CIM March 2014 Issue

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MAR 2014

Kiwis on a roll Sydney looks ahead Brisbane’s moment of destiny

One of a kind Marriott in Australia

FREE 7 COURSE BACCHUS DEGUSTATION FOR YOU AND A FRIEND PLUS CITY LIGHTS ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE WITH YOUR NEXT EVENT* Ideally located in the inner city South Bank cultural precinct, Rydges South Bank has everything you need and more for your next conference.

Our opulent Podium Level is home to the Podium Function Rooms and Bacchus.

The Podium Rooms feature flexible room configurations and state of the art facilities in a refined and elegant environment, while the award winning Bacchus Bar, Restaurant and Pool offers a unique and striking setting for your next event.

Or you may prefer the amazing Level 12 Rooftop which boasts scenic 250 degree views of the Brisbane CBD. *Applicable for events booked and held before 31st December 2014. Minimum $5,000 food and beverage spend.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK Phone: (07) 3364 0899 or Email: jillian_sharpe@rydges.com

CONTENTS

On the cover

12 REGULARS

Marriott’s recent takeover of Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection, is set to see the hotel build on its unique character and location with the support of one of the world’s most recognised brands behind it.

Print Post Approved PP231335/00018

NOV 2013

04 Publisher’s note 06 News 08 International news 11 Q&A Anne-Marie Quinn,

Top End, top performer New look Adelaide Luxury on any budget cim1113.indd 1

32

All Occasions Management

42 Venue update 44 Profile David Seargeant,

Amalgamated Holdings Limited

45 Meeting people 46 PCO Association

38

FEATURES 10 Cover story Marriott’s expansion in Australia 12 New Zealand Exciting times ahead for our

Tasman neighbours

Clear view New Zealand goes Beyond Convention 8/11/13 2:03:43 PM

To ensure you never miss out there are now more ways to enjoy CIM. As well as the monthly magazine, CIM is also available as a free iPad app, which is packed with exclusive extras such as extended interviews, behind-the-scenes video footage and virtual site inspections. The CIM app is available for download at the iTunes app store.

Subscribe to the CIM iPad app

Don’t miss

26 Business Events Week Back for a second successful year 32 Sydney Let the good times roll 38 Event theming Key trends for 2014 44 Event report

Look out for these topical news-based video stories on our website, www.cimmagazine.com, and in the CIM iPad app, to delve deeper into the issues behind the print stories.

CIM celebrates in Melbourne www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 3

PUBLISHER’S WORD

A change for the better I

was lucky enough to go the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia’s (EEAA) International Women’s Day breakfast at Doltone House Hyde Park earlier this month, held ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8.

A first for the Association, the “Inspire Change”-themed breakfast celebrated women’s role in business, particularly the exhibition and events industry, and was attended by many of the industry’s most influential business owners, senior managers, exhibition directors, event managers and thought leaders, most of whom were women.

On stage, special guest, social commentator and marketing specialist, Jane Caro, was joined by speakers Debbie Evans, president of Reed Exhibitions South East Asia/Australia, Jo-Anne Kelleway, chief executive of Info Salons Australia, and Anna Cesarano, chief executive of Doltone House. All women.

Growing up with a strong female role model in my mother and a supportive father, I was brought up to believe that women can achieve anything, but looking around that room it was great to see that belief in practice.

I for one look forward to the EEAA breakfast becoming a regular fixture on the industry’s calendar, inspiring more women to think big, rise to the top of their profession and aspire to be influential leaders for generations to come.

I’d also urge everyone to support the EEAA’s charity of choice for the breakfast, Fitted for Work, an inspirational organisation which provides women in need with corporate clothing, personal styling and interview tips to help them find jobs, gaining financial independence and self-confidence into the bargain. Fitted for Work, which has helped around 13,500 women so far, is always looking for clean, quality work-appropriate clothing, shoes and accessories so why not take this opportunity to clean out your wardrobe for a good cause?

You can find out more about Fitted for Work at www.fittedforwork.org.

Published in Australia by Creative Head Media Pty Ltd Suite 202, 80-84 Chandos Street, St Leonards 2065 P.O. Box 189, St Leonards 1590 ACN 147 436 280 ISSN 1039-1029 Website: www.cimmagazine.com

PUBLISHER Alexandra Yeomans MANAGING EDITOR Ylla Wright JOURNALIST Sheridan Randall SALES & MARKETING MANAGER Jo Robinson ACCOUNT MANAGER Michelle Cullen DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER Bin Zhou DIGITAL/PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Xin Jin EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Anna-Louise McDougall

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Copyright © 2013 Creative Head Media Pty Ltd. Opinions expressed by the contributors in this magazine are not the opinion of CIM. Letters to the editor are subject to editing.

THIS MONTH’S TOP STORY

4 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

Official Australian publication for the PCO Association

CAB Audited Circulation 16,553 September 2013

Professio na lC

Nielsen Media Research July 2004 Readership 57,936 monthly

nce Organise rs fere A on

PCO

Inc. ation oci ss

Any doubts about Sydney’s ability to cope following the closure of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre have evaporated with the city’s plethora of venues and hotels looking at a very rosy three years. Find out more on page 32.

BUSINESS PARTNER

“The expertise, contacts and direction they were able to provide made our research and decisions much faster and easier…I’d thoroughly recommend them to others.”

Keryn Osgerby, Director – National Conferences, Property Council of Australia

Sydney is Australia’s energetic and ever-changing event destination and we are open for business!

EVENTS IN SYDNEY ARE EASY

For some 40 years, Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has been helping clients from all walks of life to deliver memorable meetings, conferences and corporate events in one of the world’s most reputable event destinations.

“At no cost to you, we tap into our trusted network of strategic partners and members to deliver the most economical, appropriate and professional options for your events in Sydney and NSW.”

Talk to Business Events Sydney for free advice about booking your next event in Australia’s global city.

BESydney can source proposals across its vast supplier network that includes venues, hotels and accommodation, restaurants, entertainment / speakers, theming, team building, transport, tours, and attractions.

• • • • •

With free advice and assistance, bid strategies and tailored event solutions.

BESydney is your one-stop-shop for exceptional event solutions. Robyn Johnson, the bureau’s General Manager of Event Delivery says, “My team has over 100 years of combined experience in event planning, hotel and venue operations, exhibition management, association management, and as PCOs and inbound tour operators.

Our passion for, and knowledge of, Sydney and NSW runs deep. And, best of all our assistance is free.”

“I’ve never met an event planner who didn’t appreciate an extra pair of hands to help. Often it’s the insider knowledge that can make all the difference. Trusted and unbiased advice can save so much time and result in extraordinary events. To anyone hosting an event, I say let us help to put you in touch with the right people, first time.

Anything is possible in Sydney. Call us to find out what’s new, what’s hot and what will make your event stand out.

Phone 1300 134 920 or visit businesseventssydney.com.au

Free assistance Connected and respected Global network Multilingual team Network of over 200 event and tourism suppliers.

INDUSTRY NEWS NEWS BRIEFS Conference Centre Chef of the Year named Philip Edwards from Linden Tree Restaurant at Lindenderry at Red Hill, Victoria, has been named Australian Conference Centre Chef of the Year by the International Association of Conference Centres, following a MasterChef-style challenge in which competitors were given 30 minutes to create a dish from a list of set ingredients.

Townsville launches new CSR programs Townsville, in North Queensland, has launched 10 new CSR programs that allow conference delegates to help preserve the region’s unique habitat and wildlife.

Townsville Enterprise’s general manager tourism and events, Patricia O’Callaghan, said the new programs provide conference delegates the opportunity to “give back” and immerse themselves in the landscape and wildlife of real Australia.

Uluru Meeting Place awarded Ayers Rock Resort’s Uluru Meeting Place has been awarded the Australian Tourism Award for Business Tourism. The Award recognises Uluru Meeting Place’s conference facilities and its ability to cater to a wide variety of conferences and events together with providing unique offerings to delegates.

Industry Person of the Year named Joyce DiMascio, chief executive of the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia, has been named Industry Person of the Year at this year’s Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) CEO Summit. “Joyce’s determination to see the business events industry evolve... means she is a fitting recipient of this year’s prize,” said Reed Travel Exhibitions director for AIME Jacqui Timmins.

New business exchange for the Gold Coast Gold Coast Tourism Corporation launched its new “This is Gold Coast Business Exchange” at last month’s Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME).

In its inaugural year, the event will be attended by more than 40 association and corporate event planners from Australia and South East Asia, who will experience the destination’s business events offering firsthand and meet with local meeting specialists.

Gold Coast Tourism director of business events Anna Case says the event is the result of a collaborative city approach aiming to replicate the success of similar events held on a small scale last year.

“The Gold Coast continues to rival Australia’s

capital cities as a more effective conference and incentive option,” she said. “Last year the number of business events held on the Gold Coast increased by 28 per cent and we aim to keep these numbers growing.

“This is Gold Coast Business Exchange provides association and corporate meeting planners with the most cost-effective and efficient way to research and plan a Gold Coast event. At the same time demonstrating that our city has the infrastructure, range of product and the professional services to deliver exceptional events.”

This event will be held from June 19-21 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with a post-event famil to follow.

ACC’s solid gold performance

Mackay and Whitsundays team up Mackay Tourism Limited and Whitsundays Marketing and Development Limited (WMDL) have partnered to produce a combined visitor guide. The guide will feature coverage of where to eat, stay and play as well as maps and drive itineraries. WMDL chief executive Danial Rochford said the partnership allows both regions “to leverage off each other’s visitation and ultimately motivate visitation from one region to the other”.

The Adelaide Convention Centre (ACC) has turned a commitment to green initiatives into gold, achieving gold certification under the globally recognised EarthCheck environmental program.

worms to recycle its organic waste, reduced its gas consumption by more than 8 per cent, reduced water consumption by 10.7 per cent and re-used or re-cycled 90 per cent of its exhibition waste.

EarthCheck, run by environmental advocacy group EC3 Global, is a standard environmental best practice program used by convention centres, travel and tourism organisations around the world.

Adelaide Convention Centre chief executive Alec Gilbert said attaining gold certification is a major milestone in the Centre’s long-term commitment to sustainability and the environment.

The gold certification follows the Centre achieving five years of continuous silver certification. During this period, the Centre became the first convention centre to use

6 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

In order to achieve EarthCheck accreditation, the Centre was required to submit a year’s worth of operational data across seven key areas, which was then benchmarked against industry best practice.

Exhibition numbers Ambassador program up 30 per cent reaches major The number of unique visitors to the top 30 audited exhibitions in Australia and New Zealand has increased by 30 per cent for the 2013 financial year according to figures released by the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) and the Audited Media Association of Australia (AMAA).

EEAA chief executive Joyce DiMascio said the new data provided evidence of the power of exhibitions to drive visitation to the cities which host them.

“The audited data from AMAA paints a rich picture of the exhibition industry – showing which events are the biggest drivers of visitors from interstate and overseas,” she said.

“We source this data to support our government advocacy campaigns as the State and Federal Governments have a strong interest in how events can help meet

visitor targets.

“Even though the benefits of exhibitions spread across all areas of the economy, visitation is still a powerful metric when engaging with governments and their agencies.

“That visitor numbers were up by a third is positive news for the exhibition industry and shows the resilience of the sector and its capacity to positively impact on the visitor economy.”

AMAA chief executive Paul Dovas said his organisation continues to encourage the industry to commit to third party auditing.

“The willingness of our event organiser members to commit to audit in an open and transparent manner has provided the industry with a credible and reliable snapshot of the power of exhibitions to drive visitors to our major cities,” he said.

Four new venues for Perth Perth needs four new hotel conference venues by 2018 to meet growing demand, according to a research paper released by the Tourism Council WA last month.

The Perth Business Events Supply and Demand Study shows four planned hotel developments in Perth are needed to deliver an extra 6000sqm of venue space to cater for an additional 4000 conference

delegates per day.

According to Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall, “the city often runs out of space for big events like charity balls, awards nights and international conferences”.

The city currently has 58,000sqm of conference space that can host 35,000 people per day.

MCEC funding announcement ‘close’ Funding for a proposed 12,500sqm expansion of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) exhibition facilities is

“close” to being approved, according to Peter King, chief executive of MCEC. “The government here in Victoria is in an election year so we’re hopeful that there will be a need to make some positive announcements,” he said.

“The Premier, the Treasurer, Minister [for Major Events Louise] Asher, from a major events and tourism point of view, are all saying [the expansion] is a critical thing for Melbourne but it’s all going to come down to budget.

“We’re very close but we’ve been close before.”

Watch the video in the CIM iPad app.

According to King, 2013 was a record year for MCEC, with 2014 expected to be even better. The Centre is currently running at capacity and turning away about 20 per cent of its potential business.

milestone

The Club Melbourne Ambassador Program, run by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and supported by Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and the State Government of Victoria, has contributed $500 million in economic impact to Victoria since it started in 2005.

“From 40 Ambassadors in 2005, the program has come a long way and now includes 131 passionate and influential Melburnians who promote the city’s intellect and attract investment in their fields of expertise,” said MCEC chief executive Peter King (pictured).

