Townsville Enterprise is now at the helm of the city’s major events strategy, recently appointing the Major Events Advisory Panel (MEAP) and securing top talent to lead the team in the position of Director of Major Events Acquisition.
Officially transitioning to Townsville Enterprise as of 1 January this year, the newly formalised partnership between the region’s peak economic development body and Townsville City Council will see Townsville Enterprise take lead in attracting and managing future major events, guided by the MEAP.
The MEAP is a newly formed body designed to ensure community voices are represented in decisions about event partnerships in the region; independently assessing recommendations from the Major Event Acquisition team to deliver the 2024–2028 Townsville Events Strategy Blueprint.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said the new direction for major events in the city is exciting and sure to deliver immense benefits to enhance community pride and boost economic outcomes.
“The MEAP ensures a collaborative and inclusive approach to event acquisition, leveraging the expertise of our community to fast-track bids to secure big events that bring significant economic and social benefits to the region,” Ms Brumme-Smith said.
"This new role forms part of our remit to secure the future of Townsville North Queensland, building on our profile as a major events city to complement our focus on growing our tourism sector and attracting a skilled workforce to our city and region.”
"Enticing and bidding for events is extremely competitive, and when we’re up against capital cities from around Australia and the world, we must put our best foot forward and act with agility – giving us a competitive advantage nationally, and this new process and Panel will help us achieve that."
The MEAP will be guided by the company’s new Director of Major Events Acquisition – Chelsea Cavanah who brings expertise across both tourism and major events management.
“Chelsea’s expertise with a background at both Tourism and Events Queensland and other regional Queensland tourism bodies is a big win for Townsville in its growth across the major events landscape, and we are beyond excited to have her join our team,” Ms Brumme-Smith said.
Director of Major Events Acquisition Chelsea Cavanah shared her thoughts on the new role and portfolio.
"Born and raised in regional North Queensland, I understand the strong local passion for events in this State, especially in Townsville, the Events Capital of the North," Ms Cavanah said.
"With a strong track record in hosting and attracting major events, I’m excited to bring my professional expertise and passion to Townsville during this exciting period of growth and opportunity for the city."
Leading the MEAP in position as Chair, and Townsville Enterprise Board Director – Jamie Fitzpatrick is an industry leader with over 23 years of hospitality experience and also recently appointed on the Board for the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority.
Major Events Acquisition Panel Chair, Jamie Fitzpatrick said the direction set under the 2024–2028 Townsville Events Strategy Blueprint guides the future of Townsville in its capacity as the Events Capital of the North.
“Townsville has long been the quiet achiever in hosting a calendar of events, however what we know is that this past success can be elevated – and to have a new Panel of local experts at the helm, this vision is all the more achievable,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
“Events play such a critical role in elevating regional profile, while growing community pride, and the events chosen under the MEAP will hone in on these targets to showcase Townsville as a destination to live, work, play and invest.”
“We will continue to engage with all stakeholders including community as we develop a strategy to deliver events that will have a positive economic impact on our city and supporting regions.”
“The new Major Events Advisory Panel has the experience and the expertise to bolster Townsville’s position as a leading events destination,” Cr Greaney said.
“Council’s major events partnership with Townsville Enterprise follows our organisations working together over many years securing events like Pink, the Multisport World Championships, Matildas, State of Origin and The Killers.
"Major events like these are great for our community, they’re great for our economy and they’re beneficial for our entire region.”
A new full-time position is also out for recruitment to support the Director of Major Events Acquisition, visit seek for details.
For more information on Major Events, and how to get involved, visit townsvilleenterprise.com.au
Download the Townsville Events Strategy Blueprint HERE
About the Major Events Acquisition Panel
This volunteer Panel will provide an agile and efficient decision-making process, positioning Townsville as a leader in the events industry.
The MEAP is comprised of accomplished professionals from diverse fields who bring extensive expertise to the table:
- Jamie Fitzpatrick - Chair: With over 23 years of hospitality experience, Jamie is an industry leader, known for excelling in high-demand managerial roles and as an owner-operator. Jamie also serves on the board of TEL.
- Jacqueline Cowell: A dynamic and results-focused executive, Jacqueline has more than two decades of success in managing arts, cultural, sport, and recreation programs. Jacqueline is currently the General Manager of Community and Lifestyle at Townsville City Council.
- Claudia Brumme-Smith: CEO of Townsville Enterprise, Claudia drives the organisation’s mission to secure Townsville North Queensland’s economic future and position the region as a premier destination.
- Bridget Hart: An executive director with expertise in creating impactful human experiences through partnerships, relationships, and communication.
- Jess Keir: A commercial litigation and employment lawyer at KSW Lawyers, Jess brings legal insight and expertise to the Panel.
