Margaret River Gourmet Escape 2013 - 2018
O.C.D was engaged by IMG to lead operations for Margaret River Gourmet Escape, one of the world’s premier culinary festivals. Spanning over 50 events in one weekend, we managed complex site builds across remote beaches, forests, and Australia’s longest jetty. As Head of Operations, we handled everything from venue design and supplier procurement to liquor licensing and stakeholder engagement. With international acclaim and year-on-year growth, Gourmet Escape continues to raise the bar for destination food festivals. A world-class event in some of Western Australia’s most stunning locations.
The Project
Originating from a collaboration between Brand Events and Tourism WA, the Margaret River Gourmet Escape was initially established as a pivotal global food event aimed at boosting tourism in Western Australia and the Margaret River region. Currently under the management of IMG / WME Endeavour, O.C.D was engaged to deliver operational management and consultancy for crucial outdoor event sites integral to a comprehensive 50-event weekend calendar.
The Service
In the role of Head of Operations, we collaborated with our client to identify and cultivate new venues, oversee various event sites, and manage local operations. O.C.D assumed a pivotal role in on-site operations, handling the procurement of local suppliers, managing liquor licensing, engaging with stakeholders, designing sites, creating feature renders, and ensuring overall site management. Our endeavors often involved navigating extreme challenges, with build sites ranging from secluded beaches and forests to the Southern Hemisphere's longest jetty..
The Result
Gourmet Escape stands as a renowned and thriving international event, acknowledged as a premier culinary gathering globally, with consistent year-over-year growth. As an award-winning showcase, it remains committed to continuous development, exemplifying what can be accomplished when organizers, government support, and talented individuals collaborate to deliver extraordinary events in remarkable locations. Explore more at gourmetescape.com.au.