“Through their hard work and contribution, MCEC and its partners deliver some of the largest and most prestigious conferences in the world which connect thought leaders and bring them together to network and be educated, showcasing Melbourne’s knowledge in fields like medicine, science and technology.”

MCB chief executive Karen Bolinger said the program had exceeded all expectation since its inception.

“The ability to capitalise on our leadership position in the global knowledge sector and to leverage Victoria’s exceptional minds to bring business events to the state is a huge advantage for us,” she said.

“We are exceptionally lucky to have the calibre of Ambassadors on the Program that we do, as the knowledge they harbour contributes significantly to winning major international conferences for the city.

Over the next 12 months Ambassadors are involved in the World Cardiology Congress, International Association for Plant Biotechnology Congress, International Conference on Systems Biology and the World Cancer Congress.

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 7

INTERNATIONAL NEWS US survey points to global meetings strength This year is set to be a positive year for North American associations that host global meetings and events, according to a new survey by Marketing Challenges International (MCIntl).

Dubai achieves record numbers Dubai’s tourism industry has seen record growth from the Australian and New Zealand market, with a 36.4 per cent year-on-year increase in visitor numbers, according to Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), which is focusing on growing the business events market.

“The business events sector is an important segment of Dubai’s tourism industry,” said Julie King, director of DTCM Australia and New Zealand Representative Office. “The emirate is a globally recognised centre of commerce and trade which offers world class facilities, an impeccable reputation for high quality service, and excellent value for money.”

Along with 10 bids to host international conferences over the next three years, last year saw Dubai successfully bid to host the 2020 World Expo, an event which is set to further boost the destination’s appeal.

“A World Expo in Dubai in 2020 will be the first to be held in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia region and will be a platform that would help pioneer new partnerships for growth and sustainability,” said King. “The Expo 2020 theme for the UAE is Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, and during its six month run it is expected to attract more than 25 million visitors, with 70 per cent of them coming from outside the United Arab Emirates.”

South Africa to grow its business events sector South Africa plans to “grow the size of the business events industry by at least 50 per cent between now and 2020”, according to South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa.

Speaking at the opening of last month’s Meetings Africa 2014, held in Johannesburg, Xasa said that South Africa has made giant strides as a business events destination in the 20 years since the first post-apartheid elections were held on April 27, 1994.

In 1994, the first year of the South African democracy, the country hosted 12 international association conferences which met International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) criteria, attracting 5950 delegates. By 2012, the country had grown that number to 97 ICCA-recognised meetings, which attracted 52,587 delegates to the

country. According to ICCA, South Africa has hosted 1290 international association conferences that met their criteria since 1994, including major events such as The International Aids Conference in 2000, The World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002, The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) conference and the United Nations Framework Climate Change Conference in 2011.

From having no international convention centres in 1994, South Africa now has many world-class facilities in almost every province, which have created thousands of direct and indirect decent jobs and contributed billions of Rand to the economy.

The sector has also helped South Africa step up onto the world stage, according to Xasa.

“Business events do more than just contribute to the economy,” he said.

“Business events create a platform to develop the country’s intellectual capital and showcase fields and sectors where South Africa demonstrates global leadership that money cannot buy.”

8 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

The Trends in International Association Meetings from North America report found that more than 40 per cent of North American association executives surveyed report increased budgets and higher attendance at international events from the previous two years, and 91 per cent of planners expect those budgets to increase or remain the same for their upcoming events.

The report also showed that while Europe dominates as the primary location for international meetings coming out of North America, Asia has made a strong showing hosting meetings in recent years, and the Middle East appears to be on the radar for future meetings. Location and cost are driving factors for site selection, however meeting executives showed less concern for destination reputation, suggesting that emerging destinations have a role to play in association events.

“The survey confirms the trends we have been tracking while marketing leading international destinations” said Michel Couturier, president at MCIntl. “What was most striking in the survey was the fact that association planners will consider repeating the same destination for large events.”

Macau launches incentive travel deal There’s now even more reason to consider Macau for incentive groups, with the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) launching a new Macau “Incentive Travel Stimulation Program”.

Incentive groups of 50 or more people who stay two consecutive nights in a Macau hotel can receive up to MOP300 (around $45) per participant, to be used toward incentive activities, team building activities, award dinners and local transportation.

The financial assistance includes complimentary tourist information kits and welcome gifts, promotional video on Macau and free admission to the Wine and Macau Grand Prix museums.

The program is only applicable to events that are confirmed by December 31, 2014.

www.itcmchina.com The Leading International MICE Event in China 中国首屈一指的专业会议、奖励旅游、会议和展览的商业和交流平台

Save e! t The Da

15-17 April 2014 | 2014年4月15-17日 Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center

!

过 不可错

Learnt new concepts to organise successful meetings.

Bosch China, Sherry Wu

上海世博展览馆

Trade Visitor Benefits 行业来宾优待 • Network with 3,000 Chinese and International Exhibitors, Buyers and Media From MICE, Associations and Corporate Travel sectors 与3000多位来自中国及国际MICE行业的专业展商， 买家和媒体交流 涵盖MICE、协会及企业商旅领域

商旅圆桌活动提供了相互学习 ，交流及分享的机会。 亚什兰（中国）投资有限公司, 成伟利

Relevant topics for MICE industry and travel agencies.

Citibank, Catherine 商旅圆桌会议提供了一个优质平台。让我们讨论实际 解决方案，共同促进公司商旅管理优化发展。 优时比贸易（上海）有限公司, 苗青

Corporate Performance Forum is beneficial to those who plan and design incentive programs.

China Classical Holiday Travel Service, Joanna Ren

•

Access to the IT&CM China 2014 Exhibition 展会通行证 on 16 – 17 April

• Access to 2 Days of Knowledge Sessions by Industry Experts 获邀参与为期两天精彩纷呈的业界领袖专业知识分享讲座 及研讨会

16 April

Association Day 协会日 Topics Dedicated to Association Buyers and Association Meeting Professionals 话题专为协会买家及协会会议专业人士定制

17 April

Corporate Performance Forum 企业绩效论坛 Topics Dedicated to Professionals Accountable For Performance Targets 话题专为企业绩效目标管理专业人士定制

能认识来自不同公司及行业的精英，集思广益。 期待下一次相聚。 斯比克公司亚太区, 林卫霞

Great facilitators who could effectively translate their ideas & knowledge to delegates with ease.

SmartCom, Daniel Shi

Scan this QR Code 扫描此二维码

To Learn More About Visiting Hours, Fees and Entitlements 获取观展时间、费用及权利的更多信息 Hosting Programme For Buyers and Media Available. 为买家和媒体特设的招待计划现在开始申请。

Registration For Exhibitors, Buyers and Media Have Closed. Thank You For Your Support! 参展商，买家及媒体登记已截止。感谢您对中国（上海）国际奖励旅游及大会博览会的支持！

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For International Delegates 国际展商 Email: itcmchina@ttgasia.com Tel: (65) 6395 7575 For Chinese Delegates 国内展商 Email: itcmchina@citsmice.com.cn Tel: (86-10) 8522 7997

Official Media:

IT&CM China 2014 is proud to be part of the Shanghai Business Events Week.

Where The MICE Industry Comes Together In Shanghai.

An Exciting Week of Business, Education And Networking Events.

COVER STORY Water @ Pier One.

Marriott International now has six properties across Australia, with the company recently welcoming Pier One Sydney Harbour to its Autograph Collection.

With its unmatched views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, and history spanning over 100 years, it seemed only fitting that the 189-room Pier One Sydney Harbour be recognised for its unique attributes.

One of a kind The recent addition of one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels, Pier One Sydney Harbour, to Marriott International’s respected Autograph Collection is another indication of the company’s commitment to the Australian market and to the customers it serves across all of its properties in Australia.

“With its extraordinary location and remarkable sense of place, Pier One Sydney Harbour represents the ideal hotel to introduce the Autograph Collection to Australia,” says Neeraj Chadha, multi property vice president Australia, Marriott International.

“It provides an opportunity for Marriott to access a new customer – the individualist traveller who prefers an independent hotel experience.”

With Pier One Sydney Harbour joining Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, Melbourne Marriott Hotel, Brisbane Marriott Hotel, Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa and Courtyard by Marriott Sydney – North Ryde, Chadha says the new property, as well as its customers and clients, will benefit from Marriott’s core values.

“When it comes to what Marriott brings to all our properties, our strength is rooted in our core values: putting people first,

10 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

pursuing excellence, embracing change, acting with integrity and serving our world,” he says.

Pier One Sydney Harbour is also looking forward to accessing Marriott International’s powerful global sales and marketing channels, including the award-winning Marriott Rewards guest loyalty program, where guests can earn points at more than 3800 hotels in 70 countries, as well as featuring on Marriott.com – the eighth largest retail website in the world.

With Marriott International growing globally and in Asia Pacific, the company will see the current 150 properties grow to 350 by 2016.

“Marriott owes much of its success to its ever-evolving portfolio,” Chadha says.

“Through a wide breadth of award-winning brands, the company is able to respond to market needs. We are passionate about growing in the Australian market.”

Event organisers also have reason to celebrate the latest addition to the Autograph Collection, with Marriott’s new “Mumm’s the Word” meetings package for 2014 available across all six properties.

With “Meet for Free” group rates, luxury upgrades, complimentary breakfast and more, each Marriott hotel has its own package. Event organisers can simply visit the website www.marriottmeetings. com.au for each hotel’s unique offer, and then celebrate with a bottle of Mumm Champagne when the event is confirmed.

To book your 2014 meetings with any of Marriott’s hotels in Australia and gain access to exclusive offers simply email enquiry@marrriottmeetings.com.au or phone (02) 8488 8044.

Q&A

Associations matter The managing director of All Occasions Management, Anne-Marie Quinn is one of Adelaide’s best known event managers. Ylla Wright spoke with her about doing business in the festival city and beyond.

Q: What services does All Occasions Management offer clients?

A: We’re a full service PCO so we offer the full suite of conference and management services to our clients. Our business has become mostly association-based so we’re organising conferences for associations across a number of different fields. We do quite a lot of medical work, as well as work with insurance and financial services, primary industries and the education sector.

Q: How do you feel the association’s market is travelling overall?

A: I think it depends on the association and the performance of the industry it represents. We have some associations that are really profitable and doing really well, and some not so well. Look at anything in health care for example and you’ll see revenues are still strong, sponsorship is strong, registration and delegate attendance is still strong, across that whole field.

Whereas some other areas have dropped away, because it’s reflects a tightening in the economy. Insurance is also doing well because insurance is counter cyclical – when times are tough, people are more worried about managing their risk. We just finished managing a 2300 person insurance conference and that conference keeps growing every year, and sponsorship continues to increase.

A: [The work in the Riverbank Precinct] creates a lot of new opportunities for the industry because of the centres of excellence and academic facilities that are being set up in that precinct and the academic staff that are being attracted to key roles. We’ve already seen quite a bit of bid activity resulting from it and I know that the convention bureau is looking to run a famil which will focus specifically on those medical institutions in their attempt to attract conferences to Adelaide. The convention centre development is also going to give us some great new facilities and expand the space we have to work with.

Finally after 20 years everyone is working together to showcase that Riverbank Precinct; to use the space in a more creative way than they have before. With the bridge now going between Adelaide Oval and the convention centre, there’s such a natural synergy between the facilities. We’ve got clients who are holding their conferences at the convention centre and they are literally able to walk across the river and have their dinner at the Adelaide Oval, which has had a revamp as well. It’s really exciting for us; it’s going to give us much more to work with.

Q: Do you think associations are more aware of Adelaide as a business events destination than they were in the past?

Q: Do conferences still play the same role as they used to for associations?

A: You can’t replace face-to-face experience and contact. A lot of people attend conferences not just for the educational benefit but also the networking opportunities. Webcasting and streaming and those sorts of technology-based approaches certainly have their place but what we tend to find is that when a conference chooses to stream some of its sessions, it increases attendances because people think, that’s great, I need to be there in person next time around. For associations, qualifications and accreditation are becoming more important and that continues to drive attendance at conferences. People still come to listen to good content and to learn something too. It’s really important to have a strong program, and get it out early. People won’t make a commitment unless there is some sort of program locked in.

Q: How do you measure the success of the events that you run?

A: At the end of the day a lot of it is about financial viability.

Associations still look to make a profit, or at a bare minimum, to break even. Then there is the quality of the program, attendee numbers and the sponsorship revenue raised. Sponsors are a very good mirror of the success of your conference. If you have people knocking at your door to take out a sponsorship package, or signing people up is an easy process, it’s a good sign the conference is good.

Q: Adelaide is in the midst of an exciting period of infrastructure investment and urban renewal. How will that benefit the city’s business events sector?

A: There are a few schools of thought around that. The extension to our facilities is definitely raising our profile. And we now have a bid fund that we didn’t have previously; that provides us with additional resources to attract key strategic events. On the other side of the coin, there is still a belief that sponsorships and delegate attendance numbers can be down when an event is in Adelaide, so they tend to stick to the Brisbane-Melbourne-Sydney circuit, with a view to keeping numbers high. It’s a double edged sword. While some sponsorship numbers could be down, on the other side we’re a more cost effective destination. I worked on a conference in Brisbane last year and we’re holding it in Adelaide this year and it’s at least $30,000 cheaper.

