Case Studies
Discover how conferences, incentive programs, conventions and corporate events have come to life across Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.
From international scientific meetings and large-scale conventions to incentive programs and creative festivals, these business event case studies showcase the challenges, opportunities and outcomes behind events delivered in the region. Explore how organisers have used distinctive venues, local expertise and the natural assets of Tropical North Queensland to create memorable programs and deliver results.
Waterfront City Venues Perfect Franchise Fit
The 2025 Body Fit Training (BFT) Conference brought 400 franchise partners and studio managers to Cairns for three days of professional development, networking and celebration. The event embraced Cairns’ tropical lifestyle and waterfront setting, with BFT returning to the region for a second consecutive year.
Future Proofing Medicine in the Tropics
Returning to Cairns after 16 years, the ANZCA Annual Scientific Meeting brought more than 1,900 delegates together for five days of education, collaboration and innovation. Supported by Cairns Convention Centre and event technology specialists Wallfly, the program featured 263 speakers and facilitators and more than 115 workshops.
Resort Appeal Lures Large Franchise
Cairns’ resort accommodation, natural surroundings and proximity to the Cairns Convention Centre helped secure the 2024 Hungry Jack’s National Convention. The four-day program brought 950 delegates to the region, extending beyond the conference venue with events at The Mill and Hemingway’s Brewery.
100% Satisfaction Rate from Incentive Buyers
Tourism Australia’s premier incentive showcase, Australia Next, brought 80 business events planners and 15 media representatives to Cairns & Great Barrier Reef in September 2024. A program showcasing the region’s event infrastructure, natural assets and experiences resulted in a 100% satisfaction rate among attendees.
New Event Spaces Keep Cairns Fresh
In its third year in Tropical North Queensland, Cannes in Cairns continued to grow, attracting 430 more delegates than the previous year and increasing international attendance from 2% to 15.25%. The expanding creativity festival also embraced new and distinctive venues, keeping the program fresh while showcasing more of the region.
Cairns: A Gateway to Scientific Discoveries
For the first time outside Europe, the Viruses of Microbes Conference brought more than 500 delegates to Cairns, with 73% travelling from 46 countries. The international gathering combined world-leading scientific discussion with opportunities to experience Tropical North Queensland. Be sure to check out the Conference Interview video.
Exploring The Past Present & Future
The International Lowitja Institute Health and Wellbeing Conference brought 1,230 delegates to Cairns for a program centred on connection, culture and community. The region provided opportunities to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, local experiences and post-conference exploration into the delegate journey.
Outstanding Nature Attracts Delegates
CIGRE brought 1,400 delegates to Cairns to explore the challenges and opportunities of the global energy transition. The event became CIGRE’s largest gathering outside its regular Paris Sessions, with 30% of attendees travelling from overseas.
A Magical Tropical First Class Experience
More than 250 members of one of Australia’s leading electrical and plumbing companies gathered at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas for a five-day conference. With delegates accommodated onsite, the resort provided a seamless setting for business sessions, networking and celebration.
Double the Numbers & Double the Impact
Cannes in Cairns returned to Tropical North Queensland in 2023 with 650 additional delegates, doubling the size of its inaugural event. Coinciding with National Reconciliation Week, the conference and creativity festival incorporated First Nations themes and perspectives throughout the program.
Energetic Summit in the Tropics
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas welcomed 190 delegates from a national independent retail brand for a three-day conference, expo and celebration of annual achievements. The case study explores how the integrated resort setting supported the event from business sessions through to social occasions.
Cairns puts on a Show for Amway China
More than 6,000 Amway China Business Owners travelled to Cairns & Great Barrier Reef for a major incentive program. From wildlife encounters and destination experiences to fine dining and large-scale event delivery, the program showcased the region on an extraordinary scale. Check out the video!
Cairns Engineers a Connection to Country
A 430-delegate engineering conference combined professional development with opportunities to experience the culture and character of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. The program incorporated local Aboriginal artwork, a Tropical Night social function and an evening at Rainforestation Nature Park.
Who Needs Cannes When You have Cairns
The inaugural Cannes in Cairns brought more than 650 advertisers, marketers and creatives to Tropical North Queensland in 2022. The successful launch demonstrated how the destination could support a large-scale industry conference and creativity festival in a fresh, distinctive setting.
