Spice - February 2018

inspiring creativity

Issue 80 – February – 2018

HOT

PROPERTY How TFE Hotels mastered the precinct hotel

2018 LEADERS FORUM A view from the top

DESTINATION UPDATE

What’s new in Melbourne, Canberra and New Zealand

Martinborough

Vibrant dining options, exhilarating activities and spectacular natural beauty. New Zealand will elevate your next conference into something truly memorable. It’s easy to get around and boasts world-class accommodation and venues.

Inspiration is right on your doorstep. Book your next conference in New Zealand.

Visit businessevents.newzealand.com

Contents

38

Preparing for the worst: Find out how best to protect your event attendees from security threats.

February 2018

5.

5

Upfront Brisbane kicks it up a notch and unveils all new incentive activities at Dreamtime 2017

8.

Trends Report Find out which global trends

8

will influence the meetings and events industry this year

12. Leaders Forum

40

We’ve rounded up our industry leaders to get their opinion on how they hope to transform the corporate event space in 2018.

34. Case Study: BI Worldwide How do you pull off a successful

34

event when things haven’t gone entirely to plan?

50

40. Hotspots Canberra, Melbourne and New Zealand

48. Spice Social Event hopping with Spice

48

50. Last Word Get to know Jo-Anne Kelleway, CEO, Info Salons. www.spicenews.com.au 3

Editorial

GOOD LEADERS

lead by example

I Bonnie Tai Editor Managing Director Simon Grover Publisher James Wells Editor Bonnie Tai btai@intermedia.com.au

will never forget Day One at my fi rst ‘grown up’ job. I was working as an in-house public relations assistant for a small Sydney start up on the north side of the bridge.

After a quick team intro and a few house-keeping duties, I was asked to write a 400 word press release on the launch of a new product. I was excited for my first real work assignment. The only thing I wasn’t excited about was the fact that the marketing manager insisted on pulling up a chair to sit right behind me so he could watch me type out every single word.

I will never forget the anxiety that welled up inside me with every click of the mouse and tap of the keyboard. I will never forget my manager loudly yelling “wrong!” every single time I made a small typo or used a turn of phrase he didn’t agree with. And I will never forget how small he made me feel in that moment of time. It probably

goes without saying that I did not last very long at that job. And that start-up? Well, it no longer exists.

Thankfully, I did not let one bad manager deter me from pushing forward with my career aspirations, and because of that, I’ve been lucky enough to achieve some pretty cool things. But none of these things would’ve been possible, had I not been under the supportive wing of some pretty great leaders in the roles that followed.

One of the best managers that I’ve ever had the privilege of working with, once said to me: “being a leader doesn’t require a title; having a title doesn’t make you one”. And it’s a message that I have kept close to my chest ever since.

This issue is a celebration of some of our industry’s brightest and most passionate leaders. Our annual Leaders Forum has been revamped to give these leaders a voice to discuss the issues that directly impact our industry and the new products that we can look forward to experiencing this year.

The events industry is filled to the brim with smart suppliers, hard-working event managers and creative problem solvers, and I just can’t wait to see how you will all take 2018 to the next level.

Managing Editor James Wilkinson jwilkinson@intermedia.com.au

Spice Magazine Team

National Sales Team Katherine Ross, Charlotte Marshall Head of Circulation Chris Blacklock ph 1800 651 422 Production Manager Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au Production Assistant Rowena MacDonald rmacdonald@intermedia.com.au

Group sales and marketing manager Katherine Ross + 61 2 8586 6176 kross@intermedia.com.au

Sales and marketing manager

Graphic Designer

Charlotte Marshall

Alyssa Coundouris

+61 2 8586 6216

+61 2 8586 6152

cmarshall@intermedia.com.au

alyssaC@intermedia.com.au

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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 4 Spice February 2018

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.

Upfront

Brisbane BOUND

Brisbane Convention Bureau has launched a new Brisbane Signature Experiences Itinerary.

The two-day program includes 14 experiences over four days, with Dreamtime delegates the first to experience the new itineraries.

The experiences include dining on the Wheel of Brisbane, exploring South Bank Parkland, a heritage tour and dining at the Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane City Hustle (a scavenger hunt experience within the city centre), Italian pasta-making class at OTTO Ristorante, a picnic by the Brisbane River, and a behindthe-scenes tour of the Brisbane Racing Club.

“Whether they are touring the internationally acclaimed Gallery of Modern Art, experiencing an exhilarating helicopter flight over the spectacular Moreton Bay region, or indulging in bespoke laneway dining, this itinerary treats guests to a truly Australian experience that only Brisbane can offer,” said Juliet Alabaster, acting General Manager, Brisbane Convention Bureau.

“We want the world to know about Brisbane’s remarkable incentive products and experiences.”

Juliet said that Dreamtime made for the perfect event to launch the new programs.

“Dreamtime gave us the opportunity to showcase our vibrant hotels, venues, team-building and incentive offerings to key global decision-makers.”

More info on Dreamtime on page 36.

Top five

most clicked

1

spicenews.com.au

AccorHotels announces new MGallery by Sofitel for Chadstone, Melbourne

2

Daydream Island construction begins

3

TFE Hotels’ 2018 growth plans revealed

4

The $28 million project

The group is showing no

Spice Magazine rounds

Shangri-La Hotel The Marina, Cairns undergoes refurbishment

is due for completion

signs of slowing down

up the top eight

All 184-rooms are set

Construction of the 250-

in August this year.

as they reveal plans to

activities that you should

to be transformed as

key hotel commences in

Bookings now open for

refurbish and launch

include in your Byron

part of the $13 million

the first half of 2018.

stays after September.

new hotels this year.

Bay itinerary.

revitalisation program.

Planning on taking a group to Byron Bay?

5

www.spicenews.com.au 5

Solar power With the new Tesla battery in South Australia and the refurbished solarpowered Byron Bay Railroad Company train hitting the rails, solar power is the key to upgrading your operation in a way that is a win, win, win.

Communal lunch spaces Let your delegates roam free and mingle with the punters from other events. It may seem risky in terms of losing people but with clearly

B-Corps

marked food stations, it’s easy

It’s not easy being

enough to manage the catering

green and it sure isn’t

while letting the collaboration

easy becoming a

magic take place.

B-Corporation. To explain, B-Corp certification is to sustainable business what Fair Trade certification is to coffee. Why go through

Kombucha

the pain? Your business

It’s here to stay. This

will automatically get

fermented drink is fast

preferential treatment with

becoming the preferred

big clients who have lofty

option for non-drinkers

sustainability goals.

Meditation spaces

who still want a little

It’s gone beyond buzz and is now a

flavour in their glass.

necessity for conference organisers who want focused delegates, calm presenters and an energised, high-

Going up, going down

performing event crew.

Copper It was everywhere for a

Overwhelm

while but interior design

Conference programs that make

experts have switched gear

your brain explode? Twenty different

to burnished bronze and

content streams? Uh, no thank you.

silver for a more rustic look.

Processed sugar It’s time to ditch it from your morning and afternoon tea menus. This seems like sacrilege - after all, who hasn’t lusted after a brownie at 3pm - but nutritionists argue that it kills focus and zaps energy after the initial high.

Printing Stop asking people to print tickets. It’s like asking everyone to bring their pet dinosaur to a party.

Do whatever it takes to avoid handing out - or demanding - paper.

6 Spice February 2018

Non-recyclable coffee cups If you watched ABC’s War on Waste, you will know the shame of throw-away coffee cups. Do you want your delegates getting shunned by society? If not, give them Keep Cups or make sure that the cups are fully recyclable.

Spice Loves | New Openings

William Inglis Hotel, MGallery

by Sofitel’s stylish debut William Inglis Hotel, MGallery by Sofitel has welcomed its first guests.

The five-star boutique lodging, located just 20 minutes from Sydney International Airport, forms part of Riverside Stables, a new $140m precinct developed by thoroughbred horse sales company William Inglis & Son. William Inglis Hotel is set across eight levels and features 144 rooms – each personalised to the champion racehorse it is named after – and a host of hospitality and leisure facilities.

Guests staying at the new property will also be able to enjoy world-class hospitality facilities onsite including the all-day dining paddock-to-plate restaurant Newmarket Room.

For conferences and events, the hotel has an extensive range of facilities including a sales arena, meeting rooms and private dining.

The sales arena is a versatile space for up to 1,000 guests with a variety of seating options from theatre, classroom or banquet to cocktail and boardroom.

West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton opens its doors West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton has welcomed its first guests.

The recent opening marks the entry of the Curio Collection by Hilton brand in Australia.

“Being such a culturally rich city and the capital of New South Wales, Sydney is the perfect location to add to our growing global collection, which now boasts nearly 50 hotels. West Hotel will offer curious travellers seeking an authentic, memorable travel experience the ideal base to discover Sydney, said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio Collection by Hilton.

The property features 182 stylish guest rooms, including four spacious suites.

Each room is equipped with Bluetooth-enabled audio visual technology and an open work area, with suites offering a separate sleek living area.

The hotel also features a fully equipped gym and a private meeting/dining room.

Baillie Lodges confirms $20m luxury property for Tas Tasmania’s rugged southeast coast will be home to a brand new $20m luxury hotel from 2020, Baillie Lodges has announced.

Remarkable Lodge – which adjoins the Tasman National Park – will be the fourth property in the Baillie Lodges portfolio.

Owner James Baillie said that the property is well positioned to harness the region’s already thriving food and beverage

offerings including fine wines, island beers, small batch whiskies as well as its fresh produce.

Once opened, guests will be able to enjoy a restaurant and bar, open fire and expansive terrace, a bunker-style retreat with dedicated spa and an indoor-outdoor swimming pool.

Construction is expected to commence in 2019.

www.spicenews.com.au 7

Feature

2018

TREND REPORT Which global trends will influence the meetings and events industry this year? Emma Castle shares the big ideas that are likely to stick.

Trends come and go. After all, orange bench tops and polyester body shirts are things that belong quite firmly in the 1970s. But some trends emerge and they build over time, eventually becoming benchmarks and finally, standards. Read on to find out which trends you really need to pay attention to for optimum performance this year and into the future.

HOT

DESTINATIONS Want to know where to take your group this year? Read on for TripAdvisor’s 'Destinations on the Rise’ list that is compiled based on positive traveller feedback and increased booking interest.

1. Ishigaki, Japan

6. San Jose, Costa Rica

2. Kapaa, Hawaii

7. Riga, Latvia

3. Nairobi, Kenya

8. Rovinj, Croatia

4. Halifax, Canada

9. Nerja, Spain

5. Gdansk, Poland

10. Casablanca, Morocco

8 Spice February 2018

Flexible work practices Don’t want to let your staff work from home? Don’t offer paid paternity leave? Don’t like people taking time off during the school holidays or leaving early to pick up their kids? Well, say goodbye to some of your best staff.

If you don’t want to see people leave your organisation when the demands of family life, health and even property prices takes its toll, you had better embrace flexible work practices that focus on outcomes, productivity, online task management tools like Asana and Trello and video conferencing software like Zoom and Skype.

