Spice issue 98 Spring 2022 by The Intermedia Group

VICTORIA PAVILION AT SHOWGROUNDSMELBOURNE Bringing your events to life THE FUTURE OF EVENT TECH tipsForward-thinking&trends Issue 98 – Spring – 2022 HOT 100 The best services & suppliers revealed! DESTINATIONS NorthernChristchurchBrisbaneAdelaideRockhamptonTerritory

Dining on the Domain Strangers' Restaurant at NSW Parliament House 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney Limited availability Book Now 02 9230 www.parliamentarycatering.com.au2124 T U E S D A Y 1 S T N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 2 1 2 : 3 0 p m 4 : 0 0 p mt o C e l e b r a t e t h e r a c e t h a t s t o p s t h e n a t i o n a t a n i c o n i c l o c a t i o n M E L B O U R N E C U P L U N C H E O N I n c l u s i o n s : T I C K E T P R I C E O n l y $ 1 4 9 p p ( F o r g r o u p s o f 1 0 o r m o r e ) 5 Course Luncheon, overlooking the Domain Beverage Package Live Entertainment & Big Screen TV's Door Prizes & Sweeps

22 The new frontiers of event tech

How leading large-scale venues are transforming their events.

TIPS

32 Five ways to make your event more engaging

What to expect over the next few years on the aviation front.

Event law expert Matt Crouch gives you the checklist.

Meaningful delegate experiences.

36 Events Uncovered

48 Adelaide: A city in transformation

Collaborative, innovative and progressing at a rapid rate.

Where to meet, eat, play and stay in this cool and vibrant city.

CASE STUDIES

This proud country town packs a punch.

Embracing the innovations of the future.

OPINION

Mums & Co’s Carrie Kwan shares her top tips.

8 Cover story: Victoria Pavilion

FEATURES

66 Northern Territory

How the Melbourne Showgrounds venue is bringing events to life.

38 ICMSA visits Australia’s heartland

The PCO brought its teams together in Alice Springs.

Endless options and world class facilities.

62 Check into Christchurch

30 Airline demand and the MICE industry

0848 spicenews.com.au 3 Contents

34 Five things to consider for your events contract

26 Mega venues and technology

5 Going up, going down

The beloved industry events came back with a bang.

56 Brisbane’s most beautiful venues

The results are in for the top event industry businesses of 2022.

Spring 2022

REGULARS

DESTINATIONS

6 New and noteworthy

10 Hot 100: Services & Suppliers

42 Remarkable Rockhampton

Victoria Pavilion at Melbourne Showgrounds. Image credit: Melbourne Royal®

ensure

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we create,

@SpiceNews @SpiceNewsMag @SpiceNewsMag Spice Magazine

Travel has also returned with a vengeance, taking me to Rockhampton (page 42) and Christchurch (page 62) for the first time. Both cities have so much on offer and know how to put on a fantastic event, whether it’s a Pop-Up Polo or a major trade event at the newest convention centre.

inspiration along with everything else our spring issue has to offer!

our best

Publisher excludes

Held fully in-person for the first time since 2019, Events Uncovered was back with a bang and we can’t wait to do it again next year – turn to page 32 for all the highlights.

resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication. Copyright © 2022 - Food and Beverage Media Pty Ltd. Spice Magazine Team + 61 2 8586 kross@intermedia.com.au6176KatherineRossGroupsalesandmarketingmanager +61 2 8586 alyssac@intermedia.com.au6152+61 2 8586 cmarshall@intermedia.com.au6216CharlotteMarshallSalesandmarketingmanager Alyssa designerGraphicCoundouris Lana Bogunovich Editor Chairman Simon Grover Publisher Paul pwootton@intermedia.com.auWootton Editor Lana lbogunovich@intermedia.com.auBogunovich National Sales Team Katherine Ross, Charlotte Marshall Production Manager Jacqui jacqui@intermedia.com.auCooper Production Assistant Natasha njara@intermedia.com.auJara Graphic Designer Alyssa Coundouris Prepress Tony Willson Subscriptions ISSNph:41(ABNFoodSpiceAllMedia'snecessarilyandThesubscriptions@intermedia.com.auopinionsexpressedbycontributorsadvertisersinSPICEmagazinearenotthoseofFoodandBeveragemanagementorstaff.materialcontainedinSPICEiscopyright.MagazineispublishedbyandBeverageMediaPtyLtd81163792292)BridgeRoad,GlebeNSW20370296602113,fax:02966044191832-7176

hile every season is beautiful in its own way, spring is my favourite. Aside from the usual flowery cliches that would have Miranda Priestly rolling her eyes (“Florals, for spring? Groundbreaking.”), spring represents a time of transition, renewal and the hope that sprouts from new beginnings before it flourishes.

Visit SpiceNews.com.au for the latest industry news as it happens. Our twice-weekly cover venues, suppliers, destinations and technology, as well tips to help you plan stand-out events.

After the you-know-what of the last couple of years, a lot of transformation has taken place and the business events industry has emerged with fresh new offerings and a strong outlook.

The latest research from Tourism Australia says overseas decision makers are showing strong interest and intent to hold an event or incentive here over the next two years, with attributes such as being a safe destination, having clean cities with good infrastructure, quality accommodation options and an appealing climate contributing to this sentiment. Add to these our excellent business events facilities, which decision makers have ranked number one in the world.

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

updates

That ought to be applauded, as should the hardworking businesses and professionals in our annual Hot 100: Services and Suppliers on page 10.

As it’s also our annual tech issue, we speak to industry experts on the evolution of event tech on page 22 and look at how mega venues are pushing the creative boundaries on page 26.

I also returned to Adelaide (page 48) and Brisbane (page 56) and was astounded by the transformative amount of new development since my last visit just a few years prior. Now that is Enjoygroundbreaking.thedestination

4 Spice Spring 2022 Editor’s letter

A time to flourish

as inspiration and

ON THE COVER

You know there is a staff shortage when a venue can't take your booking because they don't have the

With the event industry being one of the most stressful, a little bit of kindness goes a long way! From your suppliers to your delegates, make sure you sprinkle kindness through your event.

Going up, going down

Attracting guests in winter

With everyone so comfy working from home, it is hard to get attendees in person on a rainy day. Bring on summer!

Immunity boosters

Companies incorporating Vitamin C juices and turmeric shots to help boost immunity as well as açai bowls for antioxidants.

While it’s exciting to have events back in full swing, having two weeks to pull a full-scale conference together is testing even for an experienced event planner.

Augmented reality

Staff shortages

Lead times

AR glasses are perfect at road shows and expos to make potential clients feel like they are having a personal site inspection while miles away.

spicenews.com.austaff! 5 Trends

Kindness

Novotel Devonport, Tasmania

Upfront

6 Spice Spring 2022

New openings worth getting excited about

Located within the historic Porter House precinct on Castlereagh Street in Sydney’s CBD, this hotel occupies the first 10 floors of the new 36-storey mixed-use tower, with a four-level dining and bar destination housed within the restored 1870s heritage-listed building. The two buildings are connected via a walkway, creating a bridge between old and new, while the modern design pays homage to the location’s tobacco and leather merchant history – the hotel has even created a bespoke scented candle, capturing nostalgic notes of leather, smoke and florals. The 122 guest rooms and suites include six interconnecting rooms, six disability rooms and one pet-friendly room, and guests can enjoy a well-appointed fitness centre and heated pool surrounded by a rooftop garden. There are eight meeting rooms, accommodating up to 60 guests, as well as a range of private dining and function options, including two luxe dining spaces complete with fireplaces and libraries for 8-16 guests.

Accor will open a newly built 187-room Novotel in Tasmania’s northwest, marking one of the most significant tourism investments in the region in years. Conveniently located on the city’s waterfront close to the Spirit of Tasmania terminal, the hotel overlooks the Mersey River and has direct access to the paranaple convention centre. It will offer a variety of spacious, well-appointed accommodation options, including standard, superior and deluxe guestrooms, as well as executive suites. The 4-star hotel will be tailored to suit both leisure and business travellers, offering a restaurant and bar, 24-hour room service and fitness centre, and a meeting room for up to 20 delegates.

New noteworthy+

The Porter House Hotel – MGallery, Sydney

Taking inspiration from its popular seaside location and the 1875 heritage building in which it resides, this coastal retreat-style hotel is bright and breezy with touches of Art Deco throughout. There are 108 rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites within the original limestone building and newly built wing which features private outdoor terraces and penthouses. Onsite you’ll also find a 24-hour fitness centre, an expansive pool deck, thermal bathhouse and wellness centre, a beer garden, front bar, speakeasy venue and two restaurants, including seafood joint Audrey’s by Melbourne chef Scott Pickett. Meetings and events are well catered to with four spaces, including the restored Grand Ballroom which can host up to 150 guests. Event planners can also take advantage of the Insider Collection service, which offers a range of bespoke, locally inspired event and delegate experiences exclusive to InterContinental Meetings.

InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula

The Langham, Gold Coast

light and airy hotel features lavish designs and amenities, including two swimming pools, a health club overlooking ocean views, Chuan Spa, an array of casual and premium dining options, and 11 event venues with a total event space of 1,198 square metres. The property comprises a trio of stunning high-rise towers with the hotel in the tallest and the Langham-managed Jewel Residences in the other two, for luxury coastal living at its finest.

After nearly eight years in the making, the Langham Hospitality Group has swung open the doors to its highly anticipated new hotel on the golden shores between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. As the first development with direct beachfront access to be built on the Gold Coast in 30 years, this opulent property boasts uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean or hinterland from its 169 hotel rooms. Oozing The Langham Hospitality Group’s signature 5-star luxury, the

spicenews.com.au 7 Upfront

Victoria Pavilion bringing your next event to life

s the home of Victoria’s largest and most iconic annual event, the Melbourne Showgrounds has continued to deliver unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories. This state-of-the-art venue offers opportunities and flexibility that no other space has on offer.

Your next unforgettable experience awaits at Victoria Pavilion at Melbourne Showgrounds.

8 Spice Spring 2022 Cover story

Victoria Pavilion is the perfect space to host your next event. Hosting up to 1,980 guests, its pillarless design was created as a blank canvas for your to reimagine you next memorable experience - leaving your attendees amazed andVictoriainspired.Pavilion offers state-of-the-art lighting and sound alongside a timeless, neutral colour palette that will inspire your creative flair. Whatever your needs, a sophisticated, unexpected and exciting solution, including world-class catering and cutting-edge technology, is at your fingertips.

