Australasia’s largest independent real estate network, First National Real Estate, announced this week that it will host its 2016 National Convention at the Hilton Cairns next May. The event is anticipated to attract over 400 estate agents and will contribute more than a million dollars to the Cairns and Far North Queensland economy.
 
Speaking on behalf of the network’s local offices, principal of First National Cairns Central, David Forrest, emphasised the importance that First National Real Estate places upon arranging key components of its conference so that as many tourism operators and local businesses receive as large a benefit as possible.
 
‘While the focus of our National Conventions is always on professional development, there are quite a number of separate VIP, fundraising and awards events around the convention that will be held in different locations’ said Mr Forrest.
 
‘Plus many of our members also extend their stay afterwards, taking the opportunity to explore the region in which we base our convention. This means car hire companies; hotels, restaurants, retailers and a large list of tourism attractions will be the recipients of a boost to business.’
 
The network has just completed its 2015 National Convention in Queenstown, New Zealand, where it celebrated its 30th anniversary. Founded in regional Victoria 33 years ago, New Zealand was the first area of major international expansion for the cooperative and today, First National Real Estate has grown to over 400 offices, nearly 80 of which are distributed throughout Queensland.
 
‘One of the factors that influenced First National to choose Cairns for next year’s convention was the impending release of vital projects such as Nova Cairns, Aquis and now C3. These developments were seen as important enterprises in Cairns and First National’s Executive determined that it’s presence may boost confidence and employment prospects locally’ said Mr Forrest.
 
‘We’re very proud of the opportunity this presents for Cairns and are very excited about working with the planning committee over the next eleven months to showcase the best that Cairns has to offer.’
 
Issued by: First National Real Estate 
For further information contact:
 
Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate
0413 624 317 or 1800 032 332
 
or
 
David Forrest, principal of First National Real Estate Cairns Central
0418897640 or 4046 9300