Most people have high speed internet at home and most people have a mobile phone. Say goodbye to long commutes, pointless meetings and time wasting and hello to loyal employees living balanced lives.

Sustainability Gone are the days when recycling your office’s waste paper or separating your recycling earned you greenie points. Those things are an expectation. What do you need to do now is look at your finances and superannuation. Are you with an ethical provider?

Next look at your energy and Telco providers, as well as catering suppliers and even the people who own your business premises.

True environmental consciousness is knowing where the money goes so look into the sustainability policies of the companies you do business with.

Also, make your vote count in the local, state and federal elections. A depressing truth is that no matter how much you do in your own sphere of influence, without the support of effective legislation and the political clout of people willing to fight for sound sustainability policy, your contribution is just a drop in the Pacific Garbage Patch.

Carlson Wagonlit’s Meetings and Events Future Trends report gave the following overarching recommendations for meetings and events professionals in 2018: 1. Focus on ‘why'

Smart spaces Collaboration was the buzz word of 2017 and many venues and hotels took note, creating co-working and social spaces that encourage interaction. The next phase of this is consciously choosing to do business, work, stay and play in locations that are more likely to put you on a collision course with high intelligence.

Think university venues, innovation labs and hotels that are in close proximity to convention centres. If the people from Google, the United Nations or the House of Representatives are hanging out there, you should be too if you want to tap into the mysterious resource that is serendipity.

2. Match your budget to the expected return 3. Engage your attendees from the very start 4. Use all the relevant technology to make the event interesting and efficient 5. Keep safety and security at the top of mind 6. Select venues that will inspire your attendees, while staying within budget

Regional on the rise There was a time when it was perfectly acceptable to head west at every opportunity because there was gold to be found in them hills. The good news is there’s still gold to be found in the form of surprising regional areas.

What might be a small piece of business for city providers can be a big deal for a regional area, meaning you will get VIP service in a place where it’s easy to coordinate that kind of message between suppliers.

Regional towns are often excellent collaborators - everyone knows each other and they are willing to work together for the good of the collective.

What’s more, regional areas offer outdoor, nature, farmgate and winery experiences that are simply not available in cities, and with increased airlift into places like Sunshine Coast and new five star venues opening in places like Mornington Peninsula, why not head out of town?

Accessibility and inclusion With the increase in National Disability Insurance Scheme funding in Australia, it is more important than ever, both ethically and financially, for your business to ensure you are offering fully accessible products and services.

Beyond ensuring that there are suitable facilities - wide doorways, lifts, ramps, disabled toilets with adult change tables, etc – you also need to think about accessibility and inclusion for other groups within the community. Do you offer translation services? Is your website available in something other than English?

Do you provide child-minding facilities at your conferences and events? Do you have a prayer room for delegates? Do you livestream events for delegates who live remotely or have mobility issues? Do you offer halal or kosher menu items as a matter of course?

Ensure that your staff and colleagues are aware of the welcome to country conduct for your locations – know who your local aboriginal tribe is, find out whose land you are on, and connect with a local elder or indigenous representative to fully understand how to pay your respects to the first people.

It can even be as simple as consciously stating that you are an LGBTQI friendly business, acknowledging holidays like Eid or Diwali, ensuring that you educate your staff and enforce sexual harassment and bullying policies within your organisation, or making sure that any speaking panels you coordinate include women, differently abled people and people of colour.

Accessibility and inclusion is not just a positive way of doing business; it will increasingly become a mandate for certain types of government and not-for-profit business. n www.spicenews.com.au 9

Cover story

New precinct hotels take meetings and events to the next level TOP LEFT: The Calile Hotel, Brisbane TOP MIDDLE: The Calile Hotel, Brisbane TOP RIGHT: Adina Apartment Hotel West End Melbourne BOTTOM RIGHT: Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough

10 Spice February 2018

T

he rise of the 'precinct hotel' is creating highly sought after locations for events and incentive getaways, where guests or delegates can add a suite of lifestyle activities to their itinerary. Western Australia is leading the way, with Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough at the heart of an exciting new beachfront precinct following the State Government's $100 million foreshore redevelopment, while TFE Hotels is developing several other hotels where guests can combine a wedding or conference with a curated dining or retail experience in a novel ‘eat street’ or theatre lane.

TFE Hotels CEO Rachel Argaman said:“We have several hotels in the pipeline, designed around the concept of ‘placemaking’; creating or curating spaces that become a lifestyle precinct, with retail, destination

restaurants and bars, intimate cinemas, lobbies that encourage social interaction, micro-breweries, chocolatiers, private cinemas and parklands.

“These precincts essentially become destinations in themselves and the hotel an integral part of the fabric of that precinct. This year we will open The Calile Hotel in the James Street precinct in Brisbane, an urban resort experience located within Fortitude Valley with food, drink and retail offerings at the hotel itself including a lobby bar and poolside restaurant with cabanas. The grand ballroom will be divisible into four function rooms with capacity for up to 500 people. Guests will emerge from the lobby to find themselves immersed in Brisbane’s most energetic lifestyle mecca – the James Street precinct with its galleries, museums and shopping.”

TFE Hotels has other precinct hotels in its development pipeline, including an Adina Apartment Hotel in Canberra which will have a 'Theatre Lane' forming a new foodie and retail lifestyle precinct that will re-enliven the city centre, and another in Melbourne’s West End, where the hotel will be integrated with apartments, nine bars and restaurants, a 50-seat cinema, and a wellness centre with a yoga pod, massage studio, Jacuzzi and day spa.

TFE Hotels will soon open Vibe Hotel North Sydney, which is a part of the reimagined Northpoint, and will have four sizeable function spaces with capacity for 300 guests, with access to a rooftop bar and pool, and a new eat street and retail offering developed by Cromwell Property Group. The opportunities for activities built around meetings and events are endless.

“The redeveloped Scarborough Foreshore is now another such precinct - it positions Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough, at the centre of the redesigned foreshore, which is now a destination in itself, an ideal attraction in which to immerse oneself during a wedding or interstate conference,”Ms Argaman said.

The hotel has long been known as WA’s best beachfront hotel and conference venue, overlooking the sparkling Indian Ocean and Scarborough Beach, boasting 24 flexible event spaces, 337 accommodation rooms with private balconies and ocean views, offering diverse event spaces suitable for gala dinners, balls, cocktail functions and weddings for up to 680 guests. The hotel’s excellence in delivering business events was confirmed when it was named Best Business Event Venue at the WA Tourism Awards in 2016 and 2017, and received a Bronze medal for Deluxe Accommodation.

The hotel incorporates its unrivalled views and event spaces into conference programs to provide MICE events with a difference, from yoga on the Mentelle Deck, to a sunset BBQ poolside, exclusive

“These precincts essentially become destinations in themselves.”

VIP sundowner event on the Observation Deck and team-building activities on the tennis courts. A luxury lagoon-style pool, gym and day spa are on hand to unwind.

Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough has sophisticated business event facilities with excellent audio visual technology, high-speed WIFI and an experienced onsite technical support team plus dedicated and passionate event coordinators.

There is also a business centre, exclusive 25th floor Club Lounge, 24-hour reception, an interactive games room and Straits restaurant, serving modern Australian cuisine.

For more information on holding meetings and events at any one of TFE Hotels’ properties, visit meetings.tfehotels.com. n www.spicenews.com.au 11

LEADERS FORUM

MOVERS & SHAKERS What makes a good leader? According to a recent guide published in the Journal of Management Studies, a good leader exhibits one of 11 characteristics: good judgement, courage, drive, collaboration, integrity, temperance, accountability, justice, humility, humanity and transcendence. We’ve compiled the industry’s top dogs who we believe represent the best of those qualities to learn more about their business objectives, how they see the industry progressing through 2018 and how they hope to transform this space.

12 Spice February 2018

Leaders Forum

NORTHERN TERRITORY LEADERS LOOK TO POSITIVE 2018

T

he Northern Territory looks set for a very positive 2018 with the three key regions of Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru reporting good forward bookings.

Andrew Hopper, Acting Deputy CEO of the NT Government’s Department of Tourism and Culture which oversees the NT Convention Bureau (NTCB), spoke enthusiastically about the year ahead and the proactive initiatives which will assist the NT to increase its share of the business events pie.

“Everything is pointing in a very positive direction,” he said.“The arrival of the iconic Westin brand in Darwin in 2020 is yet another indicator the big industry operators have identified the potential represented by the Northern Territory. This is no doubt due, in part, to the NT’s strategic location in the Asian region, as well as the industry and business strengths of Northern Australia.”

He also mentioned aviation developments in 2018 which are expected to open up the NT to significant international growth markets. Donghai Airlines from Shenzhen in China has stated its intention to commence direct non-stop flights between Shenzhen and Darwin in the first half of 2018.

Andrew Hopper talked about the launch of the new Northern Territory Business Events Support Fund (NTBESF) which is being administered through the convention bureau. The Fund aims to assist the Territory business events sector to compete more aggressively with rival destinations, by providing support funding assistance to organisers of qualified business events.

“Everything is pointing in a very positive direction.”

Andrew Hopper indicated that having dedicated business events infrastructure such as the convention centres in Darwin and Alice Springs and also Uluru Meeting Place means the three key regions operate with strong leadership from within, to ensure the NT remains competitive, whilst offering remarkable diversity.

The Darwin Convention Centre welcomes back some familiar faces in 2018.

“Amongst others, we’re delighted to see the return of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association Conference and Exhibition in 2018,” said Janet Hamilton, General Manager of the Darwin Convention Centre “This conference was last held at our centre in 2010.” The Centre is also looking forward to hosting the Rural Medicine Australia Conference for the first time.

Stewart Manson, General Manager - Hotel, F&B and Convention Centre at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, spoke positively about the year ahead.

“The A$5.7 million hotel refurbishment we’ve recently undertaken means we can continue to meet and exceed business events marketplace expectations in 2018, with benefits for the wider Alice Springs region,” he said. Significant events for the convention centre in 2018 include the Australasian Society of Aerospace Medicine Annual Conference in August.

At Uluru, Voyages Ayers Rock Resort continues to enjoy the spectacular ‘Field of Light’ providing added impetus for planners to bring a business event to the Red Centre.

“Our business event enquiry has been consistently high over the last year, and the extension of the ‘Field of Light’ to 31 December 2020 has been very well received by groups keen to not miss out on this global phenomenon”, said Ray Stone Voyages EGM Sales, Marketing and Distribution. n www.spicenews.com.au 13

Leaders Forum

Vanessa Harcourt, Executive Chef for DPS Catering, NSW Parliament House When you first enter NSW Parliament House, you are instantly reminded of the impressive history behind the significant building. Inside, politicians gather to debate current state matters, and it is here where Spice met with the new Executive Chef for DPS Catering, Vanessa Harcourt.

