Spice August 2018

Issue 82 – August – 2018

Hot 100

Services and Suppliers 2018

Destination hotspots: Thailand, New Zealand, Mount Cotton What’s trending in event tech? cvent gives us the lowdown

MEET THE ICC SYDNEY EVENTS TEAM

WHERE

INNOVATION, GROWTH & NEW OPPORTUNITIES MEET.

Singapore is an inspiring city with tremendous depth of expertise and breadth of experience in creating exciting opportunities through events. Our innovation capabilities combined with world-class infrastructure and award-winning venues make us the ideal place to turn your passion for growth into reality. It’s where great minds converge, connect and collaborate. And new possibilities are created to shape the future. Let us help you take your business further – plan your next event at VisitSingapore.com/mice.

Contents

19 30

38 August 2018

6 Upfront It’s the end of an era for BridgeClimb Sydney who were unsuccessful in renewing their contract to operate on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

06 44

10 Meet Team ICC Sydney

30 Hotspots

Event Services Director Malu Barrios gives us a behind-thescenes peek at events run at the convention centre.

We hop on a plane to Phuket and Koh Samui, Thailand, Mount Cotton, Queensland, as well as Taupo, New Zealand to create the ultimate cheat sheet for planning events at those respective destinations.

12 Size Matters We update you on all the latest upgrades and news coming out of the country’s largest venues.

19 Hot 100 Services and Suppliers Find out who the industry’s most beloved suppliers are here.

25 Tech time In the years ahead, technology will continue to revolutionise events.

Cvent shares with Spice the top five trends that are making a significant impact in enhancing the attendees’ experience.

4 Spice August 2018

19

40 Revealed: The best private dining rooms in Australia We took on the enormous task of bringing to you the most exclusive private dining rooms in the country, just in time for those Christmas parties.

50 Back Page Samantha Kahn, winner of the inaugural David Grant Creativity Scholarship, discusses why she chose the event industry over a lucrative career in law.

Editorial

Think outside the dot

A

Bonnie van Dorp Editor Managing Director Simon Grover Publisher James Wells Editor Bonnie van Dorp bvandorp@intermedia.com.au

t Events Uncovered this year, psychologist Danielle Hanrahan delivered a talk on mindfulness for creativity. She put up a slide on the screen of a black dot on a blank page and asked the audience: “What stands out to you about this picture?”

Immediately, the audience answered with: “The black dot”.

She agreed and explained that sometimes, when all we focus on is the black dot on the page, we forget about and ignore the rest of the picture - and that can be translated into real life as well. My mind was blown. The black dot made up less than one per cent of the page, yet it was all I could focus on. There’s just so much more to life to enjoy, yet all we are focused on is this tiny black dot. As a reminder to be more present and mindful of my situation, I’ve since put up a picture of the little black dot, and I’m challenging you all to do the same. Mindfulness and creativity go hand in hand, it’s scientifically proven.

So I’m imploring all the overworked

and stressed out planners out there to make mindfulness a priority going into the second half of the year. Staying on the the theme of creativity, this latest issue explores innovation in the event technology space. We get the lowdown on the top event tech making waves in our industry from cvent’s Jack Ukhil, we talk to Tony Chamberlain about Staging Connection’s rebrand to Encore and finally we take an indepth look at Sprintr’s registration kiosks. We also hop on a plane to explore Taupo in New Zealand and Thailand to get you #inspired to take your delegates abroad.

I hope you enjoy the read.

Journalist Emma Castle ecastle@intermedia.com.au

Spice Magazine Team

National Sales Team Katherine Ross, Charlotte Marshall Head of Circulation Chris Blacklock

Group sales and marketing manager Katherine Ross

Graphic Designer

Sales and marketing manager Charlotte Marshall

Alyssa Coundouris

ph 1800 651 422

+ 61 2 8586 6176

+61 2 8586 6216

+61 2 8586 6152

Production Manager

kross@intermedia.com.au

cmarshall@intermedia.com.au

alyssaC@intermedia.com.au

Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au Production Assistant Natasha Jara njara@intermedia.com.au

Register yourself at SpiceNews.com.au to receive the latest news faster than any other news provider in the industry. Our twice-weekly updates and online news provides all the latest on venues, services, suppliers, event reviews, special competitions and offers and more. And best of all - it’s free! inspiring creativity

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for extra news, the latest industry jobs, special offers and competitions and many more things you won’t get anywhere else.

Find us on Twitter @SpiceNewsMag or on facebook at www.Facebook.com/SpiceNews

Graphic Designer Alyssa Coundouris The opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers in SPICE magazine are not necessarily those of Food and Beverage Media's management or staff.

All material contained in SPICE is copyright.

SPICE Magazine is published by The Food and Beverage Media Pty Ltd (ABN 81 163 792 292) 41 Bridge Road, Glebe NSW 2037 ph: 02 9660 2113, fax: 02 9660 4419 ISSN 1832-7176

Spice Magazine and spicenews.com.au are proud media partners of:

2018

DISCLAIMER This publication is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication.

Copyright © 2018 - Food and Beverage Media Pty Ltd.

www.spicenews.com.au 5

Upfront

The end of an era

B

ridgeClimb Sydney’s unsuccessful bid to win a new 20 year contract to operate on the Sydney Harbour Bridge has marked the end of an era.

The world-famous experience, which was pioneered and brought to government by BridgeClimb founder and chairman Paul Cave in 1998, has facilitated more than four million local and international climbers since its inception.

Cave said: “Our team has worked tirelessly to deliver the ultimate experience of Sydney. Over 1,500 team members have made a hero of the Bridge, and of every single climber and visitor since 1998.

“Every one of our past and present team can hold their heads high on what we have created together.”

He also thanked the Sydney Harbour Bridge workers past and present who maintain the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Customers booked up until 30 September will be climbing as usual. BridgeClimb will be contacting those booked after the date when more information is available.

Hammons Holdings, the operators of Scenic World in Sydney’s Blue Mountains, will take over the estimated $50 million contract from 1 October. n

Climbers enjoying the lights of Vivid atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Top five

most clicked

1

What is the GDPR and what does it require of Australian event planners? cvent Australia’s director of sales Jack Ukil provides insight on how the European Union’s General Data Protection

2

spicenews.com.au

3

Top 5 musthaves for food tourism marketers

4

Stadium in Melbourne

Use video, high quality

Hyatt Regency Sydney

will be renamed Marvel

imagery, harness user

was crowned the top

Stadium following an

generated content, make

meeting hotel in the Asia

eight-year deal struck

farmers the rockstars and

pacific according to an

with Walt Disney Co.

learn to speak ‘foodie’

annual study conducted

were the key take aways

by cvent.

Introducing Marvel Stadium

From September, Etihad

Regulation will affect

from the Destination Food

Aussie planners.

2018 conference.

6 Spice August 2018

Top 10 Meetings Hotels in Asia Pacific

5

Even more speakers announced for inaugural Event Summit The Event Summit was a one-day conference for the event and experience industry held as part of the Vivid Sydney program.

Wire installations We have seen some beautifully-lit architectural installations lately.

Anti-terrorism measures From street furniture that doubles as a barrier, to garden beds reinforced with concrete,

Podcasts

public spaces are getting smarter.

We cannot get enough of them.

Childcare at conferences

Chatbots Nothing makes us

Crechendo offer a

happier than a

childcare service that

live chat facility on

you can book for

websites or Facebook.

confereces and events.

Going up, going down

All white male panels High fives to the guy who recently boycotted speaking on an all white male panel at a conference.

Lousy loos A world-class event with crappy Port-a-loos? This is not sending the right message to international visitors.

Plastic bags Coles and Woolworths have stopped using single-use plastic bags. The event and hospitality industry should follow suit.

Spam marketing Delete, delete, delete.

Clumsy delegate registration Writing out your own name tag? Nope. www.spicenews.com.au  7

New Openings

W Hotels set to return to Sydney in 2020 W Hotels, part of the Marriott International family, has announced its grand re-entry to the Harbour City with the opening on a new-build property.

Slated to open in 2020, the W Sydney will be part of The Ribbon, a new development designed by the award-winning architect Hassel.

It will feature 593-rooms, suites and service apartments.

Guests will enjoy onsite facilities such as a pool. Two bars, a gym and 925 square metres of conferencing and event spaces (including a grand ballroom).

Peppers Silo Hotel’s debut Launceston’s new Peppers Silo Hotel has finally opened its doors to public.

Originally erected in 1960, the Kings Wharf grain silos were left unused for decades until two years ago when construction began to breathe new life into the structure, transforming the silo barrels into a state-of-the-art contemporary new hotel.

The redeveloped site is now a ten-level hotel featuring 108 guest rooms, including 52 inside the barrels of the former silos, a restaurant and bar called Grain of the Silos, undercover car parking, conference facilities for up to 500 people, and an integrated lobby and reception space.

8 Spice August 2018

Coming Soon: QT Perth QT Perth is set to open its doors to guests this August in the heart of the CBD. The 18-storey property will offer 184 guest rooms, 21 residential apartments, a signature bar and grill restaurant, rooftop bar, café and seven conference rooms capable of accommodating up to 315 pax.

Speaking to Spice, QT General Manager Jason Cooley said: “For us, it’s about maintaining our creative edge and ensuring our finger is always on the pulse to ensure we meet the demands of the modern-day traveller.

“People want more than just an overnight stay when selecting a hotel – they want an elevated experience which we achieve through immersive curated experiences, new innovations and responding to the latest technological developments.”

QT Perth’s rooftop bar has spectacular views across the Swan River, Perth Hills and the Stadium, while the café on the ground level will be a perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee and a quick pow wow.

QT Perth is now taking reservations.

Introducing Squires Landing at the Overseas Passenger Terminal The Squire’s Landing has officially arrived at Circular Quay’s Overseas Passenger terminal – with panoramic views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Housing a two-storey restaurant, The Squire’s Landing features a freestanding fully-glazed microbrewery, architecturally designed amid money-can’t-buy-views of Sydney’s most famous landmarks.