Capturing 1,920 square metres of wide-open space, Victoria Pavilion can be tailored for you. For added wow factor, the space is complemented by a 595-square-metre architect-designed atrium that features floor to ceiling windows – creating a stunning sense of arrival perfect for pre-dinner drinks and unforgettable cocktail parties, product displays, and so much more.

Melbourneseamlessly.Royal is the expert in delivering unforgettable corporate events at Victoria Pavilion. If you are looking to host a conference, awards night, gala dinner or roadshow at one of Melbourne’s best venues - get in touch with our team today.

For more information on Victoria Pavilion at Melbourne Showgrounds, check out melbourneshowgrounds.com or send an enquiry to venue@melbourneshowgrounds.com n

Imagine the possibilities and bring your vision to life.

Top left: Victoria Pavilion your needs, a sophisticated, unexpected and exciting solution… is at your fingertips.”

Victoria Pavilion also provides solutions for hosting hybrid or fully online events with a TV-quality experience and excellent sound and vision, managed by the professional tech team, Encore. When you need a professional setting to record and host your virtual event, the onsite team can customise the setting and provide virtual stage management to get your event online

spicenews.com.au 9 Cover story

Victoria Pavilion has the ability to cater to your every need

The venue boasts an outstanding food offering designed by Moonee Valley Racing Club’s catering group, Dean and McPherson, that champions topquality ingredients and award-winning products.

The pavilion can be divided into three distinct spaces, available individually or combined to give you the ability to make the space fit your needs.

Where can you find what is sure to be your next venue of choice? Located only seven kilometres from Melbourne CBD, Victoria Pavilion has it all when it comes to access. Public transport to the door, 15 minutes from Melbourne International Airport, and moments from major arterials. The ease of access only

gets better with close to 2,000 on site car parks and coach access metres away from the stunning entrance.

Ranging from elegant stand-up finger food and appetisers through to a sit-down three-course degustation, the menu options are as flexible as they are delicious. Your guests will not only have their taste buds tantalised, they will also remember and savour the gastronomic experience that presents the very best in food and beverage from some of the nation’s best producers, including award winning wines selected from the illustrious Melbourne Royal Wine Awards.

VictoriaGalaFirefightersLeft:Victoria2019RisingAbove:VictoriaMedalClubMelbourneTopShowgrounds.Melbourneatright:NorthFootballSydBarker2019heldinPavilion.NABStarAwardsheldinPavilion.UnitedUnionDinner,2019,Pavilion. Image Melbournecredit:Royal® “Whatever

Hot 100 Services and Suppliers 10 Spice Spring 2022 Hot 100

Spice readers have once again thrown their support behind the industry by voting for their favourite services and suppliers of the business events industry. From new edge technology platforms and award-winning caterers to all-star AV specialists, these are the top event industry businesses for

spicenews.com.au2022. 11 Hot 100

Sprintr Best virtual event platform EventsAir eventsair01 Encore Event Technologies encoreapac Delegate Connect delegateconnect Create Live Pro - Create Engage createengage Jomablue Jomablue Best event management CIS Event Management ciseventmanagement Arinex ar.in.ex Nectar Creative Communications nectar_cc Crisp Ideas Crisp Ideas This Space thisspace_ Create Live Pro Best eventeTechSuitetechnology eTechSuite Encore Event Technologies encoreapac Sprintr sprintr_australia EventsAIR eventsair01 Entegy entegy Arinex 12 Spice Spring 2022 Hot 100

Best amusement hire Action Events actioneventsaustralia All Time Amusements all_time_amusements Bubbling with Energy Entertainment bubblingwithenergy Joyland Amusements joyland_amusements QuizzaMe Australia quizzameau “Amazing service and always have the latest range in amusement hire” Action Events KEEP YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE. Stay up to date with breaking industry news on Spice Magazine’s social channels. Read the latest industry news at spicenews.com.au @SpiceNews @SpiceNewsMag @SpiceNewsMag Spice Magazine Hot 100

“Delicious food. Always consistent.” Laissez-faire Catering Best support services The Monday Group themondaygroup Jitjatjo Australia jitjatjo_au Clifford Wallace Agency – Hospitality Personnel cliffordwallace Event Recruitment www.eventrecruitment.com.au Our Boys & Girls ourboysandgirlsaustralia Best exhibitionMoretonconstructionHire moretonhire ExhibitionCo exhibitioncompany Harry the Hirer harrythehirer Expo Centric expocentric ExpoNet exponet_aus Heyder & Shears heyderandshearscatering Laissez-faire Catering laissez_faire_catering Bayleaf Catering bayleafeventcatering The Fresh Collective thefreshcollectiveau Culinary Edge www.culinaryedge.com.au Best event caterer Laissez-faireMoretonCateringHire Clifford Wallace Agency 14 Spice Spring 2022 Hot 100

Best beverage or bar supplier Kombi Keg kombikeg Kubarz – The Beverage Experience Experts kubarz Liquid Infusion Beverage Catering liquidinfusion Champagne Towers Sydney champagnetowersydney BARBAE barbae.sydney Best event equipment hire Events Fantastic Australia eventsfantasticaus Valiant valiant.events Funktionality Events & Experiences Functionality Event Hire Services eventhiresyd Excel Equipment Hire exceleventhire Events Fantastic Australia Kubarz funktionality.com.au spicenews.com.au 15 Hot 100

Musicland Event Photos Australia Best event florist Poho Flowers pohoflowers Booshi designbybooshi Style By Nature stylebynatureflowers Butchers Daughter Catering . Florist . Venue butchersdaughterau BOUQUET Melbourne bouquetmelbourne Best photographer or videographer Vert Prod Pty Ltd vertprod Oneill Photographics oneillphotographics Event Photos Australia eventphotosau Create Engage createengage David Broadway davidbroadway Best entertainment agency Jetpack Entertainment and Events jetpackevents SongDivision songdivision Musicland musiclandsyd The Groove Academy thegrooveacademyagency Melbourne Entertainment Company melbentco Butchers Daughter Catering “Amazing team, very professional, enthusiastic and highly quality video makers.” Vert Prod Pty Ltd 16 Spice Spring 2022 Hot 100

Prop Specialists theprophouse.com.au | 07 3555 8660 EXCITING NEW SHOWROOM SEPTEMBER 2022! BRISBANE’S BEST EVENT STYLING & PROP COMPANY 1135 Stanley St East, Coorparoo Q4151 Hot 100

Sydney

“Talented and creative staff producing an immaculate quality of work” Sydney Prop Specialists Best theming, props and design supplier Sydney Prop Specialists sydneypropspecialists DIVINE EVENTS divine_events JAK Creative & Events jakcreative Bennelong Event Hire bennelongeventhire The Prop House theprophouse_

Hughes Australian Chauffeur Service Hughesaustralia Captain Cook Cruises captaincookcruises Fantastic Aussie Tours www.fantastic-aussie-tours.com.au CTL Event Management ctl_event_management Wicked Limousines wickedlimousines Best transport (bus, limousine, boat, vessel, etc) Best individualBrihonyperformer/speaker/DJDawson brihonydawson Rod Richards roddrichardspresents DJ Emma Peters dj.emmapeters Holly Ransom holly_ransom Anna Sheppard bambuddha_groupAnna Sheppard Captain CookJAKCruisesSwag Best corporate gift and merchandise supplier Promo Pros promo.pros JAK Creative & Events | JAK Swag thesustainableswag Honeycomb Agency honeycomb_agency Maui Jim officialmauijim YAY! Promos yay.promos “High quality products that surprise with creativity.” JAK swag 18 Spice Spring 2022 Hot 100

Best team building provider Be Challenged bechallenged Hidden Door Experiences hiddendoor_australia Rock and Roll Team Building rockandrollteambuilding SongDivision songdivision Cheeky Food Events cheekyfoodevents “It’s so unique and fun. Everyone always comes back feeling motivated and inspired” SongDivision SongDivision Hot 100

Best PR and marketing Eight Communications eight_communication Milestone Creative Australia milestonecreativeaus ZADRO zadro_agency Progressive PR & Communications progressivepr BLACK Communications blackcommunications Best AV or staging Audio Visual Dynamics audiovisualdynamics NW Group nw_group_australasia Megadeck Staging Systems megadeck_staging Audio Visual Events audiovisualevents AV1 av1_australia “Very thorough and knowledgeable, able to pull off small and large shows without hassle.” AV1 Best fireworks, lighting or visual effects Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics Displays howardsfireworks Foti Fireworks fotifireworks Show FX showfxaustralia Fireworks Australia fireworksaustralia Xplosive Art xplosiveartfireworks Audio Visual Events Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics Displays Milestone Creative Australia 20 Spice Spring 2022 Hot 100

We bring your event ideas to life. Backdrops, props, decor and more. eventsfantastic.com.au 1800 737 037 ™ Gold Coast Based Australia Wide Delivery Backdrops Fantastic | Modular Backdrops | Light Up Letters From worthexperiencesLet'sandstory,youdécorgatheringstocorporatelargeeventsintimateourwillhelpcelebrateyourachievementsmilestones.createeventsharing.

However, the investment into the virtual was a good learning curve for events organisers. Going forward, rather than move away from these technologies, EventsAir global sales and marketing director Joe Ciliberto says they will continue to be a source of innovation for forward-thinking organisations and should be embraced.

costs and manpower while maintaining the skillsets to deliver an experience that allows online and remote participants to feel as involved.

Thanks to the prevalence of streaming and cloud services in their daily entertainment, audiences now expect “bingeable”, on-demand and perpetual access to content, and it will be important that event technologies preserve not only the content of the event, but also the experience.

The new frontiers of event tech

“The sustainableandapproachhybridwillcontinuetobecriticalinensuringyoukeepcontentaccessiblemeetyouraudience’sexpectationsbothonaandfinancialfront.”

“For example, the hybrid approach will continue to be critical in ensuring you keep content accessible and meet your audience’s expectations both on a sustainable and financial front.”

“Don’t be afraid of the future of event tech. Use it to increase content accessibility, enable higher participation and engagement, and increase the ROI on your event,” Ciliberto says.

Meanwhile, virtual attendees at another event were able to provide direct “reactions” feedback to the speaker via a virtual display. This was live and allowed the speaker to proverbially “read the room,” as they presented.

22 Spice Spring 2022 Technology

“This is what EventsAir aims to deliver through a singular platform that can handle anything from check-ins and QR codes for those attending inperson, to those consuming the content via mobile or online.”

