Explore the Best Event Spaces on the Gold Coast for Any Occasion

If you’re planning a  corporate function, a sparkling soirée with friends, or a creative brainstorming session by the beach, the Gold Coast is bursting with event spaces that bring your vision to life. With its  famous golden sands and world-class nightlife, plus plenty of spots for post-event cocktails and spontaneous adventures, the city is a dream destination for events of every kind. 

Prep your party poppers as we uncover the best event spaces the Gold Coast has to offer and discover how to make your next occasion a success.

Why the Gold Coast Is Ideal for Hosting Events

Credit: Stock

The Gold Coast stands out as one of Australia's premier event destinations, and it's easy to see why. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, this coastal paradise offers the perfect option for any gathering. The region boasts world-class infrastructure, including award-winning venues, exceptional catering services, and accommodation options to suit every taste and budget.

What truly sets the Gold Coast apart is its unique combination of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Picture your guests mingling against a backdrop of 57 kilometres of pristine coastline, with the glittering skyline of Surfers Paradise creating a stunning visual feast… now picture all the fantastic Insta-worthy snaps they’ll take and share. 

The city's thriving business environment makes it particularly appealing for corporate events on the Gold Coast. As a growing hub for technology, innovation, and health sciences, the region attracts professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region. 

Tips for Planning Corporate Events

Planning successful corporate events requires careful attention to detail and strategic thinking. 

1.Define Your Objectives

Start by defining your event's objectives clearly – whether it's team building, client entertainment, or product launches. The Gold Coast's relaxed atmosphere naturally encourages networking and relationship building, making it easier to achieve your business goals.

2. Nail Your Timing

The Gold Coast's excellent year-round climate means you can host outdoor events virtually any time, but peak tourist seasons may affect accommodation availability and pricing. Book venues and accommodation well in advance, especially during popular conference periods when demand is high. 

3. Embrace The Location

Don't forget to leverage the Gold Coast's natural appeal to boost attendance. Research shows that your guests are more likely to attend events in desirable destinations like the Gold Coast; with the average visitor staying a few days more to make the most of the business trip. 

Factors to Consider When Selecting an Event Space

Choosing the right venue is crucial for your event's success. For anyone who’s planning a large or small event for the first time, consider these points to help make your party one to remember. 

Accessibility for Your Guests

Accessibility should be your first consideration – ensure your chosen venue is easily accessible by public transport and offers convenient parking options. The Gold Coast's excellent transport links, including trams, buses, and proximity to Gold Coast Airport, make most venues highly accessible. 

Dorsett Gold Coast is perfect for accessibility being connected to the famous Star Casino, across the road from shopping haven Pacific Fair, and a tram ride or stroll away to all the top beaches. 

Flexible Venue Spaces

Capacity and layout flexibility are equally important. Consider whether your event needs breakout spaces, exhibition areas, or different configurations throughout the day. Many Gold Coast venues offer modular spaces that can be adapted to suit changing requirements.

Digital Features and Functionality

Ensure your venue provides reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, adequate power points, and professional audio-visual equipment. Modern venues typically have this technology, but it's always wise to confirm these details during your venue inspection.

What Type of Event Space Suits Your Occasion?

Credit: The Island Gold Coast

Different events call for different atmospheres and configurations. For formal corporate functions, you'll want venues with sophisticated décor, professional lighting, and flexible seating arrangements. The Gold Coast excels in providing elegant spaces that maintain a relaxed coastal vibe without compromising on professionalism.

For product launches or exhibitions, consider venues with high ceilings, excellent lighting, and open floor plans. This flexibility is particularly valuable for creative industries and innovative companies looking to make a statement.

Networking events benefit from venues with multiple areas and good flow between spaces. Look for venues that offer both indoor and outdoor options, allowing guests to move naturally between different zones throughout the event.

How Location Impacts Your Event's Success

Location plays a pivotal role in determining your event's success, influencing everything from attendance rates to overall guest satisfaction.

Central locations offer unbeatable convenience, with easy access to accommodation, dining, and entertainment options. The Gold Coast's compact layout means most venues are within walking distance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

When it comes to accommodation,  Dorsett Gold Coast offers easy access to the city’s biggest event hubs, plus shopping centres, restaurants, and entertainment districts. A stay here  offers delegates plenty of options for downtime and after-hours networking. 

What to Look for in a Gold Coast Event Venue

When evaluating potential venues, prioritise those with experienced event coordination teams. The best Gold Coast venues offer dedicated event managers who understand local suppliers, logistics, and can handle unexpected challenges. 

Catering quality and flexibility should be high on your checklist. Look for venues that offer diverse menu options, can accommodate dietary restrictions, and provide both formal dining and casual catering options.

Top Event Spaces Near Dorsett Gold Coast

Credit: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

Let’s start opening doors and exploring the best event spaces for big events on the Gold Coast. Add these spectacular spaces to your research and planning lists.