The Squire’s Landing is a partnership between Mantle Group Hospitality and Lion, and tells the legendary tale of James Squire, a convict on the First Fleet and Australia’s first brewer.

The venue’s Head Brewer, Peter Merrington, will be permanently based onsite crafting exclusive small-batch brews, and delivering James Squire Limited Releases and its nine core range beers and ciders.

The Squire’s Landing will be the seventh James Squire Brewhouse in Australia – complementing existing Brewhouses in Brisbane, Newcastle, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

Adelaide to get a brand new luxury hotel Marriott International is set to open a brand new 15-storey luxury property in Adelaide’s Central Business District by 2022.

The Westin Adelaide will have 285-keys and will be housed within the iconic Adelaide General Post Office Building.

There will be more than 310 square metres of meeting and event space available on site, a 24 hour business centre, a spa, fitness studio, swimming pool and more.

“Expanding the Westin brand into Adelaide is important strategically, as the city is enjoying great growth and development, which isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Visitor numbers are at a record high and are on track to increase by 5.1 percent in the next ten years, as people seek out the beautiful beaches, world-renowned wineries and beautiful scenery South Australia is famed for,” said Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Marriott International, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

The Sebel West Perth Aire Apartments now open The Sebel West Perth Aire Apartments adds 64 new studio apartment style rooms to Perth’s resurging accommodation market.

The new hotel commands a prime position in West Perth, on the CBD fringe and is close to key tourist attractions including Perth Arena, Kings Park and Botanical Garden, and is accessible within 15 minutes by road from Perth International Airport. The Sebel occupies the first four levels of the 22-level Aire West Perth apartment tower.

Resort-style amenities include a 22m heated swimming pool, pool deck, fitness centre, sauna, and outdoor dining area. The hotel has a fourth floor conference room and undercover car parking.

www.spicenews.com.au 9

Cover Story

Meet Team ICC Sydney Spice Magazine sits down with the International Convention Centre Sydney events team to learn more about the people behind the events Left to right: Joshua Wright, Customer Services Manager; Dewi Gutierrez, Event Planner; Aiden Hippensteel, Floor Manager; Barbara Addison, Floor Manager; Malu Barrios, Director of Event Services; Zsolt Mihaly, Event Setup Manager; Jim Kadwa, Event Services Operation Manager; Daniela Koborova, Event Planner.

10 Spice August 2018

A

t any given time, the ICC Sydney Events team is busy working on about 40 events.

Add to that a host of suppliers to coordinate, delegates to organise, policies to review, and procedures to execute, a fearless leader sits at the helm.

Enter said fearless leader.

Malu Barrios is ICC Sydney’s Director of Event Services. Prior to her role at the ICC Sydney, Malu spent three years as the General Manager at the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island; seven years as the General Manager of the Darwin Convention Centre, five years as the General Manager of the Sydney Showground, and another six years as the Events Director at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. So it goes without saying – Malu is as professional as it gets.

The industry stalwart, who was recently recognised as the ‘Unsung Hero of the Industry’ at the 2017 EEAA Awards, credits her team for her success.

“They inspire me, keep me grounded, teach me to make things better and challenge me,”Malu told Spice.

“They keep me alive.”

Yet, despite her huge responsibilities at the venue, Malu still finds time to mentor her direct reports, and practices an open door policy.

“I mentor all my team members regularly – adhoc or at regular one-on-one sessions. I provide them with feedback following meetings with clients or when I observe actions undertaken while I am doing my rounds on the floor."

The Team There are three main areas within the Event Services team, staffed by 49 full-time team members as well as a casual workforce.

The Event Planning team is the main contact for clients before the event commences, the Event Services team looks after floor coordination and event setup, while the customer service team act as the ‘face’ of the centre.

Malu said the mantra of the Events Department is to anticipate client – both external and internal – needs before the client even realises that they need it.

Behind the Scenes Spice asks ‘what’s the best thing about working at the ICC Sydney?’

Aiden Hippensteel, Floor Manager “The best thing about working at ICC Sydney is the opportunity to work on a diverse range of exciting and captivating events in an environment that is welcoming, encouraging

“My team inspires me, keeps me grounded, teaches me to make things better and challenges me.”

Malu Barrios, ICC Sydney “This trait sets this team apart from the rest of its competitors. The successful delivery of events ensures repeat business and this team aims at retainining, where applicable, 100% of this business.

“The Events team is defined by their experience, communication and organisational skills, attention to detail, solutions based attitude, innovation, global outlook, pride in what they do, humour, respect and integrity.”

“The role of the Events department is to deliver a world class service whereby the expectations and needs of hirers, delegates and patrons are understood, interpreted correctly, anticipated and implemented to ICC Sydney’s standards as Australia’s premier venue,” Malu said.

Wise words For those looking to enter the events industry, Malu has a few words of wisdom to impart: "Have a vision on what you want to achieve, look at every experience as an opportunity and have fun along the way". n

and supportive. I’ve also had the ability to advance my skills from University and put them to the test. I’ve learned so much in my role and have truly grown in my career.”

Dewi Gutierrez, Event Planner “Nothing beats working in a venue that is situated at the heart of cultural activity, business, lifestyle and education. Darling Harbour is such a buzzing, vibrant place to be in these days with all the developments that are progressively taking shape in and around its surroundings. And with ICC Sydney now fully up and running, the face of Darling Harbour has definitely come a long way from being dominated by a huge construction site to being home to a truly world class venue that’s both the envy and aspiration of a lot of venues around the world.”

Daniela Koborova, Event Planner “It is a world class venue hosting eclectic events from all around the world. This gives us a great opportunity to be part of some amazing projects, learn and share different ideas with our clients. I’ve also been given the opportunity to progress in my role and try different areas – I started originally with ICC Sydney as a Floor Manager.”

Joshua Wright, Customer Services Manager “Working in Customer Service we’re lucky to be the team who greets attendees as they first arrive and we’re the last people they see before they leave. Being able to see the joy and excitement on people’s faces and knowing we’ve helped contribute to the lasting experience our guests will remember is something that I’m happy to be a part of.”

www.spicenews.com.au 11

Pictured: Optus Stadium Perth

SIZE WHEN

MATTERS

When you’re throwing the kind of events that require excess capacity – mega venues are your best friend.

Bonnie van Dorp and Emma Castle explore the latest news coming out of our country’s largest venues

Mega Venues

Adelaide Convention Centre partners with South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) to transform its menus

A

brand new nutritionist approved menu has been unveiled by the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Developed in partnership with the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), the new menu dubbed ‘Honest Goodness’ is focused around minimal intervention foods and conscious reduction of salts, sugars and preservatives.

“While a simple concept, we’re certain its focus on ‘feel good, whole food, made fresh’, will transform the event dining experience,”Adelaide Convention Centre General Manager Simon Burgess told Spice.

“We’re proud to support the public nutrition message, and view this heightened focus on mindful eating an important part of our community engagement.”

The menu is brimming with nutrient-dense whole foods sourced locally, with ingredients prepared in-house by the Convention Centre chefs who then craft it into restaurantquality dishes that are vibrant in colour and bursting with flavor.

Professor Gary Wittert of SAHMRI and Pennie Taylor of CSIRO’s Health and Biosecurity unit consulted on the new menu, putting forth recommendations such as an inclusion of sensible fat and reducing sugar and sodium.

Wittert said: “It seems to me this is science in action – open-minded collaboration between people from different professional backgrounds, achieving an outcome good for public health, good for business and good for South Australia”.

A sneak peek at the Adelaide Convention Centre's new menu: -P oached free range Kangaroo Island eggs and poached salmon with watercress, rocket and pomegranate salad, saltbush tomatoes and house-made focaccia for breakfast; - Seared ocean trout with peppercorn crust, lemon and herbs, and sweet potato, green bean, almond and barley salad for lunch; - Braised beef cheek, sweet potato mousseline, grilled root vegetables and black pepper sauce for dinner; and, - Pineapple carpaccio, lime syrup, coconut gelati and mint oil for dessert.

www.adelaidecc.com.au

Optus Stadium open for business

F

ollowing its grand debut earlier this year, Optus Stadium is now the third largest stadium in Australia, offering 60,000 seats and more than 18 specially designed event spaces available 365 days of the year.

Discussing the event opportunities Optus Stadium can offer, Chief Executive Officer Mike McKenna

told Spice that strong interest has been received from conference and event organisers.

“The Stadium provides Perth with an exciting array of new conference and event spaces attracting local, national and international visitors, in turn delivering economic benefits to the State. The facilities on offer are world-

class and can accommodate events of all types and sizes.”

Optus Stadium’s function spaces offer a range of settings suitable for conferences, exhibitions, launches, cocktail functions, gala balls, Christmas parties and other celebrations. optusstadium.com.au

www.spicenews.com.au 13

Hamilton Island Conference Centre has reopened

A

fter a multi-million dollar refurbishment, Hamilton Island’s Conference Centre has reopened.

Hamilton Island CEO, Glenn Bourke, said that the refurbished conference centre would create further opportunity in the business events segment.

“This investment demonstrates Hamilton Island’s commitment to the

Skyview Lounge

business events segment. We value this sector tremendously and we are pleased to continue to offer a world-class venue within easy access to all major Australian cities. Our investment in the business events facilities on Hamilton Island is continuing, with a planned upgrade to the Bougainvillea Marquee in 2019. Both the conference centre and Bougainvillea

Marquee upgrades ensure that we have the highest quality venues to offer business events groups visiting Hamilton Island,” he said.

The Hamilton Island Conference Centre has a modern look, with upgraded bar facilities, carpets and interiors featuring soft white walls and pale timber panelling. In addition to the upgrades to the aesthetic of the conference centre, Hamilton Island has invested in the enhancement of the technological facilities of the location with new audiovisual fibre optic cabling.

The refurbished conference centre is the largest conference venue in the Whitsundays with capacity for up to 700 guests.

Julie Ford, director of business events sales, Hamilton Island said : “We are very excited to have had the first group use the conference centre in June and we have six more groups before the end of 2018. These include conference sessions, small trade shows and gala dinners”. www.hamiltonisland.com.au

Expect the unexpected.