“It’s always exciting when seemingly small elements create a lasting memory, as was the case with an event using QR codes on decals throughout the exhibition which when scanned through an app, triggered an augmented reality experience,” Schlueter says.

Joe Ciliberto

After years of helping organisations navigate disruption, event tech now promises a wave of strategic opportunity, Matthew Sainsbury writes.

he appetite to return to in-person events demonstrates just how important presence is to shaping human interactions. Events over the past three years have demonstrated that virtual events are possible, and can indeed be highly effective, but nonetheless we do want to go back to meeting people in person where possible.

The innovations happening around hybrid delivery will eventually lead the forward-thinking events organisers to the metaverse. As Sprintr director of business and innovation, Chris Schlueter, says, events are already experimenting with augmented reality to enhance the experience.

However, delivering the hybrid and modern approach to content has its challenges. Events need to find ways to utilise technology to reduce

Stepping stones to the metaverse

US-based tech research and consulting firm, Gartner predicts that by 2026, one-in-four people will spend at least one hour per day in the metaverse. These learnings that Schlueter 

“When workers arrive on time and do a good job, they get access to instant payment at the end of their shift to reward them for their work.”

“This is on top of the smaller, practical ways that events are now able to reduce their carbon footprint through technology,” Vowell adds.

platform leverages AI and Empathic Intelligence to ensure the entire recruiting, hiring, and management process is efficient and unbiased.

Now, however, those technology investments have become a strategic opportunity. Events organisers that continue to build on their foundations and look for opportunities to innovate will find that event tech is set to explode in the coming years and provide unprecedented value to events of all scales. n

mentions – the ability to provide rich digital media experiences and an authentic “presence” for virtual attendees – will directly feed into the metaverse experiences as they emerge.

“The helpinstridesenormousmadevirtualeventcapabilitiesreducetheper-attendeeimpactofeventsandopensthemuptothoseworkinginremoteareas.”

In Chatfield’s view, the key to attracting top talent is to not only embrace flexibility, but also be seen as an employer that pays quickly and rewards good work. This is what the Jitjatjo platform for ondemand hospitality staffing focuses on enabling, he“Oursays.

“Additionally, paperless events have become the norm as clients and attendees alike have become more comfortable with apps being an essential part of every event.”

“It has become abundantly clear that employers need to rethink how they handle and interact with their workforce. Employees no longer simply want flexibility, they demand it,” Chatfield says. “If employers want to be successful going forward, they need to accept this reality, create policies, and invest in technology that allows for it.”

Meanwhile, all the data being generated by these digital applications is going to assist events organisers to better understand their audiences and plan better events, Schlueter adds.

24 Spice Spring 2022 Technology

As far as event technology is concerned, the past three years have been a story of accelerated innovation. The challenging conditions of the market meant that organisations needed to undergo years of transformation in a matter of months. That was reactionary, however, and an effort to adapt to global disruption.

Putting sustainability at the core Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” in events. People are more aware than ever of humanity’s impact on the planet and the expectation is there that the activities they participate in are equally cognizant of that.

“The enormous strides made in virtual event capabilities help reduce the per-attendee impact of events and opens them up to those working in remote areas where travel to a particular hub might be costly and inefficient.

“We have developed a reporting tool called HERO that allows our customers to view their meetings and events data all on one easy dashboard including tracking the environmental impact of their program,” Vowell says.

Bottom left: Implementing event apps in the right way can cover all areas of an event from ticketing and contactless check-in, right through to post event reporting.

This is something that Huddle has been focused on using technology to address, the company’s director of operations, Rod Vowell, says.

On the event management side, this ability to track environmental impact right down to an individual level also means that the overall impact of the entire event can be tracked and reported on. This is a critical step in being able to measure and take steps to set and meet sustainability goals.

“We’ve come a long way from an event app simply being a repository for an agenda.” “Implementing this in the right way can cover all areas of an event from ticketing, contactless checkin, content streaming, in-door navigation and lead capture, to heat maps and the all-important post event reporting which can be digital gold when planning next year’s event.”

Above: Gartner research predicts that by 2026, one-in-four people will spend at least one hour per day in the metaverse.

Rod Vowell

Addressing the drastic skills shortage Technology innovation is also helping organisers beyond the attendee experience and sustainability. The unemployment rate in Australia is just 3.4 per cent – an almost unprecedented low – and this is disproportionately affecting businesses in the venue, events and hospitality spaces. Finding good employees in this environment requires innovative thinking, Jitjatjo co-founder and chief executive officer, Tim Chatfield, says.

Myth #3

MYTH 2

Myth #2

helpMultilingualandcommunitymarket-leadingaudiencematchmakingperson-to-objectsoftware,includingengagementtoolsandplatformsforyourtomeet,connectdobusinessyear-round.softwarecanevenbridgelanguagebarriers.

Myth #1

there. But Sprintr does. The team will discover which technology solutions work best for you, then implement and manage them, so you don’t have to. hello@sprintr.com.auwww.sprintr.com.au

It’s too hard and expensive

Hybrid is here to stay. Events have engaged a larger national, and in some cases international, footprint and diversified revenue streams by servicing greater numbers. But some organisers are still hesitant and missing out on untapped potential. Event technology expert Sprintr sheds light on the biggest myths across the industry.

If you plan to have a hybrid event from the get-go, the process is much simpler and can be worked into your overall event budget. With the right team supporting you, a digital element to your event can be as simple as downloading and using an app or installing software so all your event communications can be streamlined.

MYTH 3

Creating engaging experiences in a digital and hybrid setting pays major dividends for the virtual attendee experience and it’s not that hard. It’s all about creating the same positive experiences as soon as digital delegates “step through the door”. Use technology to interact and connect your digital audience to your content with live Q&As, emcees, polls, virtual breakout rooms and games.

How are you feeling today in one word?

You can’t create an engaging digital experience

First, Sprintr revolutionised registration, now its sights are set on facilitating easy and innovative event experiences with great event technology. Event organisers don’t have the time to uncover the detail of every new and innovative solution out

Technology isn’t smart enough

spicenews.com.au 25 Advertorial

Sprintr - Curators of great event tech

Curators ofgreat event tech

49 responses MYTH 1

Hybrid event debunkedmyths

We’re beyond simple chat functions and one online meeting room. Virtual event technology can utilise

The overarching purpose of this investment by large venues is to build differentiation. Creating truly memorable events means giving attendees something they can’t experience elsewhere, according to CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park's in-house event staging manager, Corey Bulley of MicroHire.

“Through the pandemic, we invested $46 million into the new Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. As part of that in the tech overlay, we’ve got a giant, modular screen that can be transformed or configured in any way possible,”Australian Turf Club (ATC) executive general manager, Melinda Madigan, says.“It’s already being considered for a major film premiere next year. This is because of the flexibility that technology can add to the venue.”

“The Australian Turf Club is investing significantly into bringing our own in-house tech capability, to make sure we’re delivering the highest standard of customer service with a one-stop solution featuring state-of-the-art technology, from AV to production and broadcast,” she says.

rom heat maps to wayfinding, increasing sophistication around virtual attendance and mixed reality media, the role of technology within events continues to evolve – and rapidly.

“We’ve even invested $20 million into our own new bespoke on-site broadcast hub, which gives us the opportunity for potential partners to capture and distribute event content worldwide.”

26 Spice Spring 2022 Mega venues

It started as a series of investments to deliver resilience through the severe disruption of recent years, but it has left leading events spaces with an appetite for technology and the memorable experiences that it can deliver.

Naturally, much of the technology investment in recent years has been focused on building platforms for the virtual delivery of content. While it will be important to continue to provide the opportunity to broadcast and service remote attendees, Madigan says the appetite to return to face-to-face events is extreme, and the goal now needs to be to ensure a smooth event in which attendees can feel comfortable and safe. 

For AIME 2022, this included utilising the venue’s 15 metre-wide, 700-kilogram LED walls, plus working with in-house rigging experts, ShowTech, to suspend a grand piano and aerial performers metres in the air. It was an event that attendees were certainly not going to forget in a “Incorporatedhurry.into their act we had a large, portrait, LED wall that showed the branding of the event,” Bulley says.“Once the aerialist dropped out of the ceiling, they interacted with the LED wall, where they knocked on it and it turned into two large doors which parted into the second half of the room.”

Bringing the capabilities of delivering these hightech, differentiated experiences in-house is another trend that has been key to venues unlocking the value of their technology investments, ATC’s Madigan says.

Leading mega venues are investing big in the latest event technology and tapping into its power to create cutting-edge, memorable experiences, Matthew Sainsbury writes.

Creating memorable experiences Bulley’s team recently helped clients, including the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), SportNXT, Committee for Melbourne and Destination Australia, create awe-inspiring encounters for thousands of guests.

Mega venues and technology

The appetite for in-person returns

“Great events are created by asking ‘what’s your vision?’, and not ‘what do you need?’”, he says.“Are you out to entertain your attendees? Do you want them walking away saying this is hands down the best event I’ve been to? Then we get creative.”

Above: CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park.

MAKE CENTREPIECE YOUR MASTERPIECE WITH HOST YOUR NEXT ICONIC EVENT AT MELBOURNE’S MOST SURPRISING AND VERSATILE VENUE sales@mopt.vic.gov.au | www.centrepiecemelbourne.com.au AVPRODUCTIONWORLD-CLASS&CAPABILITIES OPERATIONSEXPERIENCEDGLOBALLYTEAMEVENTENDLESSLYFLEXIBLESPACES

“We were the only sporting event to continue globally throughout COVID-19, and one of the things that enabled that was the use of technology,” Madigan says.“We were doing infrared screening and had all the tools that were required to make sure that our race days were COVID safe. Then we were the first in market to take that into the non-race day event space, so that when meetings and events started to come back, we were already well established to deliver to the expectations of the ‘new normal.’”

28 Spice Spring 2022 Mega venues

“For those first 30 seconds of showtime, where you see people walk in the room and their eyes light up, their smiles – it’s why we do it.”

As mega venues invested big in technology to bring resilience to the business and allow operations to continue as normal, one of the big questions over the last few years has been what happens as life returns to normal? Would the appetite to invest in technology continue and where would it be directed?

The answer is that the accelerated transformation has provided a platform for further differentiation and deeper experiences, and in the years to come, we’re going to see some incredible innovation in the events that we attend. n

2 Personalisation – Through the use of the cloud, and technologies such as wayfinding and IoT sensors, it’s going to be possible for an event to guide every attendee to what they want to see and experience, on their own terms.