TOP CATERING TRENDS FOR 2018, ACCORDING TO VANESSA HARCOURT 1. Vegan: Diners will continue to embrace animal-free diets 2. Clean eating: The push for healthy whole foods show no signs of abating 3. Sustainability: Food waste reduction and sustainability are on the radars of both guests and planners alike 4. Well plated meals: The creativity in the plating can be just as important as the taste 5. Produce driven cuisine: Locally sourced produce remains in demand

14 Spice February 2018

V

anessa’s history as a chef is impressive. Having left school at age 15, Vanessa fell in love with the freedom and energy found in a kitchen environment.

“Working in a kitchen is a way of life and possibly a bit addictive as once it’s in your blood it’s hard to leave,” she tells Spice.

Her CV navigates five star hotels, luxe island resorts and A-list clients like Alan Jones. This is where Vanessa finessed her skills in fine dining and catering, while also working with strong and inspirational women, like journalist, business woman and media personality Ita Buttrose.

“It hasn’t always been sugar and spice and being a female chef does meet its challenges, however after 20 years’ experience, I am optimistic about the future of hospitality and the ever changing roles for both men and women.”

While finding herself at the epicentre of NSW politics, the kitchen is still the most important place for Vanessa, and she’s passionate about using locally sourced produce for dishes that end up in front of everyone from parliamentary representatives to members of the public.

“Having access to the best of NSW Regional produce at my fingertips and the opportunity to showcase the best of NSW food makes it a thrill to be working inside the oldest Parliament in Australia”.

While mixing food and politics may sound risky, it’s this rare combination that makes the dining experience at NSW Parliament House so unique.

“Parliament offers a really unique setting for a catering experience.

“From a cocktail party in our rooftop garden to dinner in the historic Jubilee Room surrounded by leather-bound books and topped with a stained glass ceiling, you really do feel part of something special when attending or hosting an event here.”

There are a total of 12 function spaces that may at any one time be booked and catered for by the team of in-house chefs, with Vanessa at the helm. In addition to functions, Parliamentary Catering has opened its doors to the public where they have introduced fine dining lunches and high tea inside the famous Strangers’ Restaurant. http://parliamentarycatering.com.au

James Granter, General Manager, Luna Park Sydney

I

see 2018 bringing new optimism and opportunity for the events industry.

The economy is looking strong and in many ways our industry has proved very resilient. The huge influx of technology we have seen over the past five years; the continued blurring of personal and professional lives; clients' relentless demand for “better, cheaper and now”; have all served to reinforce, not diminish, the power of our industry and the event experience. We can take a lot of confidence from this.

2018 also brings a new level of competition. Locally, interstate and internationally, clients increasingly expect more for less, immediate availability with no lead-time and a truly unique experience without being overwhelmed with choice. It reminds me of just how important a couple

of timeless constants are and will be in 2018: knowing our clients – anticipating what they want and how to help them create the 'wow' factor that they can take credit for; having the courage to continually change – asking the hard questions, advocating for our clients needs internally and externally; exceeding in personal service; creating the next unique 'wow’ factor which is more than story telling about ourselves, it is helping clients tell their story; and building a cracking hot team.

Success in 2018 will be all team-work and collaboration. The team that builds together will win together, and the more we see the team as being defined not by company or industry borders, but by including everyone that is participating to create that unique event experience, the more success will come. n

Wayne Taranto, Director, SKYE Hotel Suites Wayne Taranto, Director of SKYE Hotel Suites, has been at the helm of the project since its inception. The brand opened its first hotel in Parramatta late last year.

He says that the hotel has been wellreceived and has exceeded all expectations.

This hotel will have a 500 seat exhibition space that will be purpose-built to accommodate various styles of events.

W

ith resort style facilities located within a mixed use development complex, SKYE Hotel Suites has plenty to set it apart from its competitors – but the brand has made a particular point of amping up its online and in-room technology offering.

“This is testament to the team’s efforts in establishing a new brand in a highly competitive marketplace. We are pioneering new levels of technology to enhance the guest experience such as in-room tablets that act as virtual concierge and mobile key which can be

uploaded to any smartphone. Both these are unique points of difference for our brand,” said Taranto.

SKYE’s second property is set to open in the Sydney CBD in August 2018, and a third property will open in mid-2019 in Green Square. This hotel will have a 500 seat exhibition space that will be purpose-built to accommodate various styles of events.

Taranto says, “We are also presently exploring other opportunities both interstate and globally to give further exposure to the SKYE brand.”

As far as the MICE offering, SKYE Hotel Suites Parramatta has a 200 seat meeting space that divides into multiple rooms, along with an eight-seater boardroom. All rooms have natural light and have access to an outdoor garden that can be used for break-outs or cocktail functions.

Husk & Vine Kitchen and Bar is available for dinners and cocktails, and the hotel team has access to a space called the ‘Philip Ruddock Heritage Centre’ for pre-drinks, cocktail functions, dinners and seminars. n www.spicenews.com.au 15

Leaders Forum

Brad Dabbs, General Manager, Showtime Events Group Brad Dabbs, General Manager of Showtime Events Group, shares his insights on using industry trends to better plan for growth.

A

s the business launches into an exciting next phase of expansion, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the journey so far. Showtime Event Group, is one of five strategic partners of the Melbourne Convention Bureau, and was appointed as exclusive caterers to the Old Melbourne Gaol precinct commencing in February 2018. Showtime Event Group will use AIME 2018 to formally launch the brand.

"A business that doesn’t grow is, by definition, one that moves backward" a wise man once told me; and it has stuck with me ever since. Planning and executing events is by nature a creative endeavour, and we can all have a tendency to live in the moment and react to changes and requests as they arise. But this is not the only alternative to standing still and being overtaken.

I don’t mean that there won’t be surprises on a daily basis, but that identifying an industry trend and holding it up against our expansion and marketing plans has helped me steer the ship in a more effective manner.

Undoubtedly for me, the underlying focus is the development of the Business Events market. We started with a single venue and a clear mission statement that we would not settle for anything less than excellence in hospitality (this is Melbourne, and as much as trends are important, some things will never change). To balance the number of business events enquiries around our weddings and social events we needed to take on

16 Spice February 2018

another venue in Cargo Hall, but it had to be suitable for our business events clients – natural light, pillar less and easily accessible.

After the great opportunity to host the AIME Welcome Reception in 2013, we created the South Wharf Events precinct experiences for up to 5,500 guests in response to the requests to replicate this for conference delegates. It opened my eyes to the possibilities within the international MICE market and its hardworking teams. Collaborations and partnerships, both at home and beyond our backyard, came to shape the next phase of the business development.

At this exciting crossroads, I am looking to the ongoing changes in the inbound business incentive programs – smaller groups are coming through with a greater focus on sampling local culture and more innovative events. This in turn plays a role in how we are selecting the venues which we partner with. They must be unique and timeless for our weddings and social events, but also somewhere we can host creative and educational experiences.

We are also investing greatly in our external catering operations to activate Melbourne’s iconic public spaces; and I shall be taking these new products on the road, showcasing in Greater China for the third time this year.

Has greater analysis of industry trends taken any of the fun out of my day to day? Absolutely not. I am surrounded by a passionate team who strive to make each event unique and push creative boundaries, and there is always an element of problem solving and developing strategies as we encounter new spaces. Working with our partners has taken us all in some amazing new directions, encouraged us to think bigger and bolder, and take our show on the road and out into the world. ‘Time waits for no man’ to quote another classic! n

Drum Atweme , Alice Springs

Ooraminna Homestead, Alice Springs

Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin

Aerial view of Alice Springs Convention Centre & Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

CULTURAL

DIVERSE

Allow our ancient Indigenous culture to complement your program through storytelling, art, activities and entertainment. Engage, interact, learn and consider the option to leave a lasting CSR legacy.

Sophisticated convention centres, hotels and resorts, luxury wilderness lodges, corporate retreats and extraordinary off-site venues – the NT has it all across our three key destinations of Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru.

INSPIRING CONNECTED For conferences and incentives, the NT has “wow factor” with spectacular landscapes, venues, activities and experiences which ensure not only long-lasting memories but also delivers successful business outcomes for your event.

Darwin Harbour Cruises

Darwin Waterfront & Darwin Convention Centre

SEIT Outback Australia Uluru Fork & View

Maruku Arts, Uluru

The NT is a leader in the health, agribusiness, land management, mining, renewable energy, education and defence sectors.

Connect with expert speakers, experience off-site technical tours and attract local NT support.

Voyages Ayers Rock Resort

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT AIME 2018 20-21 FEBRUARY - MELBOURNE Connect with business events suppliers from the Northern Territory at stand #1550

THINK UNCONVENTIONALLY, THINK NT Email: info@ntconventions.com.au Tel: 1800 656 209

Leaders Forum

Danielle McInnes, Director of Sales and Marketing, Novotel Sydney Darling Square

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fter 20 years in the hotel industry as an events sales person, I have seen many changes to the MICE landscape.

Shorter lead times, tighter budgets and higher expectations from delegates have put more pressure on event organisers to ‘think outside the square’ when it comes to events and not just offer the same old boring meetings.

That’s why we decided to rejuvenate our hotel, so that we remain ahead of the curve and give planners something a little bit funkier than your standard hotel meeting experience.

All 230 accommodation rooms, lobby, restaurant and conference rooms have been revamped as part of the 20 million dollar refurbishment, placing us as the most stylish Novotel in Sydney.

Additionally, all six conference rooms have been refurbished to include state of the art technology that fully integrates presentations with all types of devices that make the experience fully interactive.

18 Spice February 2018

Inspired by the neighbouring Chinese Gardens, the colour scheme, finish and lighting of each of guest room has been designed to capture the tranquillity of the gardens.

The recent demolition of the Entertainment Centre and the addition of the ICC Sydney is going to transform the Darling Square area into the hottest spot in Sydney to eat, meet, drink and relax.

To keep in line with the improvements in the area, we have decided to rebrand. Whilst we were previously known as the Novotel Sydney Rockford Darling Harbour, we have decided to rebrand to Novotel Sydney Darling Square to align with the exciting changes happening in the precinct.

MICE delegates are savvy travellers who have come to expect a convenient location, fantastic facilities, stunning decor and easy access to technology including WI-FI. So we invite you to come down and say hi next time you are in the neighbourhood. n

“Shorter lead times, tighter budgets and higher expectations from delegates have put more pressure on event organisers to ‘think outside the square’ when it comes to events and not just offer the same old boring meetings.”

Get to know: Joan Loewensohn, Conference and Event Manager, Elements of Byron Spice sits down with Joan Loewensohn to find out what keeps her passion for the events industry alive after so many years in the game.

W

hen Joan Loewensohn, the conference and events manager at Elements of Byron, talks about how much she loves her job, it is often followed by happy tears.

“I am an emotional beast,” she laughs.

“When you’re in the event game you really need to love what you do.”

“It is rewarding but it is hard work, and clients change their minds all the time.”

The industry stalwart has been in the biz for more than 30 years, and despite her tenure, she is not someone who is afraid of getting her hands dirty.“I was introduced to the business as a barmaid at Oaks Hotel, and it was then that I found a passion for people, food and beverage.”