With over 18 different function spaces available year round and state-of-the-art facilities for up to 2,000 guests, Optus Stadium is more than just game day.

Victory Lounge

The Locker Room

Private Suites

To discover more and enquire about your next function, visit optusstadium.com.au/experience/meetings-special-events

Mega Venues

Cairns Convention Centre set for expansion

T

he Treasurer and Deputy Premier of Queensland, the Hon Jackie Trad, announced the refurbishment and expansion of the Cairns Convention Centre as one of the highlight infrastructure projects in her recent budget speech. The budget papers highlight the funding that is committed over the next two years that will allow the project to come to fruition.

Michael Healy Queensland state member for Cairns said, “The investment in the Cairns Convention Centre is an investment in the future growth of the city, bringing jobs and economic impact well into the future. This state investment of $176 million over two years will also provide the stimulus

for private sector investment in the region particularly the proximity to the proposed Global Tourism Hub.” Ross Steele, general manager, Cairns Convention Centre said that the $176 million expansion includes refurbishment of the existing centre plus the addition of new exhibition space and meeting rooms.

“The continued commitment by the state government allows the Cairns Convention Centre to grow in line with the aspirations of the city, with new hotels, the proposed Global Tourism Hub and other strong investment in the city heart.

It is a city being reimagined and we are excited to be a part of it,” said Steele. www.cairnsconvention.com.au

Brasserie Bring a hint of Parisian flair to your next event with our latest collection of chairs, benches and barstools in woven rattan finish. Brasserie is perfect for garden parties, marque events and everything in between.

Explore the collection today on our website and be the first to know about our exciting incoming ranges through social and our newsletter.

NSW | VIC | QLD valiant.com.au @valiant.events valiant.eventsau

www.spicenews.com.au 15

1.

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre reveals major upgrade

2.

T

he Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s $200 million expansion is finally complete, officially making it the largest exhibition space in Australia with an increased total size of 70,000 square metres.

The extra 20,000 square metre upgrade includes a 9,000 square metres of exhibition space, multipurpose event space, a 1,000 seat plenary theatre, multiple meeting rooms, a banquet room and the Goldfields Café and Bar. “Customer experience was front of mind when planning the design – we wanted to ensure our facilities suited the needs of our customers, rather than constraining them to fit within our space,” said MCEC Chief Executive, Peter King.

“Everything we do at MCEC is based around the fact we are here to connect and inspire. We will fulfil our obligation to connect and with the help of our wonderful new spaces – we will inspire.”

More than 300 events have been confirmed or being negotiated for the new expansion, are to be held between July 2018 and the end of 2024.

The expansion is part of a larger South Wharf expansion project by Plenary Group and its partners that includes a new 347-room Novotel Melbourne South Wharf and a new 1,150-space multi-level car park – all fully connected and integrated with existing buildings.

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) officially showcased its expanded function spaces to the industry in early July with an extravagant event attended |by more than 400 people.

Attendees experienced the new event spaces first-hand, which included a gala ballroom, outdoor entertaining areas, exhibition and concert spaces.

Guests also immersed themselves in four C2 Melbourne lab experiences: Pool, In the Dark, Barometer and Cloud.

16 Spice August 2018

3.

1. Attendees arrive to experience the expanded event spaces 2. Chefs manning live stations at the grand opening 3. An artist's impression of the expanded exhibition hall 4. Chefs plate up fresh local seafood at the launch event 5. Magnificient ice sculptures featured at the launch 6. A rendering of the new Goldfields Cafe which sits outside a newly expanded theatre.

The showcase marks another important milestone for MCEC, with the C2 Labs now available for customers to integrate into their events.

King said MCEC’s relationship with C2 would inspire customers by providing highly customisable and unique experiences at MCEC. “This exclusive partnership is a differentiator in the competitive and contested market in which we compete both internationally and domestically,” Mr King said.

It is anticipated the new event space will generate an additional 74,000 international visitors annually, resulting in an annual $167 million boost to the Victorian economy. www.mcec.com.au

Mega Venues Editor’s Pick: Village Roadshow Theme Parks

4.

Imagine dining with the dolphins or daring to conquer the steepest drop in the Southern Hemisphere at your next conference.

With six properties on offer famous for their exhilarating rides, exciting shows, amazing animals, and spectacular theming, Village Roadshow Theme Parks have got you covered.

The portfolio of mega venues include Warner Bros, Movie World Stars Pavilion with a sit down capacity for 1200, the Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner and Show venue (1000 pax), the new Sea World Plaza event space (sit down capacity for up to 1000) and the Sea World Resort Conference Centre, a jewel in the events crown with seating up to 1000 pax, theatre style.

5.

6.

Pictured: Seaworld Resort

Return signed proof to Art Studio, Movie World.

MEGA FUN VENUES AT VILLAGE ROADSHOW THEME PARKS

Call 07 5591 0020, email ConferencesAndEvents@vrtp.com.au or visit themeparks.com.au

1806082

With a choice of six unique properties famous for their exhilarating rides, exciting shows, amazing animals and spectacular theming; Village Roadshow Theme Parks will transform your next conference into a truly amazing and unique experience.

www.spicenews.com.au  17

Advertorial

5

The main room can host up to 1,000 theatre or 500 for a banquet

REASONS TO PUT UNSW ROUNDHOUSE ON YOUR VENUE LIST

It was good before but now it's sensational. Read on to find out why UNSW Roundhouse should be your next venue.

1. It’s had a full refurbishment Roundhouse reopened in March this year with a fresh new look that accentuates natural lighting through a domed skylight, multiple breakout spaces on the mezzanine level, a stunning main room featuring parquetry flooring, and Australian spotted gum wood panelling throughout the venue.

2. It has a world-class AV system Sound techs, take note: Roundhouse now has a flown PA system. What does that mean for the rest of us? It means the speakers are suspended from the roof, giving the best possible sound distribution.

To really personalise your event, there are also three large projector screens, an expansive range of inhouse lighting equipment, and a first-class production team to get your event looking and sounding amazing without the need for external tech.

3. It has the best caterers Unlike many venues, you’re not restricted to one in-house caterer. You get to choose from the expert panel that includes Bayleaf, Bon Vin, European Catering and Laissez-Faire. Did someone say ‘yum’?

Below left: The leafy beer garden, balcony around the venue and large windows in the upstairs rooms give the venue an airy feel Below right: There are two collaboration spaces in the venue, designed to be interactive with bright, comfortable furniture and fittings

The iconic round architecture of the building has been maintained throughout refurbishment

4. It can fit up to 1,000 people for a conference That’s 90 football teams. You could host the soccer World Cup (32 teams), plus coaches, fans and even the Beckhams with their entourage. However, if it’s a cocktail party, concert or standing social event you’re looking to throw, the function space can be rejigged to accommodate up to 2,200!

5. It has excellent break-out spaces With eight multi-functional breakout spaces, two bars and a beer garden, you can run a boardroom event for 12 executives or you can have stand-up drinks outdoors for a casual networking event for 400.

Like the sound of this? Visit the website unswroundhouse.com and contact roundhouse@arc.unsw.edu.au for more information. n 18 Spice August 2018

Out of 3,345 nominations, we were able to narrow the list down to a tidy 100.

Say hello to this year’s top services and suppliers.

HOT 100 SERVICES AND SUPPLIERS

SMA Productions show 'Hollywood to Burlesque' image courtesy of Funktionality (Photographer: Geoff Magee)

www.spicenews.com.au 19

hot 100

Solution Entertainment

Ciaran Gribbin

Peter Rowland

AV1

1 – Best Event Caterer

2 – Best Entertainment Agency

THE BIG GROUP www.thebiggroup.com.au thebiggrouphospitalityagency

SOLUTION ENTERTAINMENT solutionentertainment.com.au @solutionentertainment

PETER ROWLAND www.peterrowland.com.au @peterrowlandau

SONG DIVISION www.songdivision.com/au @songdivision

THE CATERER thecaterersydney.com.au @thecaterersydney

JETPACK EVENTS www.jetpackevents.com @jetpackevents

ATLANTIC GROUP atlanticgroup.com.au @atlanticgroup

INSTINCT EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT instinctmusic.com.au @instinct_events_entertainment

GASTRONOMY gastronomy.com.au @gastronomyaust

SMA PRODUCTIONS www.sma-ebd.com @smaproductions

3 – Best Individual Performer / Speaker /DJ LISA WILKINSON www.icmi.com.au/lisa-wilkinson-am HOLLY RANSOM www.saxton.com.au/holly-ransom

@lisa_wilkinson @holly_ransom

DJ ELIZA, INSTINCT instinctmusic.com.au/live-entertainment/dj-eliza

@djelizadj

4 – Best AV and Staging AV1 av1.com.au @av1_australia ENCORE EVENT TECHNOLOGIES www.encore-anzpac.com @encoreapac AUSTAGE www.austageevents.com.au

@austageevents

SCOTT PULLEN www.thegrooveacademy.com.au @thegrooveacademyaus

PERTH AUDIO VISUAL www.pav.com.au @hellopav

CIARAN GRIBBIN www.rockandrollteambuilding.com @rockandrollteambuilding

MICROHIRE www.microhire.com.au @microhire_au

20 Spice August 2018

5 – Best Team Building Suppliers VICTORS FOOD www.victorsfood.com.au @victorsfood CHEEKY FOOD EVENTS www.cheekyfoodevents.com @funteamcooking BEYOND THE BOARDROOM www.beyondtheboardroom.com.au @beyondboardroom ROCK AND ROLL TEAM BUILDING www.rockandrollteambuilding.com @rockandrollteambuilding BE CHALLENGED bechallenged.com.au @bechallenged

Rock and Roll Team Building

6 – Best Themes, Props and Décor DECORATIVE EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS www.decorativeevents.com.au @decorativeevents SYDNEY PROP SPECIALISTS www.sydneyprops.com.au @sydneypropspecialists THE BIG GROUP CREATIVE www.thebiggroup.com.au @theebiggrouphospitalityagency VALIANT EVENTS valiant.com.au @valiant.events BACKDROPS FANTASTIC www.backdrops.com.au @backdropsfantasticaus

