Club Macleay was packed for the first ever Dragon's Den style tourism event staged on the islands.
The concept of Redland City Council development officer Frank Pearce, some of the best brains in the tourism industry were on hand to hand out ideas and advice.
And the general consensus was that they Dragon's Den panel was the most talented group of advisers to come to the islands.
They included Garry Hargrave (Redland Chamber of Commerce), James McNamara (owner of Impact Factory), Daniel Gschwind (CEO Qld Tourism Industry Council), Ann-Maree Moon (Director Leisure Tourism Brisbane Marketing) and David Morgans (Director Destination and Market Design Tourism and Events Qld).
The event was attended by island business people, organisation representatives, tourism industry operators, island supporters as well as Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams and Division 5 representative, Cr Mark Edwards.
Five concepts were put to the panel.
These were:
1. Russell Island Cultural Centre
2. Macleay Island Classic - Tingira Boat Club
3. Trails and pathways - Bay Islands Conservation group
4. Island Art festival - Brock Gerrand
5. Destination SMBI - Col McInnes, Tourism Group
At the end of the night a vote was taken of all who attended and the Macleay Island Classic presented by the Tingira Boat Club, was adjudged the concept with the most potential.