CIM October 2015 Issue by Creative Head Media Pty Ltd

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OCT 2015

New Caledonia on the radar The many flavours of Singapore Team Gold Coast sets sights on 2018

Connect four Pan Pacific Hotels Group

Te Puia, Rotorua

businessevents.newzealand.com

Offering world-class facilities, spectacular landscapes, an unmatched array of activities all within easy reach, and warm, welcoming people, New Zealand will take your next event from ordinary to extraordinary. Plan the conference theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never forget today. A business event in New Zealand goes beyond expectation.

CONTENTS

On the cover

Singapore-based Pan Pacific Hotels Group is forging a reputation as one of Australia’s premier hotelbased meeting and event venue providers.

REGULARS

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04 Publisher’s word

06 News 34 Venue update 36 Talking point Katrina Leung, executive director

of Messe Berlin (Singapore)

37 Meeting people 38 PCO Association

10 page New Zealand special Sarawak gets serious about events Convention centres put best food forward CIM0915.indd 1

FEATURES 08 Cover story Pan Pacific Hotels Group 10 Singapore The many flavours of the Lion City 12 Gold Coast Collaboration is the winning formula

Canberra’s new Vibe Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport

23/10/2015 9:51 am

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Don’t miss

22 New Caledonia Our French neighbour opens its doors 26 Regional Victoria Variety is the name of the game 30 Universities Turning learning hubs into meeting hubs 32 Regional NSW

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.

Boom times on the back of investment www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 3

PUBLISHER’S WORD

Back on track I

t was great to see the news that Ian Wainwright has been named the new event director for the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME). He comes with a heap of experience from the other side of the fence, having clocked up seven visits to AIME in his previous life as an event organiser, which bodes well for our favourite business events show really delivering targeted outcomes for attendees. This year’s AIME looked to hit the refresh button and ruffled a few feathers on the way. And all credit to the team at Reed Travel Exhibitions and Melbourne Convention Bureau for listening to the feedback and really taking it on board for next year.

The AIME Advisory Board put their heads together as well, and didn’t hold back when it came to identifying those changes that were really needed without throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The Welcome Event was brought back (yay!) while an increased emphasis on targeted appointments for Hosted Buyers will stop grumblings on both sides of the exhibition fence about wasted meetings akin to blind dates gone wrong. Whittling down the number of seminars in the AIME Knowledge Program is also a plus, as it means quality over quantity. We all love to have a whinge, but at the end of the day AIME is the focal point on the calendar for pretty much everyone in the event industry. It’s the best way to catch up with all the news, see old friends and make new ones, and learn new tricks of the trade. And of course a chance to kick up our heels as we launch into another bumper year. In a word AIME is all about inspiration and we all need a dose of that. See you in Melbourne next year!

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 GENERAL MANAGER Michelle Cullen MANAGING EDITOR Sheridan Randall JOURNALIST Anastasia Prikhodko ACCOUNT MANAGER Peyton Hinson DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER Bin Zhou PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Anne Esteban SALES & DIGITAL CO-ORDINATOR Grissel Ritchie ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT Kate Wilcox

HEAD OFFICE – SYDNEY +61 2 9438 2300 Creative Head Media Pty Ltd Fax: +61 2 9438 5962 Email: enquiries@creativehead.com.au

Alexandra Yeomans, Publisher

THIS MONTH’S TOP STORY The Commonwealth Games are three years away, but a collaborative approach between all the major stakeholders is set to ensure that the Gold Coast is open for business leading up to and beyond the Games themselves. See the full story on page 12.

4 Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 www.cimmagazine.com

Opinions expressed by the contributors in this magazine are not the opinion of CIM. Letters to the editor are subject to editing.

Nielsen Media Research July 2004 Readership 57,936 monthly Exclusive official publication for the PCO Association

AMAA, CAB Total Distribution Audit 16,458 March 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS NEWS BRIEFS AACB positive on new tourism minister The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) has welcomed the appointment of Senator Richard Colbeck (pictured) as Minister for Tourism. AACB President Lyn Lewis-Smith also thanked Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb, who was previously responsible for the sector, for his work.

Maritime event sees record attendance The Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island (SEC@GI) recently hosted PACIFIC 2015, the biennial Pacific International Maritime Exposition, attracting 494 exhibiting companies and the largest number of overseas naval delegations ever to visit the Expo.

Staging Connections takeover official US-based company Freeman has completed the acquisition of event services company Staging Connections. Now part of Freeman’s audio visual division Staging Connections will retain its brand.

Hosted buyer registrations open for AIME 2016 The AIME Hosted Buyer portal is now open, inviting applications for Hosted Buyers to attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) on February 23-24 2016 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

NT Convention Bureau appoints new director NT Convention Bureau has appointed Daryl Hudson (pictured) as the new director of the Tourism NT business events division, replacing Scott Lovett who has joined the NT Government’s Department of the Chief Minister, as regional executive director for Central Australia.

Melbourne caps off Knowledge Week with bumper Q1 As Melbourne celebrates Knowledge Week, the city’s intellectual capacity continues to be a key driver in securing business events, with the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) announcing bumper first quarter results. International association conference wins in the health, business, engineering and science sectors were the key drivers with the first quarter seeing a 69 per cent year on year increase in total events won, more than triple the expected economic contribution from large international association conferences, to $22.6 million; and a 62 per cent year on year increase in international incentive programs. “We are outperforming our results when compared to this time last year, continuing to deliver for Melbourne and recognising

the wonderful pool of talent in our research institutes, hospitals and universities with whom we work closely to attract these business events,” said Karen Bolinger, MCB’s chief executive officer. “Our unique Team Melbourne approach of collaborating with partners city-wide means we continue to secure events by leveraging the skills, knowledge and experience of these experts in their respective fields and who are champions of Melbourne and Victoria.” Among the seven international association conferences won during the first quarter, and to be held between 2016 and 2019, are the International Congress of the Phonetic Sciences, the International Society for Hip Arthroscopy Annual Scientific Meeting and the Digital Games Research Conference.

Bendigo to host State Bendigo has been chosen to host the Victorian Tourism Conference in 2016.

share experiences and learn from industry leaders.

Presented by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), the State tourism conference is the annual opportunity for businesses and operators from throughout Victoria’s tourism and events sectors to

VTIC acting chief executive Erin Joyce said Bendigo was selected because it shows leadership as a region, works collaboratively to develop cultural, artistic and historic tourism experiences, and is a

6 Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 www.cimmagazine.com

Collaboration drives business events success for Sydney and NSW Business Events Sydney’s (BESydney) partnerships across the city and state have helped secure events that will contribute over $400 million to the NSW economy up to 2023. BESydney reported its results for Sydney and NSW between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, at its recent Annual General Meeting, with the bureau securing 113 events, worth over $318 million; and delivering 113 events, which contributed over $251 million to the NSW economy in the period. The bumper results coming despite challenging times with the convention centre redevelopment at Darling Harbour. To date, BESydney has secured a total of over $400 million in business to be delivered in the next eight years, which includes

over $200 million in business secured for International Convention Centre Sydney. “We are privileged to be backed by a broad cross-section of Sydney and NSW partners – the NSW Government, City of Sydney and of course numerous private sector supporters – that understand and value our sector, and share our passion for making Sydney one of the world’s greatest places to meet,” said BESydney chairman Col Hughes. “I commend [BESydney CEO] Lyn and her team for taking a leadership role in the community. They have succeeded in moving the conversation about business events beyond the bounds of the tourism sector and into the realm of social community benefit to harness broad and valuable support for business events in this city.”

Crowne Plaza Auckland scoops WTA award Crowne Plaza Auckland has been recognised as New Zealand’s leading business hotel after winning the title of New Zealand’s leading business hotel

for the second year in a row at the World Travel Awards. Crowne Plaza Auckland was up against some of the biggest hotel names in New Zealand in its category and Franck Hesse, IHG’s New Zealand area director of sales and marketing, said they were “especially thrilled” to win it two years in a row. “The hotel really does work extremely hard to continually refine its offering to ensure that facilities are world-leading and the perfect place for professionals to stay, recharge and conduct business,” he said. “We never rest on our laurels but continue to offer the business traveller access to unrivalled technology and ensure they’re connected and productive at all times.

tourism conference high-quality leisure and business tourism destination. “Bendigo submitted a stand-out proposal to host the event, including the breathtaking new Ulumbarra Theatre as the venue, an innovative concept for the Gala Dinner, well presented pre-event

tours and options, and a wide variety of quality accommodation for participants,” said Joyce. Up to 400 delegates from throughout Victoria will attend the two day conference, which will be held on July 25-26, 2016, at Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre.

Wainwright new event director for AIME The Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) has appointed new event director Ian Wainwright (pictured third from left) to lead the team in delivering next year’s trade show. Sallie Coventry, ibtm events portfolio director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, welcomed the appointment, saying Wainwright’s 13 years of industry experience will enable him to bring a variety of perspectives to AIME, from the corporate, association and not for profit sectors. “With strong relationships with numerous industry stakeholders, including convention bureaux and tourism, government and private bodies, Ian is well positioned to drive Asia-Pacific’s leading business events trade show,” she said. “We have great confidence in Ian to deliver the very best AIME; one that engages the industry, inspires visitors and most importantly provides a platform for exhibitors and Hosted Buyers to connect and achieve tangible business results.” Wainwright said he has attended AIME for the past seven years, witnessing its many stages of transformation. “I’m delighted and proud to now be at the helm; leading a talented and passionate team and working in tandem with the team at the Melbourne Convention Bureau to deliver a show that’s integral to doing business in the events industry,” he said. AIME will be held on February 23-24, 2016, at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 7

COVER STORY

Parkroyal Melbourne Airport.