Soon after she was approached by a pub owner in Balmain and within 18 months she was the youngest female licensee in Australia.“I stayed there for six years but then I decided to travel.”

Joan later travelled through Africa for a year before settling in the UK for what was meant to be “a bit of fun”. Instead, she found herself opening 11 Australian themed pubs before returning to Sydney for the Olympics where she worked as the food and beverage manager at the media village.

When asked what her proudest career achievement to date is, Joan provides an entire list.“Sydney New Year’s Eve; looking after 21 world leaders during APEC; there was the opening of Zest Waterfront Venues and I’m also proud of becoming the youngest female licensee in Australia,” she says.

But all that aside, she says the best thing to have ever happened to her was the move to Byron Bay to take up the role at Elements.

“I just love the property we are at, the diversity of options to offer clients, and my special team of wonderful strong women.”

For the next generation of event planners coming online, Joan has this piece of advice to impart: “Be patient and honest at all times – and know when to say no.”

Elements of Byron is a boutique MGallery by Sofitel property which opened in February 2016. n

www.spicenews.com.au 19

Leaders Forum

Rob Frank, Creative Director, Verve Creative

I

The business events industry has changed forever. An event manager needs to be far more than a good organiser with a little black book full of contacts, writes Rob Frank.

20 Spice February 2018

believe the title ‘event manager’ is no longer an adequate description of what we do.

Sure, we may have to book venues, negotiate on behalf of our clients, know about the latest entertainment options and prepare a comprehensive run schedule.

But that’s a ‘ticket to entry’ to the business. And, increasingly, clients are taking these functions in house.

So where does that leave us? How do we use our skills and expertise to help our clients’ businesses grow in the face of this changing market?

Our job is to work with our clients to create event campaign strategies.

After all, as part of a business strategy, the most important aspect of an event is the outcome: How has the audience changed as a result of their experience? What will they do differently when they get back to the office? And, importantly, how will they feel about the business?

In order to deliver outcomes from events, we need to understand the answer to this fundamental question:

“I believe the title ‘event manager’ is no longer an adequate description of what we do.”

“What do you want the audience to know, feel and do in the days, weeks and months after the event?”

That process starts way before the event and is certainly not over once the audience/delegates/guests have left the venue – in fact, in many respects, that’s only the beginning.

As event campaign strategists, we offer our clients the benefits of our skills as communicators at both an emotional and an intellectual level.

We have the potential to have a huge impact on our clients’ businesses.

So those in our industry who recognise that events are more than logistics and entertainment and have the appropriate skills to work with clients at this strategic level, are the ones who can truly help our clients’ businesses to grow.

After all – that is why we are here! n

Leaders Forum

2018 INDUSTRY TRENDS 1. Increase in online learning opportunities 2. Shift in technology and social-media trends 3. Millennials will be the new drivers of making changes 4. More use of virtual reality 5. Event managers will need to master a multitude of skills

Barry Neame, President, PCOA

D

uring 2018 the PCO Association will maintain its focus on the challenges faced by the dynamic meetings industry, and continue to explore the technology trends and shifts that impact us all.

The very popular PCO Association webinar series will once again be generously facilitated by Redback Conferencing.

We have found engagement is key when it comes to people learning online. Redback Conferencing’s webinar platform offers a range of features to help our online attendees interact with the presenters.

This year the PCO Association webinars series will have a strong focus on personal development, technology and social media trends.

For a second year running, the PCO Association actively supported a group of mature and very capable Martin and Griffith University students, based in Brisbane and the Gold Coast campuses, with the opportunity to work for three days at the PCOA17 conference.

22 Spice February 2018

It is all very well to ‘teach’ conference organisation in the classroom, but it only becomes a skill when theory becomes practice – and what better place to practice than as a volunteer at the PCOA conference.

Overall, we are responsible for sharing our knowledge and providing volunteering opportunities to this wonderful up and coming generation of enthusiastic event managers.

We have noticed an increasing trend for in-house event managers wanting to engage and learn about the events industry via the PCO Association membership opportunities. This was evident with the record number of in-house event managers attending the PCOA17 conference and exhibition.

The PCO Association will continue to be an integral member of the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA), a formalised umbrella structure for the key industry associations operating in the Australian business events sector. We believe the sharing of information on key industry issues with our association counterparts to be imperative if we are to continue to strengthen and grow the business events sector in Australia.

The destination and venue for the 11th annual PCO Association conference and exhibition will be announced within the next couple of months. n

What’s New? Last year ended very well with 90 new members signing up, the renewal of our Registered Training Organisation status through to 2024 and the launch of the online Diploma of Event Management course. This innovative course, which will be promoted and delivered in 2018, provides students with the flexibility to study at their own pace and in their own time. It can be commenced anytime during the year.

“MEA will focus on raising standards in the delivery of events and high quality education.”

Industry Highlights

Robyn Johnson, CEO, Meetings and Events Australia 2018 will be the year Meetings & Events Australia really accelerates as we deliver more to our members and continue to drive much needed organisational change.

The highlight of the first half of 2018 will be the delivery of the revamped MEA Awards. Following a total make-over, MEA is delighted to present a program that better reflects its members’ interests and the increasing diversity of the Australian event industry.

The MEA Awards celebrate the successes and the achievements of our vibrant industry and the excellence and creativity delivered by our members. Entries will close 14 February 2018. This year the MEA Outstanding Achievement Award has been opened to the entire industry – anyone can nominate a person they believe should be honoured for their contribution to the events industry in Australia. All awards submissions will be reviewed by a panel of independent judges. Each state and territory will host their own local Awards event in April with the winners presented at the MEA Awards Dinner held on the final night of the MEA National Conference in Adelaide in May.

Save the Date The MEA Conference is the ultimate event in the industry calendar and is being held at the new East Building at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 6-8 May 2018. The program features a range of excellent speakers including Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer of the extremely successful South by Southwest event held annually in Austin Texas; Dr Steve Brown from Visible Management will present on event strategies and how to design your event to meet objectives, and Catherine Ball. author, founder and ethics advocate will talk about diversity, innovation and taking chances.

While it is always difficult to forecast trends in this vibrant industry, one trend MEA will focus on is raising standards in the delivery of events and high quality education. The Australian Workplace Skills Survey of the Events Industry Sector conducted by MEA last year found that the industry requires greater investment in its workforce to ensure long term supply of the skills, particularly in event management. n www.spicenews.com.au 23

Leaders Forum

Joyce DiMascio, Chief Executive, Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia The EEAA is gearing up for a big 2018 and so are its members, writes Joyce DiMascio.

O

ur recent survey of what’s on the horizon for organisers in our sector has identified that the industry is very upbeat about what is coming up this year. This is good news as everybody wins when the organisers and associations point to positive developments and brand new show launches.

As at the end of January, there are plans to launch 14 new shows across a wide-range of industry pillars. And these categories reflect closely what is going on in the economy and in new industries.

24 Spice February 2018

For example, new shows are planned in Health and Science, Space and Satellite, Cyber Security, Drones, Tech, Lifestyle and Wellness, Home and Design, Power and Energy, Pets and Accountancy.

That’s an eclectic mix which shows the diversity of the business that is done through trade and consumer expos. These events are great marketplaces for people to see the latest and learn about their special interest or business category.

Optimism drives the economy and I expect we will have continuing business confidence.

The EEAA is also looking forward to another strong year – we celebrated our 25th anniversary late last year and also gathered as a Board to chart the course in the next phase in the evolution of the Association.

We are strong and valued by our members and I expect we will continue to build on this as we deliver an exciting program of services to the industry.

We plan to roll-out a new 3-5 year strategy, increase our national and international footprint, invest in new programs to help grow the Association – and finally we will continue to reflect the convergence that is occurring in the exhibition and meetings market.

I’m immensely proud of our achievements and look forward to serving the events industry – and in particular, to nurturing the careers of those who have chosen to work in events.

We will do this through our collaboration with UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and also through our own, EEAA Young Stars Program. n

Andrew Heibl, CEO, Association of Australian Convention Bureaux 2017 was a good year for Australia’s convention bureaux, but no doubt there will be some challenges ahead as our international market share diminishes due to increased competition, writes Andrew Heibl, CEO, AACB.

O

ur market intelligence suggests that in the 12 months to 30 September, the total number of bids won by AACB’s members has decreased by 10 per cent compared to the previous year. However, a higher return on these bid wins will see total delegate days and direct delegate expenditure hold against the previous year, with a total of approximately $650m in anticipated delegate spend from these secured business events.

Key areas of success in this period were growth in international association conventions won (90% increase from previous year) and corporate incentive delegates secured (35% increase from previous year) for Australia. We have seen a 10% decline in the number of international

bids lost, reducing the value of lost business by $200m. Domestically, there has been significant growth in corporate incentive and association meeting bid wins.

Geographic preference continues to be the number one factor for winning and losing bids, positively due to Australia’s high desirability and safety as a destination, but negatively due to its travel distance and total cost associated with holding an event here. Another critical success factor is the strength of our bureaus’ bid teams and the professionalism of their bid delivery, increasing from 1218% for international bids and 7-14% for domestic bids.

The AACB has made a lot of progress in raising the profile of the business events industry through research-led advocacy.

TOP 5 EVENT TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS YEAR 1. Increased recognition by the Australian Government of the business events industry as a driver of economic growth, innovation and jobs.

2. Increased international competition, requiring additional investment to mitigate risk against Australia’s distance and cost.

3. Australia will turn away more international bid opportunities than it submits as the focus moves to event return beyond just economic benefit, and supporting key industries we lead or seek to grow.

4. An increased focus on the delegate experience and ‘festivalisation’ of business events will drive renewed growth in the relevance of face-to-face meetings.

5. Australia’s stability and desirability as a destination will gain attention by business event decision makers globally.

The federal government is now beginning to recognise the many benefits of the business events industry, including the role that it plays in building a stronger, more productive and more diverse Australian economy. However, we are still fighting to secure financial backing for our industry through a proposed national bid fund in order to secure more high yielding international business events for Australia.

Moving forward, the AACB and broader industry will seek to tell the business events story in a more compelling and easily understood way in order to better articulate the sector’s value beyond the measurable economic metrics, such as knowledge creation and exchange, innovation and trade, and other broader community benefits. n www.spicenews.com.au 25

Leaders Forum

5 minutes with Tammy Marshall, Founder, The B-HIVE Spice gets the low down from travel expert Tammy Marshall on the booming cruise industry and its effect on the MICE sector.

Where are things at with the MICE industry and cruising in Australia? Are cruise lines still actively pursuing this vertical?

MICE is a growing high yield sector, that while very competitive is also very lucrative. The longer lead booking times for the MICE industry (versus leisure) is highly attractive for cruise lines as it allows them to lock in early business and optimise their yields.

Cruising itself is still a relatively young and growing sector, so cruising in the MICE sector is largely untapped – the growth is enormous. Cruising has also always been well suited to groups (family, leisure or corporates) – with a natural product fit for corporate events and retreats and ample venues for corporate meetings. And, given the MICE sector is so diverse, it allows cruise lines to target meetings, workshops and conferences from small to large, as well as the incentive market for corporates.

