RACQ has secured a partnership with the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, becoming its principal hospitality partner starting in February.
The collaboration aims to enhance member benefits while providing insight into broader trends affecting Australia’s live events industry.
The agreement offers RACQ members access to exclusive areas within the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, including the RACQ Members Lounge, Deck, and VIP Members Suite. In addition, RACQ plans to distribute over 1,200 tickets to concerts, sports, and other events next year.
A notable highlight is the “Golden Key” promotion, which will award one member two tickets to 10 high-profile events in 2025.
Tim Cochrane, RACQ’s general manager of marketing, membership, and digital, described the partnership as an opportunity to strengthen the value provided to members.
“We want our members to feel like the VIPs they are, and this partnership allows us to go beyond our usual benefits to offer experiences they’ll treasure for years to come,” he said.
Members will need to present their physical or digital membership cards to access premium areas at the venue and can enter ticket competitions through RACQ’s website and social channels.
Brisbane Entertainment Centre general manager Trish McNamara noted the partnership reflects shared goals in delivering memorable experiences.
“Partnering with such an iconic Queensland organisation like RACQ allows us to create extraordinary experiences for their members while deepening our ties to the community,” she said.
ASM Global (APAC) chairman and CEO Harvey Lister AM added that 2025 is expected to be a strong year for live events at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre following a record-breaking 2024.
“2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for touring and will likely surpass all previous records,” he said.
While the RACQ partnership highlights opportunities in the entertainment sector, Australia’s live music and festival industry continues to confront rising financial pressures.
Last year, a senate inquiry into the national cultural policy heard testimony on escalating insurance premiums and increased operational expenses that have disrupted festival planning nationwide.
Adelle Robinson of the Australian Festival Association (AFA) told the committee that some festivals have experienced tenfold increases in insurance costs, while operational expenses have risen by 40%. Since 2022, more than 25 music festivals have been cancelled, including the 2024 edition of Splendour in the Grass.
