Board announced for Experience Gold Coast entity

August 3, 2023

Arts / Events / Marketing / Tourism / Venues /

Gold Coast Council has announced the board of directors to the new entity - Experience Gold Coast -marking a significant milestone in the merger of the City’s controlled and funded entities.

In February, Council resolved to amalgamate the functions currently delivered by HOTA, Destination Gold Coast, Major Events Gold Coast, Study Gold Coast and Placemakers.

More than 100 expressions of interest were received for the roles that will be charged with driving visitation growth and economic investment for the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate advised “as expected, the applications were of an extremely high calibre and choosing just eight was not easy.

“But we are confident we have an extremely committed and passionate group who understand the vision we have for this entity and the Gold Coast.

“This is a really exciting time for the Gold Coast as we look towards 2032 and we need to keep our eye on the ball, leveraging every opportunity that comes our way.”

The creation of Experience Gold Coast will result in about $6.8 million in direct savings annually to be reinvested back into the entity for tourism, events, arts and education programs.

Chairperson:
The Hon Rob Borbidge AO – former Premier of Queensland, former member for Surfers Paradise, Chair of Study Gold Coast, Chairman of Life Flight, Senior Advisor for Govstrat Pty Ltd.

Directors:
Jackie Cross - Major Events Gold Coast board of directors, Director Cross Promotions International
Louise Bezzina - Artistic Director Brisbane Festival and former Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Bleached Arts Ltd (Placemakers).
Clark Kirby - Destination Gold Coast and Major Events Gold Coast Board of Directors Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Village Roadshow Group.
The Hon Kate Jones – former Minister for State Development, Tourism & Innovation, Executive Director for Tech Council of Australia, Independent Commissioner on the Australian Rugby League Commission.
Adam Twemlow – Destination Gold Coast board of directors, Partner in Charge KPMG Enterprise division in Queensland, New South Wales & Victoria.
Danielle McFall-Weiss - HOTA Board of directors, Queensland Ballet Board of directors, Arts Manager.
Rebecca Frizelle OAM - former Chief Operating Officer Frizelle Sunshine Automotive, Co-owner Gold Coast Titans. Destination Gold Coast board of directors

The remaining two positions will be filled by City of Gold Coast Chief Executive Tim Baker and Mayor Tate as ex-officio directors.

The inaugural Chief Executive of Experience Gold Coast is yet to be announced.

27th March 2023 - Chris Mills announced as Transition Chief Executive for Experience Gold Coast

29th June 2023 - Events Management Queensland veteran promoted to Race Director at 2023 Gold Coast Marathon

29th May 2023 - Gold Coast’s major sporting venues welcomed over two million visitors this financial year

22nd May 2023 - ASM Global’s Harvey Lister calls for Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre expansion

8th September 2022 - PAC Australia Impact Awards recognise HOTA, Home of the Arts’ ArtKeeper program

1st September 2022 - Criena Gehrke announces her departure from role as HOTA Chief Executive

14th June 2022 - Stage Queensland Managers’ Conference opens at Gold Coast’s HOTA

27th November 2021 - HOTA announces details of inaugural summer exhibition

20th April 2021 - New HOTA Gallery to unveil 19 artist commissions in inaugural exhibition

20th November 2020 - Gold Coast’s HOTA Gallery announces 2021 program

3rd July 2023 - Funding enables Brisbane Festival to provide paid opportunities for arts workers

4th September 2022 - Brisbane Festival 2022 to showcase 41 Queensland arts organisations

7th July 2022 - 2022 Brisbane Festival program to showcase creative events and collaborations

5th February 2021 - Curiocity Brisbane festival anticipated to deliver $14 million for local economy

23rd March 2022 - Big Red Group partners with Destination Gold Coast to incentivise interstate visitors

2nd June 2020 - Destination Gold Coast launches new video to welcome back visitors

1st May 2020 - Destination Gold Coast launches campaign thanking parents

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