Board of Directors announced for Major Events Gold Coast

The City of Gold Coast’s plan to attract further internationally recognised events has today seen the announcement of the Board of Directors for its new events entity, Major Events Gold Coast.

Mayor Tom Tate joined City of Gold Coast Chief Executive, Dale Dickson in announcing the incoming board which is being tasked with taking a whole-of-City approach to major events and growing the city’s event calendar and economic contribution.

Mayor Tate said while the Gold Coast already had an impressive major events calendar, the goal now was to see nearly every weekend booked with a nationally or internationally broadcast event like the Gold Coast Marathon, Magic Millions and Gold Coast 600.

He advised “Major Events Gold Coast will also be responsible for attracting more state and national sporting events to capitalise on the City’s new portfolio of Commonwealth Games related world-class sporting venues.”

Chief Executive Dale Dickson said that given the calibre of our new board members he had no doubt the City was well placed to continue to build on the success of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Darryl Kelly has been appointed chair of the Major Events Gold Coast board, recognising his contribution to Broadbeach Alliance, which developed some of the City’s largest events including Blues on Broadbeach and the fast-growing Groundwater Country Music Festival.

The other members of Major Events Gold Coast (MEGC) Board include former GOLDOC Chief Executive, Mark Peters; incoming Chief Executive of Village Roadshow and Chief Executive of Warner Village Theme Parks, Clark Kirby; Group Executive Operations at Star Entertainment Group, Geoff Hogg ; Director of Cross Promotions International, Jackie Cross;  Regional General Manager at Accor Hotels, Michael Coe; Chief Executive of Burleigh Brewing, Peta Fielding, legal professional, Jessica Norris and Chief Executive of John Flynn Private Hospital, Greg Jenke.

Dickson said Broadbeach Alliance, Surfers Paradise Alliance and Connecting Southern Gold Coast would continue to operate until mid-2020, at which time Major Events Gold Coast Pty Ltd would become fully operational.

He recognised that all three entities had made a significant contribution to the city’s current event portfolio and thanked the respective chairpersons.

He acknowledged Laura Younger, in particular, for her long-term service and leadership of Surfers Paradise Alliance.

Major Events Gold Coast Pty Ltd - Board Biographies 

Darryl Kelly (Chair) 
• Chair of Broadbeach Alliance Ltd 
• 2009 NRL Volunteer of the Year
• Director Gold Coast Titans

Mark Peters 
• Former GOLDOC Chief Executive
• Former Executive Director – Australian Sports Commission
• Former Australian baseball player (Captain) and sports administrator
• Former President – Australian Baseball Federation

Clark Kirby 
• Incoming Chief Executive of Village Roadshow Ltd 
• Chief Executive, Warner Village Theme Parks Ltd
• Director of Gold Coast Tourism Corporation Ltd

Geoff Hogg 
• Group Executive Operations at Star Entertainment Group Ltd
• Senior Management roles at SKYCITY Entertainment Group
• Director of National Retail Association
• Director of Broadbeach Alliance Ltd
• Governor of the American Chamber of Commerce (Queensland)

Michael Coe 
• Regional General Manager at Accor Hotels 
• Director of Surfers Paradise Alliance Ltd
• Former Director of Hotel Motel & Accommodation Association Inc. 
• Former Director of Tourism Tropical North Queensland Ltd

Jackie Cross
• Director, Cross Promotions International 
• Runs a high-profile Australian entertainment act at MGM Reports, Las Vegas
• More than 20 years’ experience in marketing, major events, entertainment and festivals

Peta Fielding 
• Chief Executive & Director of Burleigh Brewing Co
• Director of Gold Coast Tourism Corporation Ltd
• Former GOLDOC board member
• Director of Bleached Arts Ltd

Jessica Norris 
• Former Legal Practitioner at Minter Ellison
• Former Manager (Legal) for GOLDOC
• Former legal counsel for Invictus Games Sydney 2018
• Winner – In House Lawyer of the Year (2016 Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards)

Greg Jenke
• Chair Connecting Southern Gold Coast
• Chief Executive of John Flynn Private Hospital

Image shows the Gold Coast Marathon.