It meant a massive number of people with high bandwidth requirements looking for a seamless and stable experience simultaneously, and for a hobby where highly visual media is the norm, the space itself needed to look and feel appropriate. Bulley says CENTREPIECE’s design, including its soaring 8-metre-high ceilings and customisable spaces, allowed for “weird and wonderful” ideas to be brought to life.

To meet the global expectation for hybrid and online events, CENTREPIECE has factored in things like videoconferencing platforms that can be overlayed with a brand or title and for presenters to be beamed in (or out) in real scale, too.

At the recent DreamHack Melbourne festival, the gaming community came together at CENTREPIECE. The space was transformed to accommodate an influx of people, their computers (it was a bring-your-own-computer event) and a range of tech and connectivity requirements.

innovationseventFivetechtowatch

Virtual reality – The ability to put on a pair of goggles and become immersed in a completely different world will allow us to move beyond the venue and take attendees into the past, future, and anywhere on earth or even in space.

“For those first 30 seconds of showtime, where you see people walk in the room and their eyes light up, their smiles – it’s why we do it.”

3 Digital swag bags – Everyone likes free stuff, but swag bags are a sustainability issue. Technology will come to the rescue with digital “bags” of goodies that are just as good as the physical equivalent.

Corey Bulley

The Winx Stand at ATC.

Showcasing modern events

MicroHire team at work.

“With the tech world constantly evolving, our aim is to keep up with it and use CENTREPIECE as a venue to showcase what’s out there,” Bulley says.

5 The Metaverse – Currently events are being livestreamed to those that cannot attend in person. Soon, that will be replaced with a duplicate, digital creation in the Metaverse, allowing attendees to participate as though they are there.

“You have all this opportunity to activate this space. Smaller venues are still using the same technology – but it’s scaled down and what they can do to create that point of difference is minimal in comparison,” he says.

4 Crowdsourcing of content – So much incredible content happens via social media posts and reactions at events. Event venues are going to start to find much more sophisticated ways of capturing and using this data in real time.

For the latest event industry news, subscribe to the Spice newsletter.

Event yourstraightnewstoinbox

Pacific Aviation Consulting

For now, airlines are fortunate to have a lot of people that demand their service, which is a blessing that has been able to compensate for the large number of challenges they face.

If current domestic schedules – which are always changing to adapt to the challenges we’ve already noted – are to be believed, the current six-month period up to 31 Dec 2022 will see only -3.6 percent fewer seats flown than in the same six-month period ending Dec 2019.

The following six months after New Year’s is looking much better though, with a stonking 9.2 percent leap in seats – that’s an increase of 3.6 million seats! Or, 19,820 more seats available in the domestic market, each day – and that’s before Bonza adds its schedules into the market. Put another way, that’s about 106 more Jetstar aircraft flying each day.

Airlines have had trouble rebuilding their flight services to what they were and getting ‘matchready’ for the deluge of consumers that want to travel. That’s a great problem to have. What hasn’t been helpful is the higher cost of fuel (and a great number of other input prices going up), a competitive jobs market, and an ongoing array of new and everyday challenges that arise (footand-mouth disease to name just one).

Airline demand and the MICE industry Ailevon director of global markets and aviation expert, Matthew Findlay, shares what the next few years will bring from our aviation friends.

t this current point in time in the recovery post COVID-19, aviation’s leading organisations have been in the news regularly, and not always for the right reasons in their view.

PCOA22 featured speaker,

Australia is not much different to some other markets today. What is dragging, is the connectivity between domestic markets, across borders. International flight capacity has lagged,

30 Spice Spring 2022 Opinion

Flights to your event destination, at affordable prices is an enabler and a powerful tool for airlines to profit from. So, what do you share with them? And how often?

Join us at PCOA22 in Hobart for the latest update from Matthew pcoaconference.com.auFindlay!

M: 0435 103 912

MICE occasions create that demand – and typically at a premium, as participants are required to arrive or depart at specific times, which drives airline revenues. In the MICE industry, knowing your schedules, and being able to advise airlines in partnership with your destination marketing team or economic development agency, not only enables greater volumes of consumers to potentially attend, but also at more competitive prices.

as travel barriers have inhibited airlines returning schedules to what they were. Our connectivity to other markets is still down by -22.6 percent for the six months ending 30 June 2023. However, with demand from consumers, airlines place flight schedules back into focus.

spicenews.com.au 31 Opinion

Maxine Tod Director Business Partnerships

PCO Association

E: maxine@pco.asn.au

Make event (and business) purchasing decisions that align with your values. For Mums & Co, which represents 345,000 business owning women across Australia, that means partnering with and procuring from female owned businesses, Aboriginal owned enterprises and regional suppliers. Whatever your business or brand, show how you care by delivering an event that represents your values.

Carrie Kwan

oryour“Whateverbusinessbrand,showhowyoucarebydeliveringaneventthatrepresentsyourvalues”

4 Harmonise

5 Embrace hybrid

Five ways to make your event more engaging

1Empower ambition

3 Delight people

Top: Be MPowered by Mums & Co 2021 event.

Hosting or adding an event to your business and day-to-day activities is a big step. Find a good technology solution that integrates well with your other platforms. Engage a professional who can spot risks allowing you to focus on the outcomes and the experience of your delegates. Focus on the user experience and pay attention to way-finding, digital and physical. Blend pre-recorded and live speakers and embrace multiple locations to create a show that can go on empowering ambition, deeply collectively caring and delighting people.

The event manager’s dream is a full house. Working back from this goal, consider your audience’s needs and remove any blockers. As a community of mothers, our audience’s needs are flexibility and family friendly, which is why our Be MPowered conference starts after school drop-off and finishes before pickup. While that solves the time problem, money can be another issue – business owners always have competing financial demands! Apply principles of human centred design to empower the ambition of your audience and make it easy for them to attend.

32 Spice Spring 2022 Tips

Photo credit: Hipster Mum

Mums & Co is a digital community designed to support business owning mothers. Co-founder Carrie Kwan regularly hosts in-person and online member events, including the annual national hybrid conference ‘Be MPowered’. She shares her tips for delivering engaging events.

Often the best thing about in-person events is the spontaneous moments of delight. This can be more challenging when hosting an online or hybrid event, so increase your chances for ‘digital serendipity’. Creating purposeful micromoments can facilitate genuine connection and encourage ways to interact. Some of my favourites include pre-event introductions such as using the online chat available in most video conferencing platforms. Invite your audience to participate in ice breakers and utilise dynamic

The fourth annual Be MPowered by Mums & Co returns as a hybrid event on 13 October 2022. n

2 Deeply collectively care

real-time feedback loops like Menti. Continue the delight with well thought out follow-up communications and gifts that further build relationships between your event and delegates.

We’re accustomed to thinking about physical and audio accessibility, and now we’re blending more requirements of diversity and demographics into our events. Given 12 percent of business owning women are living with a disability, 30 percent are migrants and 33 percent live in rural and regional areas, it’s vital we’re attune to these nuances. It changes things like timing (our conference takes place in early October before the agricultural harvest begins), website accessibility for those that are visually impaired, and exploring ways to include a more culturally and linguistically diverse experience for migrant groups.

GET WRAPPED UP W MELBOURNE PRESENTS From the ultimate dinner in the Great Room to a poolside cocktail party at WET, W Melbourne’s unique spaces and venues set the stage for epic end-of-year celebrations. Cocktail party packages start from $88 per person or from $117 per person for a sit down soiree, and all of our beverage packages include a festive cocktail on arrival. Book your Get Wrapped Up event at T&C’s:wmelbourne.com.Subjecttoavailability,minimum spends, venue hire fees, AV hire fees and event contract terms apply.

Event management has its risks, perhaps not up there with tightrope walking (though it may feel that way sometimes), but they are real! Do your contracts - with your client, attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, suppliers and venuesproperly protect you? Event law specialist Matt Crouch from Matt Crouch

If you provide event management services to clients, what “model” of client contract do you have? The defining feature is the basis on which you will engage with third parties such as attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, venues and other suppliers. Do you “just” provide advice and the client enters into all those third-party contracts? Do you sign third-party contracts as agent for your client? Or do you sign as a principal, in your own name? Your client contract must reflect one of these three models. For example, if you are going to sign as agent for your client, you will need appropriate authority and much more.

The one thing you should never do, is guarantee or promise financial success, or levels of revenue. Never promise outcomes, financial or otherwise. The event is your client’s business venture and it’s your client that should carry that risk of losses.

Ensure you have the right contract “model” if you are an event manager in private practice

Five things to consider for your events contract (so you can get a good night’s sleep)

Fixed fees and hourly rates usually reflect the commercial value of your professional skills and volume of work needed to do your job. On the other hand, if your fees depend on the number of attendees, or the “profit” generated by the event, you are, to some extent, underwriting the event. If the event is unsuccessful, you may end up being paid a lot less than the commercial value of your services – despite all your good work! We humans are afflicted with an illusion of control! Many things can interfere with the success of an event. Haven’t we seen that, big-time, over the past few years?

Your fees: Beware underwriting the event

Legal shares five of the most important things your contracts need to address.

34 Spice Spring 2022 Tips

Specify the goods and services you supply

Limit your liability

Get all of these things properly written in your contracts, and you are well on your way to a good night’s sleep!

3 4 5 spicenews.com.au 35 Tips

“Get all of these things properly written in your contracts, and you are well on your way to a good night’s sleep!”

Matt Crouch

Your contracts are the best place to limit your exposure to legal liability – ideally, to a sum less than your insurance cover. Make sure that you have a bespoke limitation of liability clause written by your lawyer! No two event managers operate identically, so never borrow from a colleague or just copy your contract from the internet!

Include proper cancellation, postponement… and Force Majeure clauses

When you specify your services, be accurate and thorough, describing exactly what you will do and when, allowing plenty of time to complete milestones. If you say you will do “x, y and z”, ask yourself whether your client might assume that you will also do “a, b and c.” It can be just as important to specify what you will not be doing (for the agreed fee) as it is to accurately describe what you will be doing.

Event contracts need to consider these possibilities and their consequences. Are there cancellation fees, will refunds be provided, and will you be paid for the additional work that cancellation or postponement necessitates?

Events get cancelled, postponed and even changed to virtual – sometimes because of "Force Majeure" circumstances and sometimes for commercial reasons.

36 Spice Spring 2022 Case

As anyone in the industry knows, it seems that every day there’s a new concept or solution for navigating current challenges such as labour shortages, COVID outbreaks and event reschedules, and as a result, the trends, insights and learnings that come along with this are constantly changing. The team pulled out all the stops to make sure the content shared resonated with the current state of the events industry.

