CITY LEADERS PLAN TO HARNESS COMMONWEALTH GAMES MOMENTUM

HARNESSING the economic momentum generated by the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will be vital to ensuring its legacy.

With that in mind, the second annual City Leaders Forum, hosted by Young Professionals Gold Coast, will bring together the business leaders who will play an instrumental role in making this happen.

Panelists will debate the projects necessary to keep the momentum going after the event.

Mark Peters, CEO of Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (pictured) will share insights to how the Games presents "a decade worth of opportunity for the city".

Bob East, CEO of Mantra Group and Marion Charlton, COO of Gold Coast Airport have also joined the speaking panel, representing two 'front line' companies that will play a major role in the visitor experience during the Games.

Professor Ian O'Connor, Vice Chancellor and President of Griffith University and Peta Fielding, Director of Burleigh Brewing Company will round out the panel of industry experts.

YP Gold Coast President Sean Braybrook says the City Leaders Forum sought to promote healthy and positive debate around key economic opportunities for the city.

"We've assembled what we consider to be a group of experts in their respective fields," says Braybrook.

"These are people who will play an instrumental role in the success of the Games and who can share valuable insights to maximise opportunities presented by the event and how we leverage the city's international exposure in this time.

"But this is about outcomes as much as it is about discussion.

"We are looking to establish policy outline from the forum which will guide our advocacy going forward."

Braybrook says the core aim of the City Leaders Forum is to unite the Gold Coast's established business community with up-and-coming city leaders.

"We want to create a multi-generational voice for positive change," he says.

Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton said the forum was an excellent platform for business leaders to share experiences and impart knowledge to the people who will lead the city in the future.  

"But more importantly it's an opportunity for young professionals to play a role in shaping the city," she said.

"Working together is so important as generations we need to combine our efforts, and this is a fantastic platform for that."

The City Leaders Forum will be held on Friday, November 11 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.