In April 2020 the staff at Cairns Convention Centre (CCC) packed up their offices and left the building ahead of a AU$176 million expansion that will add 10,000sqm its footprint.
As the centre prepares to reopen in May, client services manager of 25 years, Vania Bau, reminisces over her years of service, including having to round up 60 bulls and 40 "well-mannered" cowboys for the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) event and dealing with the intricacies and security detail of the G20 Finance Minister Meeting.
“From the moment I heard about a convention centre being built in Cairns, I wanted to be part of the team from the start and work in an industry where no two days are the same. Never did I think it would lead to a 25-year career in the industry,” says Bau.
During the office clear out, Bau found the original newspaper from 1995 advertising her current position. Bau has helped deliver more than 2,000 events and 500 national and international conferences during her time at the CCC. She said one of the most memorable events was the 2014 Australian Tourist Exchange (ATE).
“It was the first time the event had been held in a regional destination. It was amazing to see the whole of Cairns get behind the event and showcase the great work our industry does and our beautiful region.”
But it's not always fun and games as Bau added that the oddest request she ever received was from an international artist who requested a new toilet seat in their dressing room.
The CCC has twice been awarded AIPC World’s Best Convention Centre, an award judged on client feedback.
“Anyone who has worked in the events industry knows the hours can be long and there are a lot of challenges to overcome. Winning the World’s Best twice makes all the hard yards and going that extra mile for your client worth it. Building a strong relationship with your team, clients and suppliers is the key to success,” Bau added.
The 10,000 sqm expansion includes a large undercover, tropically planted forecourt, an expanded main entry lobby, a 410 seat plenary lecture space, three 110 seat meeting rooms, exhibition space for up to 30 display booths, a 500 seat banquet hall with a large pre-function space, and external decks with spectacular views over Trinity Inlet.
“We will be able to host multiple conferences and events and the new Trinity level with the views over the Trinity Inlet will be spectacular” added Vania.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