The industry came together at the Sydney Masonic Centre on 28 July to explore the boutique exhibition and hear from some of the industry's leading experts on a range of topics.

The brief

Like many events during the pandemic, Events Uncovered 2020 pivoted to a hybrid style. While we have been fortunate to hold the event at all during that time, it still wasn’t the Events Uncovered that our guests have known and loved over the last seven years, and we wanted to make sure that it was back with a bang for 2022.

The unique and intriguing SMC was the perfect location for this event and offered guests to experience one of Sydney’s most unique and intriguing spaces.

Brass band from Musicland. study

The brief was simple – to create a unique, boutique event for Sydney’s most experienced, reputable and knowledgeable event professionals. No pressure, right?

Attendees explored the exhibition before heading into the Grand Lodge to learn from some of the industry’s leading experts on a range of topics including technology, sustainability, mental wellbeing, case studies, an industry update and much more.

The challenges

aking place in-person at the Sydney Masonic Centre (SMC) in the heart of the city, Events Uncovered welcomed events professionals to discover the latest innovations, products and services across a range of industry sectors.

Events Uncovered 2022

The event

There’s nothing quite like creating an industry event where the guests themselves are experts at creating incredible events. You can’t rely on a simple canapé style menu or floral arrangements to impress. Instead, a well-crafted program, carefully curated exhibitors and a finger-on-the-pulse is what is required to deliver an event that inspires.

Spice Knowledge Sessions.

As the day drew to a close, the party lights were switched on for the Wrap Party in the stunning Marble Foyer where guests enjoyed bubbles and a giant cheese platter created by the SMC chefs that took centre stage.

Images courtesyareof Photographics.Oneill

Meanwhile, the Spice Knowledge sessions kicked off in the Grand Lodge, a room steeped in history and a little mystery. Guests were inspired from the get-go with a keynote address delivered by Bambuddha Group chief executive officer, Anna Shepherd, on creating events that are kind for people and planet. This theme wove throughout the program with conversations on creating events with a conscious and celebrating and embracing indigenous culture within events, inspiring attendees to embrace ethical and sustainable event delivery.

Roving entertainers from Musicland.

Wrap party in the Marble Foyer.

The exhibition was held in the Banquet Hall, which hosted a range of exhibitors including Kubarz, Media Wall, Rentertainment and Venues NSW. Guests were able to explore the exhibition and check out the latest trends in catering, technology, staging, venues and merch while sipping on complimentary espresso martinis, courtesy of SMC.

Musicland entertained with live painting, acrobats, DJs and a surprise brass band that made its way through the crowd, while the expert glam team at One Tribe’s make up activation offered touch-ups to ensure that everyone could let their hair down in style.

spicenews.com.au 37 Case study

Events Uncovered Exhibition.

An amazing day all-round, Events Uncovered reaffirmed the message that events indeed are Better Together.

The results

Overall, the return of Events Uncovered was truly a success and we can’t wait to do it all over again in 2023!

Save the date: Events Uncovered will return to SMC on Thursday 10 August 2023. n

With overwhelmingly positive feedback, attendees commented on their elation to connect with one another and explore the exhibition in one of Sydney’s most fascinating venues. The content of the Spice Knowledge sessions resonated with attendees, with comments praising the commitment to produce content that is informative with a focus on sustainability and ethics.

Highlights and special NT experiences

Why the NT?

ICMSA owner and managing director, Emma Bowyer said: “The decision to take the entire ICMS Australasia team to Alice Springs as both a reward and professional development trip was not made lightly. The experiences and opportunities we have now all shared together will stay with us forever. A truly unique and quintessential Australian destination, aligning perfectly with our own corporate value compass.” n

The ICMSA group engaged in several CSR activities while in Alice Springs. These included a dot painting workshop hosted by Ayeye Atyenhe Art, an art collective supporting Aboriginal artists from around the Northern Territory. Another activity was a bush balm-making workshop at the Aboriginalowned Alice Springs-based social enterprise known as The Purple House, which provides kidney dialysis services for Aboriginal patients.

Emma Bowyer receives an original artwork that was created for ICMSA as part of the dot-painting workshop.

Case study

38 Spice Spring 2022

The ICMSA team embraced the ‘Priscilla’ theme at The Old Quarry in Alice Springs for their final night dinner.

Event name: ICMS Australasia –Staff ConferenceDevelopmentProfessional2022

The diverse activities included an early morning hot air balloon ride over the desert landscape, which drew ‘rave’ comments from attendees. Alice Springs Desert Park provided a meeting venue for one of the workshop sessions and included a private viewing of the Park’s renowned bird show and guided tour. The final day’s featured activity was a camel ride across the desert, before delegates departed the NT.

Destination: Alice NorthernSprings,Territory

The most memorable aspect of the entire event was deemed to be the Gala Dinner staged at The Old Quarry, an outdoor venue approximately 20 minutes from town. With delegates fully embracing the ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’ theme, the venue impressed with its sheer rock walls and stunning sunset views, as well as the fine food and wine catered by the Alice Springs Convention Centre.

About the event

ICMSA visits Australia’s heartland

ICMS Australasia (ICMSA) is Australia’s oldest Professional Conference Organiser, having been in operation for 56 years. The annual ICMS Australasia Staff Professional Development Conference gathers together the company’s entire team from its Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne offices.

ICMSA indicated that the destination had definitely contributed to the event’s success. The nature of Alice Springs and the variety of things to see and do in the region enabled business sessions to be blended with a wide range of experiences that simply could not be undertaken anywhere else.

Venue: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs, Alice Springs DesertCentre,ConventionAliceSpringsPark

Quick facts

This year, the PCO chose Alice Springs as the location of its annual conference, bringing its teams together to connect and learn amidst the striking Northern Territory landscape.

Feedback

With the conference theme being “Reconnecting in Australia’s heartland”, Alice Springs was selected as the host destination due to its geographic location in the heart of Australia.

T&C

Voucher claimed once event materialized and account paid / settle in full

Book an event at Ovolo The Valley or The Inchcolm By Ovolo and receive a Gi Card up to the value of $500*.

Event Full... vent. FulE .l Let’s Get Intimate

Incentive

Valid for all social events / wedding / C&E events

Voucher not transferable for cash

Blackout dates apply

Stay.inchcolm@ovolothotels.com

Spend $10,000.00+ per contracted event at any Ovolo Hotel throughout Brisbane and receive $500 Ovolo Gi Card

Valid for new & pending hotel enquiries for all AU hotels

Spend $5,000.00+ per contracted event at any Ovolo Hotel throughout Brisbane and receive $250 Ovolo Gi Card

Event booking window till 1 Nov – 30 September 2022 for materialise events

Stay.thevalley@ovolohotels.com

Spend $2,500.00+ per contracted event at any Ovolo Hotel throughout Brisbane and receive $100 Ovolo Gi Card

Simpsons Gap, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park

The Northern Territory offers a multi-sensory experience that transcends the physical and connects you to the land, the ancient culture and the people. We are a destination that empowers delegates to reconnect to what matters. ntbusinessevents.com.au

Supported

connectedFeel

Guided cultural tour in Kakadu

While it may not have a major dedicated convention centre, Rockhampton packs a punch when it comes to the variety of venue options, including some surprising ones you may not have expected.

Located in Central Queensland at the heart of the Fitzroy Basin, this riverside city has so much to explore and experience. From unique modern and historic venues throughout the revitalised Riverside Precinct to immersive cultural and nature experiences in Mount Archer National Park, there’s plenty here to enrich any type of event.

Add to this the award-winning accommodation, world-class dining, stateof-the-art facilities and a talented and collaborative community of events professionals, and you’ll soon understand why ‘Rocky’ is leading the way when it comes to meetings, events, conferences and incentives in the region.

Whatever you think you might know about Rocky, leave it at the door and prepare to be surprised and impressed by the quality and choice on offer. By Lana Bogunovich RegionalRockhamptoncredit:Council.

A host of extraordinary venues

The centrepiece of the region’s performing arts and entertainment, Pilbeam Theatre provides an elegant backdrop for performances and private events in its modern proscenium arch auditorium, with seating capacity for 972. The venue includes a bar, foyer and mezzanine level alongside several outdoor spaces which can also be utilised for pre- or post-event drinks.

Remarkable Rockhampton

Nearby, the recently refreshed Mercure Rockhampton has one of the largest conference spaces in the city centre. There are six versatile spaces on offer including Parklane (70 pax) which has its own bar, and the largest, Archer – a flexible, theatre-style function area that can host up to 150 delegates or be subdivided into three smaller rooms.

Images

hile it may be known for its ‘Beef City’ status, Rockhampton, home of the Darumbal people, is a progressive and creative destination with so much on offer for meetings, events, conferences and incentives.

One of the most exciting dining and event destinations in the city is Headricks Lane, comprising a café, bar, restaurant, microbrewery, a private dining room, and an incredible events space upstairs. With its exposed brick walls and arched windows, this gorgeous space lends itself perfectly to elegant dinners, cocktail functions and presentations. 

42 Spice Spring 2022 Destination

Take advantage of the warm, sub-tropical climate and host an event within the lush paradise of Rockhampton Botanic Gardens. This heritage-listed park has several outdoor spaces including a stunning courtyard sheltered by a canopy of giant 150-year-old Banyan fig trees, ideal for long-table dinners.

spicenews.com.au 43 Destination

Nurim Circuit elevated treetop walk in Mount Archer National Park.

Superbly located in the heart of the CBD and Riverside Precinct, Empire Apartment Hotel is a multi-award-winning 4.5-star hotel. As the city’s largest hotel, it offers 120 spaciously appointed studio, and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, all with balconies or ground floor courtyard with city or river views. There’s also 24-hour reception, a gym and outdoor pool, three onsite dining options and a modern conference space for up to 120 pax.

With a history spanning 160 years, the Great Western Hotel is one of Rockie’s most popular visitor destinations thanks to its cowboy culture, exciting atmosphere and rodeo events. The Arena hosts several professional bull riding events throughout the year and business events can get in on the action with corporate VIP and group bookings as well as the option of a dedicated rodeo for large groups of 500 or more. With capacity for up to 2,500 patrons, the Arena offers a range of seating configurations for events of all styles and sizes.

Darumbal cultural performance.

Rockhampton riverfront.

Larger events such as trade fairs, expos and conferences will be well catered to at the Rockhampton Showgrounds. Offering close to 20 indoor and outdoor spaces across a combined 117,775 square metres, this multi-purpose venue is Rockhampton’s largest and hosts some of the region’s biggest events, including Beef Australia.

