Industry Partner Information
The Curated Plate 2024
Following the incredible success of The Curated Plate in 2023, we are delighted to open applications on Monday 29 January for those wishing be a part of the 2024 The Curated Plate program. Last year’s event dished up 116 events over the ten-day period and 2024 is set to be even bigger and better!
The Sunshine Coast Council (SCC), along with Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN) and Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) are proud to promote our delicious regional produce, providing awareness that will encourage consumers to seek out and purchase our products and to showcase the many food tourism offerings our region has to offer.
Applications for The Curated Plate 2024 have now closed.
We are excited to create a diverse culinary program where our top talent and local produce converge in a range of locations across the region, offering guests the chance to sample all that the Sunshine Coast has to offer, and enjoy one-off event experiences not readily available at any other time of year.
Successful Applicants will be advised in early March.
For general inquiries, further information or to discuss events/ideas please contact Program Manager, Zoë Sparks at email: thecuratedplate@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Information For Applicants
The Curated Plate is a local industry-driven program, owned by Sunshine Coast Council and supported by the Food and Agribusiness Network, which will showcase the region’s best chefs, producers, restaurateurs, cafes, tourism experiences and more. We are also pleased to announce significant support from Tourism and Events Queensland for the 2024 event – helping us to continue to build the size and reputation of the Curated Plate.
It is the perfect platform to show foodies and event lovers what you are made of, with a broad 10-day program offering a wide range of dining deals and experiences for locals and visitors to enjoy, and to support the industry at accessible price points for all.
There is no fee to participate – Industry Partners are responsible for all costs associated with running the event, but retain all revenue. All Industry Partners will also be responsible for the promotion, ticket sales and management of their event/offer.
The program will also include Brunches and Lunches Series: This series is designed to allow restaurants, cafés and caterers the opportunity to participate in The Curated Plate in 2024 as part of a simple and streamlined program, which doesn’t require a completely new event concept or idea. Simply come up with a locally-inspired menu that allows you to be marketed along with a tasty variety of other offerings throughout the festival.
There are many ways in which local businesses and groups can participate - independently or collaborating with others - by developing special menus, deals, tours or activities across the 10-day Event. Businesses can nominate to participate once or on multiple dates depending on capacity, and are ultimately responsible for the success of their own event. Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
We can't wait to have you with us on the Sunshine Coast this winter!
Key Dates
- Applications Open: Monday 29th January 2024
- Applications Close: Thursday 29th February 2024
- Acceptance Advised: Early March 2024 and ticketing process provided
- Ticketing: Listing on Humantix platform must be completed by Thursday 7th March 2024
- Website Image & Copy Deadline: Thursday 7th March 2024
- Industry Partner Workshop – 20th March 2024
- Program Launch – April - Date to be announced
- Event Dates: 26 July - 4 August 2024
- Post-Event Reports Due: 11 August 2024
Ticketing for 2024
All Industry Partners are to use Humantix as their ticketing platform. The Curated Plate team will provide ticketing guidance and support to successful applicants.
Ticketing will be set up in early March 2024.
Benefits & Support
Participating in The Curated Plate includes the following benefits and support:
- The Curated Plate is FREE for business to participate and you will retain all ticketing and other event related revenue
- Collaboration opportunities with other businesses in the region including local producers, restaurants, cafes and tourism operators.
- Dedicated, local Project Manager – Council have engaged with FAN and appointed Zoe Sparks as the local Project Manager for The Curated Plate.
- A workshop will be held to assist with the marketing of your event.
- Promotion through a broad marketing campaign, as well as PR and communication activities for the entire event.
- Inclusion on The Curated Plate website, in The Curated Plate e-newsletters and social media channels
- A digital Event Toolkit, including a suite of marketing assets that participants can use to promote their own events.
- Receive regular EDM communications with updates and information on the program, or workshops and information sessions to help prepare for the event.
- Facebook community group for Industry Partners to connect and collaborate with one another
What do Curated Plate Events need to do?
The terms and conditions for participation in the Curated Plate outline all requirements of events throughout their involvement in the festival. These include:
- Informing The Curated Plate team as soon as possible on any changes to their festival events
- Utilise the festival ticketing system Humantix for all festival ticket sales, allowing SCC to access available data on ticket sales, and ticket purchase locations
- Use the festival prepared feedback system to gain insight from customers on each event (all data shared between SCC and event owner, but kept confidential)
- Use local (SC Based) producers, staff and suppliers as much as possible, and maintain a list of businesses engaged
- Provide The Curated Plate with a post event brief report
- Enjoy The Curated Plate, and help us tell the story of our fabulous region!
Eligibility
Applicants wishing to participate in The Curated Plate 2024 must meet the following criteria:
- All applicants must have a food and/or beverage component as part of the proposed event or activity; if it is a food/beverage offering, it must feature local produce from within the Sunshine Coast LGA.
- The event/offering must be available during the event period, 26 July – 4 August and take place within the Sunshine Coast LGA.
- All applicants must be a legally operating businesses or group, based within the Sunshine Coast LGA; OR be a legally operating business or group willing to operate an event/activity within the Sunshine Coast LGA throughout the event period.
- Applicants are responsible for the promotion, ticket sales and management of their own event/offer - and ultimately for its success.
- Applicants agree to all Terms & Conditions.
We want to provide a diverse and exciting program for locals and all those that come to visit the region. Applications will be assessed by a panel of industry experts on a case-by-case basis to determine the suitability of all products and experiences, and to ensure there is a wide range and balanced representation of the region across the 10-day program.
