cim march 2015 issue

Brisbane on a roll New Zealand round-up Sydney’s multicultural advantage

Island paradise

Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort

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MAR 2015

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www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, March 2015 3

CONTENTS

On the coverThe recent opening of the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort offers event organisers a new South Pacific Island option for conferences and incentives.

Melbourne’s winning steak

Tips from an award-winning event

One-of-a kind Aussie destinations

Beach beauty

Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa Gold Coast

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FEB 2015

CIM0215.indd 1 5/02/2015 9:07 am

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Don’t miss

Look out for these topical news-based video stories on our website, www.cimmagazine.com, and in the CIM iPad app, to delve deeper into the issues behind the print stories.

REGULARS04 Publisher’s note

06 News

08 International news

17 Q&A Stephen Durkin, Engineers Australia

42 Venue update

44 Talking point Rebecca Mutanen, P&O Cruises

45 Meeting people

46 PCO Association

42

26

40

FEATURES10 Cover story Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort

12 New Zealand Positive conditions offer competitive edge

26 Sydney Making the most of the city’s

multicultural ties

32 Brisbane Rolling out the welcome mat post G20

38 AIME 2015 wrap-up AIME changes to keep the

conversation going

40 Event report CIM celebrates at this year’s AIME

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

Most people know that I am a complete techy nerd so it will come as no surprise that the announcement of yet another

gadget, the Apple Watch, got my attention. Not just any watch, this wearable piece of technology is set to do everything short of making you a skim latte.

Until recently I had a watch and a Fitbit Tracker. Now I have a Fitbit Charge HR which is a watch, fitness tracker and heart rate monitor, and alerts me when I am getting a phone call.

The question I’ve been asking myself is do I really need an Apple Watch as well? As I currently travel with a MacBook, iPad and iPhone, the answer is probably no. Some days I have so much technology

around me I wonder whether I need to start dressing in foil to protect my important organs!

On the other hand (no pun intended), the Apple Watch is like something from ’60s TV show Get Smart. It’s a computer; it’s a watch; it’s pretty cool...

Still, I am not convinced I need one.

However, the announcement that several hotel chains and airlines are adapting their current apps for the Apple Watch is intriguing.

One of the first to be announced, Accor Hotels’ app will let you access the company’s loyalty program, information on hotel services and upcoming booking details. Starwood is working on a similar app but will also include mobile check-in and keyless entry to open guest room doors.

American Airlines will have an app that allows you to check in via your wrist, as well as advises you of gate changes, flight times and delays, while Air New Zealand’s app will also offer boarding calls and the in-lounge coffee ordering facility already available for smart phones. The passport app on iPhone already allows Qantas and Virgin passengers to check in using their devices, so I am assuming that facility will be available with the Apple Watch as well.

With the introduction of Apple Pay you will be able to check into your room, open the door and pay your bill right from your watch, cutting down the time it takes to check in and out when you have a conference or event to run too.

I am all for anything that keeps people travelling and makes those travels easier, but overall, I am just not sure I can personally add another piece of technology to my life.

The other question I have is what happens with all the new data generated from the Apple Watch and the other smart watches like those from Samsung and Sony? Is all this technology just making it easier for other people to access our information?

With positive economic conditions, strong trans-Tasman connections and highly-anticipated infrastructure moving ahead, the outlook is rosy for New Zealand’s business events sector. Find out more on page 12.

THIS MONTH’S TOP STORY

PUBLISHER’S WORD

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Something to watch out for

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Website to boost regional conferences A new website service, The Conference Shop, aims to make it easier to plan a meeting in regional New South Wales. The website is

a one-stop destinational marketing service that showcases key regional areas and allows event organisers to do all their planning and research from one simple, easy-to-use portal.

Cairns off to confident start Direct Singapore flights, new projects and multi-million dollar tourism redevelopments have all boosted confidence in

the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region for incentives and meetings, following a successful 2014, according to Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef director Rosie Douglas.

MCEC announces $3 million AV makeover Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) will invest $3 million in a digital makeover in response to the rise of bring-your-

own-device technology. Upgrading the Centre’s signal path from analogue to digital means customers “experience pixel perfect vision”, according to director of technology operations, Michael Walsh.

Perth’s new waterfront sites event ready Perth’s redevelopment of Elizabeth Quay has opened up a plethora of new outdoor event spaces, with the Metropolitan

Redevelopment Authority now welcoming expressions of interest from event organisers looking to hire the spaces on Perth’s waterfront for events taking place from early 2016.

New pre and post touring portal for SA Adelaide Convention Bureau has launched a new online booking portal for delegates looking for pre and post conference

touring experiences. The portal, which won the inaugural Australian Association of Convention Bureaux Innovation Award, offers delegates a simple way to peruse a host of experiences around South Australia.

NEWS BRIEFS

The Australian Capital Territory Government has unveiled the initial design for a new $700 million convention centre to be built near Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin.

The concept was created in partnership by local firm Guida Moseley Brown (GMB) and Rome-based architect Massimiliano Fuksas.

A nine-member judging panel unanimously chose the “poetic and sculptural treatment of architectural form” from a shortlist of seven teams.

Making the announcement ACT chief minister Andrew Barr said that “both GMB and Fuksas have a strong track record of

successful design and delivery of large-scale public projects”.

Selecting an initial design is an important milestone in making the new convention centre investment-ready, he added. The next step will be for the winning architects to work with the ACT Government, industry and stakeholders to finalise a reference design and business case for the Centre.

The futuristic designs have met with a mixed reception since their release, with Barr since admitting that the eye-catching images would give only “a sense of the sort of building” that could be built one day.

Designs revealed for new Canberra Convention Centre

Business events brought in $23.1 billion in total economic contribution in the financial year 2013-14, according to a new study commissioned by the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA), making it a major driver of the Australian economy.

The study, titled The Value of Business Events to Australia, showed that more than 37 million people attended more than 412,000 business events across Australia in the 12 month period, generating $28 billion in direct expenditure.

Matthew Hingerty, chairman of BECA, said the study provided compelling evidence of

both the direct and indirect impact of the industry on the Australian economy.

“Business events are an economic powerhouse – they foster trade, export, investment, diplomacy, education and knowledge transfer,” he said. “They also generate employment, tax revenue and stimulate the visitor economy with their benefits spreading across both city and regional economies.

“This study demonstrates the enormous reach of business events beyond their tourism contributions and reveals how business events support all industries to

Report reveals the value of business events


P&O Cruises has launched a new P&O Conferences division to spearhead an increase in corporate bookings.

The cruise line’s push into the conference market comes as it prepares to expand its fleet from three to five ships, with the addition of Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden in November this year.

P&O Cruises director of sales, Ryan Taibel, said the expansion of the fleet would open the door to more onboard meetings, with the boutique size and meeting rooms of the two latest ships providing the ideal setting for conferences at sea.

The expanded fleet would also enable the cruise line to offer cruises from ports around the country including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle and Cairns, with Singapore and Auckland sailings also available.

The decision to launch P&O Conferences comes after an increase in meeting bookings in 2015, particularly from the retail and

pharmaceutical sectors and associations. Its prime target will be meetings of between 100-200 delegates.

“Cruising in Australia is booming and in the same way that we have established ourselves as a leading holiday option for travellers, we want cruising to be high on the consideration list for the nation’s meeting organisers,” Taibel said.

According to senior sales manager Rebecca Mutanen, who will head up the new division, a price comparison showed that a three-night meeting on land including all group extras would cost an estimated minimum of $1059 per delegate compared to $906 for a cruise with more extras.

“You don’t have to look hard to see that cruising is a compelling option,” she said. “Not only do we have scores of short itineraries on offer, we are also very affordable with the cost of the venue, accommodation, audio visual, meals and entertainment all included in the fare."

Group booking discounts also mean organisers are eligible for cash discounts.

“But it’s not just the prices that are attractive to organisers,” Mutanen said. “A cruise offers a fantastic way to integrate business and leisure and ensure a meeting is truly memorable. Every organiser wants to do something different with their budget and cruises are a great option which delivers a real ‘wow’ factor.”

For more information on P&O Conferences, see page 44.

Meetings afloat on the agenda for P&O Cruises

deliver their goals.

“We believe that business events sector is the ‘sleeping giant’ of the Australian economy. With an end to the mining boom and the decline in manufacturing, the sector has the ability to be a leading force for Australia’s future prosperity.”

The Australian Association of Convention Bureaux’s (AACB) president, Lyn Lewis-Smith, has welcomed the BECA report.

“The Australian business events sector is now armed with a strong case warranting recognition and support by all levels of government,” she said. “These important and complimentary findings also provide further backing to the Federal Government’s recent announcement of a

new framework to attract business events to Australia.”

The research shows that the share of international delegates has increased three-fold in the total meeting and convention market over the last decade.

“This increase is significant to Australia,” added Lewis-Smith. “International business events and their delegates play a very important role by bringing new money into the country and offering trade and investment opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise occur.”

The AACB recently collaborated with Deloitte Access Economics in 2014 on a report into Australia’s International Business Events Sector: the Economic and Strategic Value Proposition.

Adelaide to host Dreamtime 2015Tourism Australia will hold its signature incentive trade-marketing event, Dreamtime, in Adelaide later this year.

The biennial event will give Adelaide the opportunity to showcase its unprecedented level of investment in new and existing infrastructure to buyers from around the world.

“Dreamtime is Australia’s largest business events showcase, which allows us to connect with qualified buyers from key markets including Greater China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, New Zealand, USA and the United Kingdom,” said Tourism Australia managing director John O’Sullivan.

“We believe Adelaide and South Australia provide the perfect gateway for our key international buyers to experience a fantastic array of experiences and destinations on offer in Australia – and it’s an ideal time for the city to showcase its new developments.”

Adelaide Convention Bureau chief executive Damian Kitto said the bureau, as well as its partners, is thrilled to be hosting Dreamtime 2015.

“Adelaide Convention Bureau was strongly supported in its bid by the Government of South Australia through the South Australian Tourism Commission, and indeed the South Australian business events sector, all of whom recognised the great relevance, importance and potential for Adelaide as host city of Dreamtime 2015,” he said. “South Australia’s outstanding food and wine will underpin the Dreamtime program, further promoting the ‘Restaurant Australia’ campaign.”

Dreamtime 2015 will see buyers spend five days in December in Adelaide, as well as another three days visiting other key Australian destinations.


INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Thailand reports strong Aussie growthThailand’s business events industry enjoyed a successful 2014 fiscal year, thanks to significant growth from Australia and Oceania, according to the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

Thailand welcomed 919,614 business events travellers during the period October 2013 to September 2014, contributing more than $2.69 billion to the country’s economy. Australia placed in Thailand’s top six source markets, with the number of business events travellers increasing 137 per cent year-on-year to 37,947. The number of business visitors from the broader Oceania region also increased 81 per cent to 47,446.