Backdrops Fantastic

7 – Best Event Florist SUSAN AVERY www.susanavery.com.au @susanavery PS FLORALS psfloraldesign.com @psfloraldesign DESIGNS BY BOOSHI www.booshi.com.au @designsbybooshi PEARSONS FLORIST www.pearsonsflorist.com.au @pearsonsflorist SEED FLORA www.seedflora.com.au @seedflora

Susan Avery

8 – Best Expo Builders EXPONET www.exponet.com.au/home.aspx

@exponet_aus

HARRY THE HIRER www.harrythehirer.com.au @harrythehirer STAGING RENTALS www.stagingrentals.com.au @stagingrentalsandconstruction PERTH EXPO HIRE www.perthexpohire.com.au

N/A

360 DISPLAYS www.360displays.com.au @360_displays

Exponet

www.spicenews.com.au 21

hot 100

Vanity Group

PAV Event Solutions

Place Settings

Pure Chica

9 – Best Hire Company

10 – Best Corporate Gift and Merchandise

VALIANT EVENTS valiant.com.au @valiant.events

VANITY GROUP vanitygroup.com @vanitygroupau

PAGES www.pages.id.au @pages_hire

MERCH GIRLS merchgirls.com.au @Merchgirls

HARRY THE HIRER www.harrythehirer.com.au @harrythehirer

MAUI JIM mauijimcorporategifts.com @officialmauijim

PLACE SETTINGS www.placesettings.com.au @placesettings

THE GOODS TUBE thegoodstube.com @thegoodstube

DECORATIVE EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS www.decorativeevents.com.au @decorativeevents

EVENTS PLUS www.eventsplus.com.au @eventspluspromo

11 – Best Event Management

12 – Best Support Services

INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTIONS www.internationalproductions.com @intlproductions

PURE CHICA purechica.com.au @purechica

SCOPE PRODUCTIONS www.scopeproductions.com.au @scope_productions

CREATE ENGAGE createengage.com.au @createengage

BELLE LAIDE EVENTS ble.com.au @bellelaideevents

EVENTBRITE www.eventbrite.com.au @eventbrite

PAV EVENT SOLUTIONS www.pav.com.au @hellopav

RENTERTAINMENT www.rentertainment.com.au @rentertainmentaus

FLYING RUBY www.flyingruby.com.au @flyingrubyevents 22 Spice August 2018

CVENT www.cvent.com/au

@cvent_inc

13 – Best Event Photographer & Videographers ONEILL PHOTOGRAPHICS oneillphotographics.com.au @oneillphotographics INLIGHTEN www.inlighten.com.au @inlightenphotography CREATE ENGAGE createengage.com.au @createengage ZEBRA PRODUCTIONS zebraproductions.com.au @zebraproductions CAMERA CREATIONS www.cameracreations.com.au @cameracreationssydney

Oneill Photographics

14 – Best Beverage Caterers PINEAPPLE JAM www.pineapplejam.com.au @pineapplejamhospitality SWEET & CHILLI www.sweetandchilli.com/au @sweetandchillidrinks KUBARZ kubarz.com.au @kubarz LIQUID INFUSION www.liquidinfusion.com.au @liquidinfusion KEGS ON LEGS kegsonlegs.com.au @kegsonlegs

Pineapple Jam

15 – Best Boats and Cruising Venues THE ISLAND theislandsydney.com.au @theislandsydney CRYSTAL BLUE YACHT CHARTERS crystalblueyachtcharters.com.au @crystalblueyachtcharters PEPPERMINT BAY CRUISE peppermintbaycruise.com.au N/A CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES www.captaincook.com.au @captaincookcruises FLAGSHIP CRUISES www.flagshipcruises.com.au @flagshipcruises

Captain Cook Cruises

16 – Best PR and Marketing ZADRO zadroagency.com.au @zadro_agency MILESTONE CREATIVE www.milestonecreative.com.au @milestonecreatv BLACK COMMUNICATIONS www.blackcommunications.com.au @blackcommunications SWEATY BETTY www.sweatybettypr.com @sweatybettypr POLKADOT COMMUNICATIONS polkadotcommunications.com.au @polkadotcommunciations

Zadro

www.spicenews.com.au 23

hot 100

Encore Event Technologies

Sprintr by AV1

Howard and Sons Pyrotechnics

Rentertainment

17 – Best Fireworks, Lighting and Visual Effects HOWARD AND SONS PYROTECHNICS www.howardsfireworks.com.au @howardsfireworks

18 – Best Event Technology Company CVENT www.cvent.com/au

@cvent_inc

SKYLIGHTER FIREWORKS skylighter.com.au @skylighterfireworks

SPRINTR BY AV1 av1.com.au @av1_australia

FOTI FIREWORKS www.fotifireworks.com.au @fotifireworks

INFO SALONS www.infosalonsgroup.com @InfoSalonsGroup

32 HUNDRED LIGHTING www.32hundredlighting.com @32hundredlx

ENCORE EVENT TECHNOLOGIES www.encore-anzpac.com @encoreapac

JETPACK ENTERTAINMENT www.jetpackevents.com @jetpackevents

19 – Best Transport

UNGERBOECK SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL ungerboeck.com @ungerboeck_tech

20 – Best Amusement Hire

MURRAYS COACHES www.murrays.com.au N/A

RENTERTAINMENT www.rentertainment.com.au @rentertainmentaus

CROWN COACHES www.crowncoaches.com.au @CrownCoaches

SOCIAL PLAYGROUND www.socialplayground.com.au @socialplayground

CTL EVENT MANAGEMENT www.ctl.com.au N/A PALMERS COACHES palmerscoaches.com.au @palmerscoaches GAFFNEYS www.gaffneys.com.au 24 Spice August 2018

N/A

BUBBLING WITH ENERGY www.bubblingwithenergy.info @bubblingwithenergy ACTION EVENTS actionevents.com @actioneventsaustralia QUIZZAME quizzame.com.au @QuizzaMeAUS

Tech Innovations

Global technology trends enhancing user experience

By Jack Ukil, Director of Sales, Cvent Australia

In a world dominated by technology, it’s often difficult for players in the tech industry to make their presence felt. Technology has infiltrated nearly every aspect of our lives and consumers can be highly critical of trends that don’t enhance or simplify their busy lives.

I

n the years ahead, event technology will continue to revolutionise events.

Here are top five trends that are making a significant impact in enhancing the attendee experience: 1. 3D interactive invitations – gone are the days of email or paper invitations. Expect to see invitations that use 3D graphics to engage the recipient and increase event attendance and excitement.

2. Mobile robotic check-in kiosks – check-in queues will soon be a thing of the past. Intelligent check-in kiosks will move autonomously to busy areas, alleviating congestion and eliminating the stress associated with the event check-in process.

3. Facial recognition and facial feedback – facial recognition technology will check you in without the hassle of scanning badges or sourcing misplaced tickets.

This technology can also recognise delegate emotions and feedback from cameras placed around event spaces, giving organisers the ability to act quickly and adjust programs in real-time based on attendee feedback.

4. Telepresence and remote attendance – inability to physically make it to an event will no longer be a problem. Telepresence and remote attendees will move, interact, converse, learn, and engage as if they were right there in the room.

5. Voice interfaces – over 35 million people use voice assistants on their phones, so why not have voice interfaces that act as a concierge service? Using personalised artificial intelligence, with smart voice responses, they can answer questions from, ‘Where’s the coffee?’ to ‘What events are happening now?’.

Event organisers want multiple touchpoints to engage their delegates, but also desire simplicity and reliability.

Innovative technology continues to push our industry to develop simpler, more efficient ways of communicating and interacting with our attendees and delegates.

In Australia, the interest in and use of cloud-based event management solutions has grown exponentially. The next wave of innovative technology will no doubt continue to fuel this growth leading to a better user experience. n

“Event organisers want multiple touchpoints to engage their delegates, but also desire simplicity and reliability.”

www.spicenews.com.au 25

Technology

It takes just seconds to register onsite

Sprintr by AV1 kiosks at The Event Show

Why Registration Kiosks Rock The days of pre-printing name tags and alphabetizing badges on a trestle table are well and truly over. Here’s why you should ditch the meaningless manual labour for a more high-tech solution. Spice checks in with Sprintr by AV1 to learn more about their offering.

On the spot registration

Time Saving

Did a few of your delegates miss the cut-off to register online? No problem. Attendees can easily turn up at the event on the day and register on the spot. The best part?

No ugly hand-written name badges and no need to print or fill in a paper registration form. Your attendee can register, and print their own name badge in just seconds.

Imagine the free time you’ll have without having to pre-print name badges, alphabetise them, print attendee lists or paper registration forms. With no paper wastage, or queues, employing a kiosk at your next event is a no brainer.

Bespoke branding on Kiosks Decal your branding or sponsor logos on the kiosk to really give it some personality. You can even customise your badges and touchscreens with event branding!

Live data monitoring That’s right. You heard it here. With Sprintr by AV1, event organisers will be able to monitor attendee registrations and arrivals live, making reporting duties a breeze. The team will also train your event staff to use the check-in software on the day to assist attendees.

Team Sprintr are onsite to ensure a seamless experience

What the users say “First impressions are lasting and AV1 kiosks provide the best possible check-in experience at point of entry. Suitable for events of any size, the design, ease of use and self-service nature of the Sprintr kiosk has been very well received by all Eventbrite customers partnering with AV1.”

– Laura Huddle, Director of New Business, Eventbrite.

“We utilise the Sprintr kiosk registration for each and every event across our portfolio. With delegate numbers ranging from 300 up to close to a thousand, we choose the type and number of Sprintr kiosks which will ensure delegate flow. For our recent event in Auckland, we even took the small desktop Sprintrs across which worked brilliantly. They are also a great sponsorship opportunity for partners to have their branding impact on arrival.”

– Stephanie Sandbrook, the Eventful group.

Why we dig Sprintr - No conference handbooks - No exhibition passports - No printed delegate lists - Enhanced audience engagement Bespoke branding on name badges

26 Spice August 2018

- The ability to instantly communicate with your audience

“One big advantage was the kiosks were able to operate efficiently in a narrow space; we didn’t need to build a large registration desk.