Q: All Occasions Management has been around for nearly 15 years.

How have you seen the industry change in that time?

A: I think clients are becoming more savvy; people are asking a lot more questions than they used to ask in the tendering process. A lot more transparency is required now. It’s become more of a buyer’s market in regards to how they request information and what they want.

Q: Looking back, what have been some of the highlights for the business over the years?

A: I’ve taken my business from literally being a sole operator to now having about 17-18 staff, which is a fairly large organisation. I’m proud of that. I also have some clients who I’ve worked with for 14 of those 15 years, which is a highlight. I’ve also travelled a lot and had some really wonderful conference experiences around the world, from Africa to Egypt, to Vietnam. For me personally, I couldn’t ask for a better way to spend the last 15 years in terms of earning a living.

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 11

NEW ZEALAND

Exciting times ahead With major new infrastructure being built, new funding for business events and new tax laws for international organisations who hold events in New Zealand, our friends across the Tasman are expecting a busy couple of years, writes Kathy Ombler.

There’s a rock star performance going on across the Tasman and we’re not talking about gala dinner entertainment.

Alan Trotter, Conference Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) chief executive, says that economists predict that the New Zealand economy will be robust for the next two years, with one even describing it as a “rock star performer“, compared to other OECD countries.

“With a strong local economy driving increased activity the New Zealand conference sector is looking particularly good,” he says. “Business confidence is at a 20 year high so these positive indicators are gradually translating into increased domestic convention activity. International arrivals are also performing well, especially from Australia.”

Trotter believes the increased value of the New Zealand dollar against the Australian dollar is offset by other factors.

“Personally I consider our ground costs far cheaper than in Australia, particularly around

hotel costs, and when coupled with cheap trans-Tasman airfares New Zealand still offers very good value for money for Australian meeting planners,” he says.

All proposed new conference centre infrastructure, in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, is still on track, he adds.

“Completion dates are anticipated to be 2017-2018 for both Auckland and Christchurch, while Queenstown could be earlier or later, depending on planning consents and more importantly a satisfactory funding model being agreed upon between the various parties involved.”

A tax rule change that will save international organisations 15 per cent of their New Zealand conference costs, along with access to New Zealand Conference Assistance Programme (CAP) funding for Australians, are two major positives for Australians looking to conference in New Zealand says Bjoern Spreitzer, Tourism New Zealand’s (TNZ) international business events manager.

From April 1, 2014, international organisations who meet certain requirements can register for the goods and services tax (GST ) in New Zealand and claim back the GST they pay on expenses in New Zealand. (The GST rate in New Zealand is 15 per cent and applies to most goods and services.)

“This provides an instant tax saving for organisations who hold events in New Zealand,” says Spreitzer. “It puts us on the same playing field as Australian destinations.”

Another good news story with regards to attracting the Australian market has been the extension of New Zealand’s CAP funding to include conferences with Australian delegates, he adds.

“This funding did not previously include Australian business, so we can now use it for bidding support, for marketing campaigns and to put incentives in place to help Australian associations attract bigger delegate numbers to their conference.”

Spreitzer says TNZ is continuing to ramp up its conference and incentive marketing in Australia, working in partnership with CINZ and targeting larger events.

“Our particular focus in Australia is on association conferencing and major corporate events, starting from 200 delegates,” he says. “The advertising campaign we have been running for the past 10 months in industry and consumer magazines will continue as we endeavour to attract the attention of decision makers. We now have Helen Bambry, business events manager Australia, based in Sydney and working in close liaison with the CINZ team, who have been in Australia for some time.

“We are seeing increasing partnership opportunities with PCOs and key associations in Australia and this year, working with our convention bureaux, we will be offering opportunities for nation-wide famil opportunities.”

12 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

Photo by Rob Suisted.

Historic Cuba Street in Wellington.

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New beginnings for Auckland New is the buzzword in Auckland right now – with the new national convention centre in its early planning stages; new hotels, restaurants, tourism products and team building action, along with a just released online Event Planner, which promises to make organising your next event easier, according to Auckland Convention Bureau manager, Anna Hayward.

Auckland Museum.

“The new, 2014 Conference, Incentive & Event Planner offers full search capabilities and is both interactive and responsive, meaning it can also be used on smartphones and tablets,” she says.

In hotel news, following Mauritius, Bangkok and Singapore, the world’s fourth Sofitel So is currently being built in downtown Auckland. The 133 room, “designer” brand hotel will feature a lobby lounge bar, rooftop restaurant, range of meeting spaces and a Sofitel branded SoSpa. It is due to open within the Britomart precinct in early 2015.

From new to old, this year will mark the 100-year anniversary of Heritage Hotel Auckland’s landmark, former department store building. Conference facilities in the art deco-style hotel include 11 meeting rooms including the stunning roof-top Grand Tearoom, overlooking Auckland’s harbour, a second ballroom and the recently refurbished roof-top swimming pool deck – great for welcome cocktails or a BBQ. Talk is all about technology at

the Crowne Plaza Auckland, which has installed new high tech wireless AV in its recently refurbished Ballroom, enabling presentations to be made direct from devices with no need for cables. Working with in-house AV management company, Vidcom, the hotel has also installed new interactive projectors and screens into the hotel’s smaller meeting rooms. Crowne Plaza’s director of sales and marketing, Franck Hesse, believes no other hotel in Auckland has this technology.

Event organisers can also now “solar” power up their events at one of Auckland’s most celebrated buildings, Auckland War Memorial Museum – Tamaki Paenga Hira. Adam Taylor-Eruera, tourism and event sales manager, says the museum, in partnership with Meridian Energy, is extending its programme for energy efficiency in early 2014 by installing a roof solar panel system. Expected to

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14 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

CrEaTINg CONNECTIONS

Left: Auckland’s Skyline from the harbour. Above: A De Havilland Beaver floatplane above Auckland Harbour.

generate around 77,000 kWh a year, the system will be one of the largest national grid-connected photovoltaic installations in New Zealand.

All energy generated will be used onsite, thus reducing the museum’s electricity bill and its carbon emissions footprint significantly, says Taylor-Ereura.

An exciting new incentive product is the launching by Auckland Seaplanes of Aoteraroa II, a 1961 De Havilland Beaver floatplane.

Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour was once the city’s “international

airport”, when floatplanes provided the only air access.

The classic Aoteraroa II offers scenic flights over the volcanoes and islands of Hauraki Gulf, and vineyard lunch packages on Waiheke Island. The plane carries up to seven passengers and takes off right from downtown’s Viaduct Harbour.

Still on a heritage transport theme the Great MOTAT

Race provides the city’s latest team building experience. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) is New Zealand’s largest transport, technology and social history museum and the new “race” offers opportunity for teams to engage in physical and mental challenges, centered around the historic exhibits and exhibition spaces at the museum.

DEST197

Meanwhile Hayward says Auckland’s restaurant offering

continues to grow and provide more opportunities for delegates, for example the new Japanese restaurant Masu and Peter Gordon’s The Sugar Club, both at Skycity.

Auckland Convention Bureau

Smooth sailing all the way For comprehensive free assistance with your conference, meetings and incentives, contact the Auckland Convention Bureau. Because when it comes to getting the ideal venue, transport, accomodation and activities in and around Auckland, no one has more knowledge and experience. conventions@aucklandnz.com | +64 9 365 0592 | aucklandnz.com/conventions

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 15

Switched on Hamilton and Waikato Photo by Tan Bodie.

Watch the video in the CIM iPad app.

The Hobbiton Movie Set is a major attraction.

A hugely-popular winery cruise and a “switched on” huffing, puffing and lit up Hobbiton, exclusively for groups, are two new features worth considering for any conference business heading Hamilton and Waikato’s way.

At the Hobbiton Movie Set, the Hobbit hole chimneys now puff smoke into the sky, making “the Shire” feel alive and lived-in. For

evening functions and incentive groups, the Hobbit holes have been wired with power, along with the Mill, Bridge, Party Tree and of course the Green Dragon pub, enabling twilight tours with the trails spectacularly lit. Hobbiton Movie Set is also developing a dazzling light show that will be viewed from special movie locations on the set. The Green Dragon pub is available for private evening functions.

Meanwhile, the Cynthia Dew, Waikato River Explorer’s 54-passenger, kauri-built motor vessel, has introduced weekly cruises to riverside winery, Mystery Creek Wines, 30 minutes up river from Hamilton.

While standard cruises depart from Hamilton Gardens, groups

16 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

can tailor-make a trip, enjoy a return cruise, or perhaps take a one-way cocktail cruise and disembark for dinner at the Mystery Creek Events Centre.

In Hamilton a major refurbishment of Quest on Ward is underway while a second hotel management agreement for Sudima Hotels, sees Victoria Suites Hamilton join the neighbouring Sudima Hamilton.

Meanwhile tribal-owned Novotel Tainui Hamilton, the city’s major conference hotel, has introduced a New Zealand focused “Off the Grill” dinner concept. The 4.5 star, 177-room property has six conference rooms, and is just minutes’ walk away from Hamilton’s major convention centre, Claudelands.

Photo credit: Destination Rotorua.

Left: The entrance to Te Puia. Inset: Groups can now stay at Tamaki Maori village.

Inspirational moments in Rotorua Conferencing in Rotorua is about inspiration and camaraderie, says Destination Rotorua trade manager, Patrick Dault.

“Our tagline is ‘Anything but Conventional’ and what we offer is less about the objective of team building and more about inspirational moments that stay with you, change your outlook and build camaraderie with your colleagues,” he says.

The traditional Maori cultural and geothermal tourist resort offers all that, and now much

more, be it rafting, kayaking or biking in the natural outdoors, or navigating a luge on a concrete track, a water-filled plastic ball rolling down a hill, a high-speed go kart, or off-road jeep through the bush.

Multi-Day Adventures, for example, can tailor a trip for any sized group that could encompass rafting the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall and biking the world championship race trails of Whakarewarewa Forest – or

something more genteel, if required. Canopy Tours will “zip” your small group together, exclusively, 40 metres high through ancient native forest and teach you about conservation while they’re at it. Off Road New Zealand can host your whole party around bonfires at their Bush Camp (with hotel catering), after colleagues have raced and challenged each other on the international Go Kart Circuit, clay pigeon shooting, or self-driving, stunt-like, the off-road bush trails

of their 100 hectare farm.

Meanwhile, one of Rotorua’s newest cultural products features one of the oldest cooking methods. Te Puia’s “Steambox” involves a personally guided tour encompassing all that Te Puia offers; the traditional carving and weaving schools (including a hands-on traditional weaving lesson),the Kiwi House and the famous geothermal springs, geysers and mud pools, followed by lunch that’s been steamed in a natural steam vent, just

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like the locals have done for centuries. Guests start the tour by preparing their own meal, which the chef will then whip away to the hot terraces and return two hours later, cooked and full of flavour.

The recently revamped Te Puia has also developed stunning new conference function spaces, such as the striking Te Whakaruruhau (The Shelter), suitable for large cocktail functions or dinners, and “Pohutu by Night” marquee for dining or cocktails on a high terrace overlooking the famous, illuminated, Pohutu Geyser.

A new Maori cultural product for small exclusive groups (12 to 50) is the Tamaki Maori Village Overnight Marae Experience.

Guests are given a full traditional welcome, become immersed in Maori protocols and arts, dine on a traditional hangi dinner and are hosted in their own private social area (with spa pools) and purpose-built wharemoe (sleeping houses).

At Rotorua’s Skyline, where guests can gondola up and/ or luge down to their function, the new Market Kitchen café, and adjacent Buffet and Grill Restaurant and Bar, both with

new floor-to-ceiling double glazed windows, is a spectacular evening location for private cocktails and dinners. Also new at Skyline is the Volcanic Hills Winery. Winemaker Brent Park sources grapes from New Zealand’s top wine growing regions to make his vintages; his aim is to let Rotorua showcase what New Zealand does best. Winery tours, then travelling up the gondola to the Tasting Room is a perfect fit for partner programmes and corporate events, says Park.

being transformed to cater for the functions and events. These include the Agrodome’s rustic Farmhouse and Black Barn (with open fire, sprawling veranda, fixed marquee, full kitchen and private lawn, all overlooking farm paddocks), the rustic Shearing Shed and cattle pavilions (great places for a good old country hoe down), Bowen House (stylish private dining and meeting space with lake views) and, at Rainbow Springs, a private, forested enclosure among the redwoods and ferns.

“We are definitely seeing a marked increase in membership engagement with events.”

Two long term Rotorua attractions, Agrodome and Rainbow Springs, are refocusing on the business events market, with the recent appointment of Diane Curtis as MICE sales and marketing manager to develop new opportunities. Thus, in addition to the wildlife displays, farms shows and farm tours, several special venues at the parks have been, or are currently

Meanwhile at Events & Venues Rotorua sales and marketing manager, Brett Jeffrey, is seeing new positivity from the association market across New Zealand and Australia.

“We are definitely seeing a marked increase in membership engagement with events, and that is good news for the conferencing arena,” he says.