“As the Thai government’s official flagship body for the business events sector, a core part of TCEB’s mission is to foster the close connections that have been developed with our counterparts and business travellers in key markets such as Australia and

Oceania,” said TCEB president, Nopparat Maythaveekulchai.

“A 137 per cent increase in Australian visitors in 2014 confirms that our direction in this region is attuned with market demands, especially within the corporate meetings and incentive travels segments.”

Nopparat was speaking at last month’s Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne, where TCEB launched its “Thailand Connect The World” campaign, highlighting three of Thailand’s key unique features as a business events host: unrivalled destinations, business prospects, and people.

“The Thailand Connect the World campaign being introduced in Australia for the first time at AIME 2015 highlights how Thailand’s diversity of destinations are enriched by world-class infrastructure and seamless connectivity,” he said.

TCEB is also reaching out to prospective

buyers with its “Thailand: Inspiring Destination” campaign showcasing how organisers can add value to their business event by including a range of fulfilling CSR activities, and a special Meetings Bonus.

“We are confident that through a combination of the Thailand Connect The World campaign, as well as targeted initiatives such as the Thailand: Inspiring Destination campaign and our special Meetings Bonus, the Thai business events sector will continue to grow strongly in 2015,” Nopparat said.

“This year, Thailand expects to welcome 1,036,300 business events visitors, generating revenue of approximately $3.55 billion.

“In the important Australia market we forecast visitor numbers to grow to 39,500 in 2015, delivering revenue $115.7 million, while in Oceania we anticipate 50,000 high quality visitors, with revenue of $146.5 million.”

Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania (HTO) has seen a surge in Australian visitors to Hawai‘i over the last five years, increasing 158 per cent from 121,482 in 2009 to 313,054 in 2014, with interest in the Hawaiian Islands as an incentive destination also increasing,

according to Ashlee Galea, country manager for Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania.

“Aussies have continued to flock to Hawai‘i in high numbers during 2014, with a 2.6 per cent increase compared to 2013” she said. “This was despite a slight seasonal decrease

Aussies say aloha to Hawai‘iin airlift in 2014. While the island of O‘ahu receives the largest share of Australian visitors (302,563), Maui has seen growth (65,419 visitors) and Hawai‘i Island (46,676 visitors) and Kaua‘i (27,684 visitors) continue to be popular choices.”

Travel to Hawai‘i from Australia is now easier than ever, with Jetstar recently introducing a Brisbane-Honolulu service three times per week, Qantas Airways increasing their Sydney-Honolulu service to up to five times per week, and Hawaiian Airlines upgrading their aircraft from Brisbane-Honolulu, allowing for larger groups to more easily travel to the Hawaiian Islands.

“We are excited to see an increase in the number of incentive groups that combine O‘ahu with a neighbour island,” added Holly Ballard, account manager, meetings, conferences & incentives, Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania.

“By visiting two islands it allows the delegates to experience the distinct character of each island and delivers a very unique and memorable trip. It’s this diversity and year-round warm climate that provides endless possibilities for groups and helps to create successful MICE programs.”


Integrated global DMC and event management company Pacific World has released its first annual Destination Index Special Report, providing corporate, association and agency planners with an overview of the most popular destinations for meetings, incentives and events as well as identifying key trends that are influencing these results.

“The Pacific World Destination Index was initially launched in March 2014 but following extended research we are now in a position to analyse the whole year and give a full overview not just about which destinations are the most popular for meetings, incentives and events but also identify trends, top industry sectors, and the most popular markets travelling into the destinations and the respective services/products they are demanding,” said Harsha Krishnan, strategic development director at Pacific World.

Amongst other key findings, the report reveals that South Korea, Indonesia and Hong Kong were the most popular meetings and events destinations in Asia in 2014.

“South Korea being identified as one of the top destinations has been an interesting

result,” said Krishnan. “Creative and well-executed promotional campaigns have helped to overcome the North Korea threat-related issues from the previous years that had drastically affected tourism. The geopolitical situation became less volatile in 2014, thereby increasing the sense of security for tourists in South Korea. The growth of the Chinese middle class and the improved visa facilities to access South Korea have also impacted the overall inbound MICE business.

“In Indonesia, Bali is the destination attracting the greatest amount of MICE business. After years of battling the negative impact of the terrorist attack in 2005, Bali is finally being perceived as a safe destination now with heightened security measures put in place by the police and local people.

“Hong Kong has been a pleasant surprise. Despite the political situation, we have seen an increase in clients looking for suppliers offering guarantees in the areas of corporate governance and compliance. The tax free system and the visa exemption for almost all visitors have also been key factors contributing towards the success of MICE business in Hong Kong.”

Top Asian destinations revealed

Kyoto sharpens its act

International delegates in Kyoto can now experience traditional Japanese sword play and performance as part of their business program following Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau welcoming Samurai Kembu Kyoto to its growing list of members.

The word kembu means “sword dance” and is the traditional performing art that

shows the culture of the samurai. In feudal times samurai were said to perform kembu to give themselves courage or to achieve mental concentration. By participating in a kembu session, delegates can learn about samurai and samurai kembu, and put into practice the etiquette of samurai.

Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau’s international marketing co-ordinator James Widgren says Kyoto stands out from other business destinations because of its rich culture and heritage.

“The plethora of cultural attractions on offer makes the city a more attractive place to do business,” he said. “Event organisers choosing to take advantage of the city’s vast variety of cultural activities, such as Samurai Kembu, provide delegates with an everlasting memory of Kyoto and the time they spend in the city. Incorporating culture into an event enhances a delegates experience and boosts business within the city.”

Sarawak to focus on Australian marketFollowing hot on the heels of the news that Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) surpassed its targeted bid wins in 2014 with an 86 per cent bid success rate, securing 60 bid wins for conferences to be held between 2015 and 2017, the Bureau has announced new plans to target Australia and Singapore.

“While we are celebrating our success, there is still much more to be done,” said SCB’s managing director, Mike Cannon (pictured below). “Maintaining our reputation to be bold and different, SCB is taking an unconventional approach by not participating in international trade shows for 2015. As a result, SCB will use this opportunity to increase its resource allocation, promotional activities and sales calls to the national market that will create a domino effect to attract more international business to Sarawak.

“To support our national market development strategy, the Bureau is excited to announce ‘BESarawak’; a platform that will create opportunities for the industry and its communities to win more bids and create awareness on business events in Sarawak. In doing so, we will be able to get more leads for international and national business from associations and corporations based in Peninsular Malaysia.”

Set to launch in May, BESarawak aims to promote business, create business opportunities and recognise professionalism and excellence in all aspects of the business events sector. With a focus on communicating, educating and awarding, it is hoped that the programme will help develop the business events industry not only in Sarawak, but also Malaysia as a whole.


COVER STORY

The Sheraton brand has launched its first property in Samoa with the opening of Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort earlier this year, following a multi-million dollar refurbishment.

Owned by the Grey family, the resort is the first internationally-branded resort to debut in Samoa, opening up opportunities for events organisers looking for a fresh island destination for their next event.

One of the South Pacific’s best kept secrets, Samoa is known for its lush landscape and natural beauty, fantastic diving and rich Polynesian culture, offering

a memorable package for small to medium conferences

and incentives. What’s more, it’s just an easy five hour flight from the east coast of Australia.

Nestled on the west coast of Upolu, Samoa’s most populous and developed island, Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort is conveniently located five minutes drive from Faleolo International Airport.

Surrounded by natural beauty, the beachfront property is situated on a gorgeous white sand beach and boasts 133 luxury guest rooms, all with their own ground-floor patio or first-floor balcony, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

On-site recreational facilities include the signature Link@Sheraton lobby lounge, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, 24-hour Sheraton Fitness centre, and an outdoor spa offering a range of relaxation packages, as well as nearby golf facilities. Five restaurants and bars onsite offer a wide range of

dining options. Guests will also be able to enjoy a range of activities including snorkelling or diving at one of Upolu’s striking dive spots, swimming with turtles, chartering a fishing boat for the day, or visiting one of Upolu’s spectacular waterfalls, blowholes, caves or lava fields.

Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort also offers state-of-the-art conference, business and meeting facilities, including a fully refreshed function area and beachfront landscape which provides a relaxing and scenic venue for a world-class meeting or lavish event. A dedicated conference fale (traditional Samoan house) has capacity for 120 theatre-style, 70 banquet-style or 130 for a cocktail reception.

Culinary offerings include traditional Samoan fare at Apolima Fale Restaurant, where delegates will enjoy local cuisine as well as the resort’s signature culture show; the resort’s Club House Restaurant, located within the property grounds away from the main resort and featuring a 360-degree open kitchen allowing guests to watch the Japanese chefs at work; and the newly refurbished South Pacific Restaurant, headed up by acclaimed Samoan chef Kit Foe.

Sheraton will also be opening a second property, Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows, located in a stunning waterfront location in the centre of Apia, Samoa’s largest commercial hub and capital, in October 2015 following a complete redevelopment. The property will feature a number of purpose-built conference and event spaces including a 495sqm ballroom.

Island paradiseThe recent opening

of the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort offers events

organisers a new South Pacific Island

option for conferences and incentives.

wwww.sheratonsamoaaggiegreysresort.com

View slideshow in the CIM iPad app.


Q&A

Q: Tell us about Engineers Australia?

A: Engineers Australia is the peak body for the engineering industry and has been in place for almost 100 years. We have over 100,000 members across Australia and 5500 members in East and South East Asia, the UK and the Middle East.

It’s a very large, diverse and complex organisation. From a geographic dimension, and also from the technical divisions within engineering such as civil engineering, construction engineering and electrical engineering. In addition we have 28 sectors or societies that represent us in industry sectors.

Q: What’s the association’s vision for the future?

A: We are trying to capture the idea that Engineers Australia is the trusted voice of the profession globally and renowned as leaders in shaping a sustainable world. You can see this notion of us trying to build this vision of member trust and conferences and events play very neatly into that space. We are also looking to showcase the Australian engineering profession on the world stage through that vision.

Q: What are the challenges in achieving that vision?

A: We have been operating in a very traditional space for many years and have had a very deep seated and traditional way of operating. I worked in financial services for 16 years prior [to my role here] and am looking to really reconfigure the organisation in terms of investing in our brand using events and conferences as a way to get a more professional image through to the public at large.

Q: Why are events and conferences important as a strategic priority?

A: First and foremost is the notion of using conferences and events to reinforce and build our brand position. An organisation such as Engineers Australia has a significant presence in terms of our brand which has not been traditionally thought of as a major asset in the

organisation. We are now very much challenging that and will continue to invest and build in conferences and events as one way to do that.