Where to stay

Riverside Precinct Highlights

44 Spice Spring 2022 Destination

Quay Street is the longest heritage listed street in Australia and alongside its bustling cafes, pubs and restaurants, is Queensland’s largest regional collection of heritage buildings. Among this is the landmark Customs House, a beautifully preserved historic building complete with columned portico and enormous copper dome. Underneath the dome is a charming event space which can accommodate 80 people seated or up to 120 cocktail style, while the ground floor has two smaller spaces for meetings and breakout sessions.

With its heritage-listed buildings and tree-lined sandstone boulevard running alongside Fitzroy River, Riverside Precinct is one of the most charming spots in the city.

Across from the gallery, Boathouse is a premium waterfront restaurant and event venue boasting one of the most enviable locations in the city. Perched right over the riverbank, this stunning indoor-outdoor venue features an expansive 140-square-metre deck with sprawling views across the river, ideal for alfresco sunset soirees. Combined, the indoor dining room and deck can host up to 200 seated or 300 standing, with the option of being hired separately. On the menu you’ll find fresh, seasonal dishes that celebrate local ingredients, with a range of catering options that can be tailored to your event.

Next door to this old beauty is a new and modern one – the newly opened Rockhampton Museum of Art. As the largest art gallery in regional Queensland, it houses a significant collection of historic and modern art and offers several versatile spaces which can accommodate meetings and workshops for 12 right through to gala dinners and cocktail functions for up to 250. A standout feature is the floor-to-ceiling glass, bathing The Foyer, Long Gallery and The Deck in an abundance of natural light and affording great views over the precinct. Catering is also available from the onsite café, Hummingbird.

“Rockhampton packs a punch when it comes to the variety of venue options, including some surprising ones you may not have expected.”

Another notable spot is Riverston Tearooms, loved by locals and visitors alike for its decadent high teas and incredible pastries and desserts.



spicenews.com.au 45 Destination

Rockhampton Museum of Art.

View from the Fitzroy River with Empire Apartment Hotel to the left and Neville Hewitt Bridge ahead.

Step back in time with a tour of Rockhampton Heritage Village and get a feel for what life was like between 1850 and 1950. Set across 11 hectares, this historic little village features an incredible display of vintage cars, cottages, artefacts and real live farm animals, as well as charming event spaces like The Australian Shearing Shed, which can accommodate up to 500.

Pop-Up Polo

A major highlight on Rocky’s special events calendar is the hugely popular annual Rockhampton Jaguar Land Rover Pop-Up Polo, which attracts more than 2,000 spectators.

Aside from being a day of fun and fabulous fashion, it’s an incredible showcase of Rockhampton’s events capabilities and testament to the talent, professionalism and collaboration of its organisers and suppliers in putting on a major event of this calibre.

46 Spice Spring 2022 Destination

“The local Darumbal people and elders are proud to share their culture and offer unique On Country experiences.”

Visit the meerkat enclosure at Rockhampton Zoo for an unforgettable animal encounter with the six resident meerkats. This friendly and curious mob will hop and skip all over you to get a treat while their keeper tells you all about this fascinating species and the zoo’s conservation work.

For a fun team activity, head to The Whiskey Lounge at CocoBrew Rockhampton for a whiskey tasting – their impressive collection features more than 75 drams from around the world. This swanky lounge is also available for intimate events and there’s also a restaurant, conference room, and boardroom for meetings and private dining.

As the day winds down and the sun begins to set, take your delegates on a river cruise for the ultimate sundowner. River Cruises CQ offers a range of tours including a one-hour Sunset Cruise and after-dark City Lights cruise. Enjoy a beverage and complimentary nibbles as you take in the sights from the Fitzroy River, keeping an eye out for wildlife.

Uniquely Rockie experiences

Invigorate your morning with fresh mountain air and a nature-immersive walk on Mount Archer. Nurim Circuit is a 500-metre-long elevated treetop boardwalk with unbeatable vistas over Rockhampton and beyond. There are several other walking trails throughout the national park as well as an amphitheatre which provides a great spot for group activities likeGiveyoga.your delegates an opportunity to connect with Darumbal Country and its culture. The local Darumbal people and elders are proud to share their culture and offer unique On Country experiences, such as guided tours through significant sites, dreaming stories, and traditional dance and didgeridoo performances, as well as Ceremony Services to enrich any event.

For the ultimate surprise, treat your delegates to a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town centre – have the camera ready because Capricorn Carriage Ride’s strong and stunning Clydesdale horses are a sight to behold. n

Boathouse Rockhampton waterfront venue.

We scour the globe uncovering the latest innovations, so you don’t have to.

With expert knowledge and an abundance of industry experience, Sprintr will match you with the right event technology to get your event up and running fast!

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But we do.

Sprintr has its ﬁnger on the pulse of the very best event tech.

Finding the right solution is a specialist skill.

We’ll help you choose, implement and manage technology solutions for a successful event.

Event organisers don’t have the time to uncover every solution out there.

Curators of great event tech

The success of events today relies on great event technology.

Collaborative and connected

A city in transformation

have further enhanced its capabilities for servicing the sector, making it a future-forward complete convention city.

ver the last ten years, Adelaide has transformed incredibly. From a slew of new hotels, growth industries and infrastructure developments to the redevelopment of its major precincts – including Adelaide Convention Centre –and much more to come, South Australia’s capital city is firmly positioning itself as a leading destination for business

With its collaborative and innovative spirit, this progressive city has set its sights firmly on the future and shows no signs of slowing down, as Lana Bogunovich finds out.

At the heart of the city’s transformation is the multibillion-dollar redevelopment of the Riverbank Precinct. Attracting millions of visitors every year, this dynamic precinct connects the city’s cultural, medical, sporting, education, entertainment and conference centres, with a range of hotels and restaurants right at its doorstep.

With the most well-connected business, events and entertainment precinct in the country, Adelaide lends itself extremely well to business events and the extraordinary amount of recent developments

Adelaide

Consistentlyevents.recognised as one of the world’s most liveable cities and bordered by 760 hectares of parkland, Adelaide is clean, green, walkable and accessible. The airport is just a ten-minute drive from the CBD, allowing for one of the quickest transfers in the world, while most business and leisure precincts are within easy walking distance of one another. Event organisers will find planning their events a breeze, while delegates will enjoy the ease and convenience of getting around and exploring the city on foot.

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“Adelaidefootbridge.isasmall city but with big city infrastructure and it’s got everything for presenting a business event – the world-class venues and facilities, entertainment, the social side, it’s clean and green, it’s walkable, and it’s a really safe city,”Adelaide Convention Bureau chief executive officer Damien Kitto says.

It includes the expanded Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Oval, Festival Centre, SkyCity Casino with luxury hotel Eos by SkyCity, and the new BioMed City, with all of these interconnected by walkways and a river

With a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem and new, world-class knowledge precincts, Adelaide is making its mark as a global leader in innovation across a number of industries such as health and life sciences, space, defence, agriculture and many more.

Where to stay

spicenews.com.au 49 Destination

“More times than not, the event will be at Adelaide Convention Centre, then it’s only a five-to10-minute walk to BioMed City or a 15-minute walk to Lot Fourteen where you can meet industry leaders in those districts, tour the spaces and facilities, attend lectures, have meetings and network. It ends up being much more than just presenting a business event in a venue but extending the opportunity to see and experience these technology and innovation districts as well.”

“We’ve always had really smart, creative people and with the innovation districts – particularly with BioMed City and Lot Fourteen – the way we tend to pursue business events, is we align them to our key economic sectors,” Kitto says.

Coupled with Adelaide's collaborative culture and accessibility, these thriving innovation precincts offer business events immense opportunity to tap into some of the best minds in the biz and allow for knowledge exchange to take place beyond the conference room.

Merging local culture with the brand’s signature French art de vivre, this five-star hotel features 251 spacious guestrooms and suites, ultra-chic bars and Garçon Bleu restaurant, functional meeting spaces, exclusive Club Millésime floor, gym and heated indoor swimming pool.

Eos by SkyCity

Crowne Plaza Adelaide

A short distance away in the city’s North Terrace, is the city’s newest innovation precinct – Lot Fourteen. With a focus on the fastest growing industries of the future, including cyber, machine learning, space and defence, it’s here you’ll find the Australian Space Agency alongside world-renowned global companies such as the Institute of Machine Learning and a Stone and Chalk Group managed start-up hub. This newly developed seven-hectare precinct is supported by a $757 million State and Australian Government investment and has several major projects in the works, including Tarrkarri –Centre for First Nations Cultures – a state-of-theart architectural masterpiece which is scheduled to open in 2025.

Sofitel Adelaide

The innovation precincts sparking new ideas and inspiration

This glamourous hotel has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a high-end casino hotel – opulent décor, luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, swish bars and restaurants, luxury spa, and outdoor pool with sprawling views.

Just a short stroll from Adelaide Convention Centre to the West End of the Riverbank, lies the $3.6 billion BioMed City – one of the largest and most significant health and science hubs in the Southern Hemisphere and home to the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).

Designed as a retreat for work and rest, this hotel in the city’s tallest building offers jaw-dropping views from its 329 rooms and suites, thoughtful workspaces, a popular Japanese restaurant, fitness centre and heated rooftop infinity pool with adjoining bar.

Team Adelaide Adelaide prides itself on its unified, collaborative culture and it all starts with the Adelaide Convention Bureau which Kitto says takes a “Team Adelaide” approach with its industry partners when working with event organisers. 

Adelaide Riverbank Precinct.

• Five Regions for an exquisite wine-matched degustation that showcases Adelaide’s wine regions.

“Especially in going through the postCOVID economic recovery, having that trust and credibility in the event delivery service is really important and the event solution can be highly tailored to the needs and requirements of the client. The people here really care and want to deliver a great experience for business delegates coming to Adelaide.”

• Aurora for sustainably sourced, local produce that shines.

Situated on the banks of the River Torrens, Adelaide Convention Centre opened in 1987, making it Australia's first purposebuilt convention centre. In 2017, the Centre completed a major expansion project which added two new buildings, expanding its

“We’re really proud about working together as Team Adelaide – the venues, the hotels, the professional conference organisers, the expo builders, the whole supply chain,” he says.

The Bureau also offers a ‘Conventions Adelaide’ program which features a network of 80 South Australian industry leaders from key sectors who are committed to successful convention programs.

