The Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP), formerly the Regional Development Program (RDP), seeks to leverage the crucial link between events and the destinations in which they are staged, extending the flow on effects of the economic, marketing and social benefits of events throughout metropolitan and regional Queensland. 

Within this context, the aims and objectives of the QDEP are as follows:

• Generate local economic activity and development in the host destination;
• Attract external visitation to the destination;
• Drive social and community outcomes for the host destination, noting the important link between community outcomes and economic benefits; and
• Enhance the profile and appeal of the host destination. 

While each of these objectives are important, it is recognised that each event is unique and therefore the relative importance of these objectives will vary between events. It is an integral part of the program to quantify and measure these outcomes against the QDEP objectives.

The QDEP offers two investment options for regional events. The information on this page refers to the Significant event investment.

• Destination event investment – single year investment for developing events seeking growth ($10,000 - $25,000 per year)
• Significant event investment – single year or up to three years of investment for events that can demonstrate a strong track record of growth or growth potential ($25,000 - $100,000 per year).

An expression of interest form must be submitted at least 10 business days prior to the round closure.

How investment can be used:

• Marketing costs;
• Strategic plan development;
• Engagement of short-term specialised personnel; and
• Hire of temporary infrastructure.

Eligibility criteria:

To be eligible to apply for destination event investment through QDEP, an event must meet the key objectives as stated below.  Please ensure that you are eligible prior to applying through QDEP.  

Significant event funding

In addition to the criteria for destination event investment, events seeking significant event investment must meet the following criteria: 

• Your event is in (at a minimum) its third year;
• Proposed events date fall within the funding round;
• All relevant supporting documents have been provided;
• The event must have received a minimum of one year of destination event support and have met all the requirements as outlined in the contract;
• Investment of no more than 25 per cent of the total event cash expense budget may be applied for;
• The event must provide a recent report showing evidence of the total number of event attendees (including participants and spectators), specifically detailing the breakdown and number of visitors from outside the region; this information must be independently gathered and reported, or independently verified; and
• The event must present a strong opportunity for Queensland and demonstrate extensive recognition outside the region in which it is held in terms of visitation and/or media profile.

Applicants seeking significant event investment are required to submit an expression of interest form. TEQ will contact applicants to discuss their expression of interest and to provide further information on the process for submitting an application for significant event investment.

• Phone: (07) 3535 3535
• Email: events@queensland.com