From the moment Queensland company Australian Events decided to create a brand new event, the Moreton Bay Caravan, Camping and Motoring Expo, it was apparent the initiative was bound for success.
Moreton Bay Regional Council was a joy to work with and it wasn’t too long until the company had secured historic Redcliffe Showgrounds as the venue. 13-15 March 2015 were the chosen dates. The seemingly adventurous delineation of exhibitor sites sold out as soon as they hit the market. Council was approached for additional space and it obliged without hesitation. The new area sold as quickly and so Council was approached for a second time, and for a second time it obliged. The final configuration was set in stone weeks out from the event and prospective exhibitors had to be turned away.
As the plan unfolded it became clear that the Showgrounds would be awash with caravans, boats and recreational vehicles come show day. Plus another hundred exhibitors with various products and services – trailers, camper trailers, tents, camping gear, fishing tackle, solar, technology, health services and insurance and finance options for the traveller.
Family company Australian Events, which was born and bred in Toowoomba some thirty years ago, made many trips to the “Bay” area to establish new business relationships and to create partnerships and collaborations to ensure that the event would be a truly distinctive Moreton Bay celebration. The range of products and services needed to make an event like this is successful is staggering – alliances with local newspapers, radio stations, television stations, accommodation providers, caterers, food and beverage concessions, sporting and community organisations. It would be easy to imagine that all one has to do to put an event like this together is to engage a long list of exhibitors and open the gates. However, the approach by Australian Events is considerably different. For a community to have a celebration like this many more elements are needed so that patrons are afforded the very best value for money.
A big program off free infotainment and entertainment was added including Creek to Coast’s Scott Hillier who prepares a mouth-watering range of seafood dishes, for patrons to try; Dave “Mossy” Moss with his Shimano Fishing Show teaching youngsters, and parents, how to land a barramundi from a giant fishing tank; Ranger Nick and his camp oven cooking demonstrations and, finally, Luke from Luke’s Reptile Kingdom with a staggering display of venomous and non-venomous snakes and reptiles plus snake bite first-aid tips. Add to that almost $20,000 in great prizes including a $9,000 Bluefin Boat and accessories from local company Cunningham Marine, $7,000 in prizes from Shimano, a $1,600 electric bike from Electric Bikes Brisbane, outdoor cooking equipment from SilverFire and many other great prizes. Plus free rides for kids and an Expo shuttle train and you’ve got the complete Expo package.
The big day arrived, Saturday 13 March, stunningly beautiful day. Deputy Mayor Mike Charlton was at the ready to cut the ribbon and declare “game on.” Staff waited in anticipation for the crowds to arrive, and arrive they did an hour before the gates opened and they’ve been arriving ever since.
This will be a wonderful Expo, a celebration of this wonderful piece of coastal Australia. Take a bow Moreton Bay.
Bringing people together through Events.
Through our special events and exhibitions, we promote and present products and services to commercial and domestic consumers. Exhibitions and events are measured and proven performers in the world of marketing.
Our team are passionate and committed to YOU! Highly skilled and respected by their peers, the Australian Events’ team members are enthusiastic, dedicated and innovative for YOU.
About Us & Application Forms
AboutEvent NewsExhibitor Tips Food Vendor ApplicationCommunity Group/Club Application Form