Tropical North Queensland ready to welcome the world as Cairns Convention Centre unveils expansion

Cairns Convention Centre lifts the curtain on its new expansion, revealing a new standard for international and domestic conferences and events.

The Queensland Government in Australia has invested $176 million in the refurbishment and expansion of the city’s international convention centre.

Already an eco-tourism hotspot, Cairns is set to further capitalise on the lucrative international Business Events sector with a renewed convention facility that complements the region’s natural, pristine beauty.

The award-winning Centre, which has been operated by ASM Global since it opened in 1996, will now be able to host multiple events as well as larger conferences requiring multiple break out spaces.

ASM Global (Asia Pacific) Chairman and Chief Executive, Harvey Lister AM, said the Centre’s expansion and refurbishment would deliver significant economic benefits to the Cairns economy over the next decade and beyond.

“The expansion will enhance Cairns’ standing as a world leader in hosting business events.  Cairns Convention Centre is on track to host 160 events this financial year, including 60 conferences bringing more than 35,000 delegates to Cairns, delivering a visitor spend of over $100 million into the region,” added Mr Lister.

The state-of-the-art expansion delivers an extra 10,500 sqm of meeting, banquet and exhibition space featuring:

• Exhibition area with space for 30 booths
• 450-seat theatre-style plenary lecture space that can be divided into two
• Three large meeting rooms that can be configured into multiple sizes
• 500-capacity Trinity Room banquet space
• Outdoor terrace
• Spacious lobby for pre-event functions

A key part of the expansion is the Trinity Room and Terrace level, offering unparalleled views over Trinity Inlet. The significant expansion project also includes a large undercover Porte Cochere planted with native, tropical flora that can also be used as a function space.

Clients hosting their events at the Cairns Convention Centre can take advantage of the latest audio-visual equipment, contemporary interiors and new building systems for seamless event delivery and experience.

Cairns Convention Centre, general manager, Janet Hamilton said the refurbished and expanded centre was poised to welcome event organisers and delegates from across Australia and the world.

“We are already receiving positive reactions to the new spaces, with clients impressed with the contemporary design and light filled areas that feature our lush, tropical rainforest in the background,” Ms Hamilton said.  “We sit at the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful destinations and great care and consideration was taken to bringing the natural environment into the Centre’s spaces. From our open spaces with floor to ceiling windows, to our stunning Trinity Room and Terrace with views across the inlet, the Centre showcases Cairns’ natural assets.”

Cox Architecture Director Richard Coulson who led the design team (with local collaborators CA Architects) for the refurbishment and expansion of the Cairns Convention Centre said this project stands out amongst the rest of the world’s convention centres due to its mix of sophistication, modern technology, and relaxed ‘truly Cairns’ sensibility.

“The Centre is a very sophisticated building. The technology is quite remarkable. Yet it feels like a place of Cairns, which has a renowned, relaxed lifestyle,” Mr Coulson said.  “This expansion has allowed a richness which is quite rare for these spaces. It is open, generous and flexible and yet intimate at the same time. And that’s what Tropical North Queensland is as a destination.”