With views of Darling Harbour and across the western side of the central business district, Parkroyal Darling Harbour, Sydney is perfectly positioned for delegates attending events at the nearby International Convention Centre Sydney, which is due to open at the end of 2016. With a combined floor space of 1304sqm over eight flexible meeting and event spaces, with natural light a key feature for many, Parkroyal Darling Harbour, Sydney offers event organisers the perfect venue for meetings from eight executives in a boardroom to 500 guests at a standing cocktail reception in the pillar-less Blackwattle Room.

Connect four Singapore-based Pan Pacific Hotels Group is forging a reputation as one of Australia’s premier hotel-based meeting and event venue providers across its four properties under the Pan Pacific and Parkroyal brands.

All meeting rooms feature the latest in audio-visual technology, including integrated sound systems, projectors and wi-fi access, with the Blackwattle Room housing three drop-down high-definition projector screens, setting a new standard in the Australian events market. The Parkroyal Club Rooms offer business and corporate guests access to business facilities, concierge service, complimentary in-room internet and wi-fi as well as the Club Lounge and Boardroom. Barkers restaurant offers the perfect spot for breakfast meetings, while the standalone award-winning Abode Bistro & Bar on the ground floor is a popular destination for exclusive events. Parkroyal Parramatta is looking to capitalise on an $8 billion building investment in Parramatta’s CBD over the next five years, with a $25 million redevelopment set to increase the number of accommodation rooms to 286 by June 2016, and add four more meeting rooms bringing the hotel’s total number of conference and meeting spaces to 13 rooms offering 1246sqm of combined floor

8 Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 www.cimmagazine.com

space that caters up to 550 delegates, making it the largest meetings and events hotel in Parramatta. Delegates can walk straight off the plane over the sky bridge and into the welcoming lobby of Parkroyal Melbourne Airport and the conferencing facilities on level 5. Ideal for delegates that want to connect in Melbourne without the added burden of travelling into the city, Parkroyal Melbourne Airport features an entire floor of flexible spaces dedicated to meetings and events. With 16 individual rooms and 1012sqm of function space that can accommodate groups from two to 300 people, guests have access to the hotel’s large business centre on site 24 hours a day offering a host of services including printing, faxing, photocopying, high-speed Internet access and secretarial services. Located moments from the Swan River foreshore and a short walk to the city centre, Pan Pacific Perth offers the largest convention floor of any hotel in the Perth CBD. Having recently completed a multi-million dollar guest room refresh which saw 124 rooms and eight suites completely remodelled, Pan Pacific Perth lends itself to events of all sizes with 2474sqm of flexible floor space including two ballrooms and 11 meeting rooms conveniently located on one level and seven executive boardrooms located in “Meetings on 5”, which caters from eight to 36 guests for boardroom meetings or 40 to 100 guests theatre style. For larger events, choose between the 600sqm Golden Ballroom or the pillar-less Grand River Ballroom. Pan Pacific Perth has also completed a refresh of the hotel lobby resulting in a modern space, including new pod style check-in counters and a water feature giving guests a welcoming connection from the moment they walk through the door. Front cover image: Pan Pacific Perth.

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SINGAPORE

Peranakan culture brings a colourful vitality to Singapore.

A feast for the senses Singapore has grown to become a major player on the world stage, with its vision to succeed making this island nation an unbeatable destination for events, writes Sheridan Randall.

Nothing happens by accident in Singapore. Some have used this to dismiss this city state as lacking in character, which couldn’t be further from the truth. There are many faces to the Lion City, but the one common thread that unifies them all is the drive to improve. That single minded vision is what has propelled this once sleepy fishing village into an events powerhouse. It celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, marking a perfect opportunity to take stock of just how much Singapore has achieved since gaining independence. Look on a map and Singapore is a little red dot off the southern tip of Malaysia. But this city state of more than 5 million people wields the sort of clout that marks it out as a true hub for Asia. It has been named Asia’s Top Convention City by the International Congress and Convention Association for 13 years straight. Singapore has also retained its spot as the Union of International Associations top international meeting city for the eighth year running. That sort of track record doesn’t happen by accident, and one of the key reasons Singapore manages to stay ahead of the competition is that everything in the city has been built with events in mind. There’s a reasons for this. Singapore is in the scheme of things tiny. And an island. Not a lot of room

for error, which is why absolutely nothing serves just one function. Everything can be used for events. But don’t fall into thinking that being small results in a lack of variety. Step away from the space age architecture of Marina Bay Sands and visit Little India or Chinatown for an authentic taste of each culture. For an out of this world experience Gardens by the Bay is a must. Part sci-fi fantasy and part eco wonderland, the Supertree Grove, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest will simply blow you away. For nightlife head along to Clarke Quay or for small bars that give Melbourne a run for their money skip down to Club Street. Luxury can be found in all its forms from cutting edge contemporary design to the historic old world charm of Fullerton Hotel or Raffles Hotel. Singapore’s cuisine is just as eclectic as its multicultural population, offering everything from world-class restaurants with prices to match through to the best street food in the world for little more than spare change. Follow your nose and head to Lau Pa Sat or Satay Street as it is known, or grab a table at Smith Street for some serious hawker action. Join in the throng or have the whole place just for an event up to 650 people. Everything can be tailored to your needs. And that’s the

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key. No matter where you are in Singapore, it can be tailored to your needs. You don’t need to tweak anything. It’s all there, themed and ready to go, with the sort of efficient and easy to use infrastructure and that makes you wonder why it can’t be done back home. Which brings us back to the issue of character. If everything is just so well run and thought through surely that doesn’t leave much room for the social frayed edges that make other destinations buzz. The key here is to understand Singapore’s Peranakan culture. Stemming from the early descendants of wealthy Chinese immigrants who were influenced by the Chinese mainland, the British and the local customs of the women they married, they cherry-picked the best of each creating a beautifully curated collection of aesthetics across every facet of their lives. Most associated today with Peranankan cuisine, full of tangy, aromatic, spicy and herbal accents, it can be seen as a mirror of Singapore itself. So many flavours and all of them working harmoniously to create something delicious. Sheridan Randall was hosted by Singapore Tourism Board, staying at Swissôtel The Stamford and flying Singapore Airlines.

All in one A city within a city, the facilities at Swissotel The Stamford make it possible to never to leave. A conference centre, 15 restaurants and bars, shopping centre and all twinned with sister property Fairmont Singapore, this mega hotel complex is a perennial favourite with conference organisers for good reason.

On the menu

Green fingers

There is no better way to understand Singapore than through its food, so head to Cookery Magic for a bespoke cooking lesson. Held at host and culinary teacher Ruqxana’s delightful home, it offers a hands-on cooking class focused on Indian, Malay, Indonesian, Chinese and Singaporean cuisine followed by a sitdown meal, making it an ideal corporate team bonding activity.

Recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens spans 13 hectares of virgin rainforest and overgrown plantations. A must see is the National Orchid Garden, where visiting dignitaries and royalty have special orchids named after them. Recharge at Halia restaurant for a refreshing cocktail or something more substantial.

Breakfast of champions

Space age wonderland Gardens by the Bay has to be seen to be believed. Spanning 101 hectares, Gardens by the Bay is a showcase of horticulture and garden artistry, capturing the essence of Singapore as the “City in a Garden”. The Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Supertrees and OCBC Skyway are simply out of this world. Indoor and outdoor event spaces abound capable of holding up to 1100 people. For those on a budget the OCBC Garden Rhapsody Light and Sound Show runs every night with a free display of magical lights and music among the Supertrees.

Room with a view Head to LeVel 33 for one of the best views of Singapore’s Marina Bay. Located on the top floor of the Marina Bay Financial Centre, it’s officially the world’s highest urban craft-brewers. Also has event spaces for up to 220 guests.

Singapore Zoo is the only place in the world where you can have breakfast with orang-utans. Enjoy a buffet breakfast and then get some happy snaps with the star attractions. Other delights at the zoo include the River Safari which takes you on a journey along all the world’s great rivers.

Peranankan treasure Alvin Yapp’s treasure trove of precious Peranankan artefacts amassed over 20 years is unique. The Intan in Joo Chiat is both his home and an award-winning museum to this most fascinating culture. Perfect for intimate groups looking for something different. Stay for tea or dinner and you might even meet his mum.

Life aquatic With more than 800 species of marine animals, the aquarium is home to every sea beastie imaginable. The Ocean Gallery’s cinematic viewing panel makes the perfect backdrop for large-scale meetings, conferences and events.

New way to fly

Beach life

Singapore Airlines has just introduced its Premium Economy Class. Leather seats, 50cm extra width, increased recline and flexible leg rests mean you don’t have to break the bank to get some shut eye on overnight flights.

Built for pleasure, Sentosa Resort offers 500 hectares of themed attractions, award-winning spa retreats, lush rainforests, golden sandy beaches, resort accommodations, a world-renowned golf course and more.