What has the uptake been? Are many companies conferencing or running incentives on ships?

P&O, RCI, CCL and NCL promote conferences at sea. I know P&O has a dedicated conference team.

But, there are no industry statistics that exist today to measure uptake.

TOP CRUISE TRENDS FOR 2018 • There will be even more variety of cruising, given the continued growth in the expedition, premium, luxury, ultra-luxury segments.

• There is a lot of cruise product innovation occurring e.g. the emergence of wearables with MSC and Carnival Corp is helping to enhance the customer experience and Royal’s HOLIDECK sample the activities before you buy on VR (Virtual Reality).

• Increasing port density – there are now over 40 ports around Australia with more ports developing across the South Pacific and Asia, opening up the range of itineraries and destinations on offer.

If so, which cruise lines are nailing it?

The key ingredient for conferences at sea is short itineraries – the optimum is two to five days. So any cruise line offering shorter itineraries and are focusing on the conferences at sea, would be attracting MICE industry.

What needs to be improved to encourage this market to take off?

It’s not product. What needs to be improved is the awareness and current lack of familiarity of the possibility of conferencing at sea. Conference planners are not aware of what the cruise industry has to offer, so getting planners onboard to understand the potential is key for the future.

The other area is that some education is required to assist people to get over the mindset that getting sea sick is less of an issue given the design of new cruise ships.

Should event planners look to cruise out of Australian ports or fly elsewhere?

If not, why should they stay here?

Shorter itineraries are ideal, so domestic cruising is perfect for a conference. Domestic cruising also waves on the budget for international flights while still allowing for some itinerary choice at each destination.

What is the one thing you would like all event planners and suppliers to know about cruising?

Conferencing at sea is amazing value for money, cruise planners curate memorable experiences that can WOW delegates and at the same time take a lot of the stress away from conference organisers and EAs because of the unique nature of cruising offering the one stop shop for conferences.

Ultimately, cruising is a high quality product with high service standards that can be tailored to the needs of the delegates. n 26 Spice February 2018

Carolyn Childs, Strategist, Futurist, Co-Founder of MyTravelResearch.com Past President APAC Chapter, Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Can you explain what accessible tourism is and why it’s important?

There isn’t one agreed term but Wikipedia defines it as: "an ongoing endeavour to ensure tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age. It encompasses publicly and privately owned tourist locations".

How can the MICE industry cater for this sector better?

How can you access the accessibility market? It seems to be more niche than mainstream.

Sorry but I get so mad when I hear that word niche used for accessible travel. The travel industry is full of stuff for luxury travel (around one per cent of the market) and here we have consumers who collectively account for around a quarter of the population. If I could change just one thing it is making people understand that this is not a niche; it is a major opportunity with multiple facets.

In terms of accessing this market, it’s not as hard as you may think. People with a disability are just as likely to use Google as the rest of us (and are going to look for reviews) and those that are more niche work with specialist travel agencies and tour operators, as well as the peak bodies.

What needs to happen in Australia?

And who should pay for it?

My advice to any business is to get in now – no doubt there will be government roles, but that takes time and there are dollars to be made now. n

The most important first point is to recognise that there is an opportunity and start seeing what you already have and which sectors you can serve.

On top of that there are two areas: the specialist one – the growing range of conferences that will be specifically for or about accessible tourism or inclusive design; and secondly the brand one. If you are a leader in this space, that is a selling point that can set you apart by giving people ‘braggability’ about using you.

What opportunities are there for venues and suppliers to make accessibility-friendly products?

More than I can say! There are some quick wins like finding out what you have and then telling people about it. Then, when you are planning, start thinking of your design as inclusive. One interesting focus is that if you are accessible you are also family-friendly.

Are there any rules around how you communicate your accessibility offer?

This is the area that often makes people afraid.

For example, it’s better to talk about people with disabilities than about ‘the disabled’. The other general rule is to give people facts in a wellstructured way and promote it. That way they can assess your offer against the particular challenges they face. For example, some people can’t walk a long way, while others can walk further but can’t do steps. Travellers with a disability want to be acknowledged and valued so it’s better to be doing something than nothing. There is also heaps of help out there – government, organisations like IDEAS and specialist consultancies like Travability can help you get it right.

5 REASONS WHY ACCESSIBLE TOURISM IS A HOT TOPIC RIGHT NOW: 1. It is big. In the UK, it is estimated that one in seven trips has someone who needs an accessible tourism experience.

2. It is growing because we have an ageing population and because people with a disability (like the rest of us) have growing expectations.

3. It is underestimated. Most of the industry still thinks of it as a grudge purchase, for example: having to have accessible hotel rooms.

4. It isn’t yet widely recognised as an opportunity so there is a chance to practice ‘blue ocean strategy’ – meet a need others aren’t.

5. It says something about you as a business and that has a cost.

www.spicenews.com.au 27

Leaders Forum support the growth of the tourism industry, which is something TTF will be pushing for in 2018.

Where are things up to with the new Sydney airport?

The benefit of the Western Sydney Airport to the region’s visitor economy cannot be overstated. Once completed, the airport will be a massive economic engine that will drive investment and jobs growth through the roof.

The Federal Government has recently met a number of key milestones in its commitment to have Western Sydney Airport operational in 2026. The new government-owned company that will build the airport, WSA Co, is setting up its office in Liverpool and is starting recruitment and tender processes for a number of services.

At the end of last year the Federal Government also released to market the Registration of Interest (ROI) for early stage earthworks on the Western Sydney Airport site, with work on the airport site expected to begin before the end of 2018.

Margy Osmond, CEO, Tourism and Transport Forum What are the biggest issues facing the tourism industry in 2018 where infrastructure is concerned?

The record number of international visitors flocking to our shores is helping to establish tourism as Australia’s next super-growth sector and the backbone of our future economy. We are at risk, however, of becoming victims of our own success unless governments at all levels invest in the infrastructure needed to meet the demand of the hundreds of thousands of additional visitors who are arriving each year.

Australia’s current inbound tourism growth is almost triple the world average of 3.9 per cent, however infrastructure in parts of the industry has failed to keep up with tourism demand. There is no doubt that there is significant potential to keep growing 28 Spice February 2018

our share of the international tourism pie with the right investment in infrastructure.

To highlight just two examples, Australia’s potential as one of the world’s leading nature-based tourism destinations will not be realised unless there is significant investment in making the wealth of our natural treasures more accessible to tourists.

Additionally, the growth of Australia’s $5 billion cruise industry is also currently being restricted by a shortage of adequate port facilities, especially in Australia’s most popular cruise embarkation and destination port, Sydney.

What the industry needs to address these and a range of other nationallyimportant infrastructure priorities is a long-term infrastructure plan by federal and state governments to shape and

What do you think could be improved to attract more international meetings, conferences and events delegates?

Australia is working in an increasingly competitive global environment in which industry and governments around the world are aggressively seeking to increase their share of the global meetings, conference and events market.

Traditionally, our greatest risk is that we have had at times a fragmented events and conferences sector with no central marketing fund. It is vital that Australian industry makes a greater effort to work together to continue to grow our share.

However, the industry cannot do it on its own. It is also critical that governments at all levels increase investment in targeted business and conference events funds to allow them to compete more aggressively for these events.

Business events in particular are an incredibly sound investment. They support jobs, encourage visitation and contribute significantly to local economies, with business events visitors often spending up to four times more than regular tourists on accommodation, restaurants, entertainment, shopping and transport.

State governments across Australia are increasingly understanding the importance

of investing in business events support funds, and we are seeing each year a growing investment in vastly increasing the number of conventions and business events across Australia, however this needs to be a continued focus or we risk losing out to our international competitors.

What can the MICE industry look forward to in 2018 in terms of developments?

The recent opening of a number of world-class convention centres such as the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) and the redeveloped Adelaide Convention Centre will pave the way for an increased number of blockbuster meetings, conferences and events in 2018.

The ICC Sydney is already proving to be a huge success, securing 1,000 events just 10 months after opening its doors and is on track to inject $5 billion into the NSW economy over the next 25 years. The NSW Government is set to continue working

“This year will see our leading conference centres explore ways to offer a more culturally immersive experience.”

with the ICC this year to ensure Sydney reaches its potential as one of the world’s leading conference and events capitals.

The South Australian Government estimates the revamped Adelaide Convention Centre will inject an additional $1.9 billion into the state’s economy over the next 25 years, and it is already paying dividends with largescale events such the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education lining up to use the facility.

Increasingly, MICE delegates are looking for experiences that tie guests to the destination they are visiting, with a particular focus on unique, local experiences. This year will see our leading conference centres explore ways to offer a more culturally immersive experience.

As our airlines and airports attract more flights and open more routes this year we can also expect to see an increase in the number of delegates from emerging South East Asian markets such as Vietnam and the Philippines. n

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Leaders Forum

Matt Harrison, Managing Director, Secure Tours Offering clients genuine peace of mind when attending events or travelling was the catalyst for launching the Secure Tours brand, now entering its third year of operation, writes Matt Harrison.

A

ustralia is becoming an even more popular destination for events both domestically and with international attendees. With the increase of more direct flights our accessibility is making us a more attractive option. The larger number of people arriving increases the risk to each event considerably. Although perceived by most as a 'safe' destination that had a lot to do with our isolation.

There is a definite transition away from heavy-handed imposing security guards towards subtle, client-focused professional operatives. Increasingly, we are seeing a crossover of responsibilities with security taking on customer service in a meet and greet type role.

Secure Tours has developed an accreditation system specifically designed for the event, tourism and hospitality sectors combining both safety and security providing an objective independent

assessment. It goes beyond current health and safety checklists that are requested by many international clients to include security risk which is increasingly expected.

With event management and tourism backgrounds both as lecturers and hands-on, our team has a unique perspective when providing a safe and secure environment for your clients and your event. We understand the importance of ensuring that your event is seamless without compromising on safety or security.

Secure Tours clients that have been assessed are now incorporating their accreditation into their marketing to demonstrate their commitment to their clients’ safety giving them a point of difference. This accreditation promotes best practice across the Australian Events industry bringing it in line with international expectations around Work Health and Safety and Security Risk mitigation. n

Jason Sourasis, Director Your Corporate Kitchen

T

he year-end Christmas party is due for a facelift. Companies are spending thousands of dollars on end of year functions for their staff and clients but are the attendees really engaged in the event?

The reality is that with a diverse workplace, you will have lots of different people to accommodate and please.

30 Spice February 2018

Want to really make your event stand-out?

Make it a surprise. Let your staff or clients think it’s just another normal every-day Christmas dinner at a fancy restaurant.

Remember – not everyone is into sport, and not everyone is a drinker.

This year, I really want to see people think outside of the box and plan ahead for an event all your guests will enjoy.

Having worked in the hospitality industry during my high school years and then owning one of Melbourne’s best restaurants, my appreciation for hospitality grew even more when seeing firsthand the amount of teamwork and effort that went into running a successful restaurant.

