Event Wrap-Up: Annual ‘Around the Table’ Development Forum – 2 May 2025

WORDS: Brian Usher PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Usher - www.usherusher.com 0412 910 857

On Friday, 2nd May, the Gold Coast’s most influential property and development leaders gathered for the highly anticipated Annual ‘Around the Table’ Development Forum, presented by Ocean Road Magazine in collaboration with Media Hunt.

This year’s forum was hosted in the stunning surrounds of the Videre Restaurant and Bar on the 21st floor of RACV Royal Pines Resort, offering panoramic views of the coastline and hinterland – the perfect backdrop for a high-level discussion on the region’s evolving property landscape.

We extend our sincere thanks to our Major Sponsor, RACV Royal Pines, for their outstanding support in delivering this event. Special acknowledgment goes to General Manager Martin Zumstein, Director of Marketing Susan Griffiths, Marketing Coordinator Madeline Lambert, and Executive Chef Glenn Bacon, whose professionalism and hospitality ensured a seamless, world-class experience.

The day’s proceedings were expertly coordinated by Steve Hunt CEO of Media Hunt, whose industry knowledge and engaging style helped guide attendees through the forum’s core themes. The event began with a keynote address by Paul Riga, Director at Urbis, who presented their latest Quarterly Gold Coast New Apartment Market Report. His insights into pricing trends, volume shifts, and local versus national performance set the tone for a day of thoughtful analysis and forward-looking discussion.

A highlight of the event was the Property and Development Panel Discussion, moderated by Patrick Hefferan of Urbis. This powerhouse panel included:

• Hon. Will Hodgman, Chair of Invest Gold Coast, who spoke on investment attraction and economic development.
• Cr Mark Hammel, Deputy Mayor of the City of Gold Coast and Chair of Planning, who offered planning insights and local government perspective.
• Daniel Faigen, Director at HIRSCH & FAIGEN, who shared developer insights and addressed emerging trends in the apartment market.
• Kevin Zhang, Sales & Marketing Director at MCRB International, who provided valuable commentary on buyer sentiment, project positioning, and marketing trends.

Together, the panel addressed key issues including housing supply, buyer demand, planning regulations, sustainability, and investor confidence. It was a dynamic conversation that reinforced the Gold Coast’s positioning as a national leader in coastal urban growth.

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended and contributed to the success of the event. Special thanks to:

• Patrick Hefferan & Paul Riga – Urbis
• Rebecca Young – Assistant Minister to the Deputy Premier and for Planning, Housing and Better Regulation
• Alex & Pip Wood – Bastion Group
• Ron Bakir & David McMahon – Homecorp
• James & William Nikiforides – Niecon
• Matt George – Urban Activation
• Robert Badalotti & Jason Paris – Azzura
• Ellie Owen & Sam Monaghan – Sherpa Property Group
• Andrew Irwin – NPA Projects
• Gabrielle Kenworthy & Annie Hourahane – Media Hunt

We also acknowledge those who sent their apologies, including Amir & Soraya Mian of Amir Prestige and Julian Sutherland of Sutherland Group.

With a room full of industry leaders, developers, planners, and investors, this forum once again affirmed its role as a vital platform for connection, insight, and strategic collaboration.

Thank you once again to everyone who participated in this important event. We look forward to continuing the conversation and championing progress across the Gold Coast’s thriving property and development sector. Our full story of discussions will be featured in the Winter 2025 Edition of Ocean Road.

Until next year – stay connected, stay informed, and keep building the future.