Cairns Convention Centre has taken centre stage at the 40th annual Queensland Tourism Awards, winning Gold for Business Events Venue at the gala celebration held at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on Friday, 14 November. This prestigious accolade recognises excellence and innovation across Queensland’s $34.7 billion visitor economy, cementing the Centre’s position as the state’s premier business events venue.
Positioned between two World Heritage-listed icons, the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, Cairns Convention Centre offers an unrivalled setting for business events. Combining world-class facilities, exceptional service, and strong partnerships within the region’s business events community.
Completed in 2023, the $176 million expansion has elevated the Centre’s capabilities, introducing flexible, state-of-the-art spaces while embracing Cairns’ natural beauty with stunning views of Trinity Inlet and complementing the region’s tropical assets. This transformation enables the venue to host a sporting event, a concert, and a conference all on the same day, a true game-changer for Cairns and Far North Queensland, Australia. The Centre continues to reinforce its role as a key driver of growth and development across the region.
General Manager Janet Hamilton said the award is a proud achievement for the team and the region:
“Winning Gold for Business Events Venue is an incredible recognition of our journey. This award belongs to our team—the passionate, customer-focused professionals who consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional experiences and outstanding service for our clients. Every day, we showcase Cairns Convention Centre and Cairns as a destination for world-class business events on both the national and international stage. To our wonderful clients who choose us, and our incredible team—thank you.”
Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler praised the region’s leadership:
“Tropical North Queensland continues to set the benchmark for innovation and quality in tourism. From world-heritage natural wonders to authentic cultural experiences, these award-winning businesses demonstrate the strength and spirit of the North—and their success helps drive Queensland’s reputation globally.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell commended the industry’s excellence:
“The Awards are a public recognition of the sensational offerings put forward by operators across the State. But the real recognition comes from the millions of visitors to Queensland, who take home memories of an incredible destination with incredible people making their visit unique.”
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Enquiries: Melissa Pringle | Marketing Manager
M: 0413 715 111
E: mpringle@cairnsconvention.com.au
Date published: Monday 17 November 2025
ABOUT LEGENDS GLOBAL
Legends Global is the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services, including feasibility and consulting, project development, sales, partnerships, venue management, hospitality, merchandise, and content and booking. Our white-label approach ensures our partners remain front and centre while we harness the power of our global network – including over 450 venues, 20,000 events, and 165 million guests annually – to enhance their business and guest experience. To learn more, visit us at www.LegendsGlobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
LEGENDS GLOBAL (APAC and MENA)
From its APAC regional headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, Legends Global operates, manages and books a network of venues that includes:
Stadiums – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane; Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium, Hong Kong; and 50% ownership of VenuesLive, the operator of Optus Stadium, Perth ;
Entertainment and Indoor Sports Arenas – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney; RAC Arena, Perth; Brisbane Entertainment Centre; Newcastle Entertainment Centre, ICC Sydney Theatre; Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Great Hall; Cairns Arena, Bangkok Arena (under construction); Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai; and Kai Tak Sports Park Indoor Arena, Hong Kong;
Live Performance Theatres – Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Sydney, Bahrain, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur;
Convention & Exhibition Centres – Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Newcastle, Sydney, Christchurch, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Bahrain, and Riyadh.
From left – Melissa Pringle, Marketing Manager, Cairns Convention Centre; Elizabeth Hackett, Chair of QTA Judges; and Janet Hamilton, General Manager, Cairns Convention Centre, pictured at the Queensland Tourism Awards.
Tropical North Queensland Award Winners at the Queensland Tourism Awards