Conferences and events are a significant way for us to not only provide value for our members but also communicate to the community at large. We currently run over 4000 events a year, both nationally and internationally, including 20 major conferences and gala awards. Two examples include the Engineers Australia Convention 2014 held last November (more than 2000 delegates, with 29 countries represented, and more than 300 national and international speakers) and the World Engineering Conference & Convention in 2019.

Q: What else can conferences and events deliver?

A: All professional organisations and associations around the world are looking to diversify their income streams and subscriptions. By diversifying our income streams we are less prone to economic downturns, when less members join as there is less demand in the market place. Organisations such as the American Society of Engineers generate significant revenue from their conferences and events. They now generate more

revenue from conferences and events than they do from subscriptions. We see that as a potential model for us moving forward.

Q: Does the association partner with other organisations in the business events sector?

A: The role we see ourselves playing is very much the custodian in delivering those events and conferences. We see the success of that being very much through collaboration and partnerships with bodies such as the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Melbourne Convention Bureau to make sure we can deliver a high quality professional product to our members, which in time will see us get our story through to the community at large.

Stephen Durkin, CEO of Engineers Australia, talks about the challenges facing large associations and how conferences and events are part of the big picture, writes Sheridan Randall.

Engineering a better brand


NEW ZEALAND

Despite pressure from the exchange rate, Australian interest in conferencing in New Zealand has been particularly good, according to Bjoern Spreitzer, Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) international business events manager.

“We are still competitive when we pitch against our Australian colleagues,” he said. “[In fact] New Zealand is showing up as a strong proposition internationally. We have been winning bids, plus we aim to have 50 new bids by July and we have 39 already, so 2015 is shaping up to be a really strong year.”

Three major Australia-New Zealand partnerships are proving extremely beneficial.

“We are now at the end of our first year of partnership with AuSAE [The Australian Society of Association Executives] and it has been nothing but fantastic from our perspective,” he said. “We were involved with AuSAE’s Australian and New Zealand leadership conferences and following the New Zealand conference in Rotorua we took Australians to

other regions where they might have potential business.”

AuSAE’s New Zealand general manager, Brett Jeffery, is delighted with this commitment.

“With the help of TNZ we have been able to establish AuSAE as the key resource for association leaders in New Zealand,” he said. “We have actioned a joint educational program out of Australia into New Zealand with some key association executives and plan more for 2015, aimed at new business events for New Zealand. Our activity in New Zealand for 2015 is all about strengthening the not-for-profit sector.”

TNZ is also working closely with the Associations Forum and the CEO Institute, according to Spreitzer.

“A real success story for us has been our Business Events Advocates, a new ambassador programme working with the winners of our inaugural National Conference Awards,” he said. “This gives us a pool of really passionate, professional business advocates who can

provide testimonials, both in New Zealand and Australia.”

Also helpful will be a new Australia/New Zealand conference database, he adds.

“This is a valuable tool. We have visibility now about conferences and their rotational patterns, so each region can see when it could be a good time to pitch for their business. The database has also identified more than 200 conferences in a rotational pattern which have never been to New Zealand and when you see what these associations are involved in, realistically they should have been at some point, so we are in active conversations with them now and this is exciting potential new business.”

Spreitzer says TNZ is also working closely with Conference & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), to help increase international participation in CINZ’s annual industry showcase Meetings.

Meetings 2015 will take place at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds on June 10 and 11. All New Zealand regions will be showcasing their business tourism strengths, with

more than 180 exhibitors and an expanded luxury collection.

According to Sue Sullivan, CINZ chief executive, this year’s event will also feature myriad networking opportunities, including a fabulous welcome function and spectacular gala dinner.

“All event aspects of Meetings will be at the highest level, showcasing New Zealand’s best creative and culinary talents and reflecting what is available from us as an industry,” she said. “New ‘gold member’ regions Nelson and Dunedin will be offering pre-event famils.

“We are now telling the complete New Zealand story, and we have venues in all those regions able to host good-sized conferences.”

Sullivan promises a strong marketing presence in Australia for 2015. After attending the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo in Melbourne last month, CINZ will also be represented at the Associations Forum and PCO Association Conference, and has plans to host events in Melbourne and Sydney later in the year.

With positive economic conditions, strong trans-Tasman connections and highly-anticipated infrastructure moving ahead, the outlook is rosy for New Zealand’s business events sector, writes Kathy Ombler.

Positive connections

Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula is a popular venue for events.

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Aoraki / Mount Cook

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Exciting time for Auckland

Some tweaking of plans is now on the drawing board for the proposed, Auckland-based New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), after inflated construction costs blew the budget on the original design.

Skycity Entertainment Group had entered an agreement with the government to fund construction of the convention centre up to NZ$402 million. However, late last year the company announced that further funding; a total of some NZ$470 – 530 million would be required to build the new convention centre. When a suggestion that government funding might top up the shortfall was met with a political storm, Skycity announced its decision to

review the design to meet the original NZ$402 million commitment.

The current design includes plans for a 3000-seat theatre, large exhibition floor and multiple meeting rooms, with a luxury hotel built alongside. Economic Devleopment Minister, Steven Joyce, has been quoted as saying the revised plans could decrease total capacity by about 10 per cent.

Meanwhile Skycity Auckland Convention Centre has seen a lot of change over the past six months, according to Gillian Officer, director sales – conventions and out-catering.

“With a new sales team now in place and a buoyant market, the level of enquiry has definitely

seen a leap,” she said. “We are hosting a good business mix of day meetings, conventions and banqueting events, particularly out of Australia.

“Looking ahead, bookings for the popular convention months of 2016 and 2017 are also strong. Our only concern is the worrying trend we have noticed for shorter events, and that being able to attract good delegate numbers is proving a challenge for some Association events.”

Skycity has also started the year with a refreshed out-catering brand, The Kitchen c/o SkyCity.

“With new chef Andrew Methven on board, our out-catering has taken a more boutique, rustic turn as we focus on locally sourced produce

Above: Auckland Harbour.


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Exciting time for Auckland

that’s delivered in a creative and innovative manner to our clients,” Officer said.

At the Auckland Convention Bureau, significant growth in the Australian market has resulted in the appointment

of Edwina Mason as Auckland business development manager, based in Melbourne.

Mason has extensive knowledge of the Australian market and will focus on developing new Australian

business opportunities.

“It is an exciting time to represent Auckland in the Australian business events market,” she said. “With easy flight accessibility, world-class conferencing

and accommodation venues, unparalleled cuisine, and the perfect blend of a city buzz in a unique natural setting, Auckland is an appealing destination for any-sized business event.”

Left: An artist’s impression of the NZICC. Below: An event on Waiheke Island, near Auckland.


Hamilton/Waikato venues impressEnquiry levels in the Hamilton & Waikato region continue to be strong, according to convention bureau manager, Lynne Briggs.

Looking ahead for 2015, she says June will be a particularly busy month with the National Agricultural Fieldays being held at Mystery Creek Event Centre, a huge show that’s ideal for aligning with an agricultural or science business event.

“Several conferences will be taking place plus we will be hosting some FIFA U-20 World Cup games,” she said. “Also for June, we would also like to invite expressions of interest from Australian business

events organisers for a pre-Meetings famil.

“A key strength of the Hamilton & Waikato region is our collaborative

approach to business events. The ability of our Bureau partners to work together as a team allows our region to deliver outstanding events.”

This year is shaping up to be

another busy year for the city’s major conference and event centre, Claudelands, according to Murray Jeffrey, H3 director of

business development and marketing.

“Not only are we enjoying a steady stream of business events but also experiencing significant growth in public events,” he said.

Capping off a successful 2014 Claudelands was

crowned Large Venue of the Year and Supreme Venue of the Year at the Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand Awards in December.

“These awards confirm

“This year is shaping up to be another busy year for the city’s

major conference and event centre, Claudelands.”


Hamilton & Waikato’s position as one of New Zealand’s major business and events destinations,” said Jeffrey.

Another city venue achieved fame late last year, when Hamilton Gardens was awarded International Garden of the Year at the 2014 Garden Tourism

Awards. Joining the renowned riverside gardens and their “fantasy collections” is a new Tudor Garden, unveiled in January. Filled with mythical beasts and intricate knot gardens, it reflects the fascination the 16th century English aristocracy had with geometric patterns and symbolism.

Themed functions, luncheons and dinners, with private garden tours for groups or partners, can be hosted in a range of garden venues; Italian Renaissance, or American Modernist, for just two examples.

Hobbiton Movie Set’s new night tour and dinner banquet feasts are

also proving hugely popular for groups, adds Briggs.

Hobbiton, less than an hour’s drive from Hamilton, offers a range of customised events, including exclusive night tours of the movie set, plus functions in The Green Dragon Inn and the Party Marquee.

Opposite page left: Disney on Ice at Claudelands. Opposite page right and this page: Hamilton Gardens’ new Tudor Garden.

Getting the basics rightIt sounds obvious: participants in a conference should be able to see and hear comfortably. But surprisingly the basics of communication are often lost – and with them, meaning and impact.

As we focus on creating engaging sessions and stimulating meeting environments, it’s all too easy to overlook basics like clarity of sound and visual imagery. In my experience, the key is remembering to think like a participant, and encouraging this awareness among everyone involved: PCO, venue, exhibitors, entertainment suppliers and AV team.

Open-space learning environments and presentations on exhibition stands generate a great buzz and energy. However, it can be a strain hearing presenters or fellow delegates as surrounding noise intrudes. Headsets, careful design of presentation spaces and acoustic materials can all help here.

At the other end of the spectrum, sound volume can be overpowering. Conference opening clips and bands at dinners are often uncomfortably loud, to the extent that it affects participants’ enjoyment. And no, it’s not just me being sensitive – I hear the same comment from clients and delegates of all ages. We can learn a great deal from trying out the delegate experience, and attending conferences and dinners ourselves.

There’s a welcome trend to meet in daylit spaces, which energises and lifts the mood of the audience. But extra thought does need to be given to screen visibility in these environments, so participants don’t end up squinting at washed-out visuals.

Audio visual experts tell me none of these problems are inevitable. The technology is available – and increasingly affordable – to ensure sound is clear in all types of environments, and visuals are easily seen in light rooms.

We shouldn’t be afraid to ask suppliers the hard questions, and to make our priorities about the participant experience clear. And make sure budgets don’t skimp on AV services – because the best content counts for nothing if it’s not clearly understood.

Jan Tonkin is managing director of New Zealand PCO, The Conference Company, vice-president of the Council of International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and vice-chair of the IAPCO Training Academy.


Above: Rotorua’s picturesque lakes. Left: The Energy Events Centre, Rotorua.

Targeted work with industry partners has paid off for Events & Venues Rotorua.

“Rotorua has unique cultural, geothermal and forestry strengths and focusing on these, working with TNZ, has resulted in a number of current leads and valuable wins for the city,” said sales manager (NZ), Warren Harvey. “We have secured numerous domestic and international conferences leading right up to 2020.”

