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Cowes Attracts Major Conference

The Continental at Cowes has secured the 2005 National Potato Grower’s Conference for Phillip Island from 19-21 September 2005.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 9th September 2005 - Back to News

An expected 350 delegates from around Australia will attend the Conference, with total numbers associated with the event expected to exceed 450 with accompanying partners and family.

Bass Coast Shire Council has been working closely with the Continental to attract conferences and conventions to the Shire.

Council is currently compiling a database of venues and facilities to develop a web page to promote the Shire’s venues to the lucrative conference and convention market.

Council’s Economic Development Manager, Stephanie Symes, says conferences can provide a significant boost to the local economy with many spin offs for local attractions, eating houses and accommodation providers.

The National Potato Grower’s Conference will commence with a low key Civic Welcome on Sunday evening and will continue until Wednesday evening.

"Coming in the midst of industry uncertainty and strong international competition for its markets the conference sets out to tackle the big issues that have recently threatened Australian grower’s livelihoods.

"It’s clear and conspicuous aim is to alert growers to the competitive issues the industry faces, show how changes can be made, if necessary, and work to build strategic plans to cement future market share for fresh and processing sectors," said Ms Symes.

The Conference will launch two exciting new programs to ensure grower competitiveness into the future:

• The Potato Processing Research and Development program that draws on the best of cooperative Australian and international research to produce superior processing potatoes.
• A comprehensive market survey of consumer preferences and buying behaviour to inform the industry of future trends.

For further information on how Council’s Economic Development team can assist your business or industry phone (03) 5951 3311 or (03) 5671 3311.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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