Generally we only receive feedback when people experience a problem. We didn’t hear anything negative about the registration which proves to me the delegate experience was seamless. the kiosk approach works well when needing to move people quickly through the registration procedure.”

– Simon Cooper, Managing Director, Interpoint.

Staging Connections rebrands to Encore Event Technologies

S

taging Connections has officially rebranded to Encore Event Technologies.

Becoming aligned with Encore will increase the company’s staging and event production service offering and will bolster the brand’s competitive advantage to service event planners and premium hotels worldwide, the company said in a statement.

Tony Chamberlain, Managing Director of the Encore Event Technologies group for the APAC region, believes the adoption of the Encore brand will be key to future success, as well as a distinct advantage for clients, “As we expand throughout the Asia-Pacific region, we will continue to offer our network of partners and clients unmatched expertise, quality services and global resources. A single brand reflects the mutual values of both businesses and will enable us to truly function as one of the largest AV and event production networks within the industry.

What won’t change is the quality of service our clients receive, or the talented team that deliver our clients’ events.”

A recent event staged at the Sydney Town Hall by Encore

Encore Event Technologies has grown significantly in Asia with in-house AV services in Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines. The group also has locations throughout The United States of America and Mexico and are continuing to expand further.

Ken Sanders, President of Freeman Audio Visual, also commented on the recent developments.

“The rebranding of Staging Connections will provide our venue partners and clients with a single global resource that reflects our unwavering commitment to elevate their brand experience. We are very excited about the opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region – it represents the fastest-growing market in our industry and creates unmatched opportunities for our customers to build their brands through live events on a global stage.”

Ludlow Bar & Dining Room

Hophaus

6 Riverside Quay, Southbank, Melbourne

Level 1, Southgate, Melbourne

Private Dining: Groups of 10 – 170 Stunning views across the Yarra River, flexible food and beverage options ludlowbar.com.au

Private Dining: Groups of 10 – 110 Beautiful art deco-inspired dining room with an open rotisserie-fired kitchen hophaus.com.au

All Hands Brewing House 22 The Promenade, King St Wharf, Sydney Private Dining: Groups of 10 – 140 Brand new venue, waterfront views, and versatile event spaces allhandsbrewinghouse.com.au

events@redrockvenues.com.au 03 9695 4077 redrockvenues.com.au

www.spicenews.com.au 27

Innovations

SafetyCulture launches new risk mitigation app S

ay hello to Spotlight, the new real time risk reporting app from SafetyCulture.

SafetyCulture, founded in 2004 by Luke Anear, launched its first mobile app – iAuditor – in 2012. iAuditor is a safety and quality inspection app that allows workers to conduct on-site inspections, identify issues and share reports in real time. This product is now used by businesses all over the world, with over 30 million inspections being performed to date.

Spotlight, the new app from SafetyCulture, builds on this concept by sending real-time incident alerts to mobile phone numbers in an identified group. This helps create transparency

within a team about common issues, and ensures that issues get resolved faster.

Spotlight was developed based on customer feedback that said a lot of incidents go unreported – especially near-misses and hazards – and that there's a time lag between something being reported and getting resolved.

When you can report from your phone or tablet, you can report in real-time. Spotlight removes barriers to reporting and encourages team members to report more.

Spotlight is available to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Visit www.safetyculture.com for more information. n

INTRODUCING…

The Giant iTab Exclusively available through

www.hire-intelligence.com.au • 1300 655 551

Pictured: Luke Anear, Founder, Safety Culture

Feature Entertainment - Live Bands Roving Performers - MC’s - Celebrities - Aerial Artists - DJ’s

info@smaproductions.com.au

Hotspot Dusk colours the deck in dramatic hues

Phuket MICE snapshot Airport: Phuket International Airport Number of convention centres: 18 Number of unique venues: 79 Accommodation capacity: 516 hotels, 40,579 rooms

Spotlight: Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort Bonnie van Dorp escapes to Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort to soak in the sun, take in the dramatic landscapes, wander through sleepy villages, and learn about what the island paradise has to offer groups.

P

huket has been a beloved hotspot for Aussies for a long time, and for good reason. It is well serviced by domestic and international carriers, well connected to major tourist attractions (think Patong Beach and the Big Buddha), while also having the infrastructure to accommodate mega events. Once known for its tin mining offering, today Phuket’s main economic contribution lies in its thriving tourism industry. Whether it’s an authentic cultural experience you’re after, or a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of real life, Phuket has a little something for everyone.

The Rooms Spacious and filled with light, the rooms at Outrigger Laguna Phuket have everything you could need for a short or long stay.

Many of the rooms offer gorgeous views over the tranquil lagoon or front the gently lapping waves of the beach. Choose between 12 different room types, each offering a different experience. Those who elect to stay in Club, Suite or Villa Rooms will also get exclusive access to Voyager 47, 30 Spice August 2018

accommodate up to 220 delegates in theatre format. However, what makes Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach so special is its array of outdoor event spaces. The property gives you the best of both worlds – a tranquil lagoon to gaze out upon and a picturesque beachfront, both of which, form perfect backdrops for classy soirees and grand banquets.

Team Building Activities: Batik Painting the resort’s premier club lounge. Privileges for club level rooms include: personalised guest reception and check in; a la carte club breakfast; all-day non-alcoholic beverages, tea and coffee; light snacks; daily evening cocktails; special rates at the Banyan Tree Spa Phuket and more.

Function Rooms and Event Spaces The grand ballroom can host up to 350 delegates theatre style or 290 guests for banquets. There’s also three flexible meeting spaces to choose from that can

Need a fun, interactive team building activity that is sure to get the creative juices flowing? The resort’s signature Batik Painting class is an activity that can be customised for visiting groups. The ancient art form – which is very similar to water colour painting – originates from Java, Indonesia. To start, a piece of cloth is stretched out to form a canvas, and an outline of your design is created using wax. Participants will then fill in the design using vibrant dyes. Fun idea: have the resort’s resident artists create a design using your company’s logo to really personalise the experience.

Fast Facts • Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach offers 225 guest rooms, complemented by eight suites and a single two bedroom villa

Extend and Stay Post Conference: Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort Just an hour away from Phuket by flight, sits Outrigger Koh Samui Beach, a secluded boutique resort surrounded by swaying palm trees, crystalline waters and private plunge pools. While this property is not marketed as a MICE hotel, it does make for a fantastic post-conferencing option for delegates should they wish to extend their stay in Thailand.

Must-dos: • Try your hand at soap carving, a popular applied art in Thailand. The resort brings in a master carver who will sit down and show you step-by-step how to create and sculpt gorgeous floral sculptures.

• Take part in an authentic Thai cooking class with Outrigger Koh Samui Beach’s executive chef Khun Tor. Learn how to make classic dishes such as Som Tum (Thai papaya salad), Tom Yum Goong (spicy and sour prawn soup), Tom Kha Gai (coconut chicken soup with galangal and lemongrass) and Goong Makham (prawns in tamarind sauce).

• Cool off from the tropical heat by taking a dip in your own private plunge pool

• Onsite amenities include three restaurants, a swimming pool with a waterslide, a variety of sports activities, beach services, pool bar, international tennis academy with indoor and outdoor courts, squash and badminton courts, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.

• For meetings and events, the resort’s function spaces are completely decked out with stateof-the-art audio visual equipment.

Offsite Adventures Pre-conference touring options in Phuket are aplenty, with a variety of cultural and culinary experiences to take part in. Visit a fresh market in Phuket Town for a glimpse into local life, and sample local tropical fruit (we dare you to give durian a go), or go on a self-guided street art tour and take in the vibrant colours splashed across restored heritage buildings.

Food and Beverage There are three restaurants onsite, each offering a unique flavor. Choose between Locavore Restaurant, an allday restaurant with a strong focus on

locally sourced produce; Edgewater, a beachfront alfresco style grill; or Metzos, an authentic Mediterranean establishment (an anomaly in Phuket!).

Meeting the Standard Earlier this year, Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort passed all systems tests to earn the official Thailand MICE venue Standard (TMVS) accreditation, a rigorous system developed by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau that applies ISO quality standards to food safety, security systems, energy management and the administration of sustainable events.

The inclusion to the prestigious program followed a detailed submission and onsite inspections by the Thai government’s MICE Capabilities Development department.

Outrigger’s area director for sales and marketing for Thailand, Rory Campbell, said: “With TMVS accreditation, our sophisticated Similan Ballroom MICE setup at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort has been officially recognised as among the best in Thailand.

“We will now proudly take that message to event organisers who are seeking to create meaningful and rewarding corporate events in Phuket.” n www.spicenews.com.au 31

The Great Taupo Escape

Bonnie van Dorp steps off a tiny prop plane and into a land where the waters are blue, the air is clean and the landscapes are an absolute dream.

F

irst things first: Taupo is pronounced ‘toe paw’ – and not the bastardized ‘towel-po’ of which it is commonly known by. Learn this fact and then take a good look around, because this gorgeous locale in the centre of the North Island of New Zealand is as picturesque as they come. Fronting an idyllic town centre is Oceania’s second largest lake, which was created by a super volcanic eruption that occurred approximately 26,500 years ago. The turquoise lake is a hive of activity in the summer months, with lazy boats tugging along its surface in search of prized rainbow trout, and locals and holiday makers engaging in various watersports. In winter, its proximity to neighbouring ski fields in Mount Ruapehu make the town a draw card for snow bunnies and snowboarding enthusiasts.

Stay: Hilton Lake Taupo Hilton Lake Taupo is situated just minutes from the town centre and commands panoramic views over the country’s largest lake. There are 113 keys in total, spread across rooms, suites and apartments. A recent expansion of the property sees an entire wing added, with some boasting spectacular vistas of thermal valleys. For meetings and events, there are seven Victorian-style conference meeting rooms available, as well as a boardroom with 32 Spice August 2018

plan living room features a large brick fireplace, decadently comfortable furniture and everything guests need to feel this is a true ‘home away from home’. The heated infinity-style swimming pool and separate private spa pool have been integrated into the outdoor landscape. There is also a fabulous stone outdoor pavilion within a courtyard garden featuring a magnificent fireplace. Full capacity at Huka Lodge is 25 rooms in total including both cottages.

