PeSA Internet Conference

• Survey results from the 2015 conference highlighted the value of the event to the delegates’ bottom line, with attendees reporting an average increase in turnover of 19% attributed with attending the conference.
• The conference has been held on the Gold Coast for five consecutive years and the 10th anniversary will be held on the Gold Coast in 2016
• The program incorporated eight streams to meet the diverse industry sector including educational programs on eBay, Facebook, SEO, digital marketing and website development

ABOUT THE CONGRESS
One of Australia’s largest eCommerce events was held in May 2015 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with around 850 delegates attending the PeSA Internet Conference (now known simply as The Internet Conference).

This major event for online retailers was welcomed back to the Gold Coast for the fifth consecutive year and is set to return for the milestone 10th anniversary event in 2016.

The conference brings together a broad mix of delegates from the online retail world ranging from home based eBay sellers to the big names in online retail to examine emerging trends, challenges and issues of this rapidly growing industry.

Over three days, the jam packed conference program incorporated eight streams to meet the needs of this diverse industry sector, with educational programs designed for all aspects of the online retail space including eBay, Facebook, SEO, digital marketing and website development. 

Since its inception nine years ago, the conference has attracted a growing number of delegates with its pioneering educational mix of insight into eCommerce innovation, developing technology as well as the opportunity to share information and knowledge with peers.

OUTCOMES
According to The Internet Conference CEO, Phil Leahy, the Gold Coast is the number one choice for this event because it has everything a conference organiser needs, in a location that delegates love.

“As far as the Gold Coast for our conference, there is everything you need in terms of infrastructure to host a successful event, all within walking distance of our conference venue. We’ve always had great support from the local business events community with venues such as East and Sofitel really going the extra mile to make our conference a success,’ he said.

Prior to their first conference on the Gold Coast in 2011, the event was held in Sydney and Melbourne, but according to Phil, it was too easy to lose delegates who always found a reason to go back to the office or home mid-conference.

“We decided on a destination event because it keeps the focus on the conference and delegates really look forward to coming to the Gold Coast.”

The feedback from delegates attending The Internet Conference has been consistently positive. Survey results from the 2015 conference highlighted the value of the event to the delegates’ bottom line, with attendees reporting an average increase in turnover of 19% attributed with attending the conference.

Plans are well under way for the 10th anniversary milestone with a party at Movie World just one of the highlights to celebrate at The Internet Conference in May 2016.

The success of The Internet Conference has also seen the introduction of an affiliated international conference focussed on the rapid expansion of global eCommerce. Retail Global will be held in Las Vegas in August 2016.

Gold Coast regulars make a significant contribution
Gold Coast Business Events Director Anna Case said that the destination was increasingly attracting conferences for repeat business and The Internet Conference was a terrific example of an organisation who love meeting on the Gold Coast.

“It’s a fantastic compliment to the city and our business events community when events like The Internet Conference choose to return year after year,” she said.

“It’s testament to the diversity of product we have on offer, and the fact that delegates simply enjoy returning to the Gold Coast. The destination is continually offering new ways for conference organisers to develop a program that incorporates an enticing blend of world class venues, beach, wilderness and memorable experiences. 

As a Gold Coast regular, The Internet Conference has made a significant contribution to the local economy. The direct injection to the Gold Coast economy over the last five years is estimated at over $4.2 million during the actual days of the conference. The flow on effect to the city from delegates staying on with family for pre and post touring adds significantly to the economic impact of this Gold Coast favourite.

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