Design focus The W Singapore Sentosa Cove offers the sort of effortlessly groovy vibe that Australia doesn’t seem to have got the hang of yet. Arty, luxurious and with tongue firmly in cheek, this hotel also offers great eating options at its casual Kitchen Table restaurant or more formal and steak centric SKIRT restaurant.

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 11

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast’s partners are working together for GC2018. Watch the video & slideshow in the CIM iPad app.

Team effort The Commonwealth Games are three years away, but a collaborative approach between all the major stakeholders is set to ensure that the Gold Coast is open for business leading up to and beyond the Games themselves, writes Sheridan Randall. “The biggest event that is going hit Australia in the next decade.” That’s how Gold Coast Business Events director Anna Case describes the 2018 Commonwealth Games, with the three key partners – Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC), Tourism and Events Queensland and City of Gold Coast – beginning to ramp up their collaboration to ensure this opportunity leaves a lasting legacy well beyond 2018. “In addition to that we will be on show to a global audience during the 10 days which gives us a real opportunity to shout out about who we are and what we can deliver,” she says. “The Games bring legacy opportunities through all the infrastructure being built at the moment and investment

opportunities being brought to our shores as well.” Tamara Morris, GOLDOC communication and media manager, says that following the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 it was recognised that there was

“We learnt the significance of bringing the community on the journey,” she says. “It is people that will make the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.” With an economic impact of around $2 billion dollars,

“The biggest event that is going hit Australia in the next decade.” a need to capture the knowledge and organisational procedure of an event of that magnitude. The GOLDOC team were also fortunate to be invited to Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 getting an invaluable behind the scenes look across many areas including operations, transport, security and communications.

GC2018 is set to be “truly a catalyst for business”. “Big events bring and energy and excitement to a destination and showcase capabilities and destination,” says Morris. Working with partners such as Tourism and Events Queensland and Gold Coast Tourism, GOLDOC is helping

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attract organisations and businesses to the Gold Coast prior to the event to take advantage of the infrastructure and sporting connections being established. Triathlon Australia have already relocated to the Gold Coast, while most recently the Oceania Office of the International Basketball Federation and Mountain Bike Australia have upped sticks to come closer to the action. Negotiations with another five peak sporting bodies to relocate to the Gold Coast are also currently underway. “The legacies of Gold Coast 2018 are very important in attracting business events,” says Morris, citing new partnerships stemming from the Health and Knowledge precinct at Parklands, which will open up a raft of “amazing

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tour at Shark Bay or learn more about the beautiful dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery presentation. Treat your delegates to some time out with discounted room packages available or arrange a unique evening on site or at the theme parks to enhance your conference experience. The Resort’s expert team can tailor a package to meet your needs.

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(s15)

Right: (L-R) Craig Rowsell, City of Gold Coast, Therese Phillips, Tourism and Events Queensland, Tamara Morris, GOLDOC. Below: Gold Coast Business Events director Anna Case.

new opportunities”. “Post GC2018, that knowledge will be transferred to areas and events within the city. Gold Coast 2018 will be a moment in time for this city, bringing about a change as it did to Brisbane in 1982. It will inspire a new generation and will attract great events and great business.”

Commonwealth Games here,” says Therese Phillips, director, industry innovation at Tourism and Events Queensland.

Ensuring maximum exposure of the Gold Coast as a destination to visit, meet and do business in falls under the remit of Tourism Queensland and Events.

“We have a strategy that we developed with Tourism Australia, Gold Coast Council, the City of Gold Coast, the Office of Commonwealth Games and GOLDOC that we are working towards now up to 2019. We extended it to 2019 because history shows that some destinations have a lull after a big event.

“The focus of Tourism Queensland and Events through the lead up and during the Commonwealth Games is to make sure we expose the Gold Coast as being the best place to come to under any circumstances but particularly while we have the

“We are on show – now. We are going to be working on the Australian Tourism Exchange in May next year and exposing as many of those delegates [to the Gold Coast] as possible with some of our partners. Our events team has been formed for several years now and has

been looking at the profile of the Games to see what sort of [other] events we can attract.” Phillips cites the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Sudirman Cup which is coming to the Gold Coast in 2017 as a great opportunity to showcase the city. “We need to take that message back to those home countries and let them know that their rock star players had a really good time here,” she says. “We are going to work with all of our partners to make sure the experience they have on the Gold Coast is the best it possibly can be and the exposure we gain from that is going to give us a legacy that will last for many years into the future, so that it is seen as not only the best place to come

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and have fun but also to have sporting and business events.” It’s about leveraging the exposure the Commonwealth Games will bring to the Gold Coast to generate economic benefits for the city and create lasting legacies beyond 2018, according to Craig Rowsell, Business and Investment Attraction Officer, Economic Development and Major Projects, City of Gold Coast. Responsible for bringing in training camps, exhibition matches, sporting events and the relocation of sporting organisations to the Gold Coast, Rowsell says that 45 training camps have already been secured for the Gold Coast delivering an estimated $5.3 million in economic worth. Widening the focus

Gold Coast Business Events GC2018 market update at Metricon Stadium.

to other nations outside the Commonwealth leading up to GC2018 and increasing the number of state or national championships on the Gold Coast is also on the agenda. “To be honest I can’t keep up with the amount of sporting

teams that want to come to the Gold Coast now for training camps” he says. “Interestingly a lot of the teams coming into the Gold Coast are outside the Commonwealth nations. For example recently we had the Asia Cup 2015,

with the UAE, Jordon and Kuwait national football Teams all coming to the Gold Coast for training camps. In addition, English Premier League team Manchester City visited the city, and six A-league teams prior to this season coming

to the Gold Coast for training camps. That’s just football and it’s not even a Commonwealth Games sport.” While some of the activity being generated during the build-up to the Commonwealth Games may be outside the

Gold Coast BUSINESS EVENTS

NOTHING LIKE YOU EXPECT E X A C T LY W H AT Y O U ’ R E L O O K I N G F O R

The Gold Coast is famous for fun, but it’s also a world-class meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition destination. Inspiring, energetic and exciting, the Gold Coast is the perfect destination for any business event, from intimate meetings to spectacular gala events. GOLDCOASTBUSINESSEVENTS.COM

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 15

Mantra’s new three towers Mantra Group is set to operate Australia’s largest apartment hotel situated in the heart of Surfers Paradise following its acquisition of the Towers of Chevron Renaissance management rights, which consists of 711 apartments across three towers. The property has rebranded as Mantra Towers of Chevron Surfers Paradise and will bring the number of Mantra Group properties on the Gold Coast to 21 across its Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree brands making it the largest hotel operator in the region. “The upcoming Commonwealth Games in 2018 is set position the region for future growth,” says Mantra Group CEO Bob East.

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business events sector, the key is to take advantage of the gravitational pull that such a massive event naturally exhibits and use it to bring in other related events and sectors, as well as make use of the massive investment in sporting infrastructure. “All the facilities being built right now can be used for business events,” says Case. Beyond the incentive opportunities the Commonwealth Games themselves present, particularly for international groups, a lot of effort is being put into bringing in related sectors. “A new strategy that we have just launched is the Future Bid Leaders Conference Grant, to encourage further growth in sporting conferences to be held on the Gold Coast,” she says. “The program is open to academia and business leaders in the sporting field to apply for a grant to attend a national and international conference with the aim of further developing that opportunity to bid for that conference in the future, and we could be talking about 2023. “It also gives us more opportunities in our current Ambassador program. The conferences must have a clear sporting connection but that can include things like research science, medicine, biomechanics, technology, psychology, apparel

and footwear. “We are also working with Gold Coast Health about developing new conferences in the health and allied industries around sport.” There’s a buzz on the Gold Coast that is being felt by everyone. “It is definitely a very exciting time to be on the Gold Coast,” says Laura-Jade Hallion, regional sales manager at QT Hotels & Resorts. “Between new developments and redevelopments across accommodation, sporting facilities and shopping centres there is definitely a buzz of excitement spreading across the city in anticipation of what’s to come. “We have certainly seen an increase in sports related bookings surrounding the Commonwealth Games. With the City of Gold Coast’s important focus on sport across the city, plus the new infrastructure recently completed or underway, it puts us in a great position to attract new opportunities.”

Targeting international conventions and incentives is a key part of Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre’s strategy. “It’s something we have been focusing on for some time now and that involves working in close partnerships with industry bodies and attracting international market opportunities through joint trade shows and business exchange sessions,” says Adrienne Readings, GCCEC’s general manager. “We are certainly seeing more international incentive group bookings on the rise. We have seen an increase in enquiry levels particularly from the incentive market out of Asia from countries like China that are reactive to the falling dollar.”

International business is also on the increase from the South East Asia market, particularly Singapore, Hong Kong and Mainland China.

With the medical, education and IT sectors particularly strong performers for GCCEC, and the corporate sector also picking up, the Centre is also seeing increased activity in the sports sector in the lead up to GC2018, having already secured one international sporting conference prior to 2018 in the shape of the Our Sporting Future Conferences which will be held in 2015 and 2017.

“We have seen a marked increase in large international incentive groups coming through to the Gold Coast as a destination,” Hallion adds.