Activities: Taupo Float Plane adjoining gardens which are perfect as breakout spaces. When visiting, make sure you take some time to enjoy a fabulous meal at Bistro Lago, the hotel’s onsite restaurant.

Stay: Huka Lodge Consistently voted as one of the world’s most exclusive hideaways, Huka Lodge is absolutely out to impress. A favourite among celebrities and royals (yes, it’s Queen Elizabeth’s favourite Kiwi getaway), the charming lodge was originally founded in 1924 by an Irishman as a fishing lodge.

With a definite English Arts and Crafts influence pervading the interior and exterior design, the cottage boasts two large and stylishly appointed bedrooms, with fireplaces, ensuite bathrooms and generous dressing rooms. A generous open

Witness the extraordinary landscapes of Taupo from a different point of view.

Passengers will take off from the calm waters of Lake Taupo, and soar high up into the clouds, taking in unrestricted views of the glistening lake, a gushing waterfall, snow-capped mountains, volcanoes and geothermal wonders. A number of scenic flight itineraries are available exploring dramatic natural scenes including the hidden valley of Orakei Korako, Mount Ruapehu (an active volvano), White Island and more.

Activities: Formula Challenge Racing Hop into racecars (usually reserved for professional drivers) out at Formula Challenge Racing Taupo. The motorsport experience makes for a highly effective

Hotspot team building activity for corporates, and packages can be tailored to suit most budgets. Packages include V8 hot laps, driver training, pit stop challenges, podium presentations and skidpan experiences. Choose between single seater racecars, Ford V8 cars and Holden V8s.

Activities: Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings Heralded as one of the country’s most extraordinary artworks, the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings draw in tourists annually by the droves. Standing at 14 metres high, the artwork – which is accessed only by water – is comprised of several individual carvings each with their own tales to tell. The carvings are the vision of Whakataka-Brightwell, who in 1976 paddled past the alcove and had a vision of a tattooed face. He would then go on to lead a team of four artists on an artistic expedition to sculpt the carvings over four years. It is told that the artists wore nothing but safety googles and speedos when creating the artwork. Chris Jolly Outdoors offers trips out to see the carvings on its spacious Cruise Cat catamaran. For the fishing enthusiasts out there, you can also throw in a line to try your luck at catching a coveted rainbow trout.

Stay: The Lodge at Kinloch Club Above: Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings Left: Huka Jet Top right: Taupo Float Plane landing on the lake Right: Poronui Below: Hilton Lake Taupo

The Lodge at Kinloch Club is the newest addition to the Taupo luxury lodge portfolio, and it’s a spot that needs to be seen to be believed. This uber-modern lodge is tastefully furnished with lush textures such as velvet, fur and cooper that beg to be touched and experienced. Upon arrival, you are welcomed into an expansive space aptly named The Great Room, where every detail has been carefully considered.

It backs onto a dining room (perfect for intimate events) with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sprawling views over the golf course. The cuisine operates on a farm-to-plate philosophy, with all produce reared from the owner’s private 2,000 hectare estate. Choose between suites, and one- and two bedroom villas.

Stay: Poronui This wilderness lodge is truly something special.

There really is something for everyone at Poronui.

For fishing enthusiasts, the lodge is a prime spot to catch the elusive rainbow trout, and for those wanting a taste of the great outdoors, Poronui offers the chance to explore 16,000 acres of lush bush by foot, horse or mountain bike. Other group activities available on site include culinary school, wilderness challenges, glamping and more. The destination, which is completely isolated, is an ideal hideaway for corporate incentive groups and retreats needing a change of scenery.

Activities: Huka Jet For all the adrenaline junkies out there, a visit to Taupo would not be complete with an exhilarating thrill ride on board the Huka Jet. The 30 minute experience sees thrill-seekers thrown into 360 spins on the base of the Huka Falls (the country’s most photographed waterfall), all the while getting up close to sheer cliff faces and native bush. While there are other jet boat experiences available, Huka Jet is the only company permitted to take people out to the base of the mighty Huka Falls. For an extra special experience, Huka Jet also offers a ‘bubbles on the beach’ package which takes guests over to a secluded hot water beach mid-ride to surprise them with champagne and canapes. n www.spicenews.com.au 33

NZ update Queenstown is a popular incentive destination for Aussies

What’s up neighbour?

We packed our bags and hopped across the ditch to bring you the latest and greatest out of New Zealand.

SO/ Auckland slated to welcome its first guests in October AccorHotels celebrated the official launch of its latest property SO/ Auckland at an exclusive event held in conjunction with CINZ MEETINGS in May. Slated to open its doors in October 2018, the 130-key property will feature a restaurant and three bars, a spa, fitness centre and a 20m indoor heated pool.

The property occupies the former Reserve Bank building which housed the country’s gold stockpile. The vaults within the building have been transformed into a range of unique meeting and function spaces.

According to SO Auckland General Manager Stephen Gould, the hotel will “shatter the conventional norms and become a must visit destination in Auckland for locals and visitors alike”.

“As the biggest city and the main international air hub, Auckland is a popular choice for international travellers and the America’s Cup will only enhance this standing.

“We are positive about the future for hospitality in Auckland and we look forward to aiding the city’s ambitions of being a must-visit destination in the South Pacific,” he said.

So Auckland’s French-inspired restaurant on the 15th floor will boast a refined ambience complemented by panoramic views of the harbour, a walk-in wine cellar 34 Spice August 2018

and inspired cuisine. The restaurant will bring a new calibre of sky-high dining to New Zealand culinary landscape.

Every SO collaborates with a renowned designer for key elements of the hotel, and SO Auckland continues this legacy.

The hotel’s signature designer will remain a secret for now.

Say hello to the world’s most sustainable corporate retreat destination Situated forty minutes from Queenstown is Camp Glenorchy, a guest accommodation and meeting venue designed according to the Living Building Challenge, a set of rigorous building standards achieved only by a handful of other sites in New Zealand.

The net-zero energy campground offers seven multi-bedroom ensuite cabins, two Camp Glenorchy

bunkhouses, seven powered RV/campervan sites, gathering spaces for guests in the artist-designed Scheelite Campfire Shelter and Homestead Building with shared kitchen, dining, and relaxing spaces, as well as dedicated conference, retreat and meeting rooms.

Designed and built to operate under the principles of the Living Building Challenge, Camp Glenorchy was deliberately designed with one thought in mind: “What if every single act of design and construction made the world a better place?”

“We offer couples, groups, retreats, weddings, family gatherings and solo travellers an innovative take on New Zealand’s traditional camping experience.

Our cabins are purposefully cosy and compact, with the aim of drawing guests into shared social spaces where they can connect with one another and the natural environment,” said Camp Glenorchy’s General Manager, Peter Kerr.

“The spacious Humboldt Room—with views of the Humboldt Mountains as well as the iconic Mount Alfred and the Earnslaw Glacier— has a state-of-the-art AV system, free wi-fi and a configurable layout for a wide variety of uses,”added Peter.

Camp Glenorchy is the vision and collaborative creation of Paul and Debbi Brainerd, philanthropists who have previously established environmentallysensitive, community-based education projects in North America.

A hongi is a traditional Maori greeting done by pressing one's nose and forehead together

Must Do: Hangi and Hang Outs at Waitangi Treaty Grounds For an authentic taste of New Zealand’s Maori

Queenstown needs a Convention Centre, says local industry Calls for a brand new purpose-built convention centre in Queenstown have been renewed following the arrival of the 6,000 strong Amway China delegation in the tourist hotspot in May. The mega incentive group, which arrived in 11 waves of 600, saw 4900 delegates engage in a cruise around Milford Sound, 3,000 take a trip on the TSS Earnslaw, hundreds of scenic flights, 11 fireworks displays, over 6200 dinners served at Coronet Peak, and 730 Kawarau bungee jumps and Nevis swings.

Managing Director of HQNZ, Rob StewartMcDonald, one of the companies that helped Amway organise the trip, said the successful completion of the programme had cemented the economic value of targeting large incentive groups, and holding them during the shoulder season.

"This incentive has generated significant business for Queenstown, and the timing of this visit during our autumn shoulder season, using existing activities and infrastructure, is proof of the value of these groups to our region.”

However, Stewart-McDonald told Spice Magazine that the lack of a purpose-built convention centre in the region is the missing piece of the puzzle needed to take advantage of mid-sized conference market coming in from across the Tasman.

“At the moment, Queenstown has all the infrastructure to do large incentive groups like we’ve done with Amway China, but the gap is that we really don’t do conferences of that size, and the only reason why we can’t do conferences of that size is there’s no convention centre – hence the need,” Stewart-McDonald said.

“Australia’s going to always be one of our biggest markets, being so close and with so many direct flights, and there are so many corporate conferences coming out of Australia which are in that 300 to 700 sort of size that we miss out on at the moment.”

“We know that C&I groups spend a lot more money than the average tourist and we think it’s the key piece of infrastructure needed for arguably the most appealing tourist destination,” he said.

But are there plans in the pipeline to erect such a convention centre?

culture, head out to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Situated in the Bay of Islands, the Waitangi Treaty

Glossary of mustknow Te Reo Maori Give these a go next time you’re visiting the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Kia Ora Informal hi or hello Haere Mai Welcome Tangata Whenua Original people belonging to a place Haka Chant for the purpose of a challenge Aroha Compassion, tenderness, love Mana Authority, power Iwi People, nation (modern usage – tribe) Pakeha People of British/ European origin living in New Zealand Whanau Extended family Koha Gift or present (usually money given by guests to hosts) Waiata Song or chant which follows a speech

Ground hosts interactive full day experiences for visitors, and is where Maori and Pakeha decided to come together as one people under Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty).

The full-day tour includes a visit to Waitangi’s contemporary museum, powerful Maori cultural performances in an authentic Marae (meeting house), an inspiring art gallery and carving studio plus the chance to experience a real waka (Maori canoe) before tucking into a delicious traditional Hangi. www.waitangi.org.nz

Destination Queenstown Chief Executive Graeme Budd said there wasn't.