Jeffrey says Events & Venues is promising an “it’s all about you” focus, committing to help prospective clients meet all their on and off-site needs, for any event held at one of their venues. These include the purpose-built Energy Events Centre, which features 3500sqm pillarless floor space and plenary capacity for 900, and Rotorua Convention Centre, which features traditional theatre space for 700 and adjacent, 1000sqm trade show space.

Positivity is also a theme at the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, where a refurbishment of all conference space and public areas was completed in February with the re-opening of Clarke’s Bar, now exuding a stylish, cocktail lounge-type ambience. General manager Fraser McKenzie says the refurbishment is testament to the confidence shown in the Rotorua market by the hotel owners. The refurbished conference areas range from two executive boardrooms to the Rutherford Room (200 theatre style, with direct car park access) and Batten Rooms, which can be opened up to cater for 320 banquet-style.

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18 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

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Photos by Destination Lake Taupo; Huka Lodge.

Left: Cruising on Lake Taupo is a popular activity.

Inset: Huka Lodge.

Think luxury, think Great Lake Taupo Not only does this central North Island region encompass some of the country’s most dramatic natural features – the volcanoes and mountains of dual World Heritage listed Tongariro National Park, the great caldera crater that is Lake Taupo, ancient forests and healing thermal waters – some of the world’s top luxury lodges are also located here.

world’s top lodges; Poronui – one of New Zealand’s premier fly fishing and hunting lodges; Hilton Lake Taupo, awarded best regional hotel in the 2013 HM awards; retreats near fly-fishing mecca Turangi such as Tongariro Lodge and Oreti Village; plus top conferencing hotels Millennium Hotel Manuels and Wairakei Resort Taupo,” she says.

And they are easily accessible from Australia, with Air New Zealand’s twice weekly flights from Sydney to Rotorua, just one hour’s drive or a quick helicopter transfer away.

Fly fishing and golf are huge draw cards, she adds.

Thus the opportunity for incentive and reward travel is the region’s key point of difference, says Karen Rainbow, convention bureau manager, Destination Great Lake Taupo.

“We have Huka Lodge – consistently rated among the

“We have seven quality golf courses in the region, including the long standing Wairakei International Golf and Sanctuary (which has recently invested more than $2 million in ecological restoration) and The Kinloch Club, a signature Jack Nicklaus course ranked by Golf Digest magazine in the top 100 courses outside the US. “Backcountry trout fishing is

End of an era In April, after 25 years at the helm of Conference Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), Alan Trotter will hang up his chief executive hat. He says he is leaving at a time when the industry has never looked healthier, on all fronts.

“The planned new infrastructure (in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown) coupled with existing convention facilities will ensure that New Zealand is well positioned to capitalise on the burgeoning Asian economies that will generate much

a huge lure to the region, with a range of specialist fly fishing lodges to choose from, while fishing guides will drive or fly guests to remote back country rivers teeming with trout.”

Other, recently developed products, lend themselves brilliantly to the incentive/reward market, adds Rainbow.

“One of these would be Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa, where visitors can bath at the bottom of silica terraces in a series of hot thermal, mineral-rich pools.”

Also new is the outstanding Kai Waho Cultural Experience, described as a culinary experience and a journey into the history of Maori kai (food), hosted in a custom-built pa (village) in sub alpine wilderness on private, tribal land. Small groups can be helicoptered or driven in by 4WD for a tailor-made outing, in which

hunting, fishing and horse riding are also options.

“We offer the complete package in Great Lake Taupo, with the ability to offer an itinerary to suit the group, from scenic and natural wonders, to adventure and adrenalin (think sky diving and bungy jumping), and the more active fishing/hunting/mountain biking opportunities the region is renowned for,” says Rainbow.

CONFERENCING WITH NOVOTEL ROTORUA LAKESIDE

business tourism going into Tourism New Zealand and some of the major bureaux, particularly in Auckland.”

increased business tourism activity,” he says.

“The recovering US economy is generating increased incentive arrivals into New Zealand. China will increasingly use incentive travel as a tool for improved bottom line performance which will lead to significant demand for our incentive and convention product. Also the ‘buy in’ to business tourism in New Zealand by both central government and local government is at an all-time high, with increased funding for

In fact, the only “headwinds” Trotter sees are the increasing value of the New Zealand dollar, particularly against the Australian dollar, and a possible change of government in October 2014, if the incumbent business/tourism friendly ruling party is defeated at the polls.

“Other than that it is a great time to be moving on,” he says.

“I look back with pride at what CINZ has achieved and hope the organisation goes from strength to strength in the future.”

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www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 19

No trip to Wellington is complete without a cable car ride up Kelburn Hill.

A new organisational structure at Wellington city’s tourism marketing agency and former convention bureau will not affect the current focus on the Australian conference market, says Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT) chief executive, David Perks. Instead, he says it will bring a more targeted approach, with its aim to attract Wellington’s strength sectors, such as digital creativity, education, medical technology and government and financial back office services.

“The new Business Events Wellington, which replaces the Wellington Convention Bureau, is partly a rebrand; it’s also to reflect our increased focus on these strength areas of Wellington where we are seeking to find new business.

[Overall] our focus is very much on marketing throughout Australasia, it’s where we are most likely to have success; these are all markets that can get to Wellington very easily.”

Trans-Tasman services fly into Wellington daily from Melbourne,

Sydney and Brisbane, he adds.

Perks says another, imminent, organisational change unlikely to affect conference business is the merging of PWT and Positively Wellington Venues (PWV), which manages most major conference and performance venues in the city.

“By July 1 we will have one single Board and will operate as a Council Controlled Operation in the visitation/economic activities space,” he says. “As far as Australian conferencing

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20 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

Photo by Ian Trafford.

New streamlined structure for Wellington

Sea kayaking photo by Rob Suisted.

Left: Sea kayaking in Wellington’s Harbour. Inset: Wellington Shed 6.

business is concerned this will mean little change, if anything it will be more straightforward from a marketing and sales point of view.”

Looking ahead, conferencing in the city stands to benefit if the Council’s just released “Eight Big Ideas for Economic Growth” come to fruition. Included are a purpose built conference facility, new covered concert venue, film museum and airport runway extension to allow direct, long haul flights. A business case study to determine feasibility, costs, benefits, sites and funding options is underway.

Meanwhile Wellington’s

newest venue, Shed 6, which opened in 2013, is attracting large-scale conferences and events never before held in the capital, says PWV chief executive Glenys Coughlan.

The waterfront shed links with the TSB Bank Arena, and events booked for the next two years will bring an estimated $2.46 million (NZ$2.65 million) in delegate spend to the city, says Coughlan.

“Shed 6 has given us new opportunities to grow this market,” she adds. “More than 150 events have been booked across the next two years for Shed 6 and the TSB Bank Arena.”

In hotel news, Wellington’s top properties are glamming themselves up. InterContinental Hotel Wellington has opened two full floors of new deluxe guestrooms and is nearing completion of its newly created Club InterContinental rooms, which will be bookable by midMarch. The new world-class Club InterContinental Lounge, with stunning harbour views, will open in late May, and lobby, restaurant and conference floor refurbishments will take place from mid-June to mid-August.

with 68 original guest rooms of the 165-room hotel being recreated with “Coco Chanel inspired” lush gold and mirror interiors, wall art and objets d’art.

Meanwhile a $1.9 million (NZ$2 million) refurbishment of the Museum Art Hotel has begun,

Wellington’s newest luxury hotel, the 130-room Sofitel, is due to open in late 2014.

“Our goal has been to bring these rooms into the current art design idiom of the rest of the hotel,” says owner Chris Parkin.

“It’s all part of our desire to continue offering our guests an inspiring point of differentiation from the traditional hotel.”

The renovation will be completed by mid-2014.

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 21

Christchurch: well worth a look “When all the proposed anchor projects are complete Christchurch is going to be the envy of cities around the world.”

Above: A Christchurch tram in Cathedral Junction. Above right: Christchurch’s cardboard cathedral.

Travel website TripAdvisor lists Christchurch as the top “South Pacific Destination on the Rise”, while the New York Times rates the city as one of the world’s top 52 places to go in 2014.

“Clearly people are excited about what they see happening in Christchurch and share our belief that a very bright future lies ahead for our city,” says Caroline Blanchfield, manager Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau.

While much of the central city has yet to be rebuilt, in the past 12 months Blachfield says significant progress has been made. With 20 hotels now operating, encompassing 1870 new rooms and excellent conference facilities, the city has started hosting international conventions again, she says.

“Clearly people are excited about what they see happening in Christchurch.”

Major new and re-opened inner city conference hotels include Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square Hotel, with 154 contemporary guest rooms and meeting spaces for up to 250 delegates. Also in the Square, Heritage Christchurch has re-opened its spacious one and two bedroom suites in the 100-year old, Old Government Building. Rydges Latimer Hotel,

22 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

a brand new build, has the largest hotel function space in Christchurch, with capacity for up to 360 people. Conference facilities at the new, 171-room Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch include four soundproof meeting rooms, accommodating from four to 50 people. Meanwhile the 192room Chateau on the Park has been refurbished and features seven dedicated conference and event spaces.

All of the city’s main tourist attractions are now operating, according to Blanchfield.

“These include the heritage Christchurch Tram, Port Hills Gondola and double-decker Discover Christchurch bus tours,” she says. “All offer excellent event hosting options and a great way for visitors to learn about the city as it evolves. Hospitality outlets are now at more than 85 per cent of pre-quake levels and new bars, cafes and restaurants are opening

across the city all the time.”

The Christchurch resurgence is evidenced by the growing number of air services into the city, Blanchfield adds.

Meanwhile, Blanchfield says the city’s proposed, new $264 million (NZ$284 million) Convention Centre Precinct is on track for completion in 2017. With flexible space options, the Centre will

be able to host several events at the same time, starting with space for up to 2000 people and expanding to 2500 in the future.

“Between central government, local government, insurance companies and private investors about NZ$40 billion is being ploughed into the rebuild of this region right now, making it the largest economic undertaking in

New Zealand’s history,” she says.

Vbase Venues and Events are adding a spectacular new venue to their stable; the architecturally-designed glass pavilion visitor centre, café and function centre at Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens.

The new pavilion, with its striking, contemporary indoor/ outdoor design overlooks the

Avon River, Hagley Park and garden’s nurseries, is being built to commemorate the garden’s 150th anniversary this year. This is going to be a quite different venue, suitable for really special events, for example small dinners, says Vbase business development project manager, Janelle Brooking. Able to seat up to 120 banquet-style, the venue is due to open in April.

Right: The scenery around Queenstown is breathtaking. Inset: Early evening in Queenstown.

Grand plans for Queenstown Following in the footsteps of the London Olympics and Brazil Football World Cup is the proposed new Queenstown Convention Centre, with the local council accepting a convention centre master-plan drawn up by Populous, the company behind London's Olympic Stadium, Brazil's Football World Cup stadium and Dubai's 2020 World Expo Centre. Council is also now entering into negotiations with commercial developers on the preferred site, known as Lakeview, which overlooks Queenstown Bay. Meanwhile, Queenstown Convention Bureau’s Kylie Brittain says the general feeling for 2014 is positive for both conference and incentive business, particularly in July, August and September, which continue to be popular months, particularly with Australian groups.

At the airport, premium incentives groups can now be offered a seamless arrival into town through the new corporate jet terminal, Queenstown Corporate Jet Services, which began operation this month.

In accommodation news, Lodge at The Hills is a stunning six suite luxury addition at The Hills

private golf course, where guests have access to a Wimbledon standard tennis court, private chef service, underground cellar, and exclusive viewing of Sir Michael Hills’ extensive art collection – one of the largest private collections in the world.

New venue for Vbase New icon for Christchurch

Heritage Queenstown has recorded a strong business events market and an increasing number of Australian business travellers since a major refurbishment of all guest rooms was completed last year. Meanwhile Platinum Queenstown Luxury Villas has taken over management of the former Heritage Queenstown Villas, located directly across the road from the hotel.

Other developments of interest in Queenstown include the new Aro Ha, purpose-built luxury wellness centre, based on all-inclusive therapies that will have guests involved in yoga, sub-alpine hiking, strength training, meditation and massage. Southern Discoveries 150-passenger Spirit of Queenstown is now available for private charter, while Connectabus has introduced a 30 minute double-decker bus tour of historic Arrowtown.

Vbase are delighted to be adding this centrally located and striking function space to our portfolio.

Overlooking the Avon River in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens this brand new venue offers an unrivalled experience for your next event.

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www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 23

The historic university city has become the “new” destination for conferences, with several major new venues including the re-opening last year, following a $32.5 million (NZ$35 million) refurbishment, of The Dunedin Centre and Town Hall, according to Tourism Dunedin’s Bree Jones.

The Clock Tower at Otago University, Dunedin.

“Dunedin is open again for big business; last November/ December the city hosted eight international conferences, five of which were Australasian,” she says. “This highlights the importance of our key links with Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand, both offering regular services to Brisbane.”

Links with Dunedin-based Otago University also attracted the academic and scientific communities, for example the 20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, which hosted 1100 international delegates late last year, she adds.