Rooftop drinks at Eos by SkyCity’s Sôl Bar.

From its state-of-the-art Convention Centre to a variety of high-end and unique venues in the heart of the city, Adelaide offers something for any and every type of event.

Where to wine and dine

• 2KW Restaurant & Bar for innovative, seasonally led dishes and rooftop views.

“That’s the beauty of being a small city – we all communicate and work and collaborate together, and nothing is impossible. We really live by that and I think we’re really well known for it.”

“That’s the beauty of being a small city –we all collaborateandcommunicateworkandtogether,andnothingisimpossible.”

Precinct vision of Lot Fourteen in Adelaide’s North Terrace (indicative April 2021). Image courtesy Lot Fourteen.

• Sôl Rooftop for creative cocktails, fresh share platters and stunning sunsets.

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Founded by local husband and wife duo Nick and Sophie Dunstone the midst of the pandemic and launched in February 2021, Light Adelaide is one of the city’s newest and most innovative spaces. Combining technology, hospitality and the performing arts, this not-for-profit organisation was created as a philanthropic venture with the aim of giving the local arts community access to cutting-edge audio-visual technology. Housed within an old 1880s building in the artsy West End precinct, the hub features the highly-acclaimed Aurora restaurant, an outdoor bar and dining area, and The Lab – an immersive performance and events space for up to 150 pax cocktail, featuring a 50-square-metre LED screen. 

Damien Kitto

World-class venues and facilities

Adelaide Convention Centre

overall footprint to 20,000 square metres. In the East Building, the flexible Plenary Hall offers 3,000 square metres of floor space for exhibitions and banquets, or tiered seating for up to 3,500, and can also be sub-divided into more than 15 different configurations. This awe-inspiring space also has a “Starry Night” ceiling panel which features more than 35,000 fibre optic lights, adding a touch of wonder and intrigue to your event. The Centre’s high-end capabilities make it one of the most modern, flexible and technologically advanced centres in the country, while its stunning design, complete with elevated “Skyway” walkway which connects all three buildings, and sprawling river views, make it one of the most beautiful too.

Light Adelaide

• Rich natural lighting

27(08)crowneplazaadelaide.sales@ihg.comadelaide.crowneplaza.com.au70772271FromeSt,AdelaideSA5000 TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR NEXT EVENT

Events at Crowne Plaza Adelaide

vibrant events venue? We have you covered with memorable luncheons in Koomo Restaurant & Bar, with panoramic views over the Adelaide CBD and an Asianfusion curated menu.

• Inspiring outdoor breakout spaces

Your success matters and our dedicated Crowne Meetings Manager is on-hand and ready to make your event exceed

• The latest in AV tech

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

• Energising F&B packages

• Access to our innovative Plaza Workspace

Lookingexpectations.fora

Glide from business to leisure with conferences and events at Crowne Plaza Adelaide. With a dedicated floor for events, Luna10 Bar and Koomo Restaurant, we have a space to suit. Functionality, comfort and innovation define our conference venue in Adelaide.

Upscale Events and Conferences in Adelaide

In November, Light will open two new spaces –a bar overlooking leafy Light Square, and Light Immersive Theatre, offering a fully immersive space amid 150 square meters of LED screens, ideal for any style of event for up to 100 people.

Transport your delegates to the lush gardens of Adelaide Zoo, just north of the CBD. As well as being home to more than 2,500 animals, the zoo has a range of indoor and outdoor spaces, including the Bamboo Forest Pavilion where you can wine and dine up to 250 guests and treat them to a special Giant Panda guest appearance. Other special experiences include a whole zoo takeover at twilight for up to 3,000 guests, special animal encounters and private guided tours. n

Adelaide Oval

• Embark on a whimsical wine adventure inside the d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale.

• Experience memorable wildlife encounters and breath-taking natural scenery on Kangaroo Island.

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The iconic Adelaide Oval is the place to be for an authentically South Australian experience. In

Adelaide Zoo

Offering a luxurious setting, five-star service and exceptional dining, SkyCity Adelaide is the perfect venue for when you want to go all out. Its Level 2 dedicated events floor includes eight versatile spaces, including the SkyCity Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 450 guests seated or 650 standing and features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the River Torrens and bathing the space in natural light.

• Blend your own wine and try a drop from the year of your birth direct from the barrel in the Barossa Valley.

• Discover, explore and be inspired by the future-focused exhibitions at MOD.

SkyCity Adelaide

addition to its cutting-edge facilities, including 25 distinct spaces for up to 3,000 people, the venue stands out with its superb culinary offering, energetic atmosphere and range of unique experiences such as stadium tours, RoofClimb, lighting and ribbon boards, and much more.

Must-do experiences

• Get the adrenalin pumping on top of South Australia’s largest stadium with Roofclimb Adelaide Oval.

Below: Adelaide is clean, green and walkable, with the sporting, festival and convention precincts and BioMed City all interconnected with walkways and a footbridge over the Torrens River.

d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale.

Centralised event reporting HERO provides a centralised location for all your event reporting needs. With easy access to live registration reports, rooming lists and transportation manifests, you will always know exactly what’s happening with each event as it unfolds. Program wide visibility With HERO you can analyse your entire event portfolio at a glance, including spend per attendee, per supplier, and the sustainability score of each event. The reportingstandardgoldforMICEHERO is a cloud-based reporting system designed specifically for meetings and events. Finally - all your meeting and event data in one place! Finally, a reporting tool designed forandmeetingsevents! Sustainability scores for each event HERO helps you set goals, implement meaningful initiatives and track and share your progress towards a sustainable events program. Contact us for a FREE demonstration 1www.huddle-agency.com.auinfo@huddle-agency.com.au800Huddle(483353)

Level 2 of SkyCity Adelaide is our dedicated events floor, ideal for all occasions from glamorous gala dinners, conferences, corporate meetings and special celebrations. Expect the most beautiful and unique creations from our specialty chefs that will have your guests talking as our team transforms locally sourced produce into remarkable dishes.

Immerse yourself in the SkyCity destination, taking advantage of onsite access to luxury five-star accommodation, signature bars and dining, entertainment, pampering and relaxation.

Events at SkyCity scan for more information

Events at SkyCity

Enjoy a seamless technological experience with our high-tech inhouse audio-visual services, enabling you to concentrate on the real meaning of why you are holding your event

NEXT LEVEL EVENTS

Looking for something on the more intimate side? and dine your guests with a small celebration or private dining experience at one of our unique specialty venues, Sean’s Kitchen, Madame Hanoi or Sol Rooftop.

Discover a destination hotel where your every need is considered and experience the extraordinary. Award-winning Eos by SkyCity encompasses the finest in modern hospitality. From 120 opulent rooms & suites, to a unique range of signature experiences and resort style amenities, a new realm of luxury awaits.

Functions at SkyCity

Wine

Eos by SkyCity

Functions at SkyCity scan for more information

scan for more information E: events@skycity.com.au L: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5001 W: https://skycityadelaide.com.au/ P: (08) 8212 2811

most

One of the best things about the city is how accessible and walkable it is, with most of its venues and accommodations a short walking distance to its many wonderful highlights and attractions, allowing delegates to easily explore the city on foot.

Throw in the Queensland hospitality, which is as warm as its weather, and you’ll soon be easing into the laidback vibe of this city by the river, where mixing business with pleasure comes naturally.

Brisbane’s beautiful venues

Brisbane CBD at sunset.

South Bank: Where art, culture and sustainability meet South Bank’s verdant riverside parklands, year-round public events and myriad dining options make it once of the city’s most popular precincts. There are several green spaces that can be hired through council for private events, as well as Flowstate, which features a 300-square-metre open-air pavilion that can be booked for up to 500 people. Surrounded by greenery, this sheltered outdoor setting offers natural light, fresh air and digital capabilities.

Whether it’s a world class convention centre, charming historic theatre or breezy riverside terrace with views for days, Queensland’s sun-soaked capital spoils for choice with venues that set the tone for memorable events, Lana Bogunovich writes.

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riven by a passion for sustainability, creativity, culture and innovation, Brisbane is thriving with opportunities for business events.

In the heart of the precinct is the multi-awardwinning Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC). With innovation and sustainability at its core, the Centre operates at the highest international social and environmental standards and has achieved EarthCheck Platinum Certification. 

Offering the type of world class facilities you’d expect from any modern capital city, Brisbane’s range of meeting spaces and venues are as vast and varied as its precincts, while its subtropical climate lends itself perfectly to alfresco events.

At the top end of South Bank is Brisbane’s cultural precinct, home to Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). These galleries hold more than 19,000 artworks from around the world and host a range of ever-changing exhibitions which set the scene for wow-factor private and corporate events. There are eight event spaces to choose from and whether it’s a cocktail soiree in the Sculpture Courtyard or a lavish dinner for 250 guests in the Watermall, the exceptional in-house catering team will have it covered with a range of menus that celebrate local produce and the beauty of art. Hosting an event here also offers the rare opportunity for guests to view an exhibition after hours.

Three experiencesmust-do

Tap into historic charm

On the other side of the river in the eastern suburb of New Farm is Brisbane Powerhouse – one of the city’s most significant historic and cultural landmarks. This former tram power station has been repurposed into a not-for-profit arts and culture hub and hosts upwards of 1,250 performances, festivals and events every year. Its eclectic indoor and outdoor spaces – complete with heritage-listed graffiti art –break away from the traditional and include two main theatres, galleries, meeting rooms, a rooftop terrace overlooking the river, and the Turbine Platform, which offers 120 square metres of floorspace for up to 175 guests. Opening in October, The Pleasuredome – an enormous sailcloth marquee erected on the lush green Performance Lawn – will offer nearly 400 square metres of canopy space for breezy summer events of up to 350 guests.

2 Get the team together and master the art of gin making by creating your own bespoke gin from a selection of 140 botanicals and mini copper stills at Brisbane Distillery Company.

3 Connect with local Aboriginal culture at Spirits of the Red Sand, an immersive experience where you can step back in time and witness a unique way of life prior to Europe settlement.

Powerhouse.Brisbane

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1See the city from the river with a scenic river cruise or venture to the islands of Moreton Bay. River to Bay offers a range of tours and its highspeed boats can be chartered exclusively for corporate events, incentive experiences and offsite getaways.

It offers 44 modern and versatile meeting and event spaces across seven levels and can accommodate up to 4,000 cocktail in its Exhibition Halls. It is also the only convention centre in the country with a permanent art gallery, boasting more than 50 artworks by Australia’s leading Indigenous and nonIndigenous contemporary artists. The Plaza Gallery features a priceless collection of Central Desert Art, offering an impressive art-filled space for up to 200 guests.

