decision makers and delegates customisable itineraries in world-class venues, leading industry experts and entrepreneurs, and stunning coastal, urban and Hinterland landscapes in close proximity.”