24 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

New city venues include the H D Skinner Annex, a transformation of one of Dunedin’s most iconic buildings into stylish space for exhibitions, meetings and functions. The Oamaru stone, bluestone and glass exterior of the heritage-listed, former post office complement the new, contemporary interiors.

Several small to medium venues feature natural light, while the Theomin Balcony is a stunning conservatory space, well suited to cocktails and intimate dinners.

Also new is the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum Josephine Foyer (up to 300 banquet-style), with its native timber flooring and historic steam locomotive, the “Josephine” on display – all part of a major museum redevelopment.

The long awaited, multi-million dollar project to transform the former Dunedin Chief Post Office into a 120 apartment, 4.5 star hotel, operated by Distinction Hotels, has also begun.

Photo by David Wall.

Historic Dunedin showcases new venues

BUSINESS EVENTS WEEK

Left: The “pop up” Welcome Reception for AIME. Above: On the show floor at AIME.

Watch the video in the CIM iPad app.

Showcasing the industry in 2014 Back for a second big year, Business Events Week showcased the economic and knowledge sector value of business events to the nation, discovers Ylla Wright.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Business Events Week (BEW), the event returned to Melbourne for a second year last month. The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) initiative, which ran from February 17 – 21, featured a program of more than 70 events showcasing the value of business events to Australia, from generating economic wealth and driving tourism through to creating lasting legacies for the scientific and business communities.

Launching BEW at the AsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), MCB chief executive Karen Bolinger said the week was “an opportunity to showcase the industry and what it is that we do” to the broader Australian community where is it “still relatively unknown”.

A new initiative in 2014 was the appointment of Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, as the official Ambassador for Business Events Week. Speaking prior to the event Chubb stressed the role business events play in allowing the scientific community to collaborate.

“Business events bring senior scientific figures from around

the world to Australia to share knowledge and collaborate,” he said.

“For example, Melbourne will be hosting the 20th International AIDS Conference later this year and I understand more than 14,000 delegates will travel to the city for this event.

“A conference of this size brings not only economic benefits, but allows medical researchers the opportunity to hear first-hand

the advances in understanding a disease like AIDS, as the search for an effective HIV vaccine continues.”

The economic value of business events is clearly demonstrated by the recently published Melbourne Convention Delegate Study 2013, which was commissioned to examine the conference delegate experience in Melbourne and the economic value driven from their attendance to the state’s economy.

The study, which covers the period May to December 2013 and contains data gathered from 3846 surveys completed by delegates from 150 countries who attended five major international conferences in Melbourne, concluded that international conference delegates are now spending over twice as much as a typical international leisure tourist.

“Delegates are spending more than $1019 a day on

Australia’s international appeal Business events remain a strategic priority for Tourism Australia, which says the sector is on track to achieve its Tourism 2020 target of $16 billion annually in expenditure by the end of the decade.

This commitment is backed by research released during Business Events Week which confirms Australia’s reputation as a leading destination for business events amongst major decision makers overseas.

Conducted by BDA Marketing Planning for Tourism Australia, the research involved interviews with 550 senior corporate decision makers in 10 markets: New Zealand, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, the UK, North America, Greater China and Japan.

Tourism Australia acting managing director Frances-Anne Keeler said Australia rates very highly in all 10 markets, due largely to competitive advantages

26 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

such as its natural environment, high quality venues and a proven track record in hosting exceptional business events.

The research confirmed that safety and security, excellent business event facilities, a range of quality accommodation, quality food, wine, and local cuisine were consistently top of the agenda for business events decision makers globally.

Tourism Australia will continue to work closely with the local

accommodation, dining out, domestic air travel and recreational activities in Melbourne, representing a 28 per cent increase from the 2010 Study,” Bolinger said.

“Much of this spend is going straight into Victoria’s small to medium businesses and delivering business into the tourism sector in traditionally off peak periods.

“The spending habits of international conference delegates make business events one of the highest yielding sectors in Australia’s visitor economy.”

The study also revealed that the majority of international delegates (71 per cent) were first time visitors to the country and half would not have visited Australia in the next three years had they not been attending a conference in Melbourne. More than a quarter of all international delegates (28 per cent) were accompanied on their trip to Melbourne, with the average number of accompanying persons standing at 2.8 per delegate.

“Visitors coming to Melbourne with delegates are husbands or wives, partners, family or friends who have no association with the conference,” Bolinger said.

“They are instead out exploring Melbourne, dining in our restaurants and bars and visiting our attractions.”

Heading up this year’s BEW program was AIME, now in its 22nd year, which saw more than 3800 attendees from 29 countries descend on the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) for two days of business meetings, professional development sessions and

networking opportunities.

The expo kicked off with the official “Pop Up” Welcome Reception at surprise open air venue Birrarung Marr, which saw more than 2000 attendees network with old and new friends, enjoy a tempting array of food from mobile food trucks, and be entertained by some of Melbourne’s best street performers. On stage The Funk Buddies impressed with New Orleans-style funk, while a set from disc jockey Claire Elliot got the crowd up on their feet dancing.

Highlights of the packed AIME program included the inspirational AIME Knowledge Education program, featuring speakers such as Todd Sampson, co-creator of Earth Hour and panellist on Gruen Planet; the ever-popular Saxton Ultimate Event Experience, which featured 12 outstanding presenters; and a networking hour on the show floor on day one of the event.

Other key events in the BEW program included MCEC’s Open Space 2014, which saw the Centre throw open its doors to the public for a second year; The Associations Forum CEO Symposium; the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Forum for Young Professionals; and Convergence 2014: The Promise of Precision Medicine, taking place in Australia for the first time.

With Business Events Week attracting thousands of people, and widespread interest from the media, the MCB say the event was a success. Plans are already underway for next year’s event.

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“We continually hear from our customers that Australia’s ability to tailor corporate meeting and incentive programs, combined with our can-do attitude and money can’t buy experiences, make it a great business events destination – and the positive word-of-mouth this generates will no doubt convince others why they should meet and do business here.”

“Australia’s strong competitive advantage in the international market for corporate meetings and incentives, despite our distance from many of the markets and the associated costs, is something we can further Business events currently capitalise on by continuing to contribute $13 billion annually punch above our weight in the to Australia’s visitor economy. experiences and service we deliver when delegates are here,” she said.

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BRISBANE

Welcoming the world With the G20 Leaders Summit less than nine months away, Brisbane’s business events community are working hard to ensure that the event leaves a lasting legacy, writes Ylla Wright.

“Team Brisbane” was out in force at last month’s Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), ahead of what will be the greatest test of the city’s business events capabilities to date, the 2014 G20 Leaders Summit in November.

Speaking at AIME, John Aitken, chief executive of the city’s economic development agency Brisbane Marketing, said Brisbane was going all out to become a world centre for national and international business events.

“As home to the 2014 G20

Leaders Summit, Brisbane is already recognised throughout the world for its capability to host significant events,” he said.

“The Summit will bring 7000 delegates, including international media, to the city for the most important event Brisbane has held in a generation.

“It will give the world’s top economic decision makers a chance to see first-hand our exceptional conference facilities, hotels and leisure attractions.”

With the eyes of the world set to be on the city in November, Brisbane Marketing is hoping to

capitalise on the spotlight with its G20 Opportunities Program, a series of high-profile social media, global media and “legacy” projects designed to maximise the long-term benefits to the city.

Amongst the initiatives to be included in the program is the “Brisbane Global Café”, which will see leading thinkers and innovators from around the world start a conversation around digital futures, entrepreneurship, life sciences, low-emission economies, food futures and tourism. The Global Café will feature a series of events in the months leading up to the Summit and end with an

international event in the week before the G20 meeting.

Brisbane will also aim to build its reputation as a friendly city with a “wayfinding” strategy including signage, geo-tagged digital applications and access to people trained to help visitors navigate the city.

A “Brisbane Welcomes the World” online training program will help service staff, such as taxi and bus drivers and hospitality workers, make visitors feel welcome, while the “Brisbane Greeters” campaign will see volunteers fluent

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28 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

Voted Worldwide Convention Centre Team of the Year

E sales@bcec.com.au W www.bcec.com.au

Showgrounds get a new name Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds, home of the Royal International Convention Centre, has rebranded as the Brisbane Showgrounds.

“We believe the new name, Brisbane Showgrounds, will help to raise the profile and identity of the precinct nationally and internationally,” said Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) chief executive Brendan Christou.

“It will also better represent the various uses of the area – from the home of the Ekka and the new Royal International Convention Centre, to the location of an adjoining colourful community featuring residential, commercial and retail developments in the future.”

“Brisbane Showgrounds is a simple message which clearly defines the precinct in terms of its physical location, while recognising its distinct heritage and character.”

in more than 20 languages host authentic sightseeing experiences for delegates looking to explore Brisbane.

Special funding for the program of $500,000 was included in the 2013-14 Brisbane City Council budget, with Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk throwing his weight behind it.

“This is a very small investment for a future tourism, investment, conventions and study return that will potentially run into the hundreds of millions,” he says.

“Everyone in Brisbane should

be proud to host such an event and by the time the G20 is over I want the world to know that Brisbane is a rising star in the Asia Pacific and a key economic development hub.

“This is a once-in-a-generation chance for Brisbane to step up and take its place among the emerging new world cities of the 21st century.”

Annabel Sullivan, director of Brisbane Marketing’s Convention Bureau, says that Brisbane is travelling well for business events in the lead up to the

G20, with more associations and organisations choosing to hold events in the city.

“We’ve had a strong start to the financial year and won over $50 million of conferences for the city,” she says.

“I absolutely believe that associations and organisations are more aware of Brisbane as a destination for business events than they were.

“In the last couple of years we introduced a global campaign called Choose Brisbane and that really has helped to increase

awareness. [Winning] the G20 has also really helped us. We’re really looking forward to making the most of that opportunity.”

Preparations for the G20 Leaders Summit are expected to gear up in the next month or two as the government’s G20 taskforce brings on more people, according to Bob O’Keeffe, general manager of host venue, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC).

“We’ve had a group working on it for probably 12 months or so but with more and more people in

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 29

CLOUD TECHNOLOGY FOR EVENTS

Royal ICC celebrates first birthday Brisbane’s newest convention centre, the Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC), celebrates its first anniversary this month, with Sue Hocking, general manager, venue sales and marketing confirming its been a successful year.

“We gauge the success not just on profitability, but repeat business and feedback from our customers, which has been overwhelmingly positive,” she says.

The Royal ICC welcomed a number of high profile events in 2013 including the Queensland Tourism Awards, the National Radio Conference and Australian Commercial Radio Awards, the Brisbane Boat Show, and the 58th Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism.

“We worked hard to provide our customers with a different level of service, flexibility, creativity and care and I believe this is what has really set us apart from the competition this year – as well as the stunning heritage design of the facility,” says Hocking.

“The Royal ICC was well and truly tested in 2013 with so many diverse events in all categories and it has performed exceptionally.”

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the taskforce, that will drive stuff to us and we need to be ready to react,” he says.

The summit will “own” the entire Centre for around a month, allowing plenty of time for set-up and break down of the massive event.

“We don’t at this stage know what they want to do with the venue,” says O’Keeffe. “Anything at all could happen and it will take that long to make sure everything is under control, tests are done, processes are in place and we’re ready to go. CHOGM

[the 17th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which was cancelled nine days before it was due to start in 2001, following the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York] was the same.”

The BCEC is looking forward to the challenge, however.

“It’s the biggest business meeting in the world, certainly in Australia, so to have that in your city, your centre is pretty good,” says O’Keeffe. “If you can handle that you can handle anything.”

BCEC anticipates busy year The G20 Leaders Summit is the culmination of what will be an exceedingly busy year for the Centre, which has more than 600 events on the calendar for 2014 including 120 conferences.

the Study of the Liver for 1500 delegates; the 5th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) 2014 for 1000 delegates; and Oz Water 2014 for 1500 delegates.

Amongst the events scheduled for the year are the 29th International Horticulture Congress 2014 for 2000 delegates with some 17 additional symposia; the XXXII World Congress of Audiology 2014 for 2000 delegates; the Asian Pacific Association for

The Centre will also host nine new exhibitions including AWISA (Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers Association) 2014, Supanova 2014, The Courier Mail Home Show 2014, Mind Body and Spirit Festival and new business events showcase ConveneQ.

30 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

Customs House Australia’s best caterer Heritage venue Customs House was named Australia’s "Caterer of the Year" in last year’s Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering HostPlus National Awards for Excellence, also picking up the top awards in the function/convention centre caterer and wedding caterer categories.

Customs House director Brian Roberts says it was the first time the venue had won a national award in the awards program.

“We were ecstatic to win one award, and then overwhelmed when we realised we'd won three against major venues that are much bigger than our boutique service,” he says.

“The awards also position Customs House as one of the city's drawcards, and that's an asset for us when Brisbane hosts international events, like the G20 Summit.”

Customs House caters for more than 65,000 guests at about 740 events every year, with Roberts attributing the popularity of the venue to the quality of the food and the determination of its staff to exceed guests' expectations.

