Board announced for Major Events Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a step closer to becoming an internationally recognised events city with the announcement today of the Board of Directors for its new events entity, Major Events Gold Coast.

Mayor Tom Tate joined City of Gold Coast CEO, Dale Dickson in announcing the incoming board which is being tasked with taking a whole-of-City approach to major events and growing the city’s event calendar and economic contribution.

Mayor Tom Tate said while the Gold Coast already had an impressive major events calendar, the goal now was to see nearly every weekend booked with a nationally or internationally broadcast event like the Gold Coast Marathon, Magic Millions and Gold Coast 600.

“Major Events Gold Coast will also be responsible for attracting more state and national sporting events to capitalise on the City’s new portfolio of Commonwealth Games related world-class sporting venues,” Mayor Tate added.

CEO Dale Dickson said that given the calibre of our new board members he had no doubt the City was well placed to continue to build on the success of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Mr Darryl Kelly has been appointed chair of the Major Events Gold Coast board, recognising his contribution to Broadbeach Alliance, which developed some of the City’s largest events including Blues on Broadbeach and the fast-growing Groundwater Country Music Festival.

The other members of Major Events Gold Coast (MEGC) Board include former GOLDOC CEO, Mark Peters; incoming CEO of Village Roadshow and CEO of Warner Village Theme Parks, Mr Clark Kirby; Group Executive Operations at Star Entertainment Group, Mr Geoff Hogg ; Director of Cross Promotions International, Ms Jackie Cross;  Regional General Manager at Accor Hotels, Mr Michael Coe, CEO of Burleigh Brewing, Ms Peta Fielding, Legal professional, Ms Jessica Norris and CEO of John Flynn Private Hospital, Mr Greg Jenke. (full details are attached)

Mr Dickson said Broadbeach Alliance, Surfers Paradise Alliance and Connecting Southern Gold Coast would continue to operate until mid-2020, at which time Major Events Gold Coast Pty Ltd would become fully operational.

He recognised that all three entities had made a significant contribution to the city’s current event portfolio and thanked the respective chairpersons. He acknowledged Laura Younger, in particular, for her long-term service and leadership of Surfers Paradise Alliance.

Major Events Gold Coast Pty Ltd - Board Biographies

Mr Darryl Kelly (Chair)

Chair of Broadbeach Alliance Ltd2009 NRL Volunteer of the YearDirector Gold Coast Titans

Mr Mark Peters

Former GOLDOC CEOFormer Executive Director – Australian Sports CommissionFormer Australian baseball player (Captain) and sports administratorFormer President – Australian Baseball Federation

Mr Clark Kirby

Incoming CEO of Village Roadshow LtdCEO, Warner Village Theme Parks LtdDirector of Gold Coast Tourism Corporation Ltd

Mr Geoff Hogg

Group Executive Operations at Star Entertainment Group LtdSenior Management roles at SKYCITY Entertainment GroupDirector of National Retail AssociationDirector of Broadbeach Alliance LtdGovernor of the American Chamber of Commerce (Queensland)

Mr Michael Coe

Regional General Manager at Accor HotelsDirector of Surfers Paradise Alliance LtdFormer Director of Hotel Motel & Accommodation Association Inc.Former Director of Tourism Tropical North Queensland Ltd

Ms Jackie Cross

Director, Cross Promotions InternationalRuns a high-profile Australian entertainment act at MGM Reports, Las VegasMore than 20 years’ experience in marketing, major events, entertainment and festivals

Ms Peta Fielding

CEO & Director of Burleigh Brewing CoDirector of Gold Coast Tourism Corporation LtdFormer GOLDOC board memberDirector of Bleached Arts Ltd

Ms Jessica Norris

Former Legal Practitioner at Minter EllisonFormer Manager (Legal) for GOLDOCFormer legal counsel for Invictus Games Sydney 2018Winner – In House Lawyer of the Year (2016 Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards)

Mr Greg Jenke

Chair Connecting Southern Gold CoastCEO of John Flynn Private Hospital