Sue Thomson sailing in to Sanctuary Cove boat show and other events

by Jeni Bone on 29 Nov 2010 Sue Thomson, the recently appointed general manager events and marketing for Sanctuary Cove on Queensland’s Gold Coast, is looking forward to many things about her new role.

A Queenslander born and bred Sue is totally at home on the Gold Coast and has a fondness acquired by many family holidays in the region that will lend an invaluable enthusiasm and loyalty for Sanctuary Cove, and what she calls 'its jewel in the crown', the boat show.

Sue will hit the ground running, already conscious of the countdown til 2011’s event. But she says working alongside Barry, Harry, Phil and Sally – a seasoned team with many shows under their individual and collective belts – will be the support and quick-study about the marine industry she can rely on.

'I am the first to admit that I am no expert on boats and boating, but when it comes to events and marketing, I have the credentials,' she states.

Sue’s credentials are second to none, joining Mulpha from two years with the Royal Queensland Show, known affectionately to locals as 'The Ekka' – the state’s largest annual event and an institution, held each August in Brisbane. (Its odd name is a contraction of its previous incarnation as the 'Brisbane Exhibition' – coinciding with the last public holiday until Christmas.)

Prior to that, Sue ran her own marketing-communications company for a range of clients, including a marine tourism operator in Cairns. She has also held senior positions with Tourism Australia, based in Sydney, and Gold Coast Tourism, where she was marketing manager and then acting CEO for a stint.

Sue says she has always been familiar with Sanctuary Cove and the stature of its events, including the boat show, and is now looking forward to working towards milestones like its 25th anniversary in 2013, and adding to the international momentum of the show’s reputation overseas.

'My theory is ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t meddle’, but as an outsider, it helps to gain a new perspective on a tried and true formula. I am looking forward to amplifying the show’s international profile and working with Barry and the team to attract international visitors and delegates, as well as working with exhibitors to maximise their experience.'

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2011 will be a year for 'observing, learning and pitching in wherever I am needed'.

'From there, I am sure I will be able to add my expertise and see what aspects of the event could benefit from our focus.'

But as she points out, the role is much broader than just the boat show and marina events. 'My responsibilities take in the Village and the Sanctuary Cove precinct, whether that’s golf, dining, art, property, the GC Fashion Incubator project, and the myriad of events on our calendar.'

There are challenges, she admits, particularly given the competitive environment facing events and the marine industry internationally.

'Sanctuary Cove has the benefit of enjoying broad popularity and appeal to different markets. Many people I have spoken with organise their family holidays at that time, so they can come to the Gold Coast and have that Gold Coast experience around the boat show. That’s something very positive to work with.'

For all the exhibitor information for SCIBS 2011, visit www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au