Visit Sunshine Coast appoints new business events manager

Ali Thompson (pictured) has been appointed business and leisure events manager for Australia’s Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC). A MICE industry professional for over 20 years, Thompson is also a founding member of Influential Women in Meetings & Events and a member of Women in Tourism, and Event Professionals Australia. She was also a committee member of Meetings and Events Australia for many years. VSC CEO, Matt Stoeckel said: “We are very fortunate to be able to attract such a passionate industry professional as Ali, and her experience and contacts will ensure she hits the ground at a really crucial time for the destination as we rebuild our business events market.” “With a landscape that is ideal for high-end incentives, the Sunshine Coast has enormous potential to grow its business and leisure events sector. “Ali will work closely with the events team at Sunshine Coast Council, Tourism and Events Queensland, and business and events operators across the Sunshine Coast to strengthen our position as a leading business and event destination.” Thompson noted the Sunshine Coast offers an array of incentive and conferencing opportunities, “plus, it has just been declared a Biosphere by UNESCO – what better place to wow delegates in a diverse eco-escapism that is committed to sustainability whilst warming the soul with year-round sunshine!” Conferences held in the region as it builds back post pandemic include the United in Compassion 2022 Symposium, the annual Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Summit and Australasian HIV and AIDS conference. Thompson’s role replaces the business events manager role held by Maureen Brennan since 2018.