March 2018
Adrienne Readings
General Manager
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC)
Tourism Partners
With just weeks until the 2018 Commonwealth Games how are preparations coming along?
Adrienne Readings
Excellent
Tourism Partners
Will this be the largest event the GCCEC has ever hosted?
Adrienne Readings
No, we have hosted many large conventions however this has been the longest bump in and bump out.
Tourism Partners
How do you ramp up and down with staff for such large events?
Adrienne Readings
Lots of planning. We embarked on a scheduled recruitment plan and additional training leading up to the games. We have also introduced incentives for team members that will be working leading up to and during the games.
Tourism Partners
What’s the next large event for the GCCEC post the 2018 Commonwealth Games?
Adrienne Readings
Pharmacy Conference and Expo, 2 weeks after the Games followed closely by 8,000 delegates from China.
Tourism Partners
The food offering for delegates has changed over the years, what have you changed most?
Adrienne Readings
Our food offering is always changing subject to the trends and requests from visitors.
Tourism Partners
With increasing numbers of Asian delegates what have you needed to do differently?
Adrienne Readings
Custom built menus.
Tourism Partners
You’ve been at the GCCEC for 15 years, what’s the secret of your longevity and delivering consistency?
Adrienne Readings
Having like-minded team members with the same passion. Also ensuring you deliver that element of surprise yet consistency of delivering great service to our clients and their guests.
Tourism Partners
What do you see being done well in hospitality beyond the Gold Coast?
Adrienne Readings
We measure ourselves against best practice whether that be work place health and safety or service. We believe we strive to deliver best practice. I see similar intentions at other properties but have a long way to go.
Tourism Partners
You’re the deputy chair of Gold Coast Tourism, what drives you to be involved in a membership association?
Adrienne Readings
To be a part of an organisation that works hard to ensure that we, as a destination is always first choice. The Gold Coast Industry is a community of passionate people trying their best to deliver special experiences and memories for visitors. The Gold Coast Industry are generous with their knowledge and experience and are never closed to offering support when needed.
On a lighter note ….
Tourism Partners
When you arrive home from an international trip what (apart from family) do you like doing?
Adrienne Readings
First of all, when I fly into the Gold Coast and look out the window of the plane and see our landscape it is always breathtaking. So, I would have to say take in the view and surroundings, particularly the beach at Burleigh. Eat fresh fruit and salads.
Tourism Partners
You’ve travelled the world, what is your favourite place in Australia and overseas? (apart from the Gold Coast)
Adrienne Readings
Wow, that’s a hard one but I would have to say I love Western Australia and some of those untouched coastlines particularly down south. Hawaii is my favourite overseas destination I call it my happy place for a number of reasons.
Tourism Partners
What is your favourite GC hidden gem for food that most visitors to the Gold Coast don’t know about?
Adrienne Readings
I love Jimmy Wah’s – Modern Vietnamese, of course it’s at Burleigh Heads
Tourism Partners
When hitting the kitchen what is your hero dish(s)?
Adrienne Readings
Apart from Roast Pork, I do love to cook a full rump on the Weber with fresh salads and rosemary potatoes and a mushroom gravy on the side.
Tourism Partners
What Australian and international company(s) do you see leading innovation?
Adrienne Readings
Nationally I would see Gartner, but that’s of course a USA organisation with an innovative national team which covers both.
Tourism Partners
If you could wave a magic wand what’s one problem in Australia you would fix?
Adrienne Readings
Abused Children, I think it is shameful how many abused children exist in Australia.
Tourism Partners
What is the one thing you always pack when traveling?
Adrienne Readings
A credit card..
Tourism Partners
If you were spending less than $50,000 on a car what would you be driving?
Adrienne Readings
A Mazda