The Australian Sports Commission organised conference will bring together more than 400 chief executives, general managers and sports

16 Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 www.cimmagazine.com

Dining out The Gold Coast is forging a reputation as a serious foodie destination, with The Fish House being awarded second place in the TripAdvisor Top 10 Restaurants in Australia. This is the second consecutive year the Gold Coast has taken second place, with the award going to Allure on Currumbin in 2014. Earlier this year, the Gold Coast also emerged as the biggest winner in the 2016 Brisbane Times Good Food Guide, with Gold Coast restaurants receiving 14 chef's hats. “In recent years, the Gold Coast has quietly undergone a food revolution with a diverse range of new restaurants delivering exceptional dining experiences all along the coast,” says Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter. “Our restaurants have taken out some prestigious awards this year, proving that the Gold Coast has really raised the bar in the culinary scene to become a desirable dining destination.”

administrators to examine the issues, challenges and opportunities facing Australian sport on October 21-23.

“As an emerging sports capital, the Gold Coast is the ideal location for this conference,” Tate says.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter both welcomed news of the conference.

“We’re actively growing our sporting economy through our Sport Plan so for our city, the future of sport looks very bright indeed.”

Winter says the organisation welcomes the opportunity to play a part in attracting the conference to the city. “The Gold Coast really is gaining broad appeal as an ideal business events destination, and with the city’s close alignment to the world of sport,

it’s now a logical choice for sporting organisations to choose the Gold Coast,” he says. “As the Gold Coast is set to shine on the world sporting stage, the city is experiencing renewed energy and growth as flow-on opportunities are created for business,

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trade, investment and tourism. Gold Coast Tourism is actively encouraging sporting organisations like the Australian Sports Commission to meet here at a time when the city is focused on hosting major events.” The investment in infrastructure, including the

first stage of the light rail which launched 12 months ago, has also been a boost for the GCCEC and the city as a whole. “Stage 2, linking light rail to heavy rail was a missing piece of the puzzle, and this extension has further solidified the destination as an easy city in which to work and

conference,” says Readings. “We are witnessing somewhat of a resurgence on the Gold Coast with 28 major developments occurring over the next 24 months, in addition to infrastructure upgrades currently underway in the Broadbeach precinct. Our skyline is rapidly changing,

18 Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 www.cimmagazine.com

and we are riding the wave of confidence pre 2018 Commonwealth Games.” Other venues such as the Sharks Events Centre and the newly opened Sea World Resort Conference Centre are also riding the boom in interest. “The light rail has been a tremendous boost for the city in

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general and as the last stop is only 1km away from us, it has allowed our existing clients to appeal to a wider audience,” says Daragh Murphy general manager business development, fitness & events at the Southport Sharks. “It has also allowed us to work with our accommodation partners to create great options to attract new interstate clients as travel around the city is now so easy, reliable and enjoyable.” The nearby Health and Knowledge Precinct is helping drive increased levels of corporate events. The 200 hectare precinct, located at Parklands in Southport, is rapidly growing and includes the stateof-the-art Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffith University, with a new private hospital also now under construction and due for completion in 2017. Early works have begun for the development of the 29 hectare Commonwealth Games Village (adjacent to Griffith University), which will accommodate 6500 athletes and team officials in the lead up and during GC2018. After the Commonwealth Games, this site will become a mixed-use residential community that will bring together and activate the entire Health and Knowledge precinct. Large sporting groups and associations are also increasingly looking to include the Gold Coast in their rotations.

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“Our bookings extend out as far as 2022, but there is certainly a concentration in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games,” says Murphy. “GOLDOC are working tirelessly to ensure this interest in the Gold Coast is long lasting as a part of the legacy that the Games leave behind for our great city.” Sea World Resort’s 750sqm Conference Centre has a host of events already booked in, “providing a new focus for the conferencing and events market on the Gold Coast”, according to Caroline Duveau-Clayton, sales manager – conferences & events at Village Roadshow.

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The new centre brings Sea World Resort’s total conference space to 2000sqm, accommodating up to 1000 delegates, and allowing the Resort to do business “on a much larger scale”. It’s not all sport though, with the Gold Coast also set to host to the country’s largest annual tourism trade show, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), in 2016, attracting 600 international travel buyers who sell Australian holidays in more than 30 countries. Tourism Australia managing director John O'Sullivan says it was good to see Australia's premier trade event for attracting international tourism business returning to one of Australia's key regional tourism destinations after the success of the ATE14 event in Cairns.

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www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 19

Aviation news The Gold Coast is set to see an influx in domestic aviation capacity, particularly from Victoria, when Qantas commences its MelbourneGold Coast service on October 25 and Jetstar begins its Avalon-Gold Coast services the following day. Jetstar has also welcomed its first nonstop flight from mainland China to Australia with the airline’s inaugural Wuhan-Gold Coast service. The service landed at Gold Coast Airport with more than 300 Chinese visitors onboard, who were met by key tourism, government, and aviation executives, as well as Australian animals from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and theme park characters from Movie World and Dreamworld. The Gold Coast Airport has announced plans for a $200 million redevelopment that will overhaul the airport ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Stage one of construction is due to start in early 2016 and will include three new wide-bodied aircraft stands and a three-level terminal development. This stage of the proposed redevelopment will be completed in late 2017. Subsequent stages of the project are scheduled to be completed in late 2018 and late 2020.

"The Gold Coast has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years, with sizeable investments in tourism infrastructure and international aviation access giving the region a renewed sense of confidence ahead of hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2018," he says. "With its iconic beaches, stunning hinterland and fun theme parks, the Gold Coast will provide a spectacular setting for Australia’s tourism industry to showcase their products directly to tourism wholesalers and retailers from around the world. "The timing of an ATE event on the Gold Coast is particularly appropriate, with 2016 seeing

much more emphasis being placed by Tourism Australia upon the international marketing of the country's aquatic and coastal tourism experiences.” The event was secured for the Gold Coast through the partnership between Tourism Australia and Gold Coast Tourism, with Winter saying ATE represents the single largest opportunity in 2016 for the city and its tourism industry to showcase itself to key influencers of the global travel industry. "Gold Coast Tourism is delighted to partner with Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland to ensure these international travel buyers, media and our Australian tourism

colleagues fully experience the fun, excitement and warm hospitality that the Gold Coast is famous for,” he says. The South Pacific Tourism Exchange will also be heading to the Gold Coast in the same month taking advantage of the delegates coming for ATE. “We are excited to host our tourism exchange on the Gold Coast and we believe this will add value to our ever growing tourism exchange that will benefit all our members and stakeholders,” says Ilisoni Vuidreketi, South Pacific Tourism Organisation’s chief executive. The Associations Forum CEO Symposium will also head to the Gold Coast in early 2016, being held at

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the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove from February 4-5. The event will bring together around 80 CEOs from a diverse range of not-forprofit organisations made up of associations, charities, institutes, clubs and societies. While there is so much focus on the lead up to the Commonwealth Games, Case stresses that the Gold Coast will be “open for business” during the Games themselves. “Every other destination will be saying don’t touch the Gold Coast [during the Commonwealth Games] it will be way too expensive,” she says. “Instead we will be looking for business and saying ‘here is your value add’.”

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NEW CALEDONIA

French flavour Like a sophisticated neighbour you’ve long admired from afar, New Caledonia is opening up its doors to an increasing number of Australians looking to soak up a heady blend of French and South Pacific culture, writes Sheridan Randall. It starts the moment you step aboard the Aircalin plane, the national carrier for New Caledonia. Before the wheels even leave the ground there is the unmistakable feeling you are somewhere else entirely. Maybe it’s the wine list heavy on fruity Bordeaux vintages or the sound of “r’s” being rolled. That sense of being somewhere “other” ramps up when you touch down at La Tontouta International Airport. That’s when it hits home. In around three hours you’ve arrived in France. Or at least a slice of France but not quite as you may know it. This is Gallic with a Kanak twist, a South Pacific cocktail so seductive you can’t help but sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. This baguette shaped island, a stone’s throw off the east coast of Australia, has been long shielded by some mysterious invisibility cloak in the eyes of many Australians. Mention it and some will look wistful and talk about the great trip they had in high school to brush up on their French. Others will simply nod vaguely and wonder if you’re talking about a long forgotten colony established by Scottish sailors back in Captain Cook’s day.

That is set to change though with some serious investment by hotel giants Starwood and Hilton adding to the mix of long established brands such as GLP Hotel Group and Ramada. Efforts to raise this French Territory’s profile in the meetings sector are also underway, with group numbers starting to rise already. Organisers in the know have long been bringing groups over for a range of events often with an incentive element for years, attracted by the island’s dazzling reef, UNESCO-World Heritage lagoon and associated water sport activities. This is a South Pacific island after all and comes with all the usual add-ons. White sandy beaches – check, turquoise seas – check, Instagramable sunsets – check. But these are the standard options that come with every South Pacific model; what makes New Caledonia stand out are the added extras. A fascinating history that marries France’s journey to become a republic with the local Kanak history. A bustling capital filled with French touches contrasting against the rugged natural beauty in the north of the island. A landscape of diverse beauty rich with wildlife

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sitting alongside architectural wonders like the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre. And most important of all the blending of the French and Kanak cultures, bringing a warmth to the French “savoir faire” that is irresistible. Something so inviting, and yet so confident of its own sense of self, you can only be drawn in. Let’s be clear, New Caledonia is not for everyone, in the same way that camembert and Veuve Clicquot are not for everyone. Not that New Caledonia is too posh, rather it is so keenly aware of its own uniqueness that it doesn’t have to shout about it. Sometimes it is simply better to sit back with a Pernod and packet of Gauloises (yes they didn’t get the memo about banning smoking) and soak in the sunset. There is a time when doing nothing and appreciating what you have rather than agonising about how to improve it is the way to go. “Salute” to that.