Acceptance into the program is not guaranteed, however event organisers will endeavour to work with all interested parties to provide opportunities to be involved; If necessary, we will work with you on the timing of your event to maximise attendance and give everyone the best chance at success as part of the program.
Further Assistance
If you're an Industry Partner and require further information, please contact The Curated Plate Project Manager, Zoe Sparks: thecuratedplate@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Application Process
Applications for The Curated Plate 2024 have now closed.
Successful Applicants will be advised in early March.
More information including tips on adding events can be found on this FAQ page.
Partner FAQs
Questions about the process and can be found on our Partner FAQ page.
Pre Expression of Interest FAQs
How can I be involved in The Curated Plate? What are some ideas to get me started?!
There are many ways in which local businesses and producers can participate, including independently hosting their own events, collaborating with others, or developing special menus, tours or activities. Remember – all events do have to have a local food and/or drink focus.
We encourage businesses to get involved and showcase their experiences to motivate people to travel to the region, or allow locals to discover a new side of their favourite Sunshine Coast venues and products. This might be a dinner, a tasting, a class, food/health and wellness education, trail or tour… the only limit is your imagination! But there must be a food-related focus.
Below are some examples of event ideas:
- Restaurants, farms and venues can invite guest chefs and/or create one-off menus showcasing the best local seasonal produce;
- Meet the makers/producers lunches and dinners – sharing product knowledge and stories of their culinary journey
- High-Teas, brunches, long lunches, gourmet BBQ feasts, tapas banquets, tasting tables or picnics
- Farm-gate events/tours – share your food stories and farming practices, which may include a hands-on component (eg. Berry picking)
- Hands-on cooking classes showcasing local and seasonal produce
- Workshops or seminars with a food or health related theme
- Brewery/Craft Beer/Distillery Tastings or workshops – e.g. share the art of crafting great beer or cocktail masterclass.
- Tours & Trails - Cheese & Wine, Coffee Roasters, Breweries etc.
- Indigenous tourism and bush tucker experiences
- Special events at your venue ie: live music, art classes etc, incorporating a local food or beverage element into an activity.
- Health and wellbeing activities – eg. Incorporating a yoga class, run or cycle, as well as a food or beverage element pre or post the activity.
- Catering and delivery services.
If you are planning an event, consider that people enjoy events that are experiential - they want to learn, eat, drink, watch and make. And remember, we are planning a program offering a broad range of offers and experiences across all price-points for locals, intrastate and interstate travellers to enjoy – so variety will be key!
If I don’t think that I can put together a dining experience or custom designed menu, how can I get involved?
The program will also include Brunches and Lunches Series: This series is designed to allow restaurants, cafés and caterers the opportunity to participate in The Curated Plate in 2024 as part of a simple and streamlined program, which doesn’t require a completely new event concept or idea. Simply come up with a locally-inspired menu that allows you to be marketed along with a tasty variety of other offerings throughout the festival.
There are many ways in which local businesses and groups can participate - independently or collaborating with others - by developing special menus, deals, tours or activities across the 10-day Event. Businesses can nominate to participate once or on multiple dates depending on capacity, and are ultimately responsible for the success of their own event. Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Note: If you are participating in the Brunches and Lunches Series series, we do also need you to keep a record of how many special ‘Curated Plate’ meals you served over the 10-day period. This is a mandatory requirement of entry.
Why should my restaurant or café participate in the Brunches and Lunches Series?
This series will encourage locals and visitors to experience and support your restaurant or cafe throughout The Curated Plate, and you will benefit from the targeted media planned (e.g. to corporates and locals). It also provides a great opportunity for businesses to engage with your existing audiences on social media etc, as well as growing your following.
I am a chef or business wishing to take part in the program, but I don’t live/operate in the Sunshine Coast LGA – how can I get involved?
The full program for The Curated Plate will take place in the Sunshine Coast LGA. If, for example, you are a chef, event manager, food author, etc from another area wishing to take part, you must be able to collaborate with a local venue to propose an event or experience that will take place within the Sunshine Coast region. Please contact Zoë to discuss your concept further.
Can I run my event more than once or a few different events at my venue during the 10-day festival period?
Yes. Businesses can nominate to participate once or on multiple dates depending on capacity and can also host different events over the 10-day period. A separate application will need to be submitted for each different event. Eg. If you are hosting the same event on multiple dates, please only submit one application. However, if you are offering several different events, please submit each application separately.
My event is free – can I still participate?
Yes!, however you must make this clear on your event listing on the website. You will also still be required to set up ticketing via Humantix so your event can feature in the program online, and you will still be required to provide the festival with information about your audience and number of attendees. If you have a prevision of tickets for 'walk in', you will be able to collect your attendee information via displaying a QR Code at the entrance to your venue to assist with post-event analysis and future planning.
What kind of marketing support will I receive as an Industry Partner?
All events will be listed on the website, and be included in the overall campaign to promote food tourism in the Sunshine Coast region. The event will be actively promoted via multiple channels including print, digital and radio, as well as PR opportunities. It is also a condition of participation that Industry Partners promote their own events via owned channels as a minimum, with participation in the program presenting a great opportunity to engage with and grow audiences both locally and outside of the Sunshine Coast region.
Can I run a competition to help generate awareness of my business and its involvement in The Curated Plate, eg. to win tickets to my event?
Yes, you are welcome to promote your event by offering incentive opportunities such as the chance to win tickets. This allows you to grow your database or following, and generate awareness and excitement around your event and The Curated Plate as a whole. Note that the cost of ‘free’ tickets or prizes is your responsibility to cover, and should be considered in your overall event budget. Please ensure that you have the appropriate terms and conditions in place for any promotions.
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