“There is currently no proposed convention centre in Queenstown that has local government investment or backing. It is no longer in the long-term plan for our local authority,”he told media at a press conference in Auckland at CINZ Meeting.

“This is highly disappointing for us as the Queenstown Convention Bureau, but we understand the financial commitments our council has to make on other infrastructure.”

However, that doesn’t mean the Convention Bureau is quite done fighting the good fight.

“Our message is very clear, that the demand and opportunity for a convention centre in Queenstown is as strong and compelling as ever and it does remain a constraint to future growth,” he said.

Budd explained he’d ideally like to see a mediumsized convention centre erected to accommodate between 800-1,000 pax for a plenary session or 700 for a sit-down dinner. He also made it clear that the proposed convention centre would not compete with Auckland’s upcoming NZICC or Christchurch’s Te Pae, but instead complement it.

“We are really excited about the NZICC. We see it being a fabulous opportunity for New Zealand and in Queenstown. And we are gonna benefit from that amazing facility.

“Hurry up and get it built, please. We are waiting.

New Zealand is a small place and we need to work very collaboratively.” www.spicenews.com.au 35

NZ update

Sue Sullivan, Chief Executive, Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) An artist's impression of the artwork set to adorn the exterior of the NZICC

Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Chief Executive Sue Sullivan agreed with Budd’s call for a new convention centre, telling Spice Magazine: “There’s such a demand for one for the destination”.

“They currently have good hotel stock and more coming online in the next 24 months. The nice thing that would sit with that is a convention centre. It won’t be anything that rivals Christchurch or Auckland, it will be quite different – purpose-built in the size that destination needs and flexible.”

New Zealand artists’ work to cover exterior of New Zealand International Convention Centre Two of the largest pieces of public art ever created in New Zealand will soon adorn the exterior of the International Convention Centre under construction in central Auckland.

The works by two New Zealand artists, Sara Hughes and Peata Larkin, have been commissioned

by SKYCITY Entertainment Group and will span a total of 5,760sqm once fully installed on the four external walls of the NZICC. The two artworks comprise 2400sqm of glass over 550 panels that wrap around the top level of the NZICC, and 13,500 terracotta tiles that form a spine wall alongside the retail and dining laneway beside the new centre.

Installation of the glass panels will begin later this year, while the terracotta tiles will be installed from mid-2019.

36 Spice August 2018

General Manager NZICC, Callum Mallett, says a building of the size and scale of the NZICC offers a rare opportunity to showcase New Zealand’s culture and environment.

“We feel Sara and Peata have absolutely achieved our objective of presenting the building and its surrounds as a unique experience of New Zealand to our local and international visitors. These pieces of art are of a scale that people across Auckland, and those within the NZICC, can appreciate and experience in very personal ways,” says Mr Mallett.

The huge glass artwork features vertical fin panels on the east and west walls of the NZICC and flat glasspanels on the north and south sides. The imagery uses 60 different colour tones, and is inspired by Mrs Hughes’ upbringing in rural Northland near the Waipoua forest, New Zealand’s largest kauri forest.

The two Kiwi artists were selected following initial proposals, and Mr Mallet says their work has been well-received in consultation with Auckland Council, the Crown, other key NZICC stakeholders and members of the arts community.

The NZICC will be New Zealand’s largest purpose-built convention centre, with capacity to take events of up to 4000 people, and was designed in collaboration with the global business events industry to ensure a sustainable building that can be enjoyed by both local and international conferences of all sizes. n

At CINZ MEETINGS 2018 we demonstrated New Zealand is a stunning learning and networking environment. We are a sought-after conference, incentive and event destination, offering the whole package – great venues, accommodation, transport activities, culture, service, food and wine.

Our professional approach and resourcefulness make us easy to do business with. New Zealand is recognised as a safe and secure destination, another drawcard for international event organisers.

A key reason organisers enjoy to work with us is our Kiwi culture, our style of doing business.

New Zealand’s Mãori cultural values give event planners a true point of difference in an increasingly competitive international environment. Our warm welcome – manaakitanga – can't be replicated anywhere else. It’s a genuine and powerful advantage on the world stage.

Important to any great event is the ability to bring the outside in and create a vibrant, lively environment that reflects the country and region you are in. The food, wine, art, style of hosting, architecture and furnishings are all designed to tell a story, and they become live billboards for our country.

New Zealand offers an excellent range of new, purpose-built or revamped venues, and hotels and lodges in outstanding locations. There’s something to suit every request, from stunning boutique lodges on beaches or mountains, to major urban conference venues. Our two largest cities, Auckland and Christchurch, are both underway with exciting strategic infrastructure developments, including new convention centres designed for the future of business events along with new hotels.

And getting here is easy, with outstanding air connectivity to New Zealand. Our international airports welcome hundreds of daily flights from Australia, Asia and North America, putting us high on the consideration list for Australian and international conference organisers.

Canopy Tours, Rotorua

Boost delegate morale, clip them onto a zipline and gently push them out of their comfort zone.

New Zealand offers a huge variety of exhilarating activities set in stunning natural landscapes all within easy reach of world class accommodation and venues. Inspiration is right on your doorstep.

Book your next conference in New Zealand.

businessevents.newzealand.com

Hot spot

Wallabies, wine and wilderness Sirromet Winery in the Brisbane hinterland has just launched eighteen glamping sites, with more planned for the coming years.

Emma Castle checks in, wine glass in hand.

J

ust 35 minutes from Brisbane Airport, you will find Mount Cotton, an area replete with lush subtropical farmland, lily-dotted lagoons and bizarrely, vineyards. Yes, vines. These trellised rows belong to Sirromet Winery, a family-owned venture that opened in 2000. But these vineyards are more for show than for serious production; the lion’s share of the fruit in Sirromet’s awardwinning wine comes from the Granite Belt, three hours north-west of Brisbane.

While wine – and the culture of joie de vivre that surrounds it – is very much at the heart of Sirromet, the site has evolved into a multi-purpose event centre as much as a winery. There’s a multitude of venues on-site, from a pavilion overlooking a natural lagoon, to the Tuscan Terrace with sunset views over rolling hills, a mood-lit, concrete-floored barrel room, and the warmly elegant Lurleen’s Restaurant where executive chef Mathew Fulford is rattling the pans.

Fulford took over recently and has refined the menu, added in more local and native produce, and started experimenting with things like asador cooking for outdoor events held in the surrounding paddocks. With a background that takes in stints at Qualia, The Lake House and Little Big House in Brisbane, Fulford’s dining aesthetic is pure modern Australian with a seafood-driven Queensland twist.

So what can event planners look forward to at Sirromet? Read on for some standout experiences.

Above: A luxury glamping experience Left below: Indoor bathrooms are just one of the lux amenities available when staying at Sanctuary by Sirromet Top right: The glamping tents at Sanctuary by Sirromet are nestled in lush greenery Right middle: Sirromet's awar-winning wine comes from the Granite Belt Right bottom: A beautifully packed picnic

Sanctuary by Sirromet Glamping has come a long way since the first pimped up tents arrived on our shores. Indoor bathrooms, air conditioning and mini bars are just some of the features of the new-gen tents that grace the grounds of Sirromet. Overlooking a tree-fringed lagoon, the new structures have an outdoor deck area, perfect for lounging with a glass of vino.

Sanctuary by Sirromet has 18 tents in total, with at least 30 more on the drawing board. The existing number includes one honeymoon suite, two family tents featuring two additional single beds, and one fully accessible tent with ramp access and disabled bathroom facilities. One thing to note – this area is restricted to children over 10 years of age.

Gourmet Safari The Gourmet Safari is an ideal icebreaker for groups wanting to conference or team build on-site. The experience kicks off with a welcome glass of bubbles and canapés on The Arbour lawn, an event space that can comfortably take up to 200 people standing.

38 Spice August 2018

The experience then moves on to the second stop – a Supa Golf tee and seafood buffet where guests can gorge on fresh prawns, sashimi, Moreton Bay bugs, oysters and more, along with matched wines.

The final stop is down a dirt track, through the gum trees, to a fire pit surrounded by log seating.

This is where guests get to enjoy lamb cooked over the hot coals, roast vegetables and salads, and Chef’s outstanding shiraz bread, made with expired lees from the wine making process.

More wine, fresh air, the sound of birds and a hazy bush setting means that it feels more like a hayride than a corporate retreat.

Sunset Safaris Moreton Island day trip Sirromet overlooks Moreton Bay, a hazy strip of water in the distance, so it makes sense to go exploring.

Sunset Safaris picks up from Sirromet and can take up to 200 guests over to the island. The regular tour includes a one hour ferry crossing that is open to the public but private transfers can be arranged. Once on the island, groups can snorkel over Tangalooma reef, kayak in see-through vessels, drive up the beach to the quirky coastal villages and go sand boarding in the ‘Desert’, the sand dunes in the centre of the island.

Moreton Island is the second largest sand island in the world (second only to Fraser Island) and its waters are home to green sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins, humpback whales (during winter), harmless wobbegong sharks and thousands of fish and coral species. On land, bird life is prolific but there are no large fauna due to the island’s isolation from the mainland.

“More wine, fresh air, the sound of birds and a hazy bush setting means it feels more like a haryride than a corporate retreat”

Sirromet - www.sirromet.com Sunset Safaris - www.sunsetsafaris.com.au

www.spicenews.com.au 39

Private Dining

Hidden Gems

Bonnie van Dorp and Emma Castle dive into the world of private dining rooms to bring you a list of the hottest venues from across the country just in time for your Christmas party.

Bistro Guillaume at Crown Perth Bistro Guillaume is known for its inventive French dishes served in a chic, lime-green space with a chequer-board floor, overlooking a pool.

Number of guests: 16.

Location: Crown Perth, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood. www.crownperth.com.au/restaurants/premium/ bistro-guillaume/functions-private-dining

40 Spice August 2018

Garum Modelled on a traditional Roman osteria, Garum is a collaboration between celebrated Melbourne chef, Guy Grossi, and The Westin. Head chef Mario Di Natale’s food focuses on both ancient and modern Roman classics.