That’s why this year I want to challenge all the managers out there to a cook off, and have them choose, prepare and serve a four course dinner to their staff.

Want to really make your event standout? Make it a surprise. Let your staff or clients think it’s just another normal everyday Christmas dinner at a fancy restaurant.

Not only will everyone have an absolute ball, but your staff will be mentored by top Australian chefs and learn leadership and development skills at the same time.

Remember, attitude reflects leadership. n

5 Minutes with John Warren, Managing Director, Next Story Group AU/NZ Spice sits down with Next Story Group’s Managing Director to discuss Sage Hotel Ringwood Melbourne, the company’s newest business hotel.

Why did Next Story Group decide to build a Sage Hotel in Ringwood?

Ringwood is being developed as the business hub of the Eastern suburbs. Maroondah City Council’s progressive strategic plan is to develop more infrastructure, business parks and invigorate the residential areas as well. Sage Hotel Ringwood is uniquely positioned to be part of this innovative time and it will prove to be successful for the hotel and its guests.

The new property, Sage Hotel Ringwood, is the first of three hotels Next Story Group is involved in with the Queensland Investment Corporation; the Next Hotel on Collins Street in Melbourne is currently under construction and a further Next Hotel is being developed in Canberra. These two hotels will join our existing Next Hotel in the Queen Street Mall in Brisbane. We will also be announcing within a few weeks, the acquisition of a well-located hotel in Singapore that will join the Sage brand.

Why did the location seem so appealing?

The Yarra Valley only 30 minutes away, offers guests and conference delegates a host of experiences. From wineries, gourmet artisan providores, farmers markets, adventure sports, hot air ballooning, amazing hiking and cycle tours, there’s something for everyone.

Furthermore, the Dandenong Ranges are also only 30 minutes away offering guests bush walks and bike riding amongst many other activities.

Event planners should definitely come and check out our Sage Hotel as they will not be disappointed.

Ringwood offers two brand new conference rooms as well as flexible meeting spaces catering for 14 - 200 people and with the Yarra Valley so close, play excursions and day trips can be included into any conference schedule.

With the hotel located at the gateway to the Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs, we anticipate an increase in leisure guests on weekends and at holiday times to avail themselves of all the local activities on offer.

What are some of the venues on site that might interest those looking to book corporate events?

We have two meeting spaces plus a multipurpose venue that can be tailored for any event – whether sit down dinner, presentations, workshops or cocktail receptions.

Foodies can enjoy a delectable dinner at Partake Restaurant, featuring a delicious menu created from the finest local produce from the Yarra Valley and surrounds. And for a more casual setting, we have the High and Dry Bar where guests and conference attendees can chill out after a long day of conferencing or networking.

Another development within Next Story Group is the creation of Kafnu, a real-life social network, integrating the best aspects of living, working, playing, learning, and recharging. Our company recognised the changing landscape of consumer demand and sought to reimagine urban spaces through technology.

Next Hotels and Resorts is the hotel arm of Next Story Group and includes Next, Sage, Chifley and Country Comfort Hotels. Learn more at www.nexthotels.com

What market are you primarily targeting?

Local corporates and businesses and their clients. We have great event, working and relaxation areas. For those who just want to shop – we’re built right on top of the Eastland Shopping Centre. www.spicenews.com.au 31

Leaders Forum

Brooke McClune, Event Manager, World Corporate Travel Employees looking to attract and retain youth in the industry need to be more flexible and honest about what the entry level role actually involves, writes World Corporate Travel’s Brooke McClune.

F

or youth deciding on their next step in life, I believe the attraction to the event industry is strong overall. We work in an appealing sector which offers fantastic benefits such as progressive career growth, great travel opportunities, ongoing education and plenty of social interaction.

I think it's retention which is the more challenging issue for employers of youth as the perception and reality of an event management role can be two very different things.

Organisational attributes such as good time management, excellent attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple projects and work in both a team and independently are skills most employers will highlight as a standard requirement for any event management role. It’s the not so widely discussed responsibilities which can come as a surprise to someone entering the event industry for the first time.

For employers who have worked in events for many years, they recognise that with each new client and business venture undertaken they will have to review how they approach the task and be open to changing their work methods accordingly. After-all, there’s no cookie-cutter approach to how an event manager works as every client is different with new requirements, restrictions and set of objectives which they need you to help them to achieve.

For this reason, it’s vital that a workplace and its employees

32 Spice February 2018

are adaptable to change and take confidence in trying something new. To successfully retain youth in a business, I think it’s important to highlight this component of their role from the very start and maintain regular open communication on the topic. Take the time to highlight any new responsibilities or changes being introduced into their role so they look at them as an opportunity rather than finding them daunting.

With each new challenge there are different skills to be mastered whether it be learning to work in a new team, taking on increased responsibilities or strengthening relationships both in and out of the workplace.

Overall by having open communication and highlighting changes as they arise, I believe the retention of youth is improved as they are given the opportunity to discuss any concerns up front and understand the reason behind any changes. n

“It is vital that a workplace and its employees are adaptable to change and are confident in trying something new.”

Feature

Hurdles & Hiccups

Auckland by night by Chris McLennan.

How do you pull off a successful event when things haven’t gone entirely to plan? Ensure you have a rock-solid team.

A

s event professionals, we tend to know what works best and what doesn’t so when the universe throws a spanner or two in the works, it’s essential to know you can rely on the skills of your team to ensure smooth sailing. Which is exactly what happened at an event earlier this year for BI Worldwide (BIW).

The New Zealand subsidiary of a global automotive manufacturer wanted to unveil an award-winning, all-new vehicle to dealer principals, managers and staff along with fleet customers and wholesale staff.

The launch event provided them with

Delegates enjoy a dinner at French Market La Cigale.

34 Spice February 2018

the opportunity to drive the car and its key competition, as well as a leadership presentation conducted by a noted author and customer experience expert.

BIW proposed five waves of attendees and located a venue offering European ambiance to highlight the origins of the vehicle. The meeting space needed vehicle access, multiple break-out rooms to support training sessions and leadership presentations and areas in which to display the vehicles. A driving route was designed to best demonstrate the vehicle’s capabilities and to fit within the prescribed time frame.

The dinner venue was French Market La Cigale, a location chosen to enhance the European theme through a familystyle meal service and entertaining operatic performances.

From a logistics standpoint, 240 individual flight reservations and airport hotel bookings were arranged for all attendees.

Leading into the event, the client was unable to participate in many of the decision choices, says Tu Tran, Event Program Manager at BI Worldwide. So it was up to BIW staff to step up and make choices on the client’s behalf based on the provision of limited information.

However, that was just the beginning of the challenges this event encountered such as vehicles being delivered with incorrect or missing number plates. BIW staff had to think on their feet to change the line-up of cars to be utilised during the drive program and use those without plates as display vehicles.

But the hiccups didn’t stop there.

There were last-minute changes to the daily agendas, leaving the BIW team to arrange evening debrief meetings with all stakeholders, print and distribute revised agendas and make changes to the meeting room set-up and audio-visual requirements when required. It was the team’s quick thinking says Tran, that allowed the team to take it all in stride.

“The most challenging part was the pressure to make the right decisions on the client’s behalf,” she said.“We wanted to make this launch successful for her as well as her company. Ultimately, we did what we thought would make the best, seamless participant experience and were successful.”

Adding to the mix, inclement weather conditions resulted in flight delays and lengthier transfer times over both days. BIW rallied together to adjust transportation arrangements and amended the schedule on those days. Three groups became two groups on the drive program, resulting in the need to revise and reprint the colour coded name badges.

“There’s nothing to do in these situations but to keep calm and carry on,” said Tran.“The participants need to feel that everything was well in hand so that they can focus on the launch activities rather than other things in the background.”

It was essential, she says, to have a strong and experienced team who has the resilience to stay focussed even when things became stressful.

“Event attendees enjoyed a smooth experience without knowing about the challenges,” she said.

“The client was pleased with the overall success of the event, which was seamlessly delivered to our

All set up and ready for the delegates to arrive.

“Event attendees enjoyed a smooth experience without knowing about the challenges.”

stakeholders. The new vehicle generated a good deal of excitement amongst the attendees and the leadership presentation left them with a feeling of unity and clear goals.”

The most rewarding aspect of the whole event, despite the obstacles, she says was that no one was any wiser about any of the changes that took place in the background.

“The stakeholders were incredibly pleased with the final event, some of them were aware of the program changes and some didn’t notice, which was fantastic.

All of the participants had the experience that was intended, so it all worked out well,” she added. n

Come and experience the newly refurbished

Novotel Sydney Darling Square located right next door to the ICC! Book your next conference and experience state of the art technology across 6 new event spaces!

For more information visit:

www.novotelsydneydarlingsquare.com.au

Incentives

Brisbane delights at DREAMTIME 2017 D

From a tourism and infrastructure perspective, there is no better story going on at the moment than that in Brisbane said Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan at Dreamtime 2017.

36 Spice February 2018

reamtime 2017 was the perfect platform to show incentive planners from around the world all that Brisbane had to offer for organisations who are seeking to encourage and reward high performance within their teams, said Tourism Australia's Managing Director John O'Sullivan.

The signature incentive product showcase kicked off during the first week of December last year. The two-day event saw 89 business events representatives conduct a series of scheduled business sessions with almost 100 international incentive planners and decision makers.

“A lot of things have changed since the first Dreamtime 25 years ago, but Australia’s appeal as an incentive destination has only grown stronger,”

said Penny Lion, executive general manager events, Tourism Australia at the opening ceremony.

“Brisbane is a fun, connected and creative city and we developed a program that introduced new products and experiences to showcase these attributes,” Ms Lion said.

“It also has a great reputation as a learning hub and research and technology hub.”

The extensive program included a welcome event hosted at the Riverbar and Kitchen, a guided experience through the Gallery of Modern Art plus a tour of the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

On the second night, delegates were treated to a spectacular dinner event at the Queensland Art Gallery’s Watermall.

“The location was chosen specifically to leave our Dreamtime delegates with a lasting impression of Brisbane and Australia,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“The night was designed to showcase that Australia delivers not just excellent customer service and technical innovation but truly imaginative events that can raise an incentive event from rewarding to a truly memorable experience.”

Long tables with in-built LED lights that changed in sequence with performances were just some of the creative elements of the evening, which also featured menus written in special invisible ink that could only be seen using ultraviolet torches provided to guests.

As dinner progressed, Australian artist Sophia Mary Mac created a piece of live digital art on the Watermall’s 24 metre by 9.5 metre wall, inspired by the events of the Dreamtime 2017 program and projected on the wall as guests dined.

Katie Noonan, award-winning Australian musician, performed the musical highlight of the evening. As Noonan played an intimate solo set, room lighting and screen projections responded in time with the music, shifting through hues of blues, violets and whites.

Dreamtime 2017 was presented in partnership with the Brisbane Convention Bureau. n

CROWN_Skye Hotel Suites Spice Magazine Half Page Ad Jan 2018_FA.indd 2

“Brisbane is a fun, connected and creative city and we developed a program that introduced new products and experiences to showcase these attributes.”

