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Special event forum

About 40 people attended the Master Class on Special Event Planning was at The Arts Centre Gold Coast this week

By Amie Hickland | November 15, 2013

The public transport industry was enlightened by experiences shared in special event planning at a Queensland forum this week, as preparations for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games are underway.

The Master Class on Special Event Planning was held by at The Arts Centre Gold Coast yesterday, by UITP in conjunction with UITPANZ in November.

UITP Australia New Zealand Executive Director Rob Pearce welcomed the group of about 40 people to the forum which included operators, government officials, police and international experts.

“It’s great to see a broad range of people here today,” he says.

“We’re here to share best practice both internationally and locally in special event planning and delivery.”

The day kicked off with international experts Professor of Public Transport Graham Currie, of Monash University, and Auckland Transport Manager Special Events John Strawbridge.

Currie shared his experience working on various Olympic Games while Strawbridge explained some of the challenges faced while planning for the recent Rugby World Cup.

Both gave some advice to those who are working in preparation for the Commonwealth Games.

“You manage expectations and be honest to the public about what’s going to happen,” says Currie.

“You’re going to remember it for the rest of your lives. It’s not often you get to work on something so amazing.”

Strawbridge says transport is the “core” of any special event.

“I think logistics are incredibly important and shouldn’t be forgotten,” he says.

“Set some targets – things that you want to achieve for your particular event and stick to them.”

Other topics spoken managing ticketing for special events and working with other authorities such as police, health professionals and media.

The day ended with an interactive forum in which participants were asked to explain and discuss the key themes of the day.

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