GCD Exhibitions – three generations creating informative image for the Commonwealth Games

Former Queensland Premier, now Chairman of Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation, Peter Beattie AC was impressed with set-up and ethos of GCD Exhibitions, a family-owned business operating for close to 40 years at Burleigh Heads.

Mr Beattie toured the GCD manufacturing headquarters and met the three generations involved in the business – Barrie, Craig and now Luke Billett – as well as inspecting their latest commission, an information and resource centre for Volunteers at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

GCD is currently crafting the tailor-made joinery that underpins the massive information centre, which will be located at Burleigh West on the former site of Bunnings, operating from April this year right through Games Time, 4 to 15 April 2018.

As Craig Billett, Managing Director explains, “The display will convey to Volunteers and visitors the Vision of the Commonwealth Games, the Gold Coast’s history and indigenous heritage, as well as maps of the various precincts, with lights showing transport routes to the venues, schedules and events.

“It’s a complex and multi-faceted concept that has to be engaging and instantly convey information to people from all over Australia, coming to the Gold Coast to support our Commonwealth Games.”

GCD specialises in custom-designed and built displays and exhibition stands, furniture hire, portable displays and signage, working with some of the country’s premium companies: Qantas, Cadbury, Arnotts, Joico, Swisse, Canon, Tourism Gold Coast and the Department of Defence.

GCD created much of the fitout throughout Gold Coast Airport, the iconic Gold Coast attraction, Outback Spectacular, and most recently, a Louis Vuitton pop-up store that attracted unprecedented traffic and sales. Events too are another forte, with high demand for VIP lounges.

Key to GCD’s success and longevity, despite the economic highs and lows of the past four decades, is a highly-skilled workforce with the Queensland ‘can do’ attitude and unwavering client focus.

“We have worked with high-profile clients in Geneva, Berlin, London, Turkey, Monaco, Baltimore, Las Vegas, Anaheim, Florida, Kuala Lumpur and New Zealand,” says Craig. “With a significant investment in shell schemes exhibitions, our clients are keen to cut-through, especially in a competitive global marketplace.

“We work closely with the businesses to create unique displays that bring their brand to life and catch the eye and imagination of their customers. Over the years, we have observed that Australian concepts and production methods are equal to or better than anything available worldwide.”

And while the digital space has changed the marketing landscape forever, Craig is adamant exhibitions maintain their relevance as an effective, “living breathing” connection with customers, trade and consumer.

“Exhibitions and trade events are still one of the most effective ways to reach customers, whether that’s consumer or B2B. There’s no better way of giving them a complete sensory experience with your product or service.”

During his visit to GCD, Mr Beattie said he was thrilled to see local manufacturing thriving and pioneering new concepts.

“We represent some of the latest cutting-edge technology and stand options in Australia,” says Craig, referring to the Octanorm® modular shell scheme for which design and layout are only limited by the imagination and the increasingly popular Evolution Dome – ideal for events, VIPs and pop-up retail presence.

“Consumers are attracted to something ‘out of the box’ – with that ‘wow factor’ that every brand is looking for. At GCD, we have the ingenuity and pride in workmanship to really take a concept to the next level.

“We have always gone that extra mile to ensure a top-quality product and smooth project management from start to completion.”

More at: www.gcdex.com.au

To arrange an interview with Craig Billett please email or call me on 0412 230 002.