31/01/2018 12:34 PM

www.spicenews.com.au 37

Learn

PREPARING FOR THE WORST Craig Sheridan is a retired commissioned police officer with 29 years of experience with the NSW Police Force. Today he heads Sheridan Consulting Group, an organisation which provides executive personal protection to VIPs and Government Officials. Bonnie Tai sits down with him to discuss the changing security landscape and what event planners can do to keep their attendees safe during these uncertain times.

How has the safety landscape changed over the years?

The current threat environment has changed significantly in recent times and as a consequence we all have a growing responsibility to ‘play a part’ in the safety landscape for everyone. No longer can large scale events go ahead or organisations do business without the safety of patrons and staff being the major consideration.

We have moved from reactive procedures being put in place to deal with issues concerning safety and moved towards increased levels of planning, organisation and coordination to ensure a thorough and consistent approach to safety is taken.

Based on recent incidents, are there noticeable patterns in behaviour that onsite or ground staff should flag and monitor going forward?

Given the heightened level of safety concern and the national threat advisory level of probable it is important that a secure culture be engaged. There are a number of behaviours and vulnerabilities which onsite and ground staff should always have front of mind and consider.

While suspicious people or items can be detected through strong access controls it is awareness and challenging the norm which helps to highlight threats to an event or workplace.

People being seen to survey the site and monitor security would be considered suspicious. Use of cameras and phones to gather information on timings, security and response times should again raise alarm. Recent theft of uniforms and ID should also raise alarm as this may signify that perpetrators are planning on impersonating staff or security on site.

38 Spice February 2018

Suspicious vehicles also need to be reported. Those parking for unusual amounts of time or delivery procedures and suppliers changing are again vulnerabilities which may be a risk.

Finally, look out for people asking unusual questions about security practices and movements of certain people.

How would you recommend managers to nurture a sense of shared responsibility towards safety management across all levels?

A secure culture needs to be created where workplace awareness is normal in the daily routine. Staff and management need to be alert, report what they see and challenge the norm.

Management need to lead by example displaying safety conscious behaviour at all times. They need to engage with employees, wear identification and create a relationship of trust which encourages staff

WHAT DO EVENT MANAGERS NEED TO KNOW? 1. An understanding of the current threat environment and the challenges it presents.

2. An understanding of their role and responsibilities as owners/ operators of a crowded place.

3. A thorough methodology of Safety and Security planning and preparedness.

4. How to prepare, respond and recover from a major incident using world’s best practice techniques.

to feel safe, valued, protected and a sense of team.

Regularly performing safety and security audits and consulting staff allow voices to be heard and risks to be highlighted.

Remember, staff are more likely to engage if they feel involved and listened to.

What are some of the challenges that could be anticipated during this process?

There are four main challenges which can impede the effectiveness of a secure culture in the workplace: a. Employee Engagement · Disgruntled staff who are resistant to change · Staff believe re-training is useless, boring and a waste of time · Assignment of responsibilities can cause competitiveness and buck passing. b. Time and Effort · Planning and updating procedures and documentation takes time and effort · Changing workplace culture takes time to evolve · Training and exercise drills are time consuming and eat into the working day. · Maintenance and audit of safe and secure practices and physical layers of security takes time to conduct. c. Increased costs Structural improvements to increased security and preventative safer by designs principles can be costly particularly in the short term. · Regular maintenance and risk assessments also cost money to undertake. · It is important to note that increased costs in the short term may actually save money in the future. d. Creating a consistent and engaging form of communicating safety procedures, updates and alerts is always a challenge.

What are some common measures that should be incorporated to ensure consistency in safety practices?

Consistency is the key to ensure a safe and secure workplace or site exists.

Maintaining an awareness of the National Threat Advisory System is imperative. This ensures the national security environment is being considered where safety and security is concerned. Information sharing with the government, police, similar businesses and neighbouring properties allows successful networking of security threats/risks and mitigation measures.

I believe consistency in command, control, coordination and communication will result in a much more effective emergency response and resilience.

Clear concise communication from a central area of control always ensures a consistent message is relayed. Roles and responsibilities need to be clearly defined. Planning, review and continual improvement need to become routine in a safe and secure workplace. n

TOP 5 TIPS FOR MANAGING FEAR IN MOMENTS OF CRISIS 1. Be prepared and plan for the worst.

2. Take part in exercise drills and familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures, assembly points and lockdown and 'stay safe principles'.

3. Work on your communication to ensure it is clear, organised, simple, consistent, accessible and prominent.

4. Co-ordinate with the government, police, similar organisations and neighbouring venues and businesses. Create a plan with clearly defined roles and responsibilities in case of emergency.

5. Ensure the affected area is immediately cleared of clutter and mess and that there is accessibility for all including those with disabilities, creation of safe zones and lockdown procedures and consistent and ongoing maintenance, safety checks and audits.

Sydney’s iconic Luna Park Venues is home to thirteen CBD waterfront venues custom built for exhibition s, conferences, cocktails and banquets from 50 to 10,000 guests.

Experience the magic of sweepi ng Sydney Harbour views capturing the Bridge, Opera House and cit y lights; award winning executive chef catering; world-class audio visual ; easy access and on-site parking ; and an award-winning venue management team. Experience t he magic of Luna Park Venues. +612 9033 7540 sales@lunaparksydney.com www.lunaparkvenues.com

Hot Hotel

Bonjour Mon Cherie The brand new Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is the first five-star internationally-branded property to pop up in the NSW capital since the 2000 Olympics. Bonnie Tai checks in for a staycation for a taste of modern French elegance, right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

THE THEME Contemporary French elegance interwoven with local Sydney culture makes up the fabric of this new luxury property. Your Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour experience begins at check-in with a “bonjour” from the friendly concierge and will end with a “please don’t make me leave” at check out.

THE LOCATION Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is situated just steps away from the brand new International Convention Centre Sydney, making it a premium spot for visiting delegates and corporate guests to meet and rest their heads. There are also a number of iconic attractions nearby, including 40 Spice February 2018

the city’s ferry terminal, the Chinese Friendship Gardens, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and Madame Tussauds.

THE ROOMS There are 590 rooms including 35 well-appointed suites spread across 28 floors. Floor to ceiling windows peer directly onto Darling Harbour and over Sydney’s stunning skyline. In the luxury corner suites, the bathrooms feature standalone plunge baths which offer the very best views over the city. The plush king-sized beds make for a comfy sleep and the rooms come equipped with everything and anything you could need during your stay: a writing desk, a signature mini bar, safety deposit box and 24/7 room service.

“Your Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour experience begins at check-in with a ‘bonjour’ from the friendly concierge and will end with a ‘please don’t make me leave’ at check out.”

THE EVENT SPACES Planners can choose between nine flexible meeting spaces which are suited to host any style of event. All meetings rooms have been fitted with state-of-the-art audio visual conference technology and a dedicated in-house events team to manage all event enquiries.

For gala dinners or awards nights, the hotel’s Magnifique Ballroom features five metre high ceilings, and caters for up to 450 guests.

LE RIVAGE INFINITY POOL BAR Sip on some bubbles while you cool off in the rooftop infinity pool.

The poolside bar - which is lined with comfy loungers and French

inspired parasols – offers an extensive list of premium champagnes and wines for guests to enjoy while taking in expansive city views.

Planners can also rejoice as the swish outdoor venue can also be booked for exclusive cocktail parties for those higher end clients.

ATELIER BY SOFITEL Atelier by Sofitel is the hotel’s signature dining hot spot. The French inspired grill, which overlooks vibrant Darling Harbour, creates a welcoming vibe for guests to catch up over a drink after a big day of conferencing, or for an indulgent meal created with locally sourced produce. n

DID YOU JUST SPEND $1000’S ON YOUR STAFF CHRISTMAS PARTY & END OF YEAR CLIENT FUNCTION?

Take part in a Team Building and Leadership Experience, combining Client Entertainment Your company will be offering your clients an unforgettable experience, whilst at the same time empowering and developing your employees as they work together to run their own personalised, fine dining restaurant.

TOP CHEFS AUSTRALIA’S BEST VENUES ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE FRINGE BENEFITS

Book Your Corporate Kitchen by 30th June 2018 for all participants to receive a Free bottle of Champagne.

Call 1300 414 213 now or email info@yourcorporatekitchen.com.au Visit www.yourcorporatekitchen.com.au for more information Find us on      @YourCorporateKitchen and #YourCorporateKitchen

Hotspot

Capital Cool Stay

Often overlooked by its big city counterparts, Canberra has really shed its underdog status in recent years.

The compact city is now a haven of stylish restaurants, boutique shopping, hip cafes and hidden laneway bars. Spice heads to Canberra to uncover some of the city’s exciting new secrets.

42 Spice February 2018

Activities

QT Canberra

Blue Skies Adventure Tours

QT Canberra offers the largest function and

Explore Tidbinbilla, a reserve situated just

event space outside of the Convention

40 minutes’ drive from the city centre. Get

Centre. The QT Lounge – situated on the

up close to native Australian wildlife such

15th floor – offers some of the best views

as emus, kangaroos, wallabies and even

over Canberra and makes for a perfect

platypuses. The day tour also includes a

spot for private gatherings. Looking for

visit to NASA’s Deep Space Tracking Station

something a little different? Look into hiring

where you can see an authentic piece

out Lucky’s Speakeasy, a prohibition era-

of the moon which was brought back by

style hidden bar. Later on, pop into the

astronaut Buzz Aldren; the original dish that

Capitol Bar and Grill for a delicious meal

received the famous ‘One small step for

and a chance for your delegates to mingle

man’ speech by Neil Armstrong; and finally

outside of the conference room.

the biggest dish in the Southern Hemisphere.

www.qthotelsandresorts.com/canberra

blueskytours.com.au/tours/tidbinbilla-nature-walks

Activities

Stay

Activities

Dharwa Aboriginal Tours

Mantra Macarthur Hotel

Go Boats

Learn about significant indigenous sites in

The Mantra Macarthur Hotel on the

Pack a picnic and a bottle of vino and

the Canberra region on an all new tour

corner of Canberra’s main thoroughfare

head out to Lake Burley Griffin for a

presented by Dharwra Aboriginal Tours.

