How to leverage Australia’s major events credentials

By Dennis Mills, Chief Executive, Major Events International 

With this year’s Asian Football Cup and Cricket World Cup both taking place down under, there’s no denying that Australia is gaining a fantastic reputation for hosting world class events. 

It came as no surprise that the iconic Gold Coast was chosen to host the next Commonwealth Games following last summer’s successful event in Glasgow.

Given the historical links between Britain and Australia, it goes without saying there are a number of business opportunities in Australia for British companies who would like to export their expertise from Glasgow.

The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will take place over 11 days in April 2018 and will bring together 6,500 athletes and officials from 71 member countries participating in 17 sports.

The opportunity is therefore too great to ignore. With a wealth of experience built up supporting and supplying events such as the 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games, British companies stand in prime position to take advantage of these opportunities.

Gold Coast 2018’s well planned procurement cycle kicks in to action in 2015 meaning now is the time to start looking outward.

Australia is viewed as an ‘easy’ market to enter and establish your business in, with the only real downside being the distance. British companies in particular get a head start when it comes to the language, culture and legal system.

Companies ranging from corporate to SME can all position themselves to win business in Australia either on their own, through a supply chain or joint venture/partnership.

Working in association with the Queensland Government, Major Events International (MEI) is planning to take a business mission to Australia in April 2015 to meet key Gold Coast 2018 officials and potential business partners.