Bourail The opening of the Sheraton Deva New Caledonia Resort & Spa 12 months ago

Inside knowledge Caroline Brunel, New Caledonia Tourism's sales and marketing director, gives CIM the lowdown on the French Territory’s appeal for organisers. Outlook: We are confident that 2015/2016 is going to be very strong for group business out of Australia and New Zealand. There is a great momentum happening within the tourism industry in New Caledonia. Over two years ago all the key players in the tourism industry in New Caledonia signed what they call a destination contract focusing on Australia as a key market. Each player is committed to unlock the potential of the market and that obviously includes the group market out of Australia. For instance, Aircalin introduced a new flight from Melbourne to Noumea in June 2014. All the hotels and major DMCs are extremely committed and will do their best to accommodate event organisers. We have two major DMCs in New Caledonia who are very dynamic and well connected. Access to their local network is a fantastic asset, that’s why we always recommend event organisers to work hand in hand with one of our DMCs.

Opposite page from left: Reception at Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Resort & Spa; “Coeur de Voh”; Escapade Island; Bourail fair.

Hotels: International brands, such as Hilton and Starwood’s Sheraton, with recognised standards across the world, are very reassuring for clients who may not know much about our destination. These flagship brands are absolutely essential for us to build awareness of the destination from a MICE perspective. Our independent hotels in New Caledonia also have the capacity and the standards to cater for the group market, however it may take a little bit more time convincing the client/PCO. Point of difference: One of the key selling points of New Caledonia is that distinctive French flavour right in the Pacific but only a few hours away from Australia, meaning that within the same day you can explore a different world. And it should actually be “different worlds”. New Caledonia is in the Pacific but it isn’t a Pacific Island as such. The offering is very different to our competitors in the Pacific.

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High adventure Emma Roberts, director at WYN Events, took 30 participants to New Caledonia for a high end incentive trip based around an amazing race program, staying two nights at the Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Resort & Spa and three nights a Le Méridien Nouméa. The high adrenaline program included quad biking, kayaking and mountain biking at La Foa and the Blue River National Park. “We had teams of two and participants were required to self-drive, navigate and participate in up to four activities a day. Logistically it was very difficult, we had people moving in all different directions and teams of support staff that had to ensure people were in the correct location at the correct time. Coupled with having to drive manual cars on the wrong side of the road, you can imagine what a challenging program it was for everyone involved. I was very impressed by local operators’ willingness to adapt and work with requests. The availability and flexibility of activities and function spaces for groups was a great surprise and created a sense of excitement about working in the destination.” Left: Cheese buffet at Poe Beach. Above: Swimming pool at Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Resort & Spa.

Left: Isle of Pines.

was a turning point for the island, opening up the rugged beauty of the mid-west to organisers. Only a 90 minutes’ drive north of the international airport, this purpose built resort was a huge tick of confidence by Starwood in the island’s appeal, particularly to international visitors.

stay with a tribe or learn how to cook the bougna traditional dish. Exploring the North of New Caledonia is as simple as renting a car. It is therefore a really good option for prepost stays.”

Offering 180 rooms, suites and bungalows, and 555sqm of flexible meeting space, in addition to the outdoor terrace, by the pool, and in the resort gardens, the Resort’s location is reason enough to visit. Situated at the base of the Deva domain with its hills and valleys facing the picture perfect blue waters and UNESCO World Heritage barrier reef, and with direct access to 13kms of white sand beach, this is the definition of a tropical paradise.

The island’s capital in the south offers a comprehensive range of accommodation, including the recently rebranded Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residences. Many of Noumea’s hotels are located in or around Anse Vata Bay, with the GLP Hotel Group offering the largest range of accommodation options. The Nouvata Parc Complex, Le Méridien Nouméa, Château Royal Beach Resort and Spa and Ramada Plaza Noumea are some of the city’s best known accommodation options, while L’Escapade Island Resort offers an island escape only a short boat trip away.

Mountain biking, trekking and horse riding are all on offer, as well as endless possibilities to make the most of the beautiful lagoon. A great excursion for groups is a day trip to Green Island where you can act out your Robinson Crusoe fantasies without sacrificing the luxuries. The Resort also offers the ideal base to explore more of New Caledonia’s fascinating cultural blends, with the Bourail cowboy culture and local Kanak villages adding to the mix. “The West Coast is where you will meet the Broussards, ‘cowboys’ of the Pacific, with their pioneering spirit and colourful personality,” says Caroline Brunel, New Caledonia Tourism's sales and marketing director. “Bourail is really a lovely gateway to the North of New Caledonia, which is very steeped in Kanak culture. You can for instance

Noumea

Must dos include a visit to the master chocolatiers of the Latin Quarter, a tour of the imposing St. Joseph Cathedral, or a trip to Chinatown for nem spring rolls and Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. Part museum, part gallery, part event space, no visit is complete without a look at the striking Tjibaou Centre for an immersion into the local Kanak culture. Being French food is taken very seriously. They have a cheese festival every June at Le Méridien and Chateaux Royal in Noumea and Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Resort & Spa, but a trip to one of the local supermarkets or specialist cheese shops should still get

24 Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 www.cimmagazine.com

you some mouth watering French cheeses. Paired with a fresh baguette and some very reasonably priced French wine and you’re set. Day trips are a breeze from the capital, with Duck Island just a two minute water taxi ride from Anse Vata pier. Take advantage of the great snorkelling or simply lay under a palm tree and enjoy the view. A little further afield is Amedee Island known for the 56 metre lighthouse designed by Monsieur Eiffel. “With Noumea, it is all about the cosmopolitan French side of the destination,” says Brunel. “There is a lovely feel about the city. It is actually fantastic for groups to have the possibility to experience the nightlife, which is very good, and still be able to enjoy a swim in the largest lagoon in the world. Go the markets in the morning and do a Segway tour of the Noumea bays.”

Isle of Pines A 20 minutes plane journey from Noumea, Isle of Pines caters for those looking to stay overnight on one of the many idyllic islands off the coast of the Grande Terre. Known by its nickname “l’île la plus proche du paradis” (the closest island to heaven on earth), it doesn’t disappoint with endless turquoise waters, wide white sandy bays and secluded spots. Kuto Bay is considered one of the most perfect beaches in the world. “The isle of pines is perfect for small groups or as an extension,” says Brunel. “It has been named the closest place to paradise and well, I think it is completely true.”

Le Roof Restaurant.

First impressions Ali Thompson, strategic relationship specialist at cievents, visited New Caledonia for the first time earlier this year as part of a PCO famil organised by New Caledonia Tourism. She shares some of her first impressions with CIM. Proximity: Firstly it's fantastically close to Sydney, just over a couple of hours away. Yet once you are there you are transported to a French colony, which although you know is French still takes you by total surprise. It's a delightful pinch me moment. Aquatic adventures: The islands we were lucky enough to visit included Duck, Escapade and Amedee Island, where we swam with turtles in the clear turquoise waters. New Caledonia itself is surrounded by the largest lagoon in the world so water sports are a must. Culture: Another highlight for me was Tijibaou Cultural Centre. This spectacular building offers a unique modern venue for groups and off site dinners. The architecture is incredible, in my opinion it is New Caledonia's equivalent of the Opera House. Diversity: The diversity of the destination, from the strong French influence, to a Melanesian twist, mixed with the unexpected French style cowboys in the region of Bourail. There's a mix of culture and beautiful scenery with a wide variety of activities rolled in a fabulous little island unlike anywhere else I know of, hidden away in the South Pacific – who would have thought...?! Bon appetite: The food was fabulously French, decadent cheeses and delicious desserts with full bodied wine make for a culinary delight. We had an array of food from being served in a forest with a not so humble picnic, to tastings on the beach, to high quality restaurants in the streets of Noumea. The chefs know what they are doing in New Caledonia! Hot tip – try out Le Roof and watch the sea life swim under you through the glass bottom floor.

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REGIONAL VICTORIA

Clockwise: Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road; thrills and spills at The Airshow; the barrel room at Rochford.

The place to be Regional Victoria compromises 11 different regions, each offering a taste of their own, writes Anastasia Prikhodko.

Regional Victoria offers a combination of wine, wild bushland, rugged coastline, small surf towns, high country and diverse regional cities.

more than 2000 delegates and speakers across a range of defence, civil aviation, safety and scientific topics.

“The proximity to Melbourne is a real advantage, as visitors can easily take a day trip, or stay awhile knowing that the CBD isn’t far away if they need to return to the office,” says Chris Porter, the executive officer of Business Events Victoria (BEV).

Honnery says that the event is also about bringing the world to Australia and taking Australia to the world.

With over 200 conference and off-site venues available, business events annually generate $1.2 billion for the state.

Another popular region only 90 minutes from Melbourne is Phillip Island, a coastal town known for its surfing, fishing, charter boat trips and cruises, swimming, bike riding, hiking, golf, mini golf, mazes and motorsport action.

“It’s our mission to continue putting regional Victoria on the map so regional destinations become the go-to place for business events,” says Porter.

Specialist eco tours and experiences can also be built into the itineraries to witness the local penguins, Australian fur seals, koalas and birdlife, along with scenic helicopter flights, museums and galleries.

