Spotlight: Gold Coast
The Circle's Spotlight Series | Regional Insights, Leadership Impact
Dates: Wednesday 18 March - Friday 20 March 2026
Led by: Sarah Zeljko
We are honoured that Sarah Zeljko will lead Spotlight: Gold Coast 2026. Sarah is an accomplished Non-Executive Director and Chair with extensive experience across ASX-listed, government, private, and not-for-profit organisations. She is recognised for her expertise in governance, infrastructure, energy, and culture, and is widely regarded as a trusted advisor to boards and executive teams navigating complex transformation.
As Executive Tour Leader for Spotlight: Gold Coast, Sarah will help shape the delegation’s journey, bringing her deep knowledge of Queensland’s business and community landscape, her passion for innovation and inclusion, and her unique ability to connect leaders across sectors. Her leadership will ensure the program not only highlights the Gold Coast’s transformation but also inspires delegates to reflect on their own leadership impact and opportunities for collaboration.
Hear more from Sarah about why now is the moment to shine a spotlight on the Gold Coast: Spotlight Gold Coast Video
Opportunities for Business Leaders - An Introduction
For over 34 years, the Trans – Tasman Business Circle has convened senior leaders through transformative Study Tours and executive immersions. The 2026 Spotlight Series builds on this legacy, providing a new national platform to showcase Australia’s centres of excellence in innovation, infrastructure, and industry.
Structured as a 2-night, 3-day executive immersion, the Spotlight Series has been created for those who value depth, efficiency, and access. It brings participants directly into the rooms where decisions are made, the labs where breakthroughs are happening, and the precincts where the future is being built. By shining a light on regions at pivotal moments of transformation, the Spotlight Series equips leaders with the insights, context, and trusted peer connections needed to engage more strategically with national opportunities.
Why the Gold Coast, Why Now?
With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, the Gold Coast is in the midst of a defining transformation. Long recognised for its lifestyle and tourism, the region is now establishing itself as a hub of innovation, advanced capability, and global ambition. From space and aerospace to cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, digital health, and the creative industries, the Gold Coast is emerging as one of Australia’s most diverse and forward-facing economies.
As both a gateway city and a key pillar of Australia’s Olympic legacy, the Gold Coast offers a compelling case study in how regional transformation can contribute to national competitiveness. For leaders, it presents not only a vision of civic renewal but also a tangible platform for investment, collaboration, and cross-sector leadership.
About the Experience
Spotlight: Gold Coast is a 2-night, 3-day executive immersion based at the Gold Coast, Queensland. This program has been designed to give senior leaders from Australia and New Zealand a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on the people, projects, and partnerships shaping the Gold Coast’s future. Delegates will engage with innovators and investors, explore the city’s defining infrastructure and industry precincts, and connect with peers in high-trust settings that foster collaboration and insight.
Who Should Attend?
The program has been created for those at the forefront of decision-making; C-Suite executives and board members, senior government officials, investors, developers, and infrastructure partners, as well as leaders in health, education, and the creative sectors. It will particularly appeal to those seeking a deeper understanding of how regional centres of excellence are reshaping Australia’s economic and strategic landscape, and how these shifts can be harnessed to drive growth and leadership impact.
Key Takeaways
Delegates will leave with a refreshed perspective on leadership and place. The Gold Coast will be presented not simply as a lifestyle city, but as a living laboratory of innovation, resilience, and global ambition. Through access to senior leaders, behind-the-scenes visits, and conversations in curated settings, participants will gain insights into sectors as diverse as space, cybersecurity, health, screen, and advanced manufacturing. Just as importantly, they will return with new networks, trusted relationships, and a shared sense of how regional transformation informs Australia’s national competitiveness.
Investment
$6,500 plus GST*
Includes all ground costs: premium accommodation at The Star Gold Coast, curated site visits, program coordination, meals, and transfers.
*Airfares are not included.
Next Steps
Places are strictly limited to ensure intimacy and access.
To register your interest in participating or nominate a delegate, please contact tracy.jennings@buscircle.com or click here to register directly
