Social Partner Program

A comprehensive social program has been planned for delegates, partners and families offering a diverse range of activities to suit all tastes. Events include a gala dinner, cocktail party, golf day on an international resort course, a visit to the famous Crocodile Hunter’s (Steve Irwin) Australia Zoo, and discounted entry to Gold Coast’s theme parks including Movie World, Dreamworld and Sea World.

In addition to the program events, the Gold Coast offers spectacular, patrolled beaches; major shopping complexes, including the open-air Pacific Fair with more than 260 stores; award-winning, beachfront restaurants; and national parklands.

Gala dinner
A gala dinner will be held on Wednesday, 21 May 2003. The premier event will include a sumptuous three-course meal, premium Australian wines and beers and live entertainment.

Welcome Cocktail Party
A welcome cocktail party will be held at 5pm on Sunday afternoon, 18 May 2003 at the conference venue.

Hospitality suites
A hospitality suite will be open at the end of each conference day to enable delegates to network whilst relaxing and socialising.

Golf day
The Gold Coast has a large number of world class international standard golf courses. A conference golf day has been planned for Friday the 23rd of May 2003 on the glorious Hope Island Resort Golf Course. This beautiful course was the venue for the Johnny Walker Golf Classic in 1999.

Australian Themed Evening at Breakfast Creek Hotel
An Australian themed evening has been planned. Delegates will be transported to Brisbane to visit the internationally renowned “Breakfast Creek Hotel”. Delegates will have the opportunity to partake of the finest steaks Australia has to offer whilst being entertained in a truly Aussie way. This casual evening will provide delegates with a wonderful opportunity to relax, establish friendships and be entertained in the finest Aussie tradition. This evening is being offered at the price of $55 AUD.

Australia Zoo
A bus trip is organised to visit the Crocodile Hunter’s (Steve Irwin) Australia Zoo on Wednesday, 21 May 2003.

Australia Zoo houses hundreds of weird and wonderful varieties of animals, including: more than 100 fresh water and salt water crocodiles; alligators; iguanas; eastern water dragons; red-bellied black snakes and boa constrictors; birds of prey; black swans; giant land tortoises; wallabies; and koalas.

Local attractions
Visitors to the Gold Coast can enjoy everything from the latest theme park rides to aquatic wonders or even feeding Australia’s native wildlife in natural surroundings.

As part of the social/partner program, conference organisers have arranged discounted entry to Gold Coast’s key attractions.

• Sea World
  Prepare for a day of unique experiences as you discover why Sea World is one of Australia's most loved theme parks.

  Experience a whole world of amazing rides, shows and attractions. More than just a theme park, Sea World strives to educate people about the marine environment and play an active role in marine research and rescue.

• Dreamworld

  Whatever your thrill meter, Dreamworld will take you on the ride of your life. For serious fun-lovers with a need for speed, Dreamworld's 'Tower of Terror' – the fastest, tallest ride in the world – is guaranteed to get your heart racing. If that is not enough, there is always the 'Thunderbolt' Rollercoaster, the 'Giant Drop' or the 'Wipeout' for some adrenaline charged, out-of-this-world excitement. If you like your fun in a more sedate style, there is always the chairlift, the 'Carousel' or the 'Red Baron' bi-planes.
  
  With various attractions from the Australian Farm Show and the Outback Celebration to Tiger Island and the Coca-Cola IMAX Theatre, Dreamworld promises to be an adventure for the whole family.

• Warner Bros. Movie World

  As the only movie related theme park in the southern hemisphere, you will experience a fun-filled family adventure with all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Meet your favourite stars and enjoy all the behind-the-scenes action, comedy stunts and exhilarating rides, shows and attractions.

• Wet’n’Wild Water World

  Wet'n'Wild Water World is Australia's premier water theme park on the Gold Coast. Enjoy all the fun and excitement of the world's latest water slides, pools and attractions. Experience a day of ‘splashtacular’ fun for the whole family.

• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

  Over 1,400 native birds and animals call Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary's 27 hectares of landscaped surrounds and natural bushland home. Whether it is viewing the snapping jaws of freshwater crocodiles from a safe distance or a hands-on approach feeding wallabies in the open paddock, there are plenty of interactive animal experiences to enjoy.

  The Sanctuary offers close encounters with creatures of all shapes and sizes to the nearly 500,000 visitors who enter the park annually.

• Beaches

The spectacular coastal region of the Gold Coast, stretching from South Stradbroke Island to Coolangatta/Tweed, is a beach and blue water wonderland with clean, clear waters and 42 kilometres of golden sandy beaches. Surf safety is a high priority for Gold Coast City Council which employs the largest professional lifeguard staff in Australia who patrol 17 beaches on a year round basis. In addition, volunteer members of the Surf Life Saving Association patrol beaches every weekend on the Gold Coast from September to May.