Sports Gold Coast is urging local businesses to take in a Suns AFL game … in China.
Details of the Gold Coast Suns’ May 16-20 Shanghai Business Delegation will be outlined during an information evening at McLaughlin’s Lawyers’ Rooftop entertainment area on Thursday (March 22) from 5pm.
“This really is an exceptional opportunity for Gold Coast businesses,” said Sports Gold Coast member and founder of successful local travel brand Letz Travel, Nick Hare.
“Basically it’s a business trip, with a footy game at the end of it. If you’re involved in almost any type of business this trip will have opportunities for you. So, if you’re a Gold Coast or Queensland business, if you’re involved in tourism, education, health, knowledge, whatever …”
The Gold Coast Suns Round Nine clash against Port Adelaide will be at Shanghai’s Jiangwan Stadium on May 19. The club will host up to 200 business and industry leaders for this unique ‘home’ game.
The five-day event includes a range of activities including a cocktail evening celebrating Gold Coast’s tourism and education sector and a match-day function with key government and business identities.
Suns CEO Mark Evans said the event, based out of the prestigious hotel The W Shanghai – The Bund, presented an opportunity to showcase the Gold Coast, with the venue being transformed into a GC hub over the five days.
“All of our events are tied in with tourism, education and industry and running our own delegation means that we’ll take over a part of Shanghai and `Gold Coast-ify’ our venue,” Evans said.
“We’ll hopefully be able to connect Australian and Chinese businesses and explore some opportunities.”
Nick Hare said Sports Gold Coast was co-hosting Thursday night’s information evening in a bid to get as many Gold Coast businesses aware and involved in the Suns’ event.
“This strikes at the core of what Sports Gold Coast is all about,” said Hare. “Our primary role is to connect sport and business to help develop sport at all levels.
“On Thursday night Sports Gold Coast chairman Geoff Smith will outline what SGC is all about, our history, what our aims are and what we have achieved so far.
“The Suns Chief Commercial Officer Simon Fitzgibbon will also be there and he will give specifics about the Shanghai Business Delegation. No doubt he will also outline the benefits for local businesses in being involved with the Suns.”
Hare said the Chinese trip offered ‘a two-pronged attack’ for local business people.
“Not only will there be opportunities to begin or strengthen Chinese relationships, but to also network with other local businesses,” he said.
“There will be some very influential people as part of this delegation, so even the chance of sitting down and having a coffee with them will have its own rewards.”
Hare said Sports Gold Coast’s profile continues to rise.
“We are gaining traction in our two key areas – with the Gold Coast business community and with Gold Coast sporting organisations,” he said.
“On the back of two very successful Gold Coast Sports Star of the Year awards nights (which Sports Gold Coast co-hosted with the Sporting Hall of Fame), the massive achievement of creating soccer entity Gold Coast United and our success with the Bond Uni women’s rugby program, people are starting to take notice.”
Hare said Thursday night’s information evening was open to all business people interested in the Suns’ Shanghai Business Delegation.
Whether you are an AFL fan or not, this delegation provides a unique opportunity to the many Gold Coast businesses who are looking at doing business or looking at potential business opportunities with China. Financial grants of up to $1500 are available from City of Gold Coast for eligible businesses.
Details of Thursday afternoon’s information session:
Venue: McLaughlin’s Lawyers (Rooftop) 9 Ouyan Street, Surfers Paradise (located behind the council chambers).
Date: Thursday, 22nd March
Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm
RSVP: info@sportsgoldcoast.com.au
Finger food and light refreshments will be made available on the night.