These include international medical, science, engineering and travel industry conferences. Highlights this year will be hosting upwards of 1000 delegates at national travel industry exchange TRENZ, and a similar number to the Te Runanaga Maori Early Childhood Conference 2015.

“Rotorua has proven to be one of the most sought after conference and event destinations in New Zealand, with one of the largest convention centres, huge tourism infrastructure, many and diverse accommodation options and our cultural and geothermal features that set it apart from other regions,” he said.

Steven Emery, director of business development, Distinction Hotels New Zealand, agrees with Harvey.

“Rotorua has developed a sound infrastructure that is ideal for the

Australian convention market,” he said.

In February the 59th Annual Australasian Agricultural Resource Economics Society Conference was held at the Distinction Rotorua Hotel. The week-long conference and trade show included an out-catered event at a local lake and other off-site occasions were hosted by the Blue Baths and Skyline Rotorua. Of the 250 delegates attending, 200 were Australian.

Major Rotorua venue, Te Puia, has added its largest function venue yet, Te Whakaruruhau, a

multi-purpose space (catering to 350 seated or up to 700 standing) beneath an ornate canopy with traditional Maori carvings crafted by students of the on-site national carving school.

Te Puia, which is set in Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, also offers three other special venues for off-site events; Geyser Terrace (overlooking the famous Pohutu Geyser), Ngararatuatara Cooking Pool where (guests can watch their food cooked in the traditional Maori way), and Pikirangi Maori Village. Events can be customised for any occasion and size, adds events manager, Ajay Rao.

In hotel news, Novotel Rotoua Lakeside has upped its game with new audio visual technology. Each conference

room now has motorised 16:10 screens and ceiling mounted projectors which presenters can connect to wirelessly via Air Media. New sound systems and wireless technology for laptop and microphone sound have also been installed.

Rotorua’s reputation for mountain biking was a key consideration for upgrades at the Holiday Inn, which include a new bike wash station and bike storage facilities as well as lobby refurbishment and installation of two new outdoor spa pools.

With 130km of mountain bike trails among the giant redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest, and the thrills of Skyline Rotorua’s new “MTB Gravity Park”, an exhilarating break-out or team-building experience is five minutes’ drive from any Rotorua hotel.

Another option for thrillseekers is Ogo Rotorua, which has launched an innovative new dry ride. A layer of water between a double inflatable ball lets adventurers roll smoothly downhill and stay dry. Turnaround time is approximately 60 people per hour.

Rotorua capitalises on unique offering

“Rotorua has unique cultural, geothermal and forestry strengths and focusing on these, working with TNZ, has resulted in a number of current leads and valuable wins for the city.”


Left: Sailing is a popular activity on Lake Taupo.

The Great Lake Taupo region, located in the high central plateau of New Zealand’s North Island, has been scooping up awards in recent months, according to convention bureau manager, Karen Rainbow.

The winning spree teed off late last year on a golfing note, when the Jack Nicklaus-designed The Kinloch Club was ranked New Zealand’s top golf course by the Professional Golfers’ Association of New Zealand. Wairakei Golf and

Sanctuary followed at number six, cementing Taupo as a top golfing destination.

The Kinloch Club’s win comes at a good time, with the luxury Kinloch Club Lodge & Villas due for completion in May 2015, says Rainbow. Created as a sister property to Rotorua’s exclusive Treetops Lodge & Estate, the on-course development will feature luxury suites and villas and be complemented by a world class restaurant entertainment and

sporting facilities, as well as conference facilities.

“Kinloch Lodge will be a perfect complement to our existing outstanding venues and will provide conference and incentive organisers with another great option in what we call ‘Nature’s Ultimate Playground’,” Rainbow said.

Confirming the ultimate playground’s strengths, two Taupo tourism operators won top honours at the national 2014 Kiwi

Experience Awards of Excellence: Skydive Taupo (Activity of the Year) and Tongariro Expeditions (People’s Choice).

“The region has long been regarded as a spectacular incentive or conference destination, particularly for those wanting to incorporate an outdoor or nature element to their event, and the recent award announcements help to secure their space in this important market,” Rainbow added.

Great Lake Taupo’s winning style


In Wellington a new Gallipoli Exhibition at Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand, created by Oscar winning Weta Workshop and a Sir Peter Jackson-inspired Great War commemoration are the big talking points, along with a currently elusive new convention centre.

Wellington City Council remains committed to the development of a convention centre and associated hotel partner; according to David Perks, Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT) chief executive, following the breakdown of what seemed certain convention centre development in the city.

Last year developer Mark Dunajtschik received council approval to build a 2500sqm convention centre and 5-star hotel, to be managed by Hilton, on a CBD site. However Dunajtschik has now shifted his proposal to a waterfront site, which will require resource consent approval. Meanwhile the Council is reported to be still considering the original site, with another developer.

The good news is increased connectivity into Wellington from Australia, adds Perks.

“We now have Jetstar flying direct to Wellington from Melbourne and the Gold Coast, adding to existing services from Qantas and Air New Zealand, so we have considerably more seats

and more varied prices coming into Wellington,” he said.

Hotels in the capital continue to break occupancy records.

“Last year was a record [breaking year], as tourism and business events continue to grow,” he added.

Jessica Beyeler, PWT events and partnerships manager, says Australia is where the growth and opportunity is for Wellington.

“We will continue to focus our resources and efforts in Australia,” she said. “We have researched priority sectors where Wellington has strengths, for example screen and digital, education and universities, public service sector and associations, and are identifying what opportunities there are in the conference space sitting in Australia that haven’t previously considered Wellington and would benefit by coming here.

“Our Australian team is involved in a lot of ‘pop up’ marketing activity, hosting and showing Australian trade the kinds of things we can do.

“We are also placing greater emphasis on famils; we see them as hugely beneficial. Until you visit this city and become immersed in the vibrancy you don’t really appreciate it. We know if we can get people here we have an excellent chance of converting their visit into business. We will

run famils around Meetings and smaller individual famils can be targeted for conference organiser’s needs.”

The new Gallipoli exhibition, created to commemorate the centenary of WWI, will have huge meaning for both New Zealanders and Australians, adds Beyeler.

Creative director, Richard Taylor, has been reported as saying that this is the most important piece of work Weta Workshop has ever been involved with, notwithstanding its work on The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit and other movie blockbuster achievements. The new exhibition promises to bring together the worlds of movies, model-making and museums to take visitors on an action-packed journey through the battlefields.

The exhibition, which will be open for five years, will offer huge opportunities for events and functions, according to Beyeler.

Similarly, a Great War exhibition, developed by Sir Peter Jackson in the city’s landmark Dominion Museum Building, will present opportunities for Australian businesses and associations to tie into their events. Both exhibitions are scheduled to open on Anzac Day, April 25.

Meanwhile Beyeler says expanded visitor experiences opened at Weta Workshop will be

well suited to conference groups.

“This is a point of difference exclusive to Wellington,” she said. “We have been able to host large numbers, rotating through different areas. Weta are incredibly creative and flexible; they react to any needs in the market.”

Positively Wellington Venues, manager of the city’s major convention, function and performance venues, is also looking forward to increased Australian business, according to chief executive Glenys Coughlan.

“Feedback from Australian delegates and organisers has been astounding,” she said.

“Everyone appreciates the range of versatile venues that we have to offer and the way the city connects and collaborates. Australian conference delegates visiting Wellington have so many opportunities to experience things unique to our city, including our culinary and craft beer scene, Weta Workshop tours, and visits to the neighbouring Martinborough and Marlborough wine regions.”

In 2015, PWV will be hosting the Australia New Zealand Conference on Geomechanics, Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association Triennial Conference, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists Congress and helloworld’s

Wellington turns headsBelow: The InterContinental Hotel

Wellington’s Chameleon Restaurant. Right: Wellington Harbour.


New CINZ gold member Nelson is already attracting Australian association and corporate interest, according to Angela Hunter, Nelson Tasman Tourism convention and incentive marketing manager.

The South Island region kicked off its Australian focus at last year’s PCO Association conference in Canberra, and has since hosted a number of potential buyers from across the Tasman.

One of New Zealand’s top holiday regions, Nelson is blessed with national parks, beaches, mountains, new cycle trails, wineries, craft beer and art, and offers quality

infrastructure for conference and incentive business.

With several direct daily flights to Nelson from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, access is not an issue for Australians, Hunter adds.

Nelson’s three key business events strengths are conferences (up to 700 at Rutherford Hotel Nelson, a Heritage Hotel), smaller events of around 150 delegates at boutique properties such as the Grand Mercure Monaco, and high end incentives in luxury lodges.

Exclusive retreats include Mahana Villa (a modern-art showcase home at Woollaston

Estate winery); Split Apple Retreat (specialising in health and wellbeing); and fly fishing lodge Stonefly.

The Nelson region, long known for its orchards and hop farms, has also forged a reputation for wines and the country’s top craft beer breweries.

The new Great Taste Cycle Trail incorporates visits to the wineries, breweries and art studios, along with orchards, vineyards, beaches and bush and makes a great break-out or pre or post activity. In fact, delegates can hit the trail direct from the airport to a national park, or winery, should they wish.

Australian focus for Nelson

Dorrington.

“The gallery offers nearly 900sqm of uninterrupted floor space and can be configured any way you want,” he said. “This means we can host bigger conferences, tradeshows and dinners than ever before. Its close proximity to our other venues makes it ideal for conferences and events requiring multiple spaces.”

In hotel news, InterContinental Hotel Wellington has completed its multi-million dollar makeover, with the unveiling of its revamped meeting spaces the final touch following earlier transformation of the hotel restaurant, lobby lounge, reception, Club InterContinental Lounge and executive guest rooms. The new meeting rooms offer the most technologically advanced meeting space in Wellington, says director of sales, Geoff Naumann.

Left: The Michael Fowler Centre. Below: A traditional marae at Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand.

Above: A conference dinner at Rutherford Hotel Nelson. Above right: Wollaston Wine Estate.

Owner/Managers Conference.

“We see this as just the beginning and we’re gearing up to woo even more Australians across the Tasman,” Coughlan said.

All PWV venues have received significant upgrade attention

during the past few months, including new interiors and décor in the Michael Fowler Centre lounges and foyer; and new mobile and retractable seating units in the TSB Bank Arena.

One of the city’s most spectacular venues, Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New

Zealand, has added a significant new space, the Visa Platinum Gallery, to its collection of dedicated function venues.

The space will be familiar to many as the venue for some of the museum’s most successful exhibitions, according to hospitality manager, Andrew


Christchurch on the move

Post-earthquake Christchurch is returning to form with a vengeance, with new convention centre progress, luxury and international hotel brands backing the city, successful international conference bids and the roll out of a new world class cricketing arena and pavilion.

Master planning for the new Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre is now in its final stages. Preferred operator, Accor, is currently engaged in design workshops with the preferred developer, Plenary Conventions New Zealand, to confirm a functional brief for the Centre.