One such event was The Airshow held at Avalon Airport in February this year, which delivered a gross economic benefit of $146.2 million to Victoria, with Geelong getting a $22.1 million boost.

Away from the coast and less than an hour away from Melbourne are the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

The event attracted 169,251 visitations during the six days, with more than 38,000 from interstate and 13,000 from overseas. “The fact that we continue to attract people from the four corners of the globe reflects our prestige and international standing,” says Airshow CEO Ian Honnery. The event also hosted 38 symposia and conferences that attracted

“We have business events being held in our major venues most week days of the year,” says Julie Sampson, CEO of Yarra Ranges Tourism. “The majority of business events are held over three days over the mid-week period.” There are 600 rooms at the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges for business events, the largest one being Yarra Valley Lodge with 102 rooms. Other venues include; Vibe Marysville with 101 rooms, The Royal

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Activities Get up close and personal with the Ilama, a new product available for conference groups at Cleveland Winery. The activity takes 30 minutes to an hour and offers delegates a chance to do something a little unconventional.

Right: The Little Penguins are the star attraction at Phillip Island.

Trips to the IIama farm can be organised, with morning or afternoon tea provided.

Right: Air balloon flight over the Yarra Valley.

Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) with 80 rooms, Balgownie Estate with 71 rooms, Yarra Valley Estate with 48 rooms and Chateau Yering Hotel with 32 rooms. “The region wins conferences because of its proximity to Melbourne and its beautiful surroundings and ability for delegates to take a break from the meetings and undertake some group activities within the region,” says Sampson. Sampson also says that some of the popular regional activities for

delegates include wine stomping or wine matching at Rochford, making gin at Four Pillars Distillery, wine tasting, going on a segway ride through the vineyards, playing golf at the newly opened Eastern Golf Course and going ballooning early in the morning. The National Visitor Survey from Tourism Research Australia shows that in the 12 months to June 2015 business travellers to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges made up 12.7 per cent of visitors and 13.8 per cent of nights compared to year end June 2014, with 10.4

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Events calendar Already home to the Formula One Australian Grand Prix, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and a set of V8 Supercars Championship events, Victoria will also host the V8 Supercars Championship for the 46th Sandown 500 in 2016. The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race will return next year to the region with the event already capturing the attention of international cyclists. “We are the sporting capital of the world and the events capital of Australia, but we have to work hard to stay number one,” says Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, John Eren. “The Labor Government’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget includes an additional $80 million to secure the biggest and best events.” Bendigo has been chosen to host the Victorian Tourism Conference (VTIC) 2016.

Above: Regional Showcase.

The annual conference is an opportunity for businesses and operators from throughout Victoria’s tourism and events sectors to share experiences and learn from industry leaders. VTIC acting chief executive Erin Joyce says Bendigo was selected because it shows leadership as a region, works collaboratively to develop rich cultural, artistic and historic tourism experiences and is a vibrant, high-quality leisure and business tourism destination. Up to 400 delegates from throughout Victoria will attend the two day conference, which will be held in July 25 to 26 at Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre.

per cent of visitors and 9.2 per cent of nights. Sampson also says that one of the biggest challenges in hosting business events at the Yarra region is the need for bigger venues. “We are increasingly getting more enquires for hosting larger conferences and incentives and don’t have any accommodation with more than 100 rooms,” she says. Although Rochford Wines has hosted large conferences of over 1000 people, she says that delegates would return to the city for accommodation. Looking at the bigger picture, Regional Victoria is set to benefit from the State Government’s overhaul of its tourism and events divisions. Tourism Victoria and the Victorian Major Events Company have merged to create Visit Victoria, a single body bringing tourism and major events together to further increase regional Victoria’s business events numbers. The Government will also invest $3 million in a regional marketing campaign. “We’ve got the best of everything in regional Victoria and we’re going to showcase it to the world,” says Premier Daniel Andrews. The Victorian Government has also committed $275,000 towards the creation of a new Regional Tourism Board. Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine will become Victoria’s 11th Regional Tourism Board and cover the areas from Werribee to Barwon Heads, including Bannockburn, Geelong and Portarlington. “Visit Victoria will sell regional Victoria’s treasures like never before. It’s our clear vision for a bold and bright future for our State, our economy and our people,” he says.

ONE CALL, COMPLETE SERVICE Receive a quote back within 2 hours! With over 25 years of experience in the conference and meeting industry in Victoria, our knowledgeable dedicated conference planners will take the hassle out of planning a conference. Choose from one of our 3 venues, all very accessible from Melbourne airport and city. • No hidden charge. All inclusive meeting package. • Complimentary breakout rooms • Quality facilities, endorsed by IACC • 24 hour access to conference rooms & Free Wi-Fi • Flexible dining hours, including working lunches P: 1800 803 377 or E: info@grangecc.com.au www.grangecc.com.au Grange Cleveland Winery I Grange Bellinzona I Grange Macedon Ranges

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 29

UNIVERSITIES

Below: Aerial UTS Function Centre. Right: University of Western Australia;

Meeting of minds Universities are a place of knowledge, research and increasingly a place for business events, writes Anastasia Prikhodko. “Our biggest challenge for Aerial is that many clients don’t know we exist,” says Stacey Kirkpatrick, the functions and venue manager. “We have found that when speaking to potential clients, they have not thought of universities as an option to host their event.”

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Located in Sydney’s CBD, Aerial UTS Function Centre at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), is a “flexible event space with large sweeping balconies that create the ultimate event atmosphere”. Kirkpatrick says that because the venue is located within a university, people often think “lecture theatre” when they think of what we have to offer from a venue perspective. However, Aerial has five pillar less conference rooms that can be opened into one large function space containing views of the Anzac Bridge, the UTS landscape and Darling Harbour. “Our multiple balconies provide an opportunity to take a break

away from the conference space,” she says. The venue is available in January through to December, seven days a week, with clients including corporate, government, community and student groups. “Our primary business operates during the week, with increasing demand now occurring for weekend availability,” she says. However, the diversity of events creates a range of challenges from “catering creativity to budget constraints”. “We pride ourselves on being able to accommodate events ranging from gala dinners of 400, through to multi day conferences, exhibitions, team building and strategy days through to a variety of student focused functions,” she says. The venue is generally busy throughout the year, with Easter through to December being the peak season. “We often have clients booking over a year in advance to make sure they get the dates they

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want due to our popularity.” Business events can play an important role for universities which are increasingly under pressure from continuous cost cutting. The University Club of Western Australia, located at the University of Western Australia, sees business events as a way to “strengthen the vital links between the University, business, government and the wider community”. Julie Harrison, conference and event manager at the University says that unlike traditional conference centres, holding an event at a university gives organisers access to a greater range of facilities from heritage listed buildings to state-of-theart lecture theatres. “The wide, open spaces and alfresco areas are ideal for team building activities, corporate Christmas events and charity events such as the Leukaemia Foundation’s Light the Night event which will be held on campus next week,” she says.

Left: Aerial UTS Function Centre. Below: University of Western Australia.

Revamp in the Gong The University of Wollongong’s UniCentre is a non-profit organisation that uses funds from trading operations to build new facilities, provide services for the benefit and welfare of its members, along with providing events for the University and the wider community. Building 11 is currently undergoing a $4.3 million dollar upgrade. Once the work is complete in Jan 2016, the building will include: improvements of the events and venues function room, new grocery outlet and tenancy, health, medical and careers relocation and an upgraded food hall.

“The Club also has access to the university’s heritage buildings, theatres and auditorium spaces that can cater to a maximum of 900 persons and open green space for outdoor events.” The Club has 11 different venues catering from 10 to 300 people, with the average room occupancy varying from 47 per cent in quiet months to 87 per cent over peak periods. March, May, August, September, October and

November are the most sought after months for events. Harrison says that one of the biggest challenges universities face when hosting business events is not to clash with the examinations timetable. “This is of paramount importance, however having a designated conference centre located on campus, yet removed from the teaching and learning spaces eliminates this problem,” she says.

As a result of the Club being private and secluded from the rest of the University, Harrison says that they host a number of “dignitaries and VIP events, particularly those with security concerns”, including Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings, former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the Dalai Lama and numerous heads of state. To ensure that the Club remains at the forefront of conference

and event business in Perth, the venue has embarked on two major refurbishment projects. Harrison says that as well as giving the venue a fresh new look, the Club has also invested over $400,000 to upgrade its in-house AV equipment. “Our fine dining restaurant and private dining and meeting rooms are next on the agenda, with extensive refurbishments planned for January 2016,” she says.

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www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 31

REGIONAL NSW

City escape Regional New South Wales is on the move, increasing its intake of business events by providing delegates with a relaxing environment of beaches, wildlife and wineries, writes Anastasia Prikhodko.

“Business events, the ideas and intelligence that come with them also help enrich host communities and vice versa so seeing more visitors in the Hunter’s city, country and coast region is a win-win for everyone,” says Rebecca Morley, the spokesperson for Altogether Perfect and business events manager for Destination Port Stephens. Over the past year, the Hunter region experienced a 99 per cent increase in business tourists, with figures from Destination NSW showing that domestic business tourists spent a total of 1.35 million visitor nights in the Hunter region in 2014, in comparison to 678,210 nights in 2013. International visitor nights for business travellers to the region also rose 70 per cent between 2013-2014. “These figures are fantastic for our region’s burgeoning business events industry and a great boost for our visitor economy, with corporate travellers staying midweek and year-round,” says Morley. All Together Perfect has received funding to launch its second year campaign to welcome more corporate travellers to Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley. Morley says that the business events venues of Newcastle, Port Stephens and

the Hunter Valley are also of great appeal to the corporate market in New Zealand. “So tapping more of that demand will be a key aim for us in moving forward.”

business and we are geared to go down that road,” he says.

