Big Corporates Know When To Support An Event

It always amazes me that from the corridors of a big corporation that consistently moves with the times, that they in fact always know what to support and what not to. Does the CEO talk to other CEO's to see what they are doing, or are the marketing departments so switched on that they just don't miss a beat?

Today, I noticed that the millionaire’s factory, Macquarie Bank has secured the high profile Carbon Market Expo Australasia event on the Gold Coast as a major sponsor alongside international law firm, Baker and McKenzie.

How pertinent! In this current economic environment, when every paper I pick up has a story on carbon trading, greenscaping, green companies, carbon footprints and alike, that a major investment bank that has always been known for being ahead of the curve is lending its support and corporate sponsorship to the headline event for the industry in 2009. I bet there were quite a few banks queuing for the top billing because even when people are cutting expenditure in other areas, this area hasn't hurt a bit.

Unlike many other events, carbon trading events such as Carbon Market Expo Australasia, keeps going from strength to strength and who's who of carbon trading and all the services that surround this billion dollar business are flocking to the Gold Coast in droves.

The people to expect are everyone from carbon asset investors and managers to businesses with corporate or product emissions reduction strategies who need to know what is happening, when it’s happening and how.

There will be Government at all levels participating and I am sure sponsoring this high profile event, businesses in manufacturing and retailing low carbon emission technologies, carbon offset project managers, wholesalers and retailers, carbon accountants, auditors and of course research and education institutions - they will all be there to hear everything there is to know about carbon market trading.

Who would have thought ten years ago that so many businesses would build their new business strategies around their carbon footprint?

I am keen to attend as the whispers are already going crazy on some big Government announcements that are expected to be leaked at the event - and of course, to see who else is out there.

The best business is the networking at events such as this. Where else can you network with the Top 500 companies at one event?
http://www.carbonexpo.com.au/
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http://www.infoactiv.com.au/

Gold Coast Technology Industry

In my early to mid thirties, I lived on the Gold Coast and as I was in Marketing in the technology sector, became heavily involved. When I talk involved, I mean involved.

I ran the IT Awards, was the Secretariat for all IT Industry Associations Board that talked directly to government on industry based issues, spoke at universities and schools on careers in IT, and founded industry group e-Women and so on.

Deeply entrenched in the IT industry, I could see no other sector that particularly tickled my fancy.

Now, years later, I am back here and whilst I have been working in other industries, it still remains dear to my heart.

I have gone on the IT Gold Coast Committee as Treasurer and I represent the association on the combined industries board. I am passionate about the buzz that surrounded the industry here 10 years ago that has diminished. I believe that it could be the epicentre of the Australian IT industry.

When companies want to expand to Australia, why not choose the Gold Coast. It’s beautiful - beaches, people, homes, lifestyle. It really doesn't get much better. I feel blessed everyday I wake up to the water views I have from my home and the spectacular weather. At 5am in the morning, I hop on my computer, check my emails, have a coffee and peer over what I believe is one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen.

If companies are worried about there not being enough people here in the IT sector - don't be alarmed. There are solutions. I know recruitment companies sitting in South Africa, America and the UK that have an abundance of people dying to live in Australia - and IT isn't like marketing, you don't need to know the market or be connected.

I challenge Google or Microsoft to go against the norm and set up their offices here, where the sun shines, the waves splash against the shores and the people are so friendly.

Oh, and I almost forgot. The government is helpful. They go out of their way to attract businesses to the area. The Gold Coast City Council Economic Development Unit is accessible and they have a can-do approach.

I couldn't be happier. I have a digital marketing company located here on the Gold Coast and it is going great guns. Why? Because everyday, people love to come to work in the best city in Australia.

http://www.marketingeye.com.au