FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gold Coast Innovation Hub Presents: Production + Pints with Wētā FX Veteran Dave Gougé
Gold Coast, QLD – On the evening of Thursday, 18 September, the Gold Coast Innovation Hub will host a one-night-only event that promises to shine a spotlight on the region’s growing intersection between creativity and technology. In a special edition of its beloved Pitch & Pints series, the Hub is rebranding the evening as Production + Pints, headlined by an intimate fireside chat with Dave Gougé, a global veteran of the visual effects industry.
Gougé, best known for his 13-year tenure at the Oscar-winning studio Wētā FX, largely as Head of Marketing & Publicity, will take the stage to share stories from behind the scenes of some of Hollywood’s biggest productions. From his early work with software giant Autodesk to helping guide Wētā FX through exponential growth and its $USD1.625 billion acquisition by Unity Technologies, Gougé’s insights span the cutting edge of film, tech, and global storytelling.
The event will be held at Palm Beach Currumbin Sports Club, and is expected to attract filmmakers, digital creatives, tech professionals, and students alike.
“Hosting someone of Dave’s calibre in a relaxed, accessible setting is a real coup for the Gold Coast,” said Josh Smith, of the Gold Coast Innovation Hub. “This event celebrates not just storytelling on screen, but also the story of innovation and how regional communities can lead on a global stage.”
Production + Pints aligns with the Hub’s broader efforts to nurture innovative and creative industries and to build meaningful bridges between education, technology, and industry.
Guests can expect a vibrant evening of conversation and connection with peers who are shaping the next chapter of Australia’s screen and creative sectors.
Event Details:
🗓 Thursday, 18 September 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Palm Beach Currumbin Sports Club
🎤 Fireside chat with Dave Gougé
🎟 Attendance is free for GC Hub members, $29 for guests – registration essential
🔗 Register at gchub.com.au
Media Contact:
Josh Smith
Program Coordinator
Gold Coast Innovation Hub
📞 0407 598 473
✉️ josh@gchub.com.au