The recently opened Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre, provides the region’s largest conference and exhibition facilities, catering for up to 1600 delegates.

However, the biggest challenge for the region is the market perception of Hunter Valley being too far away. “We have tried everything to overcome that,” he says. “The Hunter is very accessible, but it’s one of the greatest perceived issues.”

“It’s about opening ourselves up to broader markets and tapping into the international markets, as well as additional state markets outside of New South Wales,” says Alexander Handley, the marketing manager for Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts. Handley also says the environment is a critical leverage point. “People are obviously looking for a destination to travel to so it’s a big part of their decision.”

Handley also says that next year they expect to see an 18 per cent increase.

To decrease this perception, Australian hotel investor Jerry Schwartz has launched Blue Sky Airlines, which provides direct flights from Sydney’s Rose Bay to the Hunter Valley and Newcastle. Currently 85 per cent of the business comes from New South Wales, but there are plans to hone in on South East Asia.

Since the opening of the Centre the traditionally quiet month of June, July and August have also gained popularity.

“But that really relies on the Newcastle airport line, at the moment it’s positive but we obviously haven’t seen anything concrete yet,” Handley says.

“There is much more consistency in demand throughout the year, as a result of the additional supply that we’ve got,” he says.

The hotel was recently named Australia's Best Meeting Venue – Under 500 Delegates at the Meetings Events Australia awards.

At the convention centre, 40 to 45 per cent of business comes from the meetings sector.

Handley says that they are in a fortunate position because of the support from the Schwartz family, who have invested around

“So it’s a massive component of the

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for business events, with the majority staying with us mid-week,” says Katrina Barrionuevo, the director of sales for the property. “With the Hunter Valley being such a beautiful and versatile destination in all seasons, we see the peaks in our business events in line with corporate event trends.” Clockwise: The Sebel Kirkton Park, Hunter Valley; balloons at dawn over the Hunter Valley; Ubika Spa at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley.

$100 million into the region. “It’s great that we have the support and I think it is great for the region as a whole, that there is messaging around it, people are talking about it and I think that’ll keep moving forward and improving,” he says. Situated in Pokolbin, The Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley was named after the first vines that were established in the area in the mid 1800’s by James Busby. The hotel contains a conference centre, along with five event spaces and four breakout rooms. “The Sebel Kirkton Park is a very popular venue

The venue also features an outdoor cinema, a purpose-built bonfire area, customised team building activities and pre-and postconference activities. The hotel’s location is near the Hunter’s main attraction; with wineries and cellars, cheese and chocolate, horse riding, hot air ballooning, skydiving, day spas and golf courses all close by. “For events with tight itineraries and no time to explore the Hunter Valley, we will bring the experiences to you with pop-up cellar doors, harvest market stalls, locally grown and produced food and beverages,” she says. Just under an hour’s drive from Newcastle is Port Stephens, the location offers delegates action, relaxation and education. With activities ranging from seeing historic fighter planes, sliding down sand dunes, galloping along the beach, parasailing across a bay or patting koalas and enjoying fresh lobster on a yacht.

The small township will soon gain further notice as Destination Port Stephens has won hosting rights for the 2017 National Rally of the Australian Council of Jaguar Clubs. “This is a colourful and dynamic event for Port Stephens which will see Jaguar drivers and their partners and friends based here for four days during which time they will visit local attractions and join local tours to experience the spectacular scenery of our region,” says Janelle Gardner, CEO of Destination Port Stephens. The recent opening of the new Mercure Newcastle Airport is set to make travelling easier for organisers and delegates, especially those who feel discouraged by the two hour drive from Sydney. “The hotel is a milestone development for AccorHotels and Newcastle as it will service the well-connected gateway to the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and Central Coast regions which is a key contributor to tourism in NSW and we look forward to generating further business to the region with the opening of Mercure Newcastle Airport,” says Lindsay Leeser, vice president development and franchise AccorHotels Pacific. The $15 million, 95-room new build hotel features four purpose-built conference rooms which can hold up to 150 delegates.

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VENUE UPDATE

Sydney primed for new hotel The Primus Hotel Sydney is scheduled to open at the end of 2015. Located in a heritage listed 1939 Art Deco building on Pitt Street, the Primus Hotel will be the newest 5-star property in Sydney. The opulent building will include a 172- room hotel over six floors, a destination restaurant and bar, ballroom and more.

News in brief Spoilt for Choice in NSW Choice Hotels AsiaPac has added three new properties in New South Wales. Comfort Inn Aden Mudgee offers 46 guest rooms, an onsite pool, restaurant, and conference facilities. Quality Hotel Ballina (pictured) offers 4-star beachside accommodation featuring an outdoor pool, onsite restaurant, conference facilities, and 46 guest rooms. Econo Lodge Tamworth features 60 guest rooms with an onsite restaurant and outdoor swimming pool.

New event space in Freo Housed inside an iconic heritage building, Guildhall is an exclusive event venue in the heart of North Fremantle. The venue features both grand and intimate event spaces, in addition to a bar, hidden courtyard and intimate lounge that can accommodate up to 120 guests for a cocktail party, or 50 for a long table feast.

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Meriton opens in Sydney’s North Meriton has opened its first in serviced apartment hotel in Sydney’s North. Located in Chatswood, the 33-level tower features one, two and three bedroom suites, with 105 suites up to level 15 already open, and the remaining 337 to open in January 2016. Meriton is set to open another four new apartment hotels over the next 12 months including North Sydney, Mascot, Parramatta and Southport, Gold Coast.

Radisson Blu Hotel Sydney’s new look Radisson Blu Hotel Sydney has unveiled the first phase of its $12 million re-design, the first major update of its guest rooms and function spaces since it opened in 2000. The first phase of the “new Blu” re-design is focused on the function and meeting rooms, which have been refreshed and modernised and provide more than 500sqm of space for up to 200 guests. The second phase of the re-design, due to commence in late October, will see a complete refresh of all 336 guestrooms and 28 suites.

Beach life in Mollymook Bannisters Hotels in Mollymook, NSW, has unveiled plans to open new coastal boutique hotel Bannisters Pavilion on December 1. The new boutique hotel will offer 33 guest rooms and two penthouse suites. A highlight of Bannisters Pavilion will be the expansive rooftop lined with sun beds, umbrellas, private lounge spaces, a barand-grill and suspended pool.

Gabba’s club space refurb QC Club, located in the heart of Brisbane’s Gabba stadium, has refurbished its meetings space. With 180 degree views of the Gabba, the Main Room has a capacity for 220 guests banquet style, or up to 500 guests for a cocktail function, while the Wisden Room caters for up to 150 people.

New is old in Sydney's Chippendale Bringing together two iconic heritage listed buildings, The Old Clare Hotel offers 62 boutique rooms in 26 different layouts, a 14m pool and deck bar, and lounge bar. It also has three dining options within the hotel – Silvereye, Automata and Kensington St Social (due to open in November 2015 by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton).

Mantra’s Brisbane footprint grows The M on Mary apartment hotel in Brisbane will rebrand as Mantra on Mary on November 1, becoming Mantra Group's eighth property in Brisbane and its largest with 367 one and three bedroom apartments. Located on Mary Street, in central Brisbane, the 43-storey property features an outdoor pool, BBQ, gym, sauna, on-site parking, health spa and free wi-fi in the lobby.

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TALKING POINT

Experience is key Since Katrina Leung’s appointment as executive director of Messe Berlin (Singapore) late last year, she has been at the forefront of driving ITB Asia’s focus on business events and technology.

“ITB Asia is a hybrid show, so we have leisure, corporate and MICE,” says Katrina Leung. “MICE is definitely something that we want to grow further, because we see that it is becoming a major sector in the region.” ITB Asia 2015 took place at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore on October 21 to 23, attracting more than 10,300 attendees from around 73 countries. Leung says “more companies need to invest in technology” in the MICE sector because not only is technology disrupting the MICE market, it is also increasing attendee expectations. “We work a lot on the experience of the attendees,” she says. “The exhibition is there, it’s going to get sold no matter what happens. So we’ve added a lot of new things like wi-fi, because we thought everyone is looking for wi-fi, so why don’t we make it easy for attendees to connect to it.” Other new touches included the “happy corner”, where attendees could receive a massage and an ice cream, “adding an experience to ensure people have a good memory of the show”. “We are the leading show in Asia, so you can’t have a dinosaur system,” she says.

where she was responsible for the company’s conferences and exhibitions in Asia.

content for the three segments; leisure, mice and corporate.”

“I was organising conventions and exhibitions but I didn’t focus on the travel industry, so it was a bit difficult at the start, because there are a lot of acronyms and everyone assumed I knew them,” says Leung.

Leung also says that the team has already started planning ITB Asia 2016.

