Case Studies
Discover how leading conference organisers and event planners have delivered exceptional events in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. From complex logistics and creative program design to world class venues, accomodation and delegate experiences, our region has successfully hosted conferences and business events from across the globe, spanning a wide range of industries.
These case studies offer a behind the scenes look at how events come together in Tropical North Queensland, highlighting venue versatility, local expertise and innovative solutions that support seamless delivery and memorable delegate experiences. Explore a diverse range of case studies that demonstrate how Cairns & Great Barrier Reef can elevate your next conference.
Future Proofing Medicine in the Tropics
The Cairns Convention Centre hosted the ANZCA Annual Scientific Meeting for the second time in 2025, marking its return to the region after 16 years. The 5-day event brought together over 1,900 delegates, 263 speakers and more than 115 workshops. Seamless delivery of the program was supported through collaboration with event technology specialists, Wallfly.
Resort Appeal Lures Large Franchise
Cairns’ resort appeal, natural reef and rainforest beauty, and the proximity of 5-star hotels to the Cairns Convention Centre, all played crucial roles in securing the 2024 Hungry Jack’s National Convention. This biennial convention attracted 950 delegates to the region across the 4-days and included events at The Mill and Hemingway’s Brewery.
100% Satisfaction Rate from Incentive Buyers
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef’s combination of world-class event infrastructure, breathtaking natural wonders and a compact, easily accessible city layout, made it the perfect choice for Tourism Australia’s premier incentive showcase – Australia Next. Held in September 2024, the 80 business events planners and 15 media in attendance reported an overwhelming 100% satisfaction rate.
New Event Spaces Keep Cairns Fresh
Returning for its third year in Tropical North Queensland, Cannes in Cairns continued to grow in strength with an additional 430 delegates from the previous year. The number of international delegates increased from 2% to 15.25% for the creativity festival which was first held in Cairns in 2022 with just 650 Australian delegates.
Cairns: A Gateway to Scientific Discoveries
Debuting for the first time out of Europe, the Viruses of Microbes Conference said “the decision to host the meeting in Cairns was a simple one”. Enticing over 500 delegates (with an impressive 73% of delegates from 46 different countries) to Tropical North Queensland served to enhance scientific contributions and attract delegates to the region. Be sure to check out the Conference Interview video.
Exploring The Past Present & Future
Cairns was chosen as the location for 1230 delegates attending an Indigenous health and wellbeing conference. Due to our rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, stunning weather, lush surroundings, and post-conference holiday opportunities, it was no wonder our region took centre stage.
Outstanding Nature Attracts Delegates
The professional electrical engineering association CIGRE chose Cairns as the location to tackle the challenges with global energy transition. The destination choice was a success with 1400 delegates attending and was the largest event that CIGRE had hosted outside their regular Paris Sessions with 30% of the delegates from overseas.
A Magical Tropical First Class Experience
250 members of one of Australia’s most trusted electrical and plumbing companies gathered at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas. With all delegates staying onsite, the Resort was abuzz with activity over the course of the five day conference.
Double the Numbers & Double the Impact
Advertising, marketing and media industry event Cannes in Cairns returned to Tropical North Queensland in May 2023 with a staggering 650 additional delegates, doubling the size of their 2022 event. Building on the success of 2022, the conference and festival of events coincided with National Reconciliation Week and featured indigenous themes and content overlaid into the entire program.
National Retailer, Energetic Summit in the Tropics
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas welcomed 190 delegates from an Australian independent retail brand for a three day conference, expo and celebration of annual achievements.
Cairns puts on a Show for Amway China
Cairns had wrapped up a major incentive program with over 6,000 Amway China Business Owners visiting the region for the first time. Delegates experienced the Cairns and Great Barrier with bespoke experiences ranging from wildlife encounters to fine dining. Dinner catered by Ochre Restaurant & Catering, check out the video!
Cairns Engineers a Connection to Country
430 delegates enjoyed the refreshed Cairns Convention Centre, as well as local Aboriginal artwork displays. Delegates were treated throughout the three day conference, including a “Tropical Night” social function and auction at Rainforestation Nature Park.
Who Needs Cannes When You have Cairns
Cannes in Cairns has set the bar high for the new must-have at your next business event. The conference had over 650 delegates of advertisers, marketers and creatives – was hailed as an all-round success for 2022.
