It’s Show time: New manager hopes for big crowds, stronger ties with local producers

The new General Manager of the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show, Mark Paddenburg, says he’s diving in at the deep end — and loving it — as preparations ramp up for this year’s event at Nambour Showgrounds from June 13-15.

Speaking at the Nambour Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catchup on Thursday June 5, Mr Paddenburg said ticket sales had been strong and he hoped total sales would surpass last year’s 35,000 and could even break the 40,000-plus record attendance. 

He said the show’s transition to digital ticketing for the first time was already yielding valuable data. “Ticket sales are really good,” he said. “And this year for the first time, we’ve got a digital online sales platform so we can see exactly where the ticket sales are coming from, their age groups, and more. And that’s giving us a lot of good data to work on.”

The former Innovation Centre CEO said the show would continue to champion regional producers and build deeper relationships with local businesses and farmers.

“We want to support that program and help make our show bigger and better by engaging with more local producers so that they can profile and promote their produce,” he said, referencing the support from Ros White from White’s IGA and their Local Providores initiative.

“Buying local, promoting local products  –   that’s very much a driver for us at the Show. Products that are grown local, produced local, supporting the local community and adding value every step along the way.”

Mr Paddenburg said he was motivated by both personal experience and broader social trends.

“I think there’s too many of our kids and families online on the weekends and too much of a digital focus,” he said. “We need to get out there and connect with our community and the show’s a great way to do that.”

Mark Paddenburg wants to showcase even more local producers at the Sunshine Coast Show.