Large-Scale Sporting Event Delivery for the Gold Coast Flathead Classic
How Lacey Events supported the delivery of one of Australia’s most iconic catch-and-release fishing tournaments.
607 Anglers | 247 Teams | 4-Day Event | 50+ Sponsors
A Legacy Event Delivered With Precision
The Gold Coast Flathead Classic is one of Australia’s longest-running catch-and-release fishing tournaments, bringing together anglers, sponsors, families, and the wider fishing community.
In 2025, Lacey Events worked alongside the Gold Coast Sportfishing Club to support the planning, logistics, and on-ground delivery of the event at the Northern Pavilion in Southport.
The Challenge
Delivering a multi-day sporting event of this size required careful planning, strong communication, and the ability to manage many moving parts at once.
Key requirements included managing large team registrations, coordinating sponsor activations, improving event flow, supporting nightly presentations, and creating a smooth experience for participants and spectators.
What Lacey Events Delivered
Event Logistics
Managed the event layout, site flow, daily resets, hire equipment, security coordination, and waste management.
Sponsor Coordination
Liaised with sponsors around activation needs, display requirements, and on-ground presence.
Stage Management
Supported nightly presentations, prize coordination, trophies, raffles, and stage flow.
Competitor Experience
Managed competitor bag assembly and distribution, prize sorting, and participant-facing logistics.
Operational Oversight
Supported budget oversight, run sheets, site coordination, and real-time problem solving across the event precinct.
A More Connected Event Hub
For 2025, the event footprint was intentionally redesigned to create a more intimate and engaging atmosphere.
The layout improved visibility, accessibility, crowd movement, and sponsor interaction by bringing key event areas closer together and placing sponsor stalls within the main precinct.
The Results
607
Anglers participated
247
Total teams entered
193
Paid teams registered
50+
Sponsors involved
4
Days of event delivery
Stakeholder Feedback
“The smoothest year to date.”
“The best execution from an event perspective ever.”
“Really well run — presentations and on-stage moments went really smoothly.”
What Was Achieved
A more streamlined and professional event delivery
Improved sponsor and attendee flow
Stronger event hub engagement
More efficient stage and prize management
Positive feedback from sponsors, anglers, and stakeholders
A clear foundation for future event improvements
Opportunities for Future Growth
The post-event review identified several opportunities to further strengthen the event, including earlier sponsor communication, improved digital reporting, stronger pre-event marketing timelines, refined site connectivity, and clearer run sheet processes.
This review process gives the event a strong foundation for continued growth and improvement.
A Successful First-Year Delivery
The 2025 Flathead Classic marked Lacey Events’ first year leading delivery of this major sporting event. Through strong collaboration, practical planning, and hands-on event management, the team helped deliver a successful event that was well received by participants, sponsors, and stakeholders.
Planning a Large-Scale Sporting Event?
From logistics and site planning to sponsor coordination and on-ground delivery, Lacey Events brings the experience and structure needed to help your event run smoothly.
Image Credit: Photography by Gerry Nichols, Official Event Photographer – Gold Coast Flathead Classic 2025.
