Stellar week for Cairns as it prepares to host Arinex 50th anniversary conference

Arinex is celebrating its 50th anniversary year with around 55 team members gathering in Cairns next week at the Cairns Convention Centre.

The carbon neutral conference will feature three days of presentations and workshops, followed by eco-certified tours of the World Heritage-listed tropical rainforests and Great Barrier Reef.

“This year marks Arinex’ 50th year in business, making this conference all the more special,” said Arinex managing director Nicole Walker.

“Cairns is the perfect location for us to celebrate this momentous occasion, reflect on our progress and set our sights on the path ahead.”

The first day of the conference will see a panel discussion featuring Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen, Cairns Convention Centre general manager Janet Hamilton and Crystalbrook Collection CEO Geoff York. The trio will share their insights on the region’s latest sustainability initiatives and discuss the importance of collaboration in driving positive change.

“Given the crucial role that business events play in our region’s economy, we are proud to showcase our world-class facilities and natural wonders to this respected group of event professionals, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for all,” said Olsen.

Hamilton said the conference will be an opportunity to showcase the Cairns Convention Centre’s soon-to-be-completed 10,500 sqm expansion including a large undercover forecourt, new conference and exhibition spaces and a third level with large banquet room and rooftop terrace.

It’s been a “stellar week” week for Cairns, says Tourism Tropical North Queensland Partnership and Events general manager Rosie Douglas.

“Cairns has just hosted the Strata Community Association Queensland annual conference and in coming months will host the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists National Convention and the Australian Banana Industry Congress at the Cairns Convention Centre,” she said.

Douglas said they were delighted to partner with Arinex for the event company’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

“Hosting Arinex highlights the importance of business events to the Cairns economy and the Arinex passion for sustainability strongly ties in with our destination’s push to reduce the carbon footprint of events,” she said.

“As Australia’s first certified carbon neutral event company, Arinex wants to offset their event and delegates will join the first tree planting in critically endangered Mabi rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands as part of our Reforest Carbon Offsetting program for business events.”

Eight key event planners from Korea and Japan will also be in the region for a four-day education program from March 30 before the Business Events Cairns and Great Barrier Reef team join them in Sydney for the Business Events Australia Asia Showcase.

“With business events returning we want to ensure our industry is armed with the latest insights into how our region can capitalise on opportunities for international and national events,” Douglas said.