Cairns Convention Centre expansion almost completed

The Cairns Convention Centre will open its new A$176 million (US$118.6 million) expansion in the next couple of months. The expansion adds a rooftop banquet area, outdoor terrace, three flexible meeting rooms, and an exhibition and plenary space in the 10,500 sqm of new floor space. This gives the venue the ability to host multiple or larger events, with conventions and exhibitions of up to 2,500 guests.

Coupled with the latest audio-visual technology, laser projectors and digital lecterns, the new interior includes an exhibition space for up to 30 display booths and a flat floor plenary lecture area that holds 400 people theatre-style, divisible into two equal rooms.

Also, on this level are three new meeting rooms, for over 130 delegates each in theatre-style or when combined as one larger space, for 400 pax theatre-style.

The Trinity Room is ideal for gala dinners and large cocktail functions for up to 500 people, while the large pre-function space and the outdoor Trinity Terrace offer views over the Trinity Inlet. This outdoor area can host cocktail functions, lunches, or unique events.

The centre’s GM, Janet Hamilton, said: “The business events industry is bouncing back strongly in the Cairns region with national events leading the way and international events showing strong interest.”

The centre is embarking on a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to “sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation” in its region. Its website has this statement: Acknowledgement of Country: We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Cairns Convention Centre is located, the Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji & Yirriganydji peoples. We would also like to pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit Cairns Convention Centre.

Said Hamilton: “We are exploring opportunities to promote First Nation experiences for delegates, provide thought provoking ‘Welcome to Country’ acknowledgment, investigating opportunities to incorporate bush food into our menu and provide employment opportunities for all cultures. We are excited to work through these opportunities and provide positive change in the lives of First Nation’s peoples.”

The Cairns Convention Centre recently hosted the Cannes in Cairns conference drawing over 1,500 delegates. The venue will be hosting over 1,100 delegates for the International Indigenous Health & Wellbeing Conference this month. There are also three large international conferences coming to the Centre at the end of July and through August.

Added Hamilton: “With our large range of accommodation options, and airlines continuing to increase their flights from international markets to the region, forward bookings are looking positive, and Cairns is a destination event planners are looking at which is great news for our local industry.

“We have a lot of local, national and international clients who are interested in hosting events in the Centre, and we will be hosting them as soon as we open the doors.”