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre stands as Australia's largest regional convention centre, offering impressive flexibility for events from 10 to 6,000 people. 

Located in the heart of Broadbeach and steps away from Dorsett Gold Coast, this $167 million facility features a massive main arena, four exhibition halls, and numerous meeting rooms, making it perfect for large-scale corporate events on the Gold Coast.

The centre's pillar-free design and state-of-the-art technology create endless possibilities for event configurations, while the experienced team of award-winning chefs ensures exceptional catering.

The Star Gold Coast Event Centre

The Star Gold Coast offers some of the most impressive event facilities in Australia, with the Event Centre Ballroom providing 1,627.5 square metres of pillar-free space accommodating up to 1,800 guests. 

This stunning venue can host everything from intimate corporate functions to grand gala dinners, with the flexibility to divide into seven separate conference areas plus six additional breakout rooms.

The ballroom's sophisticated design and adjacent expansive lawn area make it ideal for high-profile meetings and exhibitions.The venue's integration within The Star Gold Coast complex provides unparalleled convenience, with award-winning restaurants, bars, entertainment, and a casino all under one roof. 

Guests can enjoy 24-hour dining options, spectacular stage shows, and comfortable accommodation without leaving the precinct, making it perfect for multi-day corporate events.

The Star Gold Coast Meeting Spaces

Beyond the main ballroom, The Star Gold Coast offers numerous smaller meeting and event spaces perfect for corporate functions of varying sizes. The Event Centre Marquee provides a unique outdoor option with capacity for up to 800 cocktail guests or 600 for seated dinners, creating a distinctive blank canvas for creative event styling. 

These versatile spaces can accommodate everything from board meetings to product launches with professional audio-visual support.The Gold Coast venue's comprehensive facilities include multiple private dining rooms, each equipped with modern technology and flexible configurations. 

The integration with The Star's broader amenities means your event can seamlessly flow from formal presentations to casual networking in the adjacent bars and restaurants, creating a natural progression that encourages relationship building and extends the value of your corporate gathering.

Iconic Event Venues Across the Gold Coast

For smaller or more intimate events, opt for an iconic Gold Coast venue - something that glitters while overlooking the shimmering east coast beaches. 

The Island Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise

The Island Gold Coast brings boutique sophistication and boho décor to the heart of Surfers Paradise, offering six stunning event spaces with capacity ranging from intimate gatherings of 60 to grand celebrations of 700 guests.

The venue's crown jewel, The Island Penthouse, occupies the entire top floor and provides breathtaking 360-degree views of Surfers Paradise Beach, the CBD, and the hinterland This versatile space features three purpose-built areas including an outdoor terrace bar, making it perfect for everything from corporate dinners to product launches.

Miami Marketta

Miami Marketta transforms the traditional corporate event experience with its unique 2,400-square-metre converted warehouse space that feels like stepping into the back streets of Thailand or New York. 

This eclectic venue features five themed bars, private event areas, and a street food market, creating an atmosphere that's anything but ordinary for corporate functions. With capacity for up to 1,000 guests and multiple smaller spaces for breakout sessions, it's perfect for companies looking to create memorable, unconventional events.

HOTA (Home of the Arts)

HOTA represents the Gold Coast's cultural heart, offering a sophisticated collection of indoor and outdoor event spaces set within 16.9 acres of stunning parklands overlooking the Nerang River. 

The venue features everything from intimate black-box theatres to the impressive outdoor stage and concert lawn, accommodating events from 10 to 5,000 guests. The Gallery at HOTA, Lakeside Terrace, and Panorama Suite provide elegant options for corporate functions that require a touch of cultural sophistication.

Using Dorsett Gold Coast as Your Event Base

When planning events at Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Dorsett Gold Coast offers the perfect base for event organisers and attendees alike. 

Our prime location in the heart of Broadbeach places you within walking distance of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre and provides seamless access to The Star Gold Coast precinct. This means your delegates can easily move between venues while enjoying the convenience of staying in stylish, contemporary accommodation.

Our experienced event coordination team understands the unique requirements of corporate events and can assist with everything from room block management to coordinating with external venues and suppliers. 

Whether you're hosting a small board meeting in one of the private dining spaces at Jin Café & Bar or need accommodation for a large conference group, we tailor our services to meet your specific needs. The hotel's sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere perfectly complements the Gold Coast's business-friendly environment.

Our stunning views of the vibrant city and the sun-soaked beach beyond create the perfect spot for both work and relaxation. This seamless blend of business and leisure ensures your event creates lasting impressions and strengthens professional relationships.

Start Planning Your Gold Coast Event 

Ready to start planning your next unforgettable event? Let Dorsett Gold Coast be your gateway to the best the region has to offer. 

Book direct now to enjoy our Best Rate Guarantee  and discover why savvy event planners choose Dorsett Gold Coast as their base for successful Gold Coast events.