Rob McIntyre, Accor’s representative on the project, says it’s an exciting time, as work progresses to ensure the Centre is going to meet clients’ needs now and into the future.

The Centre will be positioned as a boutique-style premium international-standard facility, aimed at attracting international conferences and conventions

to Christchurch. In addition to 4000sqm of exhibition space, a tiered and divisible auditorium for 1500 people and multiple flexible meeting spaces, the Centre will also feature a premium banqueting space.

The master planning stage will be completed within the next few months and construction is due to start mid-2015.

McIntyre says bookings for 2018 and beyond have already been secured, and there is considerable interest in the Christchurch and Canterbury region from the international business events market.

Two conference wins recently confirmed include the Asia-Oceania Conference of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, which will bring 800 delegates to Christchurch in November 2018, and the 2017 International Conference on Computers in Education, which will see the city host more than 400 international IT and education experts.

In hotel news, InterContinental

Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a management agreement to develop a 200-room Crowne Plaza Christchurch. Facilities will include two restaurants, a lobby lounge bar, fitness centre, business centre and meeting and function space.

The Wyndham Hotel Group has also arrived in town, opening Ramada Suites Christchurch City on Tuam Street. The 44-apartment boutique-style hotel offers a mix of studios and one and two-bedroom apartments.

The city’s largest new 3- to 4-star hotel, Mantra’s BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch, has opened following an extensive re-design of what was formerly Hotel So. The new Mantra features 263 guest rooms, including a top floor executive level, a conference room catering for up to 80 and two boardroom spaces. The redevelopment includes the latest smart technology, such as high-definition and interactive digital entertainment systems, and self check-in kiosks are planned for late 2016.

For high end business the luxury, boutique Hotel Montreal has just opened, with 25 guest rooms and a three bedroom penthouse, set in expansive grassy surrounds that merge into open city spaces Cramner Square and Hagley Park. The hotel’s Polo Bar, inspired by the polo teams of Argentina, includes appropriately Argentinian-style barbecued meats cooked on an outdoor fire on its menu.

Family owned and operated, Hotel Montreal will cater for private functions and meetings; the penthouse is available with the option of a private chef, and there is the hotel’s fleet of three new Landrovers and partnership with Over The Top Helicopters to consider.

The Pavilion at Hagley Oval, New Zealand’s newest cricket ground and host of the International Cricket World Cup’s opening match in February, also offers exciting new function and meeting space. Darren Burden, general manager of venue Vbase, says

Left: Dinner on the Christchurch Tram. Below: Hagley Oval and Pavilion.


Christchurch on the move

the creatively-designed pavilion is a spectacular new addition to Christchurch’s offerings for meetings, functions, conferences and gala dinners.

“The impact, style and appeal of a world-class sporting venue makes the Pavilion at Hagley Oval an exciting setting, and our team are thrilled to be hosting some of Christchurch’s most

stylish events here,” he said.

“It hails the return of international cricket to Christchurch, and has created an oasis in the city, perfect for meetings, community gatherings, dinners, celebrations, award ceremonies, small exhibitions, and launches.”

The main Pavilion lounge, which looks across the oval’s wicket,

caters for up to 260 (theatre-style) and 200 (seated dining). Five smaller rooms cater for 20 to 30 and the Players Dining Room seats 80. Complimentary wi-fi, plus the latest lighting, heating and temperature control and AV technology are all part of the package.

Christchurch’s traditional attractions are also coming

back on board, literally, with resumption of dinner service on the Christchurch Tram. The à la carte menu, crafted by South Island catering company Continental, has been tailored to showcase Canterbury and New Zealand cuisine, guests dining as they travel around the transforming city – a great option for break out dinners.

Left: A drawing of the proposed Christchurch Convention Centre. Above: The opening of the Ramada Suites Christchurch City.

reinvest back into the Australian market,” she said. “Dunedin attended the PCO Conference in Canberra in December and we will continue to increase our presence, with targeted sales activity and new, pre-Meetings famils planned for Australian buyers.

“We have also been working with TNZ and tapping into expertise and advocates within Otago University. We have seen some significant wins, including the International Screenwriters Research Network Conference 2017 (300 delegates) and the 15th International Public Communication of Science and Technology Conference November 2018 (600 delegates).

“We are starting to see the benefits of the city’s ongoing

investment in business events, particularly with the refurbishment of key asset the Dunedin Centre and Town Hall.”

Being named New Zealand’s “Gigatown” will also give an edge over competing destinations worldwide.

“Last November, Dunedin received what is reportedly the fastest internet in the southern hemisphere; ultrafast 1Gbps broadband plus funding for $700,000 worth of UFB-related initiatives across the community,” adds Jones.

“Being awarded the UNESCO City of Literature title, part of the UNESCO Creative City Networks, was another accolade likely to offer Dunedin new opportunities for business events.”

Dunedin eyes off Australia

Business in Dunedin is looking strong for 2015, particularly in the second half of the year, and Australians will increasingly be part of the mix, according to Bree Jones, business events tourism development and sales, Enterprise Dunedin.

“Dunedin has started to

Above: The Cancer Society Spring Ball at Dunedin Town Hall.


Convention centre plans for Queenstown

Adding to Queenstown’s already well known attractions, the southern lake and mountain resort town is now building a reputation for its international golf courses and new cycle trails. As well, bookings are now being taken for a new-build convention centre proposed for Queenstown.

While concept plans have been revealed for a $52.6 million, 800-seat council-backed Queenstown Convention Centre, this proposal currently remains in the pipeline. Meanwhile in December a private company has filed a resource consent application for an alternative Remarkables Park Convention Centre (RPCC), to be located at Frankton, close to Queenstown Airport.

Alan Paris, general manager, special projects for Remarkables Park Limited, says the

application was for a “slightly repositioned” convention centre.

“We had applied in June 2014 but based on planned development near the [proposed centre] we rotated the RPCC 90 degrees then further enhanced both functionality of the interior design and flow to our external plaza areas,” he said.

With various room configurations, plenary capacity will be up to 1750 and exhibition space includes a 3000sqm plaza.

Paris expects to receive approval this month; the company is currently taking pencilled bookings from April 2017.

According to Queenstown Convention Bureau manager, Kylie Brittain, the resort’s biggest current conference facility is the Millennium Hotel Queenstown, which can

accommodate 600 theatre-style.

“The new facility will not only allow us to host larger numbers but also give us a venue that has space for trade stands, something which we currently struggle to provide,” she said.

Outside the meeting rooms, golf and the town’s cycle trails have become popular activities for conference and incentive groups, Brittain added.

Golf courses of international standing include The Hills (home of the New Zealand Open), Jacks Point and Millbrook (regularly voted top Australasian resort course at the World Travel Awards), supplemented by scenic club courses Arrowtown and Queenstown.

Corporate golf days, ranging from tournaments for conference and business events to

Above and above right: Queenstown is building a reputation for its international golf courses.


Convention centre plans for Queenstown

personalised packages that include luxury accommodation and rounds with top local golfers are options offered by specialist golfing companies.

Greg Turner, a former professional golfer, Presidents Cup winner and now director of golf for Queenstown Golf Travel, says the most outstanding thing about the golf offering in the Wakatipu basin is the variety of experiences available in such close proximity.

“All five basin courses have a completely different character, and if you add in the Cromwell course just 45 minutes away, you add ‘semi-desert’ to the mix,” he said.

Turner can personally be involved in events in any way that best suits a client.

“This might involve playing, but quite often corporates are interested in the parallels between performing under extreme pressure in a sporting arena (in the likes of major

championships, for example the Presidents Cup) and the types of situations they find themselves in a business context,” he said.

In hotel news, the former Kawarau Hotel managed by Hilton Worldwide has re-launched as DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown. Meanwhile major conferencing property Crowne Plaza Queenstown has invested significantly in its meetings and event space, with a $100,000 investment in new

audio and visual technology.

All-weather catering is now an option for groups experiencing the heritage cruise to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw. A pergola with large open fireplace now provides protection from inclement weather at the high country station.

Construction of the much-needed expansion to Queenstown Airport’s international terminal is expected to be completed in time for the coming winter season.

Left: An artist’s impression of the proposed Remarkables Park Convention Centre.

Play where film magic is made.

With an array of destinations throughout New Zealand, Heritage Hotels can give your next incentive, board meeting or 700 person conference an exceptional experience.

Our dedicated events teams offer you the best in friendly, professional service, top class accommodation and state of the art New Zealand conference venues and facilities.

Talk to Shelley Eastwood about Heritage Hotels for any of our 20 properties throughout New Zealand.Phone: +64 9 979 7525Email: [email protected]

For Heritage Queenstown talk to our local conference manager Jaco Uys.Phone: +64 3 450 1516Email: [email protected]

www.heritagehotels.co.nz/events/conferences

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SYDNEY

City on the moveAs Sydney experiences unprecedented investment in new infrastructure, the city is making the most of its close ties with Asia to lock in forward bookings, writes Ylla Watkins.

Sydneysiders are justifiably proud of the city’s reputation as one of Australia’s, if not the world’s, most multicultural cities, embracing its rich mix of diverse cultural influences, language and cuisines from around the globe, but it seems the city is also securing a significant number of business events as a direct result of its close multicultural ties with Asia.

In 2014, Business Events Sydney (BESydney) secured 34 events from Asia worth an estimated $102 million to the

local economy, including the Nu Skin Greater China Success Trip 2016 announced last month, which is expected to be worth up to $50 million.

“Last financial year, events delivered from Asia accounted for 40 per cent of BESydney’s overall number of events,” said BESydney chief executive Lyn Lewis-Smith. “Of these, one third was from China. With projected steady growth in the country, the business from China is expected to continue to grow in the future.”

BESydney was the first Australian bureau to establish an in-market presence in Asia in 2004, and Lewis-Smith attributes the bureaux’s current success in the region to the long-standing relationships that have been developed over this time, in conjunction with the city’s “China readiness”.

“As an organisation, our strategy during the past decade has been to build solid relationships in the Asian region,” she said. “We are located in offices across the globe, including in Singapore,

Shanghai and other major cities across Asia.

“This engagement has allowed us to really understand our customers’ needs and then market our multicultural city and its great strengths to these companies. We adopt a collaborative approach with government agencies and local businesses and suppliers to maximise every opportunity.

"There’s no doubt that the chance to visit Sydney is a huge inspiration for staff in Asian countries to achieve their


Venues upgrade technologyTechnology is on the agenda in Sydney, with a number of major venues upgrading their wi-fi, AV and internet offerings in recent months.

Australian Technology Park's (ATP) Conference Centre (pictured) has flicked the switch on a major upgrade of its wireless internet upgrade.

