Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre to host World Chiropractic Congress in 2023

A $2.4M world conference has been locked into the Gold Coast’s business events pipeline. Here’s when the 1000 delegates can be expected in town

The AREC 2019 conference at Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre. Picture: SOPHIE FOSTER

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AFTER a year of uncertainty due to COVID-19, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre has secured a major international conference for its forward plan, bringing 1000 delegates and $2.4 million to the city.

The World Federation of Chiropractic Biennial Congress has been locked in for March 2023.

Destination Gold Coast partnered with Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland to bid for the event.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said kickstarting the recovery of business events was a priority.

“Prior to the pandemic, Gold Coast’s business events market share increased by five per cent to generate a staggering $570 million in economic impact,” she said.

“Our city is moving forward after an unprecedented year of challenges and we’re buoyed by the continued interest and confidence from associations choosing the Gold Coast for future conferences.

“The Gold Coast remains one of the world’s most desirable destinations for delegates to meet, offering COVID-safe spacious and adaptive venues that are ready to offer a haven for delegates, backed up by incredible experiences, attractions and natural beauty.”

The centre hosted the Supanova comic convention last year. Pic: Adam Head

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WFC secretary-general Richard Brown said they were delighted to be partnering with the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) in hosting the congress.

“The Gold Coast is a fantastic location within a nation where chiropractic is a highly used and valued service,” Dr Brown said.

The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre hosted Eurovision in 2020 and 2019. Brisbane girl Jaguar Jonze. Picture Glenn Hampson

Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said securing the conference on the Gold Coast provided the local business events industry with confidence in the pipeline of future events.

“Lucrative business events require significant planning and by winning events such as this one, we are helping to drive the long-term recovery of our visitor economy while also ensuring Australia remains front of mind among decision makers as a world-class events destination,” Ms Harrison said.

The original World Federation of Chiropractic was established at the World Chiropractic Congress in Sydney in 1988 and represents members and the chiropractic profession in the international community, encompassing 90 national associations of chiropractors in 95 nations.

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