“We try to source local and organic ingredients as much as possible so our guests can enjoy seasonally fresh restaurant-style catering, and that's becoming increasingly important as clients ask for more adventurous menu choices like five spiced quail and wagyu bresaola,” he said.

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“We also offer a rather unique function experience for clients who want to add the elegance of Brisbane's heritage architecture to their contemporary weddings and conferences.”

The Centre is also working with members of its Advocates Program to develop a number of home-grown conferences for Brisbane.

“Skin cancer is a big problem in Queensland, and several of our advocates came up with the idea of starting our own skin cancer conference rather than trying to attract one from overseas,” says O’Keeffe.

“They got all their networks moving and they formed the Global Controversies and Advances in Skin Cancer conference [held in November

last year].

“The idea is that the conference can move from Brisbane to Malaysia, or maybe somewhere else and then back to Brisbane, so instead of getting it once and then waiting 20 years to get it again, it will come back every few years.

“We now have two or three of those conferences, and it’s really worked out. It’s a twoway street too – the advocate has a chance to create an event, their world standing goes up, and we get a regular event out of it.”

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www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 31

SYDNEY

Booking ahead Any doubts about Sydney’s ability to cope following the closure of SCEC at the end of 2013 have evaporated with the city’s plethora of venues and hotels looking at a very rosy three years, writes Sheridan Randall.

As the hoardings go up around the former site of the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre (SCEC), Sydney’s new convention centre at Darling Harbour, the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, has already secured $50 million worth of international events, despite being three years from opening, a result Acting Premier Andrew Stoner describes as “phenomenal”.

“It shows that there is a lot of faith in Sydney as Australia’s leading business events destination, and that we are living up to our reputation by delivering world-class infrastructure,” he says.

2017, with 4000 delegates; the 2017 AIPPI World Intellectual Property Congress, with 2000 delegates; and the International Conference of the Institute of Internal Auditors 2017, with 1600 delegates.

The events secured for ICC Sydney by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) include the International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference

BESydney chief executive Lyn Lewis-Smith says that six of the seven events so far secured “are directly linked to the state’s priority sectors and strengthen

the Government’s approach to economic development”.

“The events that they have secured for ICC Sydney will have far-reaching benefits, building real connections, networks and fostering learning that could result in innovations and advances that benefit communities across the world,” she says.

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Floating space Dockside Group is set to launch a new event venue on an anchored floating pontoon in the heart of Darling Harbour.

Opening in mid-2014, the Dockside Pavilion at Darling Harbour will cater for up to 1440 seated guests and 2000 standing and provide spectacular water and city views. The innovative fabric structure was created by the same firm behind The Cloud, in Auckland.

Left: ICC Sydney.

This year is also set to be a strong year for business events for Sydney with close to 53,000 delegates expected to deliver an economic impact of close to $200 million to the state economy, with Lewis-Smith saying the city “has come together like never before to provide collaborative solutions for events”.

“This year, Sydney is certainly open for business even though we don’t have a convention centre for the next three years,” she says. “The pipeline of secured events is strong and we are still seeing bid wins for

short term Asian business that will continue to grow the event pool. The benefits from all of these meetings, incentives and conferences will be great.

new era for the harbour city with infrastructure developments underway that will keep us at the top of innovation, creativity and exceptional event experiences.”

“You only have to look at the events of all sizes that we are hosting this year – from 18,000 people to just a few hundred – to see that our venues are continuing to accommodate conferences, meetings and incentives in Sydney’s exceptional manner.

Swissôtel Sydney’s new general manager, Christian Hirt, is only six months into the job, and coming from straight from Istanbul, where he was director of operations at Swissôtel the Bosphorus, he has a fresh perspective on a city that was on the cusp of losing its main conference space for three years.

“Sydney is never afraid to reinvent itself and challenge tradition. We are welcoming a

“When I arrived there was a lot of talk about the closure of SCEC

and how it will affect the Sydney market,” he says. “Everyone was bit worried about it. At the end of the day we haven’t seen a negative impact on us. Contrary I would say a lot of events went into the bigger hotels and we benefit as we get the smaller sized events, so from that point of view it is very good.”

With Swissôtel Sydney catering to the mid-to-smaller sized meetings – its Blaxland Ballroom caters up to 450 theatre-style – Hirt says that the “compression” caused by many larger events shifting to hotels and venues

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www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 33

with a greater capacity means the hotel is picking up more of the smaller events.

“The demand here in the city is fantastic,” he adds. “Sydney does a lot of things to really promote the city and a lot is happening here. Now with the infrastructure enhancements, it will be very beneficial for the city and very much needed.”

Swissôtel Sydney is not the only hotel happy to pick up the slack following SCEC’s demise. Rydges Sydney World Square, which is busy with a $6 million upgrade to its lobby and accommodation rooms, has also seen a pick-up in business this year.

“Sydney’s business community has been increasingly moving south,” says the hotel’s general

manager, John McIlwain. “We are also one of the largest conference hotels in the area, and with the closure of the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, demand for our conference facilities has increased by over 20 per cent in just the first quarter of 2014.”

Malu Barrios, the general manager of the new Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island (SEC@GI) interim facility, is also breathing a little easier with the venue’s baptism of fire now under its belt. The Reed Gift Fair kicked off proceedings for the newly built venue, with more than 440 individual companies exhibiting across five halls of the new facility over the five-day event in February.

“All the feedback indicated that

we have done well,” Barrios says.

“It has been a very challenging job, but the collaboration we have with the client, our suppliers and contractors [meant] we delivered a very good product.”

Up to 30,000 people were anticipated to attend, using a combination of onsite car parks, free bus services from Central and Darling Harbour and free ferries from Circular Quay and Darling Harbour.

“The buses had some teething problems, but we learned a lot and used it to improve things for next time,” she says. “It was a great bench mark to start with.”

Following the Reed show, the facility’s sales people have been “inundated” with site

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34 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

inspection requests, with SEC@ GI since hosting the NRL season launch, which Barrios describes as a “very different event with different needs”.

“Our next one is the Lansdowne Club St Patrick’s Day Lunch and we are expecting around 1200 for that one,” she says.

“Straight after that is the Australian Dental Industry Association event which is a different type of exhibition to the Reed Gift Fair as this one will have a conference and seminar sessions.”

Barrios is quick to “count my blessings” for the team working with her.

“The familiarity that the clients had with the same people, most of who worked at the SCEC,

Let there be light Audio visual company Event Services has been lighting up Sydney for decades, including events such as the 2000 Olympics and Millennium celebrations.

“We were lucky enough to light up some very high profile buildings around Sydney,” says co-owner Colin Baldwin, who maintains that the company can “pretty much go anywhere” in Sydney.

Left: Skyline Terrace at SCG. Above: Australian Technology Park.

“Two years ago we worked on the Sydney Biennale opening gala event in the turbine hall on Cockatoo Island. That was a massive challenge given the nature of the building, not only from a safety point of view but also from a heritage point of view. The bump in schedule and trying to set up around numerous art installations and turn the turbine hall into a facility to hold a welcome party for 2000 guests and then within four hours after the event to be gone was a logistical challenge.”

This month the gala opening for the Sydney Biennale is being held at Australian Technology Park, with Baldwin describing it as “unique and visually exciting” event space.

“You can get in there and do some wonderful lighting,” he says.

Unsurprisingly for the Harbour City it is the water that often gets used for dramatic effect.

“We have produced events on Fort Denison across the water, have worked many times in the Opera House using the water as a backdrop, and lit up many buildings around Circular Quay over the years,” he says. “It is a spectacular harbour and we are very fortunate to have that.”

made it a very easy transition.

The clients felt very comfortable because they felt their needs were understood.”

just to try and build our room nights as much as possible and build a good base for what was to come,” he says.

With bookings steady, and what Barrios describes as a “big one” just confirmed for the end of the year, things are looking rosy for the facility that some thought would never match expectations.

“It has been good,” she adds.

In what could be described as a bold move for a hotel located in Sydney’s outer suburbs, the newbuild hotel sports a futuristic design both inside and out.

Another venue that has hit the ground running is the new Atura Blacktown. Owned by Amalgamated Holdings Limited (AHL), the group that also owns the QT and Rydges brands, Atura Blacktown is “really starting to find its feet”, according to general manager Joel Gordon.

“We really penetrated the corporate market to begin with

greater choice in hotels.

“For companies around the area wanting to get out of the office and try something new, we have been able to cater to that successfully,” he says.

“The hotel makes a bold statement from the get go, especially at night time as it looks pretty amazing,” he says.

“But it doesn’t stop there, it continues all the way through to the hotel rooms.”

“We are like a mini-QT. [AHL’s managing director] David Seargeant [see more on p.44] has a vision for mid-market boutique hotels and that is what this hotel does very successfully. It has everything a traveller needs, whether that be a corporate or leisure [traveller], and packs that up with a great price.”

Gordon says the hotel has been “well received” with the businesses around Wetherill Park and Arndell Park, with many businesses in the area previously heading to Parramatta for its

Coming in at a low price point the hotel has ditched some things, such as room service, in favour of other services that many guests would like to see more of in other more upmarket hotels –

namely free wi-fi throughout, free in-room movies and free national calls from in-room.

The hotel also delivers on the meetings front with five conference facilities catering up to 150 seated or 200 cocktail-style.

“We also have a big pool deck and what we often do is pull back the bi-fold doors and open it up to the Roadhouse Bar area and use it as a function space,” he adds. “It has great flexibility.”

Gordon is aware that there is “some stigma around the Blacktown location”, saying it’s important to get people onsite to see it for themselves.

“You can see people walk in a go ‘wow this is something different’,” he says. “It wouldn’t matter where it is located it is

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Atura Blacktown.

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still a great product.”

Randwick Racecourse’s new event spaces also opened late last year in preparation for the closure of SCEC, and have been going great guns ever since, with the sales team sitting some 28 per cent ahead of target, according to the Australian Turf Club’s (ATC) general manager of sales, Darwyn Jolly.

race course with purpose built facilities, I think we have done incredibly well with the volume of specialty events that we have staged here,” he says.

The facilities have “a huge calendar of high profile and reputable events” booked, with a lot of national awards and exhibitions being held there.

“Now that the Australian dollar has dropped we are finding that a bit more international spend is coming back to Australia. We are getting quite a few incentives from North America and some events from South East Asia and China. Normally they would reserve venues in the CBD but there are actually spreading the business around which is great.”

“Considering we are not a convention centre, we are a

Rosehill Gardens is another ATC venue that has seen business

pick up following the closure of SCEC, particularly with international events, with a marketing campaign promoting it as an events destination that is only minutes away from Sydney Olympic Park and Homebush.

“Already we have seen a number of great results with international exhibitions and events being held there,” he says. “Rosehill Gardens has a purpose built exhibition hall and convention centre and is starting to great results from that.

“I think for a lot of people when they think of Sydney they think of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and of course SCEC,

but now that is closed event organisers are becoming a little smarter and a bit more unique in their choices.”

One venue that could be described as unique is Luna Park Sydney, which spent last year promoting its venues as more than just a flexible space to hold gala dinners, but also a competitive space to hold conferences and exhibitions, particularly in its Big Top. “From that perspective the venue has stepped up to another level,” says James Granter, general manager sales at Luna Park Sydney.

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Minutes from the CBD and easily accessible by car or ferry, Luna Park

ON SITE CATERER AT AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY PARK, SYDNEY AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM STATE LIBRARY OF NSW • HARBOUR 220 MANY MORE PREFERRED LOCATIONS LAISSEZ FAIRE CATERING T + 61 2 9209 4810 • E sara@laissez.com.au W laissez.com.au

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Venues offer a range of venues and a dedicated team of industry professionals eager to help organise your next event with ease.

For more information contact our friendly sales team Luna Park Venues 1 Olympic Drive Milsons Point NSW 2061

36 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com 17/02/2014 11:25 am

Phone: +612 9033 7540 Email:Sales@lunaparksydney.com Web: www.lunaparkvenues.com

Foodie central With Tourism Australia’s Restaurant Australia marketing campaign gaining momentum, Sydney is fast becoming a “food destination”, according to Sara Flaksbard, general manager at Laissez-faire Catering.

“Sydney has a food style made up of a unique blend of cultures, practices and ideas,” Flaksbard says. “The beauty of a typical Sydney street is that you can walk through 10 different food stores and be granted a plethora of choice. At Laissez-faire Catering, we use Sydney’s food and produce as inspiration when designing our menus and collections.”

Laissez-faire, which was recently selected to join the Entertainment Quarter (EQ) Catering Panel, caters for a diverse range of Sydney venues including the Australian National Maritime Museum, which is about to launch its new Lighthouse gallery in April, Australian Technology Park, Wylie’s Bath and the State Library of NSW to name but a few.

“We focus on quality and aim to showcase the best Sydney produce has to offer by giving our clients the chance to experience premium catering in an incredibly unique setting,” she adds.

“We plan to have a couple of showcases for event organisers this year to get everybody into the Big Top and to see some of the investments we have made in the park.”

investment have done, in particular the draping, has actually made it a ready to go space,” he says. “It is really become a cost effective option for organisers.”