ATP partnered with Xirrus, the world’s leading provider of wireless networks, to roll out the new wi-fi, which is capable of handling the real-time demands of the thousands of visitors who attend ATP events each day.

The Centre can now cater for more than 5000 concurrent users across the entire site, according to ATP director of sales and marketing Ruby Chronis.

“In ATP’s Exhibition Hall, for instance, the network can quickly scale up from supporting 2000 concurrent users to 4000 concurrent users, providing security and certainty for public events featuring a sudden surge in attendees,” she said.

The Australian Turf Club has also just completed an extensive permanent installation of audio, visual and lighting systems in the Level 2 Ballroom of Royal Randwick racecourse.

The $600,000 upgrade complements the existing infrastructure, adding seven Panasonic DZ870 8500 lumen projectors and screens offering sharp, full high definition vision.

Both the event centre at Royal Randwick and that at sister venue Rosehill Gardens offer free high density wi-fi access for delegates, exhibitors and organisers.

SMC Conference & Function Centre in Sydney’s CBD has recently redesigned and launched its website, combining good content management and an easy to use navigation scheme to make organising an event at the Centre, or accessing information prior to attending an event, even simpler.

New features include optimisation for smart phones and tablets, more images and videos in the gallery and the addition of regularly updated case studies.

Left: The proposed Warships Pavilion at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Right: An artist’s impression of The International Convention Centre Sydney.

performance targets. But, being ‘China ready’ is more than providing an exciting array of attractions, restaurants, hotels and outdoor leisure pursuits suited to the Chinese traveller, with some in-language signage

dotted along the way.

“It’s about understanding the Chinese delegate, from their culinary preferences and social sensitivities to their country’s distinct way of doing business. It’s about going above and

beyond, it’s about local agencies and tourism operators working together to make the delegates feel right at home in our city, and it’s about providing unique experiences not available anywhere else in the world. This

is where Sydney excels.”

The 2016 Nu Skin Greater China Success Trip, one of the largest incentives to ever come to Australia, will see Nu Skin’s qualifying sales people travel from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong

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and Macau to Sydney for an five-day program in April 2016.

BESydney worked with a number of key stakeholders including Destination NSW, Tourism Australia, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Sydney Airport Corporation Limited to secure the incentive.

According to Nu Skin Greater China regional president, Andrew Fan, Sydney’s bid has “exceeded every expectation” so far.

“Throughout this journey its stakeholders have united for a cohesive, whole-of-city approach which we have not witnessed before,” he said. “I am confident that Sydney will deliver an outstanding incentive program. Our sales people will feel motivated and inspired by Sydney as the 2016 host destination and this is sure to drive sales performances.”

Sandra Chipchase, chief executive of Destination NSW, said China was the number one inbound market for NSW and supporting BESydney’s efforts to win incentive groups from China was a central platform of Destination NSW’s China Tourism strategy.

“The NSW Government aims to double overnight visitor

expenditure by the year 2020 and events such as Nu Skin are central to delivering that result,” she said.

Other major incentives secured by BESydney and heading to Sydney in the next 12 months include NTA Naturally Plus Japan (2000 delegates), Roche Diagnostics Greater China Annual Meeting (1700 delegates), and Joymain China Top Distributor Incentive Trip (1600 delegates).

In more good news for Sydney, the bureau has also secured more than 20 large international conventions for the new International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), including the International Association of Restructuring Insolvency Bankruptcy Professionals (INSOL) World Quadrennial Congress 2017, the International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference 2017, and World Accountants Congress 2018.

Due to open in December 2016, ICC Sydney last month released a new virtual tour of the venue, designed to allow event organisers to better visualise the spaces that will be available to them after the building’s completion.

Baird promises funding boostWith the countdown to the NSW state election on March 28 well and truly underway, Premier Mike Baird has committed an additional $123.35 million to secure more major events for the state.

The additional money represents a 25 per cent budget boost and would bring the state's total tourism and major events spend to more than $643 million over four years.

The extra funding includes an additional $73.25 million to make Sydney the number one destination for major events, including $22 million for more events in Western Sydney; an additional $40.6 million to grow regional tourism; and $9.5 million to target overseas visitors from priority international markets.

It’s estimated the expected tourism boost would increase visitor expenditure by $481 million.

“We have runs on the board, but we won’t stop until Sydney is the undisputed major events capital of Australia,” Baird said.

The move has been applauded by tourism and events industry bodies with Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) saying the spending promise is recognition of the power of tourism to grow jobs and income for the state.

“It has taken a long time for governments to understand the substantial impact that events, conferences and exhibitions can deliver to the economy,” said TAA acting chief executive, Carol Giuseppi.

“The impact of the recent Asian Football Cup on cities such as Sydney and Newcastle was substantial, while the latest research from Tourism Research Australia shows that business events visitors make the highest contribution to overnight visitor expenditure.

“The NSW Government demonstrated their commitment to the tourism sector emphatically with the decision to rebuild Sydney’s convention and exhibition centre, and they will now support that with extra funds to bid for substantial tourist, sporting and business events.

“The new investment will particularly benefit Western Sydney, which now has world-class venues and new or expanded hotels to support the hosting of conferences and events.”

The TAA is also encouraged by the commitment to attract more events and conferences to regional NSW, with Giuseppi saying that “many areas in regional NSW are in need of considerable stimulus”.

“We look forward to tourism industry involvement in implementing the regional business events strategy,” she said.


Opposite page from left: An International Women’s Day Breakfast at Australian Technology Park; the design for the ICC Sydney’s new 5-star hotel; a seminar at this year’s Reed Gift Fair.

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ICC Sydney chief executive and director of convention centres for AEG Ogden, Geoff Donaghy, said the tour blended the latest in 3D modelling with live footage to allow viewers to experience the flexibility, connectivity and prime location of the whole integrated international

convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct.

“Being able to experience a virtual walk through of ICC Sydney is an extremely exciting moment,” he said.

“The animation allows you to appreciate the scale and superior quality of the rooms,

the connectivity provided across the venue, which is essentially three inner-city blocks, and the integration with Darling Harbour’s dynamic business and entertainment precinct. By overlaying the city with animation, the virtual experience is able to highlight the iconic

Sydney views afforded by the smart, contemporary design.

“We have been working off plans and renders until now so it is terrific to see ICC Sydney come to life in this way, less than two years out from opening,” Donaghy added.

Lewis-Smith is confident the

View the ICC Sydney virtual tour in the CIM iPad app.


E X P E R I E N C E U N F O R G E T T A B L E E V E N T S

S Y D N E Y ’ S M O S T U N I Q U E V E N U E

A U S T R A L I A N T E C H N O L O G Y P A R K

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virtual footage will make the Centre easier to sell to potential clients during the remaining two years of its construction.

“This realistic new footage will add a fantastic new dimension to how we’re able to showcase the venue, both inside and out, to our global clients,” she said. “It will give decision makers even more confidence in Sydney’s ability to deliver outstanding event experiences.”

Also in Darling Harbour, the Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling Harbour has recently embarked on an ambitious $200 million redevelopment plan.

The project will see a third tower added to the hotel, adding 222 new guestrooms to its current portfolio, bringing the total number of rooms to 905, as well as new convention and exhibition space.

The new, 4800sqm of convention, meeting and event space will include two pillarless ballrooms, the largest with seating up to 1100 theatre-style, breakout and meeting rooms, dedicated pre-function space and state-of-the-art audio visual technology. Bar Eleven, Four Points by Sheraton Sydney’s rooftop bar, which has views over the harbour, will

continue to provide guests with an alternative outdoor venue for special occasions, meetings and events.

Work on the convention space is expected to be completed by May 2016, with the tower to follow in August 2016.

The new development follows on from the unveiling of a $30 million renovation, completed in 2013, which included the introduction of four new Heritage Meeting Rooms.

“Sydney needs more meeting space and more rooms,” said Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling Harbour’s director of

sales and marketing, Marie-Cecile Dumond-Heritage.

“This additional convention space will help to address the reduction of facilities in the CBD during the remake of Sydney’s convention centre. We need to make sure that Sydney remains number one for all the large scale events in the Asia-pacific region.”

Once the ICC Sydney is open, Dumond-Heritage believes the hotel’s facilities will complement those of the Centre, catering to small- to medium-sized events.

The current makeover of Darling Harbour will be “absolutely


sydneyexhibitioncentre.com.au

amazing” she added.

“It’s going to be the new centre of Sydney. We’re extremely happy to be part of it.”

Meanwhile, Sydney’s interim exhibition centre, Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe

Island (SEC@GI), has just celebrated its first year in business, welcoming back the Centre’s inaugural event, Reed Gift Fairs Sydney February.

During its first 12 months, SEC@GI successfully hosted 19

events, welcomed more than 3100 exhibitors and attracted more than 216,000 visitors to the Centre.

“It’s a thrill to open our 2015 season with Reed Gift Fairs Sydney February,” said SEC@GI

general manager Malu Barrios.

“This time around it’s great to bask in all the buzz and energy of the Fair with renewed confidence in our capabilities.

“Even as an interim facility, we set about delivering events to

A year in numbersSydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island recently celebrated its first year in operation. Here are some of the vital statistics racked up by the Centre during their first 12 months.

• 19 events, attended by around 3100 exhibitors and more than 216,000 visitors.

• 170,226 patrons used the Centre’s exclusive ferry service (round trip); 33,669 used the bus service (one way trip); and 3746 used the pedestrian shuttle bus (round trip).

• 61 per cent of resources recovered from four streams – cardboard, glass bottles, cooking oil, and food/organics.

• 2800 KL water saved through the installation of Uridan “Crew” waterless trough urinals, designed to eliminate the need for ongoing water flushing.

• Almost 400 articles and mentions in mainstream and trade media.

• 7162 check-ins on Facebook.

• 2087 YouTube views.

Opposite page from left: The new highrise tower to be built at Four Points by Sheraton Sydney; a free ferry service to the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island has proved popular; Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island recently celebrated its first year in operation.


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the world-class expectations of a permanent venue with a first-rate team, seamless operations, and a ‘partner centric’ approach with our clients and suppliers. This attitude has worked well for us, and we’re looking forward to a bigger and better year.”

A highpoint for the venue was winning (along with Reed Exhibitions Australia) the Best Green Initiative category at the 2014 Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) awards for developing a

traffic management plan which ultimately saw 76 per cent of visitors to last year’s Reed Gift Fairs Sydney February use public transport to the show, significantly reducing the event’s carbon footprint.

“From the word go, our strategies and operational plans have been no different from what a major, full-service venue would deploy,” said Barrios. “‘Interim’ never comes into play in our mindset. This includes our sustainability

initiatives. We don’t just aim to support the industry in a responsible way, but to lead by example in our resource recovery and energy conservation practices.

“We were thrilled to have our work with Reed Exhibitions to maximise the use of sustainable transport options to the Centre acknowledged with the EEAA win last year. It’s a true validation of our attitude and effort.”

