"I know it's been really tough and the effects will be felt for years to come but I know you are looking ahead and taking what positives you can out of it," Ms Scanlon said.

Ms Scanlon was speaking on Tuesday in Cloncurry at the 2019 DestinationQ Events Conference which had the theme of "how the past shapes our future".

"We've pulled together a world-class group of speakers to provide inspirational and practical advice on the events industry," she said. "We're committed to supporting the tourism industry. We've more than doubled the value of Queensland's events calendar - now worth $800 million to our economy."

Speakers included former Christchurch Mayor Sir Bob Parker, who spoke about how the city recovered from the devastation of the 2011 earthquake and Birdsville Big Red Bash founder Greg Donovan who spoke about how the festival has grown from accidental beginnings in 2013.

Cloncurry Shire Council Mayor Greg Campbell said the community welcomed the event.

"In the Year of Outback Tourism for Queensland, it's fitting that the DestinationQ Events Conference is coming to a genuine outback town," Cr Campbell said. "After what happened in February, it's incredible Cloncurry is in a position to host such a high profile event. I commend the council and community on their efforts and look forward to welcoming more people to Queensland's Friendliest Town."

Ms Scanlon was representing Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones who said more than 140 delegates attended the conference which would give industry representatives a chance to hear from world-leading experts.

"Outback tourism has huge potential for growth," Ms Jones said. "That's why we're bringing the state's most important tourism conference to Cloncurry - so the best in the business can talk about the industry while they spend time in western Queensland."

READ ALSO: Competitor axed from Isa Rodeo

While you are here, subscribe to our weekly email to your inbox at 6am every Friday