Recent events held at Luna Park Sydney include the Australia Day Lunch, Qantas Australian Tourism Awards and the Big Sports Breakfast, which saw the number of attendees double this year prompting a move into the larger Big Top, with Granter describing it as a “coming of age” for the venue.

Sydney’s newest event space is set to be unveiled in May at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The $186 million Sydney Cricket Ground Members Stand event-space, comprising the MA Noble, Don Bradman and Dally Messenger stands, features a 700-guest Members Dining Room; a 1200 person capacity Skyline Terrace, with spectacular views to the CBD;

“It has always been a very versatile space but what the

and an interactive event space and state-of-the art media room.

“The Sydney Cricket Ground is the hero of our offering, which includes the Alliance stadium,” says Susan Le Roux, sales manager NSW at the newly rebranded SCG Events.

“We are focusing on making the new event spaces a premium offering. There are currently multiple venues in use and this will be the next level up.”

With more than 150 years of sporting history woven into the fabric of the SCG, sports lovers from across the world are expected to make a pilgrimage.

“We anticipate further enquiries from the Indian market as they are becoming more aware of it, and working with Business Events Sydney [to promote the venue],” she says.

Domestic bookings are also looking strong, especially for Christmas events.

“Our corporate events revenue fall Monday to Friday and most sporting events are on the weekend, which is good synergy,” she adds. “We are very used to having a conference or event in one area even while we prepare for a sporting event in the stadium.”

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www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 37

EVENT THEMING

In the spotlight

Amy Merriman, managing director, Event Planet One of the quintessential elements to making a corporate event one to remember is

From chandeliers to “tablescapes”, pyrotechnics and secret announcements, five event theming experts speak with Anna-Louise McDougall about the theming trends with “wow-factor” and what’s in store for the rest of 2014.

Mark Taylor, managing director, Belle-Laide Events For us, this year will be about more refined detail within the event setting and more one-off design experiences overall. The look and feel of an event starts from the first point of contact that you have with your guests – the invitation. It’s important to assess the main objectives of the event prior to thinking about theme. The questions that need to be asked are: Why is the event taking place? Who are our guests? What type of experience do we want them to have? How do we keep creative and design continuity from start to end? The devil is in the detail and this will always show with any event, big or small.

This year will see us focus on clean lines and incorporating bold colours and geometric shapes into events whilst balancing these elements with organic materials such as paper and plants.

Stunning “tablescapes” will

be a major focal point in theme implementation.

Over the last year we have worked with paper sculptor Louise Paramor on several events. Her giant paper chandelier and standing floor fans are truly unique and bring a sense of depth and texture to an event.

Designing large events for 2000 guests or more is really exciting. Bigger budgets for entertainment will usually lead to the incorporation of amazing set design and lighting shows for example.

As part of the recent Australian Tourism Exchange, Destination New South Wales hosted a grand Welcome Gala Function for over 2000 guests that took place in a custombuilt marquee installation located on the lawn in front of Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art. A 10 minute pyrotechnic display from Farm Cove over the Sydney Opera House and a series of close proximity fireworks illuminating the lower concourse in Circular Quay made for an absolute showstopping night for guests and highlighted the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Tracy Wood, managing director, Funktionality Throughout 2013, we noticed the emergence of trends dedicated to eras gone by. In particular, the movie release of The Great Gatsby sparked demand for theming centred on the overtly opulent and glamorous “roaring ’20s”. We also saw the resurgence of the “Vintage Circus” theme, brought to life with splashes of red and white, quirky carnival characters and regal décor.

Whether it’s a conference or end-of-year celebration, selecting the right entertainment is crucial. The perfect keynote speaker will leave delegates at a conference pondering their content long after the event is over, whilst the right musician or dancer will lift the atmosphere of the party and ensure guests dance the night away.

Another element that is sure to make a corporate event one to remember is a feature piece of some sort – something that will

Looking ahead, it will be more important for event managers and event designers to incorporate digital platforms into their event design.

38 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

draw the attention of guests and leave them in awe.

Inspiration can be found all around; we look to Pinterest, Instagram, design blogs, books, and magazines for inspiration.

We also draw from personal experiences such as travelling and are constantly inspired by the architecture we see, as well as the cultures we immerse ourselves in.

Our current favourite theme is the “Enchanted Garden/ Wilderness,” heavily inspired by nature and outdoor settings to bring colour and texture to an event.

We predict 2014 is going to see tropical décor or jungle fever, channelling Brazil – think exotic palms, pineapples and samba! Metallics, for example, sequin tablecloths, mercury glass vases, polished brass, gold leaves and mirrors will also be big. On the other side of the colour spectrum, neutrals will gain popularity, as well as geometric patterns.

addressing the five senses.

Physically creating warmth is important too – having the right temperature is the metaphorical idea of a hug. It softens people and opens them up to a journey or experience that they perhaps don’t expect.

People appreciate subtle touches these days, as opposed to big, bold gestures. There is a general move away from print production as a visual; sensory impact can be achieved through technology and sound. We’ve seen more demand for VJs [vision jockeys], instead of disc jockeys, who create moving imagery on walls.

People are activating their brands in ways that are both clever and subtle, but long

Katrina Regan, senior producer, cievents It’s important that people feel really welcome and involved in the event – the more welcome they feel, the more they will remember the event.

In particular, caterers need to be briefed so they can embrace the theme. Cook and Wait’s theming at the after party for last year’s The Great Gatsby Premiere saw an incredible cheese platter that emulated the decadence of that period. Beautiful ambient lighting and music design is also important, and if the budget allows, aspects like having the waiters dressed for the occasion makes a big difference. It’s essential to have an element that makes guests say, “How did they do that?”

Large events where you create a sense of intimacy are the best ones. When you’ve got 3000 people to entertain the trick is to make sure no one feels like they’re at the back of the room.

One of our favourite projects we’ve been involved in was a bar for Veuve Clicquot at the Paspaley Polo In The City event.

We used an Airstream caravan reconfigured as a hospitality bar; it was instantly popular with guests as something quirky, fun and different.

Melbourne Cup, where the theme was Dubai, both modern and traditional. We immersed ourselves in the world of Dubai and Emirati culture for months; it was very much collaboration with Emirates. We borrowed a 300kg, 2.5m by 1.5m brass and copper camel from a luxury resort in Dubai, and we sourced a chandelier traditional to Dubai, as well as 50 lanterns. Lanterns were one of our preferred decorator pieces last year as they create a sense of intimacy to rooms large and small and give you the ability to play around with the lighting.

Clients are now taking more risks; they are trying to find a way to inject a sense of fun in their event.

A huge trend for events at the moment is retro or vintage.

This theme suits a variety of event types including gala dinners, sales kick-offs or a nostalgia-fuelled end of year party. From shiny silver microphones to mint coloured dining booths, vintage mopeds and colourful floral wallpaper, this theme is one that we will certainly be seeing more.

I love the old world glamour from the 1940s; the sheer elegance and sophistication that this era exudes makes it one of my favourite event themes.

Last year we organised a five day conference completely themed with the sophisticated glamour of the 1940s. Working closely with our technical teams, we designed lighting,

sound and vision solutions that complemented the theme of each event and were essential elements in creating the memorable overall atmosphere.

Inspiration for events comes from far and wide; I absorb a lot from the news, popular culture, fashion, architecture, interiors, movies, galleries and blogs.

Digital styling is a key trend to look out for in 2014; this involves using projection mapping, animated videos and motion graphics together with custom stage sets to transform an event space into a living space.

Other trends to look out for include a modern twist on romantic retro, industrial architectural elements, mirrored images and pattern motifs and gothic punk meets street culture.

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Last year I tendered for the Emirates Marquee in the Birdcage at the

lasting. For example social media brings with it the opportunity for longevity, rather than the event being limited to when it starts and finishes.

There is also often an element of surprise – people will never tire of that – it’s just being delivered in a different way. For example, event organisers are only announcing secret event locations two hours before the event happens.

Corina Ginakis, senior event stylist, Staging Connections

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 39

EVENT REPORT

CIM celebrates!

Capping off a successful first day at this year’s Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, CIM hosted more than 120 industry insiders at “The CIM Room” party, held at relaxed riverside venue The Boatbuilders Yard, opposite the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The party saw guests enjoy fine wines, delicious canapés and a rockin’ ’80s playlist while catching up with friends and colleagues.

ies, xandra Dav nus and Ale Crystal Mag Turf Club.

Australian

Lisha Singh, Tourism Portfolio; Danielle Hatch, Amora Hotels; Melanie Sidoroff, Amora Hotels.

Marie-Claire Andrews , Show Gizmo; Sandra Fountain, Tradevent Registratio ns; Helen Mantellato, International Convention Centre Syd ney.

hard, Hotel Christine Pritc d an g ag St Natasha ellor.

Grand Chanc

Justine Warren, Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef; Giovanna Lever, Business Events Australia.

Jan Tonkin, The Conference Company; Tim Birley, Toga Hotels.

Barry Neame, Consec Conference Management; Maxine Tod, PCO Association; Lauren Hall, Ivvy; Peter Sugg, AST Management.

Bob O’K eeffe, B risbane Brad G Conven essner, AEG O tion & Exhibit gden. ion Cen tre;

Watch the video in the CIM iPad app.

40 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

David Perry, Windsor Hotels; Rob Yeomans, CIM Magazine.

Kim Goulter, Tourism and Events Queensland ; Lisa Budd, Townsville Event and Convention Bureau; Amy Mail, Bu siness Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.

Annabel Sullivan, Brisbane Marketin g; Andrew Heibl, Association of Australian Convent ion Bureaux.

Richard Armour, Craig Gosling and l.

George Merkouris, The Grace Hote

& Exhibition ane Convention Gail Sawyer, Brisb azine. omans, CIM Mag Centre; Sandra Ye

Andrea Werner and Julie Manga, Stamford Hotels; Shelley Eastwood, Heritage Hotels.

Mathew Webb, Michelle Alice Tho o and Sharon Lam, Singapore Tourism Board.

Donna Kessler, Tourism Portfolio; Edwina Mason, Pullman Hotels and Resorts; Sally Hein, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Jennifer Orsi and Amanda Lovett, The Star; Paul Bryan, Gulf Ventures (Emirates); Chris Nielsen and Deanna Varga, Australian National Maritime Museum; Lauren Tuckwell, The Star.

e; tion Centr st Conven a o ine, C ev ld D o -Jane ann, G ouse; Mary Michelle M H m o d n a eir, R Nerrilee W rketing. a M n o Fusi

Rochelle Uechtritz, AEG Ogden; Anna Case, Gold Coast Business Events.

Alicia Thomas an d Renée Murphy, Jupiters Hotel an Casino; Johan Li d ndholm, Treasury Hotel and Casino.

The CIM Room party was organised by Alpha Events, www.alphaevents.com.au

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 41

VENUE UPDATE

Peppers to launch in Bali Mantra Group has announced that Sentosa Seminyak in Bali will join the Peppers brand this month.

To be known as Peppers Sentosa Seminyak the resort comprises of 49 luxury villas with 177 rooms at 450sqm per three bedroom villa and 1070sqm per four bedroom villa.

Australian chef Luke Mangan’s on-site signature restaurant,

Salt Tapas & Bar, provides an ideal venue for events, and due to the size of the villas, small meetings and incentives can easily be catered for.

Peppers Sentosa Seminyak is the second property for the Mantra Group in Indonesia joining the newly built Mantra Nusa Dua which opened in late 2012.

News in brief Royce Hotel’s new boardrooms The Royce Hotel in Melbourne has opened two new purpose built boardrooms seating 10-14 guests, ideal for meetings or an intimate dinner. Secretarial services, a business area in the lobby and a full range of AV and technical assistance are available. Overall the hotel has a choice of nine individual meeting rooms that cater for up to 300 delegates and all types of events.

Port Stephens’ conference upgrade The Anchorage in Port Stephens has undergone a meetings and conference facility upgrade. The new-look convention and business centre at The Anchorage will officially open in October, 2014, with the latest AV technology and a “business breather” zone overlooking the resort’s marina. Accommodation at the boutique resort is also being refurbished to boost business tourism to the property and the Port Stephens region.

42 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

Darwin Atrium refurb Accor’s Novotel Darwin Atrium hotel has unveiled a $5 million guest room refurbishment.

The hotel now features the Novotel Next Generation room concept which an open plan layout that encourages guests to create their own spaces and atmosphere. The hotel has 140 rooms, and for business guests the hotel offers conference facilities to cater for up to 110 people.

New venue ahoy The Australian National Maritime Museum is set to unveil a new addition to its event venue portfolio from April, 2014.

The Lighthouse Gallery is set on Sydney’s waterfront, flanked by the Museum’s own lighthouse. A pillar-free waterfront venue that features 13m floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbour, it can accommodate up to 250 guests banquet-style and 400 guests in cocktail and theatre-style.

The Lighthouse Gallery comes equipped with audio-visual technology and is supported by the museum’s event and catering team, Laissez-faire. The museum also offers opportunities to incorporate some of their world class exhibitions and vessels into event packages.