Northbourne Ave opened in late

unique boating experience. The idea was

Highlights include Aboriginal interpretations

September 2017. The full service hotel

conceived in Copenhagen in 2014, and

of the landscape, bush foods, artefacts and

offers a mix of 136 hotel rooms and 40

has since spread to locations across Europe.

their traditional uses. Some of the locations

suites over eight levels. Guests can enjoy

Each GoBoat accommodates eight guests,

explored include Mount Majura, Brindabella

complimentary Wi-Fi, onsite dining, plus

and comes fully equipped with safety

Mountains and Namadgi National Park.

boardrooms and conference spaces.

equipment. Boating licenses not required.

www.thunderstone.net.au

https://www.mantra.com.au

goboatcanberra.com.au

Stay

Activities

Eat

East Hotel

Dave’s Brewery Tours

Agostinis

This 140-key designer hotel is suited for both

The buzz around craft beer is showing no

Fans of authentic Italian fare should make

leisure and business travellers. The oversized

signs of abating, so why not take your group

their way to this stylish eatery, housed within

rooms feature custom-made beds, kitchen

on a tour of one of the capital’s coolest

the East Hotel. The food is freshly prepared

facilities, Nespresso coffee machines, and

breweries? Groups will get the chance

and hearty, and created using quality

free Wi-Fi. There are also flexible meeting

to get behind-the-scenes of a working

produce. The eclectic styling creates the

spaces on site with the ability to transform

brewery, smell and taste a wide range

perfect vibe to entertain and catch up with

from a standard boardroom into a cocktail

of craft beers, as well as learn about the

friends over dinner; whilst the arvo hours make

function room.

intricacies of brewing.

it a great spot for those long Friday lunches.

www.easthotel.com.au

www.daves.com.au

www.agostinis.com.au

AN EVENT WITH A DIFFERENCE The Essential Day Delegate Package from $85pp Inspired Meeting Spaces Signature Feasting Lunch QT Crafted Morning & Afternoon Tea DISCOVER MORE Email: functions_qtcanberra@evt.com or phone: 02 6247 6244

www.qtcanberra.com.au

Destination update

Meet you in

Novotel Melbourne South Wharf This new luxury accommodation option will service the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre with direct access to the venue, with its opening slated for March 2018.

The sleek 347-room four-star hotel boasts bay or city views in each room, alongside the Novotel’s suite of brand features, including Fair Trade bathroom amenities, interactive TVs and free barista-made coffee at breakfast.

MELBOURNE It’s the cultural epicentre of Australia and it’s been named the world’s most liveable city for the seventh time in a row. It’s no wonder businesses and event organisers continue to flock to Melbourne to host modern, culturally focused, well-serviced events.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in Victoria’s coastal capital in 2018.

Words: Jordan Kretchmer

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre With the MCEC’s $205 million expansion on track for its completion in mid-2018, the venue will be the largest convention and exhibition space in the country. The venue’s size will be increased to around 70,000 square metres total, complete with a 1000 seat theatre, adaptable meeting rooms, exhibition halls, banquet rooms and networking areas. The new spaces will be fully integrated with the existing MCEC, located next to the Yarra River in South Wharf.

44 Spice February 2018

Melbourne Airport Tullamarine Airport continues to service Melburnians, interstate and international delegates with a steady growth of flights arriving and departing daily. In 2017, Virgin Australia added five-weekly flights from Los Angeles and a daily service from Hong Kong; Japan Airlines commenced a daily flight between Tokyo and Melbourne; and Jetstar added a thrice weekly service from Ho Chi Minh City and a twice-weekly service from Zhengzhou. These increased flights sit alongside the addition of the Marhaba Lounge, the airport’s first pay-asyou-go international traveller’s lounge, which offers Hudsons Coffee, shower facilities, a dedicated business area and a full a la carte dining menu.

Provenance Wines This Geelong based winery is expanding its offering to host events with the addition of a 250-person capacity function space. The space is ideal for incentivised meetings and smaller corporate functions and will include an interactive wine tasting experience.

Urbnsurf Melbourne Melbourne will be home to Australia’s first manmade surf park facility, meaning you can hang ten in total safety. The wave park lagoon will feature LED lighting so you can surf day or night, and in inclement weather. Urbnsurf Melbourne will also cater to surfers of all abilities, meaning that anyone can get an authentic Australian surfing experience, just minutes away from Melbourne Airport. The precinct will also have a licensed café and pro-shop, and is due for completion in the first half of 2018.

3 JULY 2018 THE ARGYLE, SYDNEY Events Uncovered is your exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes of events, and discover the hottest trends in theming, venues, catering, audio visual, photography and much more!

This free-to-attend event gives you the opportunity to learn about great new product, engage directly with expert suppliers and gain first-hand experience of the best parts of the industry in a face-to-face environment.

There’s also a Talks Program with a line-up of industry through leaders delivering key insights on the event planning process.

For more information visit www.eventsuncovered.com.au Brought to you by the team behind A LIST Guide and Spice inspiring creativity

www.spicenews.com.au 45

NZ Update

What’s trending in NZ QT Queenstown opens QT have stamped their quirky signature style on Queentown’s newest boutique hotel.

With 69 designer guest rooms, the hotel also has five custom meeting rooms, its own concierge app complete with an insider’s guide to exploring Queenstown and a ski room.

QT Queenstown is also privy to panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps.

Its dining precinct Bazaar injects a theatrical showcase into a buffet style dining across seafood, cheese and charcuterie stations, Italian wood fired pizzas and a decadent dessert bar, while the Reds Bar is the perfect spot for an alpine aperitif overlooking the Remarkables.

Ramada expands in New Zealand Wyndham Hotel Group has announced plans to open a 85-room Ramada Suites in Manukau, Auckland.

Slated for completion in 2019, the NZ$25m development will offer studio, one- and twobedroom apartments as well as a fully equipped laundry and kitchen.

What will make this new property appealing to planners is its proximity to the Vodafone Events Centre and the Auckland Airport.

“Auckland's tourism potential is not constrained to its CBD – areas to the north and south, like Manukau, have seen growing business and leisure interest,” said Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director, Wyndham Hotel Group South East Asia and Pacific Rim.

MEETINGS hosted buyer applications are now open Hosted buyer applications are now live for New Zealand’s premier business events tradeshow MEETINGS. This offers up a chance for businesses to connect with more than 190 New Zealand exhibitors in one spot, complemented by the opportunity for international buyers to explore the region themselves.

By attending has a hosted buyer you’ll receive complimentary air and ground travel, accommodation, registration and networking activities.

CINZ works closely with Tourism NZ to promote business tourism to the country with the key event taking place in Auckland at the ASB Showground, May 30-31st 2018.

46 Spice February 2018

The land of the long white cloud continues to dish out swish new boutique hotels, great golf courses and first class business events tradeshows

Pro-golf The International Association of Golf Tour Operators recently crowned New Zealand as the top Asia Pacific golf destination.

Taking out the title for the second time, the award is voted for by golf tour operators across the globe. NZ has around 400 courses – second only to Scotland for the most golf courses per-capita – with a combination of pro-level courses alongside quaint countryside greens.

With a varying terrain that navigates ocean facing cliff side courses right through to alpine territory in the south island, it’s no wonder that the country has steeped itself to become a must visit for keen golfers, making it a great destination for incentivised travel.

We are uniquely Australia’s only Luxury Travel and Event Management and Service Provider Company specialising in Event Safety and Security. This combined experience allows us to bridge that space between safety, risk-guidance, security, training and the objectives you have for your event. All of our approved venues and locations are vetted for their suitability using our exclusive assessment process which rates their security and safety aspects. With a network of solutions to suit any level you require for your event.

Our Specialised Programs: - Student Travel and Group Excursions (S.T.A.G.E.) - Professional Athlete Safety Specialist (P.A.S.S.) - Performing Artist Safety Specialist (P.A.S.S.) Our Tailored Services: - Assessments & Accreditations - Close Personal Protection - Personal Concierge & Chaperones - Event & Travel Logistics

P: +61 2 9525 0057 E: enquiries@securetours.com.au securetours.com.au

Secure Luxury Travel For Discerning Individuals & Groups

Spice social

1

Out About 3 2 1/ Dreamtime 2017 launch event, by celebrity chef Matt Moran at Riverbar & Kitchen on the Brisbane River.

2/ Getting into the aloha spirit at the AV1 Long Summer Luau event.

3/ Toasting to a succcesful Hawaiian Luau hosted by AV1.

4/ Holiday Inn Potts Point General Manager Brenden van Blerk ofďŹ cially opens the brand new Sirocco Terrace venue.

5/ Bon appetit! Guests tuck into a delicious feast prepared by Fresh Catering.

4 48 Spice February 2018

5

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Last word

Info Salons Group CEO Jo-Anne Kelleway has been asked about the name of her company thousands of times, with the main question being, ‘Is it something to do with hair?’

Not the

T

hair

he answer is no. After working in France – where the word ‘salon’ means trade show – Kelleway returned to Australia in the late 1980s with a business idea. She says, “I thought that the industry over here would be interested in data. We set up the business at a time when things were really taking off in Australia with the opening of Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC). We were lucky to ride the wave of growth with the rest of the industry.”

So what makes her tick after so many years the game? Kelleway says,“There’s never a dull moment. There’s always something new and interesting. I also love the personalities in our industry – there are a lot of very interesting entrepreneurs all over the world who create events.”

Kelleway, who has over 30 years’ experience in the exhibitions and events industry, was recently recognised with the President’s Award at the EEAA Awards. While she concedes that awards are very nice to have, this is not the pinnacle of her career.

She says,“My proudest achievement was opening our first international office in Shanghai. We continued with the same business model and opened in Hong Kong, Dubai and Istanbul.

We are looking at another office in South East Asia right now.”

50 Spice February 2018

Jo-Anne Kelleway, CEO, Info Salons Group

Kelleway, who is the mother of two adult children, says that one of the keys to her success is the support of her partner.

“I have an incredible husband who happened to sell his business when our eldest daughter was only five years old. He became the main carer to our children which meant that I could concentrate on building the business,” she said.

And build it she did. Today Info Salons employs 200 people full time and has offices in Sydney, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Dubai and Instanbul; with representative offices in Macao and Seoul and plans to open headquarters in Thailand, Jakarta and Singapore this year.

It seems she took the advice of her friend and industry colleague Alan Ekholm from AE Displays to heart when he said to her, “If you’re afraid of hard work, long hours and constant pressure then you’re in the wrong game. We work hard and play hard”.

So where does she see things going? Kelleway said that the face-to-face industry will continue to grow even more now that technology has taken over so much of our lives.

“As human beings we crave the contact and excitement that exhibitions and events provide. It’s a great industry to be a part of filled with passionate, like-minded people. I can’t imagine what else I would prefer to do,” she said. n

WELCOME TO OUR HOUSE

Welcome to Australia’s first and oldest Parliament; a living piece of history in the heart of Sydney and one of its most unique venues for corporate functions, meetings and more.

With over eight rooms available for hire we can cater to just about any function from a board meeting, to a product launch, sit-down lunch, dinner, cocktail party or even a movie screening.

Our team consists of experienced and professional hospitality staff, administrators, function coordinators, wait staff, baristas and chefs. Our celebrated Executive Chef, Vanessa Harcourt, comes to the Parliament with a wealth of experience and a passion for locally sourced produce. She has created a series of menus that are exciting, delicious and enticing...each of which can be customised to meet your needs.

We would love the opportunity to cater for your guests, and we look forward to welcoming you to our House.

Contact us today for more information about our venues, menus and function packages.

Phone: 02 9230 2248 Email: dps.catering@parliament.nsw.gov.au www.parliamentarycatering.com.au

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