Other Sydney venues with plans for new or refurbished

meetings and events spaces include Parkroyal Parramatta, which recently announced a $25 million extension, The Star Event Centre, which will open an additional five conference rooms by the end of 2015, and the Australian National Maritime Museum, which has plans for an $11 million Warships Pavilion, significantly adding to the options for upcoming national and international events in Sydney.

From left: A meeting room at The Sebel Manly; Manly Beach Health

Club runs a number of activities for groups on the beach.


SMC-cim-1-2page-ad.pdf 4 18/02/2015 9:27 am

Sydney sea change"Seven miles from Sydney and 1000 miles from care”, as the 1940s advertising slogan used to go, Manly is the gateway to Sydney’s scenic Northern Beaches and a popular destination for local daytrippers and international visitors alike, for whom the 30-minute ferry ride doubles as a great way to see Sydney Harbour.

Boasting one of Sydney’s best beaches, as well as an exciting array of cosmopolitan shops and restaurants, Manly offers plenty to do for the casual visitor and now The Sebel Manly and Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific are offering “mindful” packages for the conferencing market.

Bookending the beach, the boutique Sebel and larger Novotel offer accommodation options and facilities for a wide range of events. Along with a range of stylish studios and one and two bedroom suites, the Sebel, offers a choice of six flexible, naturally lit meeting spaces for up to 180 delegates, with either beach or courtyard views. The Novotel offers nine function and meeting rooms, which can hold up to 600 people, including a pillarless ballroom which opens on to a spacious terrace overlooking the ocean that is perfect for breaks, cocktail events and more.

It’s the range of tailored health and wellness services offered by the Novotel’s onsite gym, the Manly Beach health Club, for conferences, which are the hotels’ biggest point of difference however. Options available for groups range from group classes and “Mini Olympic”-style events on the beach, to more cruisy options such as pilates, yoga, tai chi and meditation sessions, and 15-minute “short breaks” designed to re-energise delegates in the conference room between sessions or as a breakout.

Healthy eating is also taken care of with naturally delicious local and fresh organic and sustainable food options available, along with more indulgent options to spoil your delegates with.

With available activities including surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, walking the coastal path to Shelley Beach, or simply catching some rays on the beach, there’s plenty for delegates to keep delegates occupied in their downtime.

The only downside is they may never want to leave...

Ylla Watkins was a guest of Accor Pacific.

A mini Olympics-style activity on Manly Beach.


The G20 party may have rolled out of town, but Brisbane isn’t suffering any hangover blues. Instead it’s putting on its warmest welcome and making sure that everyone that comes is made to feel at home, writes Sheridan Randall.

Big international events can be a huge boost to any city’s global standing and self-esteem, but after the party has moved on comes the task of building on the success without falling into a funk. Brisbane shone like a star during last year’s G20 Leaders’ Summit, but it could easily have rested on its laurels basking in the diminishing glow of all the media coverage. Instead the city is riding on the momentum of that once-in-a-generation event, with Brisbane Marketing Convention Bureau busy building on the legacy of the event, generating 29 leads with the potential for a combined economic impact upwards of $30 million following the G20.

“The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre pulled off a flawless event, so from that perspective the G20 showed off the capabilities of the city and convention centre,

as well as the broader community,” says Rob Nelson, Brisbane Marketing’s newly appointed general manager, conventions and business events.

“From our perspective it’s about leveraging off the back of it and what we do around having the G20 leaders in our city knowing very well that it is going to put Brisbane on the global map.”

One of the main initiatives of Brisbane Marketing prior to the G20 was the Global Café, a program of 80 local and international speakers from the research and business world, focused on five key global issues and challenges. Since then Brisbane Marketing has been leveraging these new connections to bring in further business events in key sectors for Brisbane.

“Since the event the bureau has worked hard to further develop the relationships and

networks formed during that week to really firm up a case for Brisbane as a brilliant business events destination,” says Nelson.

“We didn’t want to see the G20 as a fly in fly out event; we wanted to ensure the city was left with something, which is why the Global Café was born.

“Our engagement with local and international research institutions, both in sourcing speakers for this theme and co-ordinating debate on other topics at the Global Café, created a fantastic climate for future collaboration. We continue to engage with this network.”

Another initiative that has gone from strength to strength is the Brisbane Welcomes the World program, an extension of the Brisbane Greeters Program.

“Brisbane Welcomes the World is a destination welcoming and way-finding

Rolling out the welcome mat

Right: An aerial view of Brisbane. Below:

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

BRISBANE


program that builds on Brisbane’s reputation as one of the friendliest cities in the world,” Nelson says.

“Ahead of the G20, anyone within the local tourism industry who played a role in welcoming and hosting visitors was encouraged to take part in the first phase of the program.

“Brisbane Welcomes the World equipped the service industry with the sort of information and training they needed to answer visitor questions thoughtfully and accurately, provide useful local tips and pass on Brisbane’s stories.”

The program is supported by more than 2000 participants from hotels, venues,

transport, events, attractions, retail, and restaurants, cafes and bars.

“The beauty of the Brisbane Welcomes the World program is that it can be tailored to various industries and is now available to conference staff and volunteers as an exclusive extra, personal service for delegates” he adds.

The program was used in the pre-event training of volunteers for the 29th International Horticultural Congress, staged in Brisbane last year.

“They received detailed and insightful information about significant horticultural and botanic features of Brisbane along with general facts about the city, its lifestyle,

culture and varied attractions,” he says.

“This ensured delegates received personalised hospitality and a customised approach to their needs.

“It also left them with memories of Brisbane we hope they will cherish and ideally, a real desire to come back again and again.”

The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is also capitalising on the post G20 buzz, as well as implementing new value add features to organisers such as a free personalised conference app launched last month at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo.

“A large part of our future direction is

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Dine like a head of stateBrisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre’s Plaza Gallery, home to the Centre’s collection of Indigenous art, served as the Leaders Lounge during the G20 Leaders’ Summit providing a place of retreat and private networking for the leaders.

The Centre has recreated a “Leaders Lounge” experience where clients and their guests can follow in their footsteps using the same distinctive grand dining chairs and fine Churchill china designed and made exclusively for the G20.

Executive chef Martin Latter recreates the same menu enjoyed by the leaders sourcing only the highest quality seasonal produce, working personally with local farmers and produce specialists to deliver the ultimate dining experience.


T 07 3308 3063E [email protected] www.bcec.com.au

BrisBanE ConvEnTion & ExhiBiTion CEnTrEhost venue for the successful 2014 G20 Leaders summit

A VENUE WHERE NOTHING IS LEFT TO CHANCE

about what technology developments we can incorporate in the Centre that are actually adding value to our client base,” says Alison Gardiner, director of sales – conventions at BCEC.

Working with technology provider Entegy, the app was based on the wayfinding technology used in apps for both the G20 and 29th International Horticultural Congress. The new app comes preloaded with venue content, precinct information and fully integrated venue wayfinding technology, which can all

be tailored to each individual event.

Since launching 12 months ago, the Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC) has hosted more than 300 events. The convention centre is set to take things to another level next year with the opening of a new 4-star 208 room Rydges Hotel located adjacent to the centre.

“We really believe the addition of the contemporary Rydges hotel will be a game changer, bringing more conferences to our state-of-the-art venue,” says Sally Pulford,

Royal ICC’s general manager – venue sales and marketing.

“The Royal International Convention Centre’s proximity to the domestic and international airports, the new 4-star Rydges hotel on site and the buzzing Brisbane Showgrounds precinct, which is planned to be a thriving dining and events precinct by 2016, means guests will have everything on their doorstep.”

The Hotel Grand Chancellor is also investing in Brisbane’s rising appeal for organisers, with the construction of what

Room to moveThe new Rydges at the Royal ICC isn’t the only new accommodation to come online soon, with a raft of new developments set to add almost 900 rooms to Brisbane by 2017. The proposed Queens Wharf entertainment and hotel precinct is currently in the bidding stage, while a new W Hotel is on the cards in 2018. The Howard Smith Wharves revitalisation project includes a 5-star boutique hotel comprising 150 rooms as well as a 1500sqm exhibition space.

The Pullman and Ibis hotels at Brisbane Airport, which will include a conference and meeting centre for 300 due for completion in 2017, while the 146-room, 5-star Emporium Hotel South Bank will comprise two levels of hotel lobby/conference facilities. The first Capri by Fraser property in Australia will open next month. The 239 room hotel will offer two flexible event spaces catering for up to 150 guests in the largest.

Last year also saw some new offerings with Hotel Jen, the world’s first NEXT Hotel and Australia’s first TRYP Hotel begin operations while Four Points by Sheraton joined Alpha Mosaic, the boutique Gambaro Hotel, and the New Inchcolm Hotel and Suites in the city, Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane in Anzac Square will become an Adina Apartment Hotel on April 1.


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will be the largest and most innovative purpose built hotel based conference facility in Brisbane.

Due for completion in April 2015, the new $17 million conference centre will offer over 1000sqm of floor space and 11 function rooms spanning over two levels.

Annette Evans, Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane’s director of sales, says that “Brisbane has been a well-kept secret for too long”.

“Events like the G20 have changed people’s

perception of Brisbane and led them to realise that we can compete on a global scale and secure internal conferences and events,” she says. “Brisbane is great at hosting global events whilst stamping our personality on the event and ensuring that delegates return to the city. We are very excited to launch our new conference centre and believe it will be an asset to Brisbane.”

The new centre is launching with the International Train Association Convention.

“The new centre will offer two levels of

meeting and breakout space which will allow for two large conferences in excess of 350 delegates to be held simultaneously,” Evans says.

“Brisbane offers many of the opportunities that Sydney and Melbourne can offer, with the bonus of affordability and accessibility.”

The mixture of affordability and accessibility underscored with world-class events capabilities is set to ensure Brisbane cements itself as Australia’s third truly global city in terms or meetings and events.

Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern ArtA world-class event venue as testified by the number of offsite functions held there over the course of the G20 including the G20 World Leaders’ Dinner, the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art offers 10 event spaces, including two cinema theatres. Catering up to 350 seated, 1500 standing and 330 in auditorium seating, the ever changing exhibitions and river and city views make this venue stand out.


AIME WRAP UP

It was a case of all change at last month’s Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), with a new logo, new floor plan and new social events all being unveiled to the hosted buyers and visitors over the two days.

The show floor saw a Community Hub bring together four areas dedicated to Business, Education, Inspiration and Networking, along with two huge screens broadcasting interviews with key industry payers from the show floor via CIM TV.

Wider aisles, and new categories such as geographic regions, hotels, venues, and products and services, allowed attendees to easily find what they are looking for.

Saxton Speakers Bureau sold out their Australia Speaks 50th anniversary showcase, which was followed by the new Movers and Shakers social event in the Hub giving buyers and exhibitors a chance to mingle with some of the talent they had just seen perform.