New conference centre for Hunter Valley The Hunter Valley’s largest conference and events centre is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

Overlooking the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley’s gardens, the Hunter Valley Conference & Events Centre will have the capacity for up to

Shanghai’s new conference centre Shanghai is set to become an even more popular destination for meetings and incentives with the opening of the multi-million dollar Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Centre of International Sourcing. The centre features 25 meeting rooms and two 6500sqm exhibition rooms.

1000 delegates, with a combined 2012sqm of pre-function, meeting, exhibition and convention space.

The centre will comprise of three conference rooms ranging from 380sqm to 400sqm that can be used as one ballroom or divided into separate rooms. All conference rooms open onto a glass roofed gallery.

RA partners with Sydney Living Museums Restaurant Associates (RA) has partnered with Sydney Living Museum (SLM) properties, The Mint and the Justice and Police Museum, as their exclusive caterer. The company will develop a bespoke special events service, under Sebastien Lutaud, RA’s general manager for cuisine.

Rydges to manage Surry Hills hotel The Schwartz Family Group has appointed Rydges Hotels & Resorts to manage its Surry Hills hotel. Operating as the Sebel Surry Hills since 2008, the 4-star hotel will be re-branded as Rydges Sydney Central from April, 2014. The hotel offers 271 contemporary rooms, and nine meeting rooms, catering for up to 220 delegates.

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 43

PROFILE

Vision accomplished The hotel sector in Australia was by international standards a little on the conservative side until the arrival of the QT brand. Sheridan Randall spoke with David Seargeant, the managing director of Amalgamated Holdings Limited (AHL), the man credited with launching a brand that may yet conquer the world.

The nation’s capital is about to be QT’d and will undoubtedly be better off for it. Set to open in April, QT Canberra is currently being given the finishing touches by a team of “collaborators” who will give the former Rydges Lakeside Hotel a twist that will be both familiar and totally unexpected.

The brand launched in 2011 with QT Gold Coast and immediately got tongues wagging with its knowing and eclectic mix of pop culture references combined with a great food offering and switched on staff. Port Douglas, Sydney and Thredbo followed in quick succession, each managing to be consistently quirky without losing what has since become that QT feel.

Behind the whole QT juggernaut is a team of creative designers who have been on board since day one – namely Nic Graham (public areas), Shelley Indyk (guest rooms), Anna Roberts (styling) and Robert Marchetti (food).

But talk to anyone at QT and they will say that it is David Seargeant’s vision that is the driving force behind it all.

“We are all growing through this process,” says Seargeant. “It has taken a lot to get a team we are really comfortable with and when you get that it’s really unique and quite rare.

It does make it easier but it’s a long process to get there. If you see each of the QT properties you’ll see how we progressed in design over each of them.”

Seargeant’s vision for QT came from a lifetime spent in the hotel sector and plenty of experience travelling overseas.

“We didn’t have any larger scale hotels that fitted that designer boutique hotel [style],” he says.

“Each shell is different and each location

is different so it’s about coming up with a concept and theme for each,” he says. “The consistent thing is that we start with what our market is, which is experienced travellers and people from the creative industries who really respond to this type of concept.

It is quite a sizeable market which is well underserviced in Australia.”

But it doesn’t end with QT, as AHL is still growing its Rydges Hotel brand as well as launching a new concept late last year in Sydney’s Blacktown – Atura.

“Atura is very design in nature, quite a hip style design but at a great price point,” he says.

“It really is about having a concept and knowing what the market for that concept is and going into areas where that catchment is strong enough to support it.

A new QT Melbourne, on Russell Street, is set to follow Canberra, while a new set of highend serviced QT residences is on the cards for Bondi in Sydney. At some point Australia is simply going to run out of locations for the ambitions of Seargeant and his team which begs the question whether an expansion overseas is on the cards?

“We would like to take the QT brand overseas, but we think that it is far more likely through management,” he says.

“I don’t want to sound [like a] parochial Australian, but it is great we have an Australian concept and designers, something that is totally Australian in nature. It would be nice to think we can export that and put that real Australian feel in some other cities outside of Australia. It’s something we would very much like to do.”

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MEETING PEOPLE Sheraton Melbourne Hotel has announced the appointment of André Jacques to the position of director of sales and marketing.

Jacques has 20 years of international experience, having previously worked with Starwood Hotels & Resorts for 14 years and eight years with its luxury brand St. Regis in both North America and the Middle East.

ICMS Australasia has appointed Emma Rutledge to the position of operations manager sponsorship and exhibitions.

Rutledge was Meetings and Events Association of Australia’s 2013 National Event Manager of the Year and previously spent eight years at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Tourism Australia has named John O’Sullivan as its new managing director.

O’Sullivan joins Tourism Australia from Fox Sports where he was chief operating officer and he has previously held positions with Events Queensland and Football Federation Australia.

Leanne Coddington has been appointed chief executive of Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ).

Coddington brings a wealth of experience to the role having previously been an executive and acting chief executive of TEQ.

Ian Pirodon has been appointed general manager of Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise.

Relocating from Sydney where he was general manager of Holiday Inn Sydney Airport, Pirodon has been with the International Hotels Group since 1996. With a strong operational background, Pirodon has expertise spanning food and beverage, front office, housekeeping and conferencing and events.

Dockside Group has appointed Mike Sarino to the newly created position of director of sales and events. With more than 20 years experience in the hospitality and tourism industries, Sarino spent 13 years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and was most recently director of sales and marketing at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) has appointed Simon Lomas deputy general manager. Lomas was previously at Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre for four years as director of food and beverage and then director of operations. Lomas will manage the audiovisual and technical services, catering, event co-ordination and exhibition services as well as promotional activities.

Stamford Plaza Auckland has announced the appointment of Marija Gecan as director of sales. Gecan has an extensive background in the industry, having worked as national sales manager for the Hilton Worldwide group as well as Central North Island sales manager for the Accor group.

Korea Tourism Organization’s (KTO) Sydney office has appointed Sang-weon Je (Steve) the new director for Australia and New Zealand.

Je has 20 years experience working for KTO in Seoul as well as overseas in Chicago and Hong Kong.

Liz Hafner has joined the Business Events Tasmania (BET) team as business development manager. Hafner comes to BET from the role of functions manager at the Museum of Old and New Art. Hafner will work with both association and conference and incentive clients to help host successful events in Tasmania.

Accor Pacific has appointed Bridie Commerford to the position of director marketing and communications Australia. She has more than 18 years experience in senior marketing roles. Candice Teo has joined the team in the role of PR and communications executive.

Janine Daniel has been announced the director of MICE Stamford Plaza Auckland. Daniel has more than two decades experience in the industry having worked for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in London, and The Chartridge Conference Company in Hertfordshire, UK, and most recently The Langham, Auckland where she held the position of director of events for seven years.

Helen Mantellato has been named as exhibition sales manager at the International Convention Centre Sydney. Mantellato brings extensive experience in the international and domestic exhibition industry to the role, having been with Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre as director of sales (exhibitions) for the past 10 years.

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 45

PCO ASSOCIATION

Cutting costs in a technological age Facing spiraling technology costs, the event managers of the Australia Defence Charity Ball turned to Natalie Brien, director of audio visual consultancy Venue Integration, for assistance. Here she explains how she helped them save thousands of dollars.

Technology is playing an increasing role in the execution of slick, professional events.

However, the ever-advancing equipment doesn’t come cheap and it can often be hard to decipher complex technical quotes and work out what technical equipment is and isn’t needed in order to optimise audio visual spend and host a successful event within budget.

Five years ago Venue Integration was contracted by e-Kiddna Event Management to review and dissect the technical quotes and components of the inaugural Australia Defence Charity Ball. In simple terms, the client’s brief was to cut through the technical jargon and deliver an event with maximum punch for minimum cost.

The event The Australia Defence Charity Ball is a annual event where the military and their defence industry partners showcase the latest military hardware in order to raise money for Legacy – a charity that assists the families of fallen soldiers.

Uniformed military personnel are stationed at numerous static displays to explain their role in current peace-keeping missions, and once in a lifetime experiences, such as flying in an F-111 or riding in a tank, are auctioned off.

The Australian Defence Charity Ball has become hugely popular with the 2012 event raising $80,000 for Legacy.

Technical challenges and solutions Numerous technical challenges are presented when theming a room with tanks, guns, trucks and helicopters. Venue Integration was contracted to streamline the quotes to achieve maximum profit while ensuring all essential event elements, such as guests sight lines, audio clarity and special effects lighting were achieved.

It is integral for an event of this nature to ensure that the rigging is kept to a minimum.

For example, the position of the helicopter needed to be centre of the room which meant the projectors needed to be flown in the ceiling space rather than on scaffold towers.

This increased the cost because we required motors and truss. There was no alternate position for the helicopter and it was major display item that had been sponsored by the major sponsor so we had to look to other areas to try and reduce costs. The lesson from this is, will a theme component have the impact and or financial return, for example generate enough extra ticket sales to warrant the additional expenditure on technical components? Potentially the answer is no.

Venue Integration was able to identify a number of technical components that could be eliminated completely or exchanged for more cost effective options. For example the number of projection screens and the amount of front-

46 Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 www.cimmagazine.com

of-house audio equipment was reduced, and the 8000 American National Standards Institute (ANSI) lumen projectors were swapped for 5000 ANSI lumen projectors.

Technical equipment is so vast and varied now, it is nearly impossible to keep up. We need to not lose sight of what our delegates or guests need and or want to see. Do we need to present our vision in 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio? Both will deliver the same Powerpoint, keynote or camera image, however it will be the projector quality that will have the greatest impact on the delivery of your content not the screen size/shape.

The outcome We were able to reduce the overall cost of the event by thousands of dollars and ensured that maximum savings were achieved for Legacy.

Venue Integration continues to provide this service to e-Kiddna Event Management and is passionate about in simple terms, keeping the industry honest. Audio visual is often the most expensive cost incurred in events and therefore should be examined thoroughly with the delegates/guests experience at the forefront of the decision making process rather than what is the latest and greatest technical equipment available.

Natalie Brien is director of Venue Integration and a consultant to the PCO Association.

What a laugh!

the conference as the headline speaker. The emcee must not consider their time spent on stage simply as an opportunity to platform themselves. What you do must remain relevant to what’s going on. It’s not just about being funny for funny’s sake. It’s important to keep their laughter levels up, but it’s more important to keep the event ‘on topic’ and ‘on time’.”

Williams entered the corporate world in 1987, following 10 years of international touring with his own comedy magic show.

“My wife Angela was my stage assistant,” he says. “When our son Oliver came along in 1987, the constant touring had to slow down.” The Australian corporate industry was quick to realise that his show was clean, fresh, vibrant and very funny – a natural fit for corporate events. By 1997 emceeing events became a large part of his business.

“Being an emcee over a number of days is much harder work than performing on stage for 45 minutes,” Williams says. “But the reward comes when you kick off an event with delegates who don’t know you from Adam and who consider you very much a part of their family by the time the event is over.”

It’s a concern for all event organisers: how do you maintain the energy levels of conference delegates over a number of days? How do you hold their attention and keep things fun? It can often come down to the skill of the emcee.

The right master of ceremonies can make a world of difference to an event.

When it comes to corporate emcees one of the

best in the business is “The Doctor”, Scott Williams. With an exemplary track record, Williams has a natural ability to make people feel good when he facilitates an event.

“It’s about being able to ‘read’ the audience,” he says.

“An emcee is not just a ‘filler’. The time the emcee spends on stage is just as valuable to

PCO ASSOCIATION NEWS New face for the PCO Association The PCO Association has appointed Maxine Tod to the newly-created role of director of business partnerships. Tod brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked for 13 years as international and domestic business development manager at the Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast.

Part of the pre-opening team at the Palazzo Versace, Tod became an integral part of the sales and marketing team after it opened. Her responsibilities covered domestic and international MICE business, attending trade shows, and hosting media familiarisation tours.

After retiring from Palazzo Versace, Maxine put her skills to work for 18 months as the public relations consultant for RACV Royal Pines Resort. She has also worked in a liaison role for Tourism Events Queensland, helping showcase the attractions Queensland has to offer.

William’s approach to emceeing has seen him facilitate some events 10 years in a row. He recently emceed the 2013 National PCO conference in Melbourne, generating a great deal of positive feedback, and he has once again been engaged to emcee the 2014 National PCO convention in Canberra, much to the delight of the convention’s organisers and returning delegates.

Business Partner Program benefits from AIME 2014 A number of new initiatives that have been added to the benefits of becoming a Business Partner with the PCO Association resulted in a significant increase in partnership enquiries during the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) says Maxine Tod, the newly-appointed PCO director of business partnerships.

“Many of the exhibitors I spoke to at AIME were obviously looking for opportunities to be a part of a partnership that offers considerable value,” she says.

“Through the PCO Association the Business Partners can now be connected, via qualified articles, to our large membership database.

This has been received as a major bonus for the Business Partners.

“In recognition of the power of social media, our Business Partners have been eager to capitalise on another new initiative.

“This one allows them to communicate through articles that showcase their products on the PCO Association blog, which links to our Twitter and Facebook campaigns.

“The increasing Business Partner program activity over the past month has given us sufficient reason to add a new category International Affiliates.”

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2014 47

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