Cover Story: Extraordinary eventing

Extraordinary eventing

Striking design, a sense of place and purpose, and individual charm. These are all hallmarks of the Collection by TFE Hotels brand and the very characteristics that elevate conferencing and events in these beautiful hotels from ordinary to extraordinary.

The Calile, Brisbane

The Calile reimagined the Brisbane tourism and MICE experience with an extraordinary hotel that totally embraced the Queensland lifestyle. Guests expect bright, breezy, architecturally beautiful spaces and impeccable service, but the hotel’s 100% organic rooftop garden and hive of busy bees are a surprising addition.

The Grand Room at The Calile, Brisbane

The Calile team have a simple philosophy when it comes to conferencing and events – “You plan to take care of business, and we’ll make sure it’s a pleasure to do it” – and it’s a motto they live by every day. From small-group meetings to stylish social events and conventions, this hotel has thrown the cookie cutter out the window in its quest to create perfectly tailored event options for a handful to five hundred people.

What we love: The hotel’s pillarless Grand Room and multiple, flexible outdoor venues including those city views from the rooftop.

What you’ll love: Chef Adam Lyons uses fresh produce from the hotel’s rooftop garden – edible flowers, herbs, salad leaves and garden vegetables – in his banquet menus.

The Hotel Britomart, Auckland

Auckland’s The Hotel Britomart stays true to its New Zealand roots with local suppliers and artisan crafts on show, displaying an extraordinary commitment to the environment. The hotel’s 5 Green Star status means sustainability is considered in every design, build and procurement decision the hotel makes.

The Libraries are a series of one-of-a-kind spaces custom designated for private functions at The Hotel Britomart. Tucked away on the first floor of the heritage Masonic and Buckland buildings, these elegant spaces deliver a warm, deeply personal and considered hospitality experience. Here, connection to food, wine, people, and place is key.

The Wine Library at The Hotel Britomart, Auckland

With artworks by Ralph Hotere and Shane Cotton adorning brick walls that reveal layers of history, this versatile space gives guests the chance to sink into sumptuous banquettes or gather around its beautiful bar pre- and post-event.

What we love: The Chef’s Table is a unique and personal dining experience that comprises either a degustation menu or bespoke cooking class hosted by the hotel’s Executive Chef, Tom Hishon.

What you’ll love: Personalisation is key at The Hotel Britomart and The Libraries’ dedicated maître d'hôtel – the single point of contact for all events – is tasked with identifying the true needs of each client.

The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins, Melbourne

The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins has such a wonderful story in its history and its place in the Melbourne psyche. The beautiful Victorian façade, and internal grandeur of an Art Deco heritage building, combined with the sophisticated conference spaces make it the accommodation option of choice for corporate guests, convention delegates and incentive groups visiting Melbourne.

The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins, Melbourne

What we love: This sophisticated address is in the heart of cosmopolitan Melbourne, with the city’s best boutiques, cool laneways, and bars on its doorstep. The hotel is also just a short stroll from Marvel Stadium and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Savoy On Little Collins, Melbourne

What you’ll love: The hotel offers bespoke experiences from Savoy Royal High Tea with Champagne to bespoke whiskey tastings and cocktail-making masterclasses. The chef’s new menu with native flavours and local produce is also a standout.

Hotel Kurrajong, Canberra

Conferencing at the Hotel Kurrajong in Canberra is always a capital idea and, with a swag of accolades under their belt, this hotel combines old world hospitality with contemporary technology and five-star service.

With five unique meeting spaces, as well as an exclusive private dining room, the hotel can cater for a small board meeting of eight through to cocktail parties of up to 200. It’s beautiful setting is easily transformed with a live chef station experience, and whiskey and gin tastings – hint: try the Benny’s Double, garnished with gold leaf – or the signature high tea.

Hotel Kurrajong, Canberra

What we love: Walking through the halls, with the historical photos on the walls – Hotel Kurrajong, standing proud in a grassy field when Canberra was barely there, and photos of Prime Ministers past – and you’ll feel a palpable sense of history.

What you’ll love: Built in 1926 and lovingly restored in 2014, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience with warm hospitality and a taste of the Capital’s early history. The pavilion-style buildings with pretty terrace gardens comprise 147 rooms and include four executive suites, four balcony rooms and eight terrace rooms.