“The best thing about my job is that I get to travel a lot. When I moved to Messe Berlin, I was fortunately or unfortunately encouraged to travel more and not just in terms of business but to meet people and see the destinations. My travelling has probably increased by 50 per cent compared to past years.” Organising a trade show for 760 exhibitors and close to 880 buyers poses a number of challenges such as logistics, number of attendees, costs and providing content that is engaging for all sectors. “It is quite challenging putting together a mix of content that attracts every segment,” she says. “I have to make sure that I have

Prior to Messe Berlin (Singapore) Leung served as the managing director of Terrapinn Asia,

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“We already have an idea of what it will be,” she says. “We will also be adding a destination showcase, this will give opportunity for destinations to share their content. The idea came up from this year’s travel technology showcase.” ITB Asia will continue to raise its standards, as events are “competing globally”. The ability to travel and stay mobile has influenced attendees to set a higher benchmark. “Local events are now competing with global events that are coming into Asia, so it becomes very crowded I must say,” she adds. “It is no longer just about competing with Asian events, as everyone will always compare the events with whatever is happening in US or Europe. The whole world has become smaller and the standard and the quality that you have today has to be the same standard as what the whole world is doing.”

MEETING PEOPLE

Alex Cabañas has been elected the new global president of the International Association of Conference Centres (IACC). Cabañas, CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International, will serve a two-year term as head of the association.

Luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent has appointed Wendy D’Arcy as country manager New Zealand based in Auckland. D’Arcy brings extensive senior travel management experience, including past roles as general manager at The Travel Brokers and regional manager for Thomas Cook Travel & Foreign Exchange Bureaus both in NZ and Fiji.

IHG New Zealand has appointed Rachel Peacock to the position of marketing manager for the group in New Zealand, based at Crowne Plaza Auckland. In her new role she will lead the marketing team and look after Crowne Plaza Auckland and Queenstown, as well as Holiday Inn Rotorua and Auckland Airport.

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has promoted Alice Lem Chu Hong (pictured) to deputy director of sales. She joined the Centre in July 2011 and was previously sales manager – exhibitions. Tiffany Chung Suk Wei has been appointed sales manager and is responsible for the overall sales and marketing for the exhibitions segment.

Amanda Graham Amanda Graham will replace Lynn as Convention Bureau Manager at Hamilton & Waikato Tourism. She brings over 18 years’ experience as a PCO before joining Hamilton City Council as business development manager at Hamilton Gardens for the past three years.

The Langham Auckland has appointed Matthew Carroll to the role of director of food and beverage. Carroll has over 10 years’ experience in luxury hospitality, and was most recently assistant director of food and beverage at the Park Hyatt Sydney.

Emma Searle has joined Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) on contract as exhibition manager. Previously was based in the United Kingdom, Searle has organised largescale international events and exhibitions in her roles at hotel group IHG and software company SAP.

Gold Coast Business Events has appointed Samantha Thompson (pictured) to the role of business development manager. Thompson will be responsible for the association and corporate markets in Queensland, NSW and South Australia. Yandell McEnroe also joins as business development manager.

Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling Harbour has appointed Anne-Sophie Pouzin to the position of director of sales, MICE. Pouzin will be responsible for achieving contracted revenue targets across MICE through sourcing, securing and maximising sales opportunities, and ensuring sustained success and demand for the hotel’s new convention space.

Amalgamated Holdings Limited (AHL), has appointed Joe Pullos as director of sales for AHL Entertainment, Australia and New Zealand. Pullos joins AHL from News Corp Australia where over the past seven years he has undertaken numerous roles including most recently the head of trade marketing.

Reed Travel Exhibitions has just announced the appointment of Ian Wainwright to lead the 2016 Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo. Wainwright previously worked in Australia and overseas, with ibtm events as portfolio director. AIME has also appointed Elena Peridis as marketing manager.

Tony South has been appointed as the new chair of Tourism Australia’s board. South was managing director of the Sydney Convention & Visitors Bureau (now Business Events Sydney) in the mid-90s.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has announced the appointment of Sherly Handjojo as Australian marketing manager. Handjojo most recently worked with Qantas Holidays as a national account executive.

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 37

PCO ASSOCIATION

The sum of all things Being a newcomer to formal project management can be a tricky business. One is suddenly part of a large-ish and often hidden network of people putting together a significant initiative, with new and often strange terminology and reporting avenues. Management. For each of the processes the PMBOK describes the “Inputs” the activity should expect to receive, the “Tools and Techniques” relevant to executing the activity and the “Outputs” the activity is expected deliver. The primary objective of the first seminar is to align commonly used terms and concepts within the PMBOK framework, setting a context in which relatively inexperienced participants can further explore their roles and responsibilities, and those of people and organisations they work with. More experienced participants can use the seminar to explore developing formality in their project planning, and inducting their teams into that framework.

Project management is a classic example of the “sum is greater than the parts”, where an effective team is far more powerful than the collection of individual talents and efforts. One paradigm for team formation is, as Wikipedia describes, the “Forming – Storming – Norming – Performing model” of group development first proposed by Bruce Tuckman in 1965, “who maintained that these phases are all necessary and inevitable in order for the team to grow, to face up to challenges, to tackle problems, to find solutions, to plan work, and to deliver results”. Forming – Storming – Norming - Performing can be a rewarding process, for those who survive, and providing is completed in a timely manner. But in contrast with an ongoing “business as usual” operation, a project is by definition a temporary endeavour, often with a pool of participants who come and go. Rapid progress to the “performing” phase is therefore paramount. An alternative paradigm is provided by the discipline known as “project management”. Formal project management provides a more generic template on how to manage projects, and a pool of tools and techniques to effect delivery. Through familiarity with and adoption of these templates, project team members can rapidly come together to work effectively. Although supported by the

same general principles, there is a diversity of schools of project management. Some of these schools are based on industry sectors, such as construction or defence, and others on published project management standards and protocols. One of the prominent project management standards is the “Project Management Body of Knowledge” (PMBOK), developed and provided by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMBOK is recognised by both ANSI and ISO Standards organisations. PMI is an organisation with approximately 700,000 members and a truly global footprint. Partnered with the PMBOK are a suite of certifications, myriad of supporting publications and a network of Chapters geared to support practitioners. The global reach of PMI facilitates the mobility of practitioners – in a strange land they will be using familiar processes and terminology. The PMBOK maps 47 different processes across five sequential “Process Groups” and 10 disciplinary “Knowledge Areas”. The “Process Groups” are the Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing Process Groups. The 10 “Knowledge Areas” are Project Integration, Scope, Time Management, Cost, Quality, Human Resource, Communications, Risk, Procurement and Stakeholder

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Once basic project management principles and practices are implemented, organisations can gain further advantage by applying more sophisticated project management techniques. Relatively simple projects follow a sequential approach, where the preceding phase needs to be complete before commencement. More advance approaches allow for schedule compression (fast-tracking) and incremental life cycle approaches. One common real-world situation is where the project is being delivered in a rapidly changing environment, such as high workforce turnover, and where project requirements are incomplete, unclear or out of date. Project Management in these contexts benefit from adaptive life-cycle techniques, such as “Agile”. Under this approach project scope is decomposed into a set of requirements, which can be prioritised for delivery. Unfinished, incomplete or unusable features are minimised, details are progressively elaborated and continuous engagement with customer representatives is maintained. The second seminar/workshop explores these more complex and advanced techniques. The presentation team is drawn from the Project Management Institute Adelaide South Australia Chapter (PMI Adelaide), consisting of Kurt Siu, Homam “John” Alkhateeb, Alla Sklyarenko and Owais Malick supported by PMO Adelaide Board Member Lyndon Zimmermann.

A sell-out The sell-out sign has gone up early for exhibition booths at the 2015 annual conference of the Professional Conference Organisers’ Association.

The sell-out is the third in a row for the event and has come weeks ahead of the conference, to be held at the Adelaide Conference Centre from November 29 to December 1.

and for our industry. There can be enormous benefits, both in time saved and product choices, in having a wide range of products and offerings displayed in one place at one time.”

for and might be able to respond accordingly.

PCO Association president Barry Neame says the clamour for the 60 booths illustrated the value suppliers placed on being able to build a rapport with those working in the conference and events industry.

The quality of the suppliers was relevant to the continuing growth of professionalism in the conference and exhibition industry, according to Neame.

The program will feature presenters who address both the micro and macro issues that impact our industry ranging from practical case studies to the latest research.

“The suppliers are aware of the quality of the delegates at the conference and the role they have in making decisions,” he says. “It’s a win-win situation for the suppliers

“Most are more than suppliers – they are people who can impart some of their skills and business ideas to our delegates,” he says. “Correspondingly, they can learn from our members in terms of what they are looking

“We will be examining the opportunities available for business and career development in this fast paced sector.”

This year's workshop program is being developed based on member and business partner feedback and will focus on the “how to” of a range of skill sets.

PCO ASSOCIATION NEWS On track

and members are requesting renewal invoices.

Based on the overwhelming number of membership renewals for 2015 the association is on track for a 10 per cent growth in memberships, according to PCO Association president Barry Neame. “This is a result of the time we invest in assisting members and business partners to communicate with each other,” he says. “We are confident we are on the right track when business partners

“When we started the PCO webinar program, we offered free logins to the association's members and business partners. At the launch of the program we had no idea how popular the webinars would be with non-members, many of who are now registering to become members. Non-members can purchase individual logins. “The Association is clearly identifying the right topics, based on member and participant feedback.”

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, October 2015 39