Qld Country Tourism
Website: queenslandcountrytourism.com.au
PARTICPATING EVENTS
Esk Garden Fair eskgardenandlifestylefair.com
Miles Back to the Bush backtothebushfestival.com.au
Laidley Spring Festival laidleyspringfestival.com
Hampton Festival hamptonfestival.com
WHY THEY NEEDED OUR SUPPORT & WHAT THEY WANTED TO GAIN
Australian Centre for Regional Events partnered with Queensland Country Tourism to design and deliver an event transformation program to upskill the region's event and festival organisers with the aim of ensuring event competitiveness and long-term sustainability throughout the region.
This bespoke 12-month program combined online e-learning, group networking sessions, 1-1 mentoring with event experts and access to tools and resources. This program took a deep dive into all aspects of event planning and empowered event organisers with the knowledge, tools and inspiration to elevate their regional event.
The program consists of:
Signature 12-week training program (July – September 2024)
16 hours 1-1 mentoring with event expert
10 hours strategic planning support
5 hours post event review
5 hours phone a friend
WHAT THEY GAINED FROM PARTICIPATING
Strengthening Event Competitiveness
Enhanced the event experience through curated programs aligned with the destination brand.
Strengthened event marketing through new imagery, video, improved listings, and strategic use of digital channels.
Increased accessibility, inclusion, and sustainability through targeted design and operational improvements.
Improved user experience via clearer communications, user-friendly websites, and refined site layouts.
Boosted local business and tourism linkages through engagement and activation strategies.
Supported event professionalism and succession planning with robust planning tools, detailed run sheets, and post-event review processes.
Stimulated growth in the event calendar with successful events delivered and new satellite events developed.
Building long-term sustainability
Strengthened strategic foundations through updated plans, improved governance, and clearer organisational structures.
Supported succession and continuity via detailed project plans, role clarity, and robust documentation.
Secured long-term support through stronger relationships with councils, new sponsors, and successful grant applications.
Improved risk management, compliance, and operational systems to ensure safer, more resilient events.
Enhanced volunteer and team management through structured programs, recruitment systems, and collaborative tools.
Fostered lasting legacy and community value through legacy projects and meaningful local partnerships.
Embedded continuous improvement via post-event reviews, data collection, and reflective processes
“Being part of this mentoring experience has been a learning experience for me. If you want to know how to run a successful festival/event you need to sign up for these mentoring sessions. A wealth of knowledge from Cathy Treasure was shared and no question was a stupid one so for that, thank you. ”
“It is great to have 5 of us on the same page and understand where we are coming from. I feel I have benefited greatly from this program. ”
“The Event Transformation program is an outstanding opportunity for anyone involved in regional events. Even for those of us who have been running events for many years, it provides a fresh perspective. The program is excellent at helping refine existing processes and procedures, while also challenging you to think creatively and explore new approaches. It’s not just about improving what you already do—it’s about transforming the way you think about events. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to take their event planning to the next level. ”