Number of guests: 12.

Location: Garum, The Westin Perth, 480 Hay St, Perth. www.garum.com.au/private-dining-events

Perth

Wildflower at COMO the Treasury Wildflower’s private dining room is a sophisticated and intimate setting. The team at Wildflower are happy to work with you to create a bespoke menu for your guests.

Number of guests: 20.

Location: Level 4, COMO The Treasury, 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth. www.wildflowerperth.com.au/dining/private-dining

Private Dining with Outdoor Spaces and Water Views • Formally seat up to 26, or host up to 60 cocktail style • Two private outdoor spaces • Big screen projector and isolated sound system On the Rooftop Terrace, Cockle Bay Wharf functions@cafedelmar.com.au www.cafedelmar.com.au | T 02 9267 6700

Wildflower at Como

www.spicenews.com.au 41

Private Dining

Post Post is an osteria located on the ground floor of COMO The Treasury. Interestingly, Post used to be the franking room of Perth’s original General Post Office.

Number of guests: Post has two private dining rooms; the small that seats 8 people and the large that seats 12.

Location: COMO The Treasury, 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth. www.postperth.com.au/functions

Brisbane Deer Duck Bistro Modern European dishes and tasting menus in a moodily lit, playful space with antique furnishings.

Number of guests: 60 Location: 396 Milton Rd, Auchenflower. www.deerduckbistro.com.au

42 Spice August 2018

Customs House Brisbane Customs House is a beautiful heritage building that overlooks the Story Bridge. It has two private dining rooms, the Reid Room and the Sylvia Jones Boardroom, with menus that focus on fresh local seafood and seasonal produce. The Coles Myer Balcony can also be booked privately.

Number of guests: The Reid Room seats 10 people and the Sylvia Jones Boardroom seats 24 people.

Location: 399 Queen St, Brisbane. customshouse.com.au/restaurant

Private moments & tailored experiences

Chef’s Table

Tasting Table

Private Dining

Exclusive Use

Enjoy an interactive dining experience overlooking our open kitchen where your dishes are brought to life.

Dine amongst the action between a lively open kitchen and dessert station.

Celebrate in style with exclusive use of flexible private dining rooms.

Available in a variety of configurations.

Create a unique event with exclusive access to the entire restaurant including central bar, lounge and dining areas.

Up to 14 guests

Up to 12 guests

24 - 68 guests

Up to 200 guests

Located in Four Seasons Hotel Sydney Call our event curators for a special offer: 0292503160 | hello@modekitchenandbar.com.au www.spicenews.com.au  43

Sirromet Barrel Room An ambient space surrounded by towering wine barrels. With a polished concrete floor and an elegant, produce-driven menu from chef executive chef Mathew Fulford, this is contemporary dining at its finest.

Number of guests: 120 Location: Lurleen’s Restaurant, Sirromet Winery, 850 Mount Cotton Rd, Mount Cotton. www.sirromet.com

Sydney

The Tower Room at The Squire’s Landing at the Overseas Passenger Terminal Located within The Squire’s Landing turret, this intimate dining space is perfect for private dinners, workshops and meetings. The Tower Room has 270 degree views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

Number of guests: 40 Location: Circular Quay W, The Rocks. www.jamessquire.com.au/brewhouses/thesquires-landing/welcome-to-the-squires-landing

44 Spice August 2018

Private Dining

Indu Indu offers an elegantly space southern Indian and Sri Lankan menu in a mysterious underground space.

Number of guests: Indu has two private dining rooms that each seat 12.

Location: 350 George St, Sydney www.indudining.com.au

Private Dining Sake at The Rocks Inventive sushi and sashimi accompanied by clever cocktails in a rustic-chic setting.

Number of guests: There are four private dining rooms: a 64-seater, a 30-seater and two 8-seaters.

Location: 12 Argyle St, The Rocks. www.sakerestaurant.com.au/therocks/events-sydney

Hubert Hubert serves up a classic French menu with a modern twist in an environment filled with old world charm, en pointe service and complimentary joie de vivre.

Number of guests: Hubert has four private dining spaces.

The Port Cave and the Botero Boardroom both seat up to 10 people, and Theatre Royal that seats up to 50 people and Bridge Bon Appetit that is stand-up only for 35 guests.

Location: 15 Bligh St, Sydney www.restauranthubert.com

46 Spice August 2018

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal This dramatic fine dining experience takes historic recipes and puts an inventive spin on it.

Number of guests: Up to 12 guests

Melbourne

Location: 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006 www.dinnerbyheston.com.au

Be inspired at a Dedes Waterfront Group Venue

With breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and flexible spaces that can be tailored to suit your every need.

Whether you prefer a small private dining room, elegant cocktail party or fine dining gala, our venues will create the perfect backdrop for your next event.

For a tailored package please contact our events team on

02 9817 4618 or events@dedesgroup.com.au

Private Dining

What the experts say

Adelaide Hentley Farm The restaurant has a strong focus

We asked some of Australia’s top event professionals what they look for in a private dining room.

on harvesting produce from the farm’s 150 acres, including for-aged ingredients growing wild, as well as fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in its garden beds and orchard.

Number of guests: up to 40 in the private dining room

Tamara Kavalec, CEO, Arinex

Location: Gerald Roberts Rd, Jenke Rd, Seppeltsfield www.hentleyfarm.com.au

Full page ad Hill of Grace Restaurant Hill of Grace Restaurant at the Adelaide Oval is available for private bookings from 10 to 150 people. Book a table for an intimate celebration or alternatively host a private function for a larger occasion.

Number of guests: up to 150 Location: King William Rd, North Adelaide www.hillofgracerestaurant.com.au

“When presenting venue options to our clients, we select those that suit their needs, brand and budget first and foremost. If a fashionable, new option is the right fit then that will be our suggestion; likewise if an established venue is more consistent with their product and objectives then that may be better suited. Event trends indicate clients are looking for something out of the norm, using new exciting venue spaces that can provide ‘wow’ factor – so we are always scouting for new venues. In saying this, size and practicality always play a part too. Whatever line it is our clients take, our objective is to always go above and beyond expectation.”

Justine Cummins, Client Services Director, Event Planet “For brands looking to entertain clients and VIPs or impress the media, new and fashionable options are usually the go especially to attract a good RSVP rate. If the venue has been ‘overused’ and you are competing for guest attendance due to a conflicting event on the same evening, you want to ensure you have the most enticing venue. However, size and practicality will always play a role and location is a huge factor. It all depends on the client’s event objectives, brief and the guest demographic.”

Karen Livermore, Director of Sales and Events, ID Events Australia “With most of ID’s clients being international, view and position, along with prestige – to a certain point – are the key drivers of what they’ll buy. Size is important of course, but they really prefer the wow, iconic venues in preference to a new fashionable place which doesn’t scream ‘destination’ to them.”

48 Spice August 2018

inspiring creativity

“Competition makes us faster, collaboration makes us stronger.�

Spice Magazine collaborates with a community of industry experts to bring you the very best ideas to help your event stand out.

Subscribe to Spice News for your free twice weekly dose of inspiration and receive a free trial of Spice Magazine.

Sign up today at www.spicenews.com.au

Eat Sleep Plan Repeat

Last Word

Why I chose the CREATIVE EVENTS INDUSTRY over law

“I love working closely with a team to deliver an experience that meets the client’s expectations.”

Samantha Cahn, winner of the inaugural David Grant Creativity Project, completed an arts/law degree but then chose not to go down the traditional legal path. Here she shares what she loves most about the events industry and why her decision to pursue creativity was reaffirmed by a trip to C2 Montreal.

D

eciding not to pursue a career in law was a difficult decision – I’d spent five and half years studying and had always thought I would end up in the legal profession. As my graduation approached I thought more and more about what would consume my working days, and realised that I didn’t want it to be suits and legal documents.

The events industry is fast paced, demanding and deadline driven. I love working closely with a team to deliver an experience that meets the client’s expectations. This includes a team of producers, strategists, creative directors, designers and account managers. The variety of expertise on any one project means I am constantly exposed to different ideas and ways of thinking, which in turn inspires the way that I approach my work.

I also love having the opportunity to work closely with different clients and learn 50 Spice August 2018

about their business, their pain points and their successes.

Being new to the industry, I was really excited to learn of the David Grant Creativity Project, and the opportunity to win $10,000 towards an experience of my choice. The fellowship required entrants to pitch a professional development opportunity, which was applicable to their career progression. As the inaugural winner, I put the prizemoney towards a trip to C2 Montreal and I was not disappointed.

C2 opened my eyes to the impact of a truly sensory experience. Around every corner there was something new to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Entering the grounds of C2 was such a transformative experience – one where I felt inspired by the physical environment alone. I was forced to think big, exposed to new technologies and ways of understanding

and empathising with an audience to successfully problem-solve.

There were so many outstanding workshops, masterclasses and speakers, including Snoop Dog, who shared his secrets to success and Sebastien Bazin, CEO of AccorHotels, who challenged us to really think about how we deliver to our customer because, ‘transformation will never, never end’. Through both creativity (the way the environment was designed) and technology (the fancy Klik lanyard we were given), C2 also provided so many unique opportunities for people to connect – allowing relationships and memories to live on beyond the end of the event.

I was so lucky to meet people from all around the world and learn from thought leaders and innovators from around the world. But most valuably, my trip to C2 Montreal was the ultimate inspiration for my work in the events industry. n

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NEW NAME NEW LOOK NEW REASONS TO CHOOSE ENCORE

Staging Connections is now Encore Event Technologies.

We’re really excited about what this rebrand means for us and for you.

As Encore, we will continue to provide the same high-quality customer service and event production expertise you’ve come to know Staging Connections for. We look forward to building on our legacy and continuing to innovate using the knowledge, skill-share and new solutions made possible via our new global network.

Discover what opportunities there are for your next event by getting in touch with us today.

E: info@encore-anzpac.com T: 1800 209 099 W: encore-anzpac.com