Premium Content Subscriber only Mackay has won the hosting rights for a flagship economic development conference attracting more than 200 professionals from across Australia. Economic Development Australia chief executive officer Jacqueline Brinkman was in Mackay recently in preparation for the three-day October event. Ms Brinkman, who helped make Cairns a superyacht hotspot, said the National Economic Development Conference would focus on "regional transformation and evolution of the circular economy". Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said he was "exceptionally excited" for the event which could finally unlock the region's biofuture potential. Economic Development Australia chief executive officer Jacqueline Brinkman with Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, speaking about the upcoming National Economic Development Conference to be held in Mackay. Picture: Heidi Petith