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Another example of a beautifully preserved historic venue is The Princess Theatre in Woolloongabba. After lying dormant for a few years, it was meticulously restored and reopened in October 2021 as a live music and performing arts theatres. 

The beating heart of Brisbane’s events & entertainment scene 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD @howardsmithwharveshowardsmithwharves.com07events@hswco.com400031889090 Find your place here

60 Spice Spring 2022 Destination

But, this 133-year old heritage theatre has also become one of Queensland’s most charming private events venues, with five dedicated event spaces. For larger events, the Princess Auditorium can host up to 272 seated and 500 standing, and offers state-of-the-art AV, four bars, a rehearsal room, spacious greenrooms and backstage area, and is fully wheelchair accessible. The outdoor courtyard can also be utilised for arrival drinks.

The rooftop infinity pool at Emporium Hotel.

It’s all happening by the river Set on the banks of Brisbane River, Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) is the place to eat, drink, play, stay, and of course, host an exceptional event. Thanks to an ambitious redevelopment project, this former abandoned wharf has been transformed into a thriving and everrevolving riverside precinct, packed with restaurants and bars, artsy hotels and eclectic events spaces with sprawling river views.

Hotel X. Fun and playful, with quirky yet stylish touches, a casual French bistro, a rooftop pool and a Spanish rooftop bar and restaurant.

Howard Smith Wharves.

A dinner event in the Watermall at QAGOMA.

Whether you’re after intimate group dining, a waterfront cocktail function or a large event with hundreds of guests, this dynamic precinct boasts a plethora of options for events of any shape and size.

The Calile. This breezy boutique hotel in Fortitude Valley has stylish retro vibes, an outdoor pool with cabanas, lush day spa, bright and airy event spaces, and the popular Greek restaurant, Hellenika.

Highlights include Ciao Papi Glass House, a light-filled venue on the riverfront for up to 75 guests, and the Mediterranean-inspired Bougainvillea House with wrap-around veranda for up to 150 guests. For larger events, the heritage wharf building, Rivershed, can accommodate up to 595, while Felons Barrell Hall can be hired out for up to 800. For private group dining, head to Stanley – a two-storey Cantonese restaurant with a range of indoor and outdoor spaces. n

The bougainvillea Grand Arbour walkway at South Bank.

Emporium Hotel. Glamourous and sensual, this luxurious 5-star hotel has all the bells and whistles, including state-of-the-art events spaces and a rooftop infinity pool overlooking South Bank.

Stay in style

CONFERENCES FROM 20 TO 2,000 GUESTS WITH A CHOICE OF 11 SPACES OR SMALL CONVENE IN BRISBANE’S HEART OF CIVIC THINKPRIDE BIG T: 07 3014 4705 EPICURE.COM.AU

Check into Christchurch

SOAK

Just an hour from the city, Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa is the perfect spot for post-conference relaxation. Overlooking the foothills of the Southern Alps, this new wellness destination in Methven features a range of solar-powered pools, including adults-only areas, with spaces available for private group bookings. The onsite spa offers an array of treatments and experiences including float therapy and rasul steam room.

A visit to Christchurch would be incomplete without gliding down the tranquil waters of the Avon River in one of the city’s famous Edwardianstyle punts. A 45-minute private punting charter is available for groups, offering delegates a memorable off-site activity and the opportunity to view the city from a truly unique perspective.

Overlooking Avon River and Hagley Park, The George offers a personalised accommodation experience in a refined setting. This luxury boutique hotel features 52 plush rooms, a private three-bedroom villa, gym, an award-winning restaurant, and event spaces filled with natural light and modern capabilities. There are eight separate spaces catering for up to 150 with plenty of options for team-building and outdoor activities.

STAY

MEET

As the location of MEETINGS 2022, Te Pae Christchurch Centre was able to show off its stunning modern design and state-of-the-art technology to more than 600 delegates. Located in the city centre, the multi-awardwinning venue can deliver any type of event thanks to two levels of diverse and flexible spaces, and prides itself on showcasing the beauty and culture of the region through its culinary offerings and warm Kiwi hospitality.

PUNT

62 Spice Spring 2022 Destination

Having spent the last few years rebuilding and reinventing itself, Christchurch has become one of New Zealand’s coolest and most vibrant cities. From its world-class convention centre and thriving food scene to an array of fascinating attractions and experiences for corporate groups, the South Island’s largest city has endless opportunities on offer.

Taste the flavours of the Canterbury region at the vibrant Riverside Market, selling local produce, baked goods, coffee and much more. The market is also available for private venue hire, offering a range of options for events of all sizes, including a unique after-hours market dining experience. For a fun team-building activity, head upstairs to Riverside Kitchen and put your culinary skills to the test.

Welcome your delegates and set the scene as soon as they step off the plane. At Christchurch Airport you can now book a welcome package for your business event which includes a purpose-built welcome lounge in the terminal as well as digital options for publicising events and welcoming their delegates throughout the airport.

WELCOME

Located on the banks of Heathcote River in Woolston, The Tannery is a boutique shopping, entertainment and bar and dining complex. Housed within a historic former tannery dating back to 1874, it also offers four function spaces and a dedicated Events team that can cater to any style of event. The Atrium is an especially charming space for intimate dinners and cocktail functions for up to 600 guests.

SOAR

tramcar.spicenews.com.au 63 Destination

EAT

Grab a hop-on-hop-off ticket and explore the city sights aboard one of the iconic Christchurch Trams. A full circuit takes just 50 minutes, or you can jump off and back on again at any one of the 18 stops. Treat your delegates to a special dining experience on the Tramway Restaurant, New Zealand’s only restaurant

From snow-covered mountains and rolling green pastures to weaving rivers and sprawling coastlines, Christchurch is surrounded by incredibly diverse natural landscapes. Take in all the spectacular sights this region has to offer with a scenic helicopter tour. GCH Aviation offers a range of flights to enrich any conference program as well as premium experiences for rewarding incentives.

EVENT

SIGHTSEE

64 Spice Spring 2022 Destination

BREATHE

INSPIRE

DINE

Located at the historic former air base in Wigram, The Airforce Museum of New Zealand has seven spaces that cater to events of all shapes and sizes. Originally built as a hangar in World War Two, the 875-square-metre Aircraft Hall can host up to 790 guests surrounded by vintage military aircraft for a real “wow” factor event.

With its wave-like shimmering glass façade and light-dappled lobby, Christchurch Art Gallery is undoubtedly one of the city’s most beautiful landmark buildings. In addition to its exquisitely curated collections and exhibitions, the gallery offers a range of inspiring event spaces suited to any type of event, from small cocktail functions on the balcony to large banquets in the grand marble foyer, with private gallery viewings also available.

Conferences can be tough so when it’s time to break away, head to Soul Studio and realign both mind and body with a hot yoga session. There are classes to suit all levels and ages with health talks, workshops and special events also on offer. Soul Studio can also create a reset room at your event complete with chair massage therapy to revive tired delegates.

Situated within The Arts Centre, The Observatory Hotel is a celebration of art and design, with each of its 33 rooms distinctly designed and decorated with furnishings and artworks from Canterbury and around New Zealand. Elegant and full of character, it features a fitness centre, stylish Library Bar and a convenient meeting room.

WOW

EVENT

STAY

Stepping inside Eliza’s Manor is like stepping back in time. Established in 1861, this charming property comprises a boutique heritage hotel, function centre and a sophisticated fine dining restaurant. With a focus on exceptional service and local, seasonal ingredients, Eliza’s is ideal for group dining and private events in a timelessly elegant setting.

Built in 1908, Isaac Theatre Royal is a great example of beautifully preserved heritage architecture. Located in the heart of the city, this historic beauty features a classically ornate interior with a breathtaking dome ceiling painted with scenes from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Aside from concerts and theatrical performances, the theatre easily accommodates private events with seven unique spaces.

2023 an international year for the NT

Image credit: Tourism NT and Christopher Pollitt.

Across the NT, lodges and retreats provide unique wilderness stays for small incentive groups. New accommodation offerings amongst these include ten premium eco-tents called ‘The Drovers Dream’ at Kings Creek Station, which is 36 kilometres from majestic Kings Canyon. Finniss River Lodge, located on a working cattle property approximately 90 minutes from Darwin, has also recently launched six new luxe suites.

Retreat to the NT

Distinctive NT connections

Other new incentive experiences include those recently launched by Kakadu Tourism. At 20,000 square kilometres, the World-Heritage listed Kakadu is Australia’s largest National Park and is a three-hour drive from Darwin, with air transfers just under an hour. Kakadu Tourism’s new incentive experiences include scenic flights over waterfalls, a Yellow Water Billabong cruise, art classes with Aboriginal painters, and bush food discovery cooking classes with traditional owners. ‘Kakadu under the Stars’ provides a unique dinner option for up to 100 guests at the Warradjan Cultural Centre in Cooinda.

Kakadu incentivises

Destination

Image credit: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia. 'Kakadu under the Stars' dinner.

A busy and impressive international conference calendar approaches for the NT in 2023. Events include the 2023 International BioIron Society Congress, WaterMicro 2023, the 2023 World Conference on Ecological Restoration, the 2023 World Aquaculture Conference and the 2023 World Community Development Conference. In 2025, Darwin will host the World Federation of Neuroscience Nurses Quadrennial Congress.

The Northern Territory offers an array of meaningful and multi-sensory experiences that connect delegates to the land and its ancient culture.

NT connects delegates to what really matters

At Uluru, the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCa) has recently been renovated and is available for cocktail functions for up to 100 guests. It provides an opportunity to mix and mingle while viewing authentic Aboriginal artwork sourced exclusively from Central Australian artists. Business event delegates can learn about the significance of the artworks on display, observe artists at work and also purchase items from the Gallery. In Darwin, Aboriginal Bush Traders, which now includes a retail store, gallery and café, is offering a Bush Food Tasting Platter and Gallery Tour.

Darwin Convention Centre.

66 Spice Spring 2022

QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA BE PART OF MOMENTUMTHEBUSINESSEVENTSBRISBANE

australianturfclub.com.au/meetings-and-events

Spice issue 98 Spring 2022

Articles inside

DESTINATION: CHRISTCHURCH

DESTINATION: BRISBANE

DESTINATION: ADELAIDE

DESTINATION: ROCKHAMPTON

TECHNOLOGY: EVENT TECH

COVER STORY: VICTORIA PAVILION