For Jacqui Timmins, exhibition director at AIME and CIBTM, the changes are all about expanding AIME’s reach beyond a two-day trade show to an all year round conversation between buyers and exhibitors.

“We are looking at different ways we can connect with our customers and how our exhibitors and buyers can connect throughout the year as well,” she said.

It was all feather boas and sequins at the finale of this year’s Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, but behind the razzle and dazzle were some significant changes to the show aimed at keeping the networking going long after the show is over, writes Sheridan Randall.

Best foot forwardWatch the video in the CIM iPad app.

Top: AIME’s new Community Hub. Above: Karen Bolinger at the Gala Dinner.


“Whether that is through education and communication or whether we do mini events throughout the year as well, we are in the planning stages now to make sure that is going to be our focus moving forward.”

The Gala Dinner capped off the two days with a “Strictly Melbourne” – themed event held at Docklands, which saw guests don feather boas for a night of dancing and networking. Melbourne Convention Bureau chief executive officer Karen Bolinger took to the stage during the night to strut her stuff, while Lord Mayor Robert Doyle spruiked Melbourne as the world’s most liveable city.

“Change is always one of the hardest things to do,” Bolinger said.

“I don’t think you can ever stand still in this world and what we did this year is really listen to the buyers and exhibitors and talk about what we could do to shift it up a little bit and get away from some show fatigue.

“The Community Hub is one of the biggest innovations and we wanted to show that AIME is not just a two-day event, it is really about 365 days a year, talking, networking, building relationships and doing business together. The Hub really demonstrated that and was a great place to start those conversations.”

The event organising industry is essentially a community of small businesses, and without AIME, that community would feel a lot less connected. Change inevitably ruffles feathers and there will undoubtedly be some serious analysis of the feedback but the fact remains that for many in the industry AIME is the single best way to keep connected with what’s happening both domestically and overseas.

“I’d really like to see the industry embrace the changes,” Bolinger added.

Sheridan Randall was a guest of Melbourne Convention Bureau.

Flying highThe Yarra Valley was one of this year’s AIME Rejuvenation post tours, with a small group of hosted buyers heading off to this gourmet lovers’ paradise located only a 60 minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD. If there were to be a theme of this tour it would be views, with the tour kicking off with high tea on board the Melbourne Star while taking in spectacular views across the CBD and beyond.

Once in the Yarra Valley individual massages at the historic Chateau Yering Hotel eased away any fatigue before the group were treated to the best of the local produce at the hotel’s hatted restaurant Eleonore’s.

Yering Gorge Cottages by the Eastern Golf Club gave each guest a carefully cultivated taste of the bush in one its 12 self-contained cottages, where the locals (mobs of grey kangaroos) are guaranteed to pop by and say g’day.

It was a case of baskets away in the early morning mist, with Global Ballooning taking the group to a land beyond the clouds. Once through the mist, the Valley stretched out below, with views from the Dandenong Ranges all the way to Port Phillip Bay.

Despite spending the morning standing in a wicker basket, appetites were strong for breakfast at Rochford Wines, home to the iconic “A Day on the Green” festival. With plenty of space on the property for team activities, Segway Victoria’s Seglympics activity brought out the competitive side in some. Advice from Segway veterans ranged from “bends zee knees” to “sway like you’ve had one too many”. All seemed to work.

The afternoon was capped off with a visit to Healesville Sanctuary to see more of the local wildlife including koalas and a very playful platypus. The Rejuvenation Tour was a short introduction to what’s on offer in this idyllic setting, but judging from the day’s feedback, it is safe to say the Yarra Valley has just anointed some new converts.

From top: Flying high with Global Ballooning; a really high tea with Melbourne Star; watching the show at Healesville Sanctuary; gourmet delights at Eleonore’s Restaurant. Right: Meet the locals at Yering Gorge Cottages.


Watch the video in the CIM iPad app.

Jakki Temple Govan, InterContinental Adelaide; Malu Barrios, Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island; Jenny Graham, Cairns Convention Centre. Michelle Cullen, CIM; George Merkouris, The

Grace Hotel; Matthew Cornelissen, Amora

Hotel Wellington.

Cassie Mackay, Rebecca Morley and Danny Eather, Altogether Perfect.

Michael Shah and Maxine Wallis, The

Langham Auckland; Gillian Officer and Tania

Barnes, Skycity Auckland.

Martin Lewis, CAT Publications; Rob Yeomans, CIM; Geoff Donaghy, AEG Ogden and International Convention Centre Sydney; Bob O’Keeffe, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

EVENT REPORT

Wrapping up a successful first day at this year’s Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, CIM hosted an intimate event for around 80 industry insiders at The Boatbuilders Yard, opposite the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The party saw guests unwind after a busy day on the show floor with friends and industry colleagues, while enjoying some fine wines, delicious canapés and stunning riverside views.

It’s party time!

Simon Loo, Luna Park; Ella Worsley, Twin Towns Clubs & Resorts.

Richard Amour, The Grace Hotel; Melanie

Sidoroff, Amora Hotel Jamison.

Malu Barrios, Sydney Exhibition

Centre @ Glebe Island; Karen Bolinger,

Melbourne Convention Bureau.

The Boatbuilders Yard.


Annabel Sullivan; Damien Kitto, Adelaide

Convention Bureau; Rosie Douglas, Business

Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.

Alec Gilbert, Adelaide Convention Centre; Sue Hill, Foster Hill PR & Marketing.

The worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events

As the countdown to IMEX 2015 begins, how much do you know about the meetings industry’s annual event?You may already know that every May, IMEX in Frankfurt attracts event planners from around the world who come to do business with destinations, venues and international suppliers. You may also know that IMEX provides great networking and education opportunities.But did you know that this huge event is run by a company of just over 50 people? And being a small team, we’re very much in touch with the feedback from the show floor. When we hear from visitors that they’ve got a month ahead of schedule by doing business at IMEX, or gathered some brilliant ideas from the show, it makes us want to dance in the aisles.And those who have been before will know that quite a lot of dancing goes on in the aisles at IMEX.IMEX. A small, friendly company hosting a big, friendly event. Come and join us 19-21 May 2015 in fabulous Frankfurt.

How much do you know about IMEX?

imex-frankfurt.com Call +44 (0)1273 227311 Email [email protected]

@imex_group

Register now for IMEX 2015: imex-frankfurt.com/register

Sharon Lam, John Conceicao and Michelle Alice Thoo, Singapore Tourism Board.

Robyn Hendry, Canberra Convention

Bureau; Malu Barrios, Sydney Exhibition

Centre @ Glebe Island; Julia Swanson,

Melbourne Convention Bureau.Ian Phillips; Peter Sugg, PCO Association.


News in brief

VENUE UPDATE

New Shed on the blockThe new Tasmanian wine and seafood venue, Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed, caters for up to 80

guests seated or 100 cocktail. The Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed is a farm gate shop and cellar door serving Tasmanian wine, cider, seafood and other local produce, with meeting space for 30 people in a private room.

Bell City towers for PrestonMantra Group has added the dual tower Bell City in Preston, Melbourne,

to its portfolio. Previously under Rydges Hotels management, the two tower properties have been rebranded Mantra Bell City (383 rooms) and BreakFree Bell City (461 rooms). Bell City offers a choice of 15 conference spaces, including a ballroom with capacity for up to 500 guests.

Avani first in BangkokAvani Hotels & Resorts has added its first property in Thailand, with the Avani

Atrium Bangkok. Avani is complete with conference facilities, which include seven meeting, boardroom and function venues equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment, which can cater from 10 to 400 people. A team of professional event planners are on hand to ensure events flow seamlessly.

Finishing touches for Sydney Shangri-LaThe Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney has opened its five-star hotel club lounge. The 335sqm Horizon Club Lounge has an expanded dining area accommodating 123 guests, with an additional 47 seats, and features one of Sydney’s only communal tables in a five-star hotel club lounge. Upgraded boardroom facilities seat 10 people, equipped with full AV equipment, free wi-fi and broadband internet.


Ramada acquires Hope Island propertyWyndham Hotel Group has acquired a boutique Hope Island property,

which has undergone an extensive $2.5 million refurbishment. Formerly Marina Quays International, the stylish new-look hotel will be known as Ramada Hotel Hope Harbour, Gold Coast. The waterfront hotel features 69 guest rooms, dining options, and extensive conference and events facilities accommodating from 20 to 300 guests.

Flagship Wyndham Hotel opensWyndham Hotel Group has opened its flagship Melbourne

development, Wyndham Hotel Melbourne. The high-rise complex features 531 apartments across two towers. Additional hotel services and amenities include a 24-hour reception, concierge, a gym, meeting space, ground floor retail and dining precinct.

Changi Airport extensionInterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is set to open a new 243-room

extension to the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport in 2016. The 10-storey wing will be located next to the existing Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. Together, the hotel will feature 563 rooms, with a business centre and business services accessible round the clock. Conference facilities are also available for meetings and events.

New Club InterContinental for Kuala LumpurInterContinental Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has opened their newly refurbished club lounge. The new Club InterContinental on 26th floor offers a seating capacity of up to 100 guests, and features a welcoming reception counter overlooking a jellyfish aquarium, a relaxation lounge, a large mezzanine floor, and additional facilities for boardroom meetings. Club InterContinental guests can experience benefits such as a daily buffet breakfast, afternoon tea and cocktail hour, complimentary high speed internet, and boardroom usage.

Western Sydney hotel gets wow-factorNovotel Sydney Parramatta has completed a refurbishment of all 11 of its conference and event spaces. The refurbishment includes installation of new wall panels, carpeting, and state-of-the-art AV equipment. The conference and event spaces can cater for meetings from as few as five people and up to 550 guests. The new-look Lennox Ballroom features a customised lighting and colour system in the ceiling, which can be personalised to suit individual events.


Q: Why the push into the conference and events market?

A: P&O Cruises will this year expand its fleet to five ships with the addition of Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden which have dedicated conference facilities ideal for groups of up to 200, so that’s created a new MICE focus for us. At the same time, the increase in our short sea break itineraries means more than 40 per cent of our cruises now feature a shorter itinerary which is an ideal fit for this market. We have identified that corporates want something different for their next conference but also have limited budgets – this works perfectly with our product offering.

Q: Are there challenges in mixing public passengers with conference groups?

A: With the addition of our new ships Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden we feel we not only have the perfect balance of guests, we also have a great point of difference to land-based conference options. Delegates have their own private uninterrupted function space for all their conference requirements, but they also have the benefit of being able to enjoy a cruise experience outside conference hours, which means they get to enjoy more than 50 activities daily. Our cruise guests will not be affected by our new meetings drive, as all the conference requirements are now in a separate function space and have no impact on our regular cruise. We will only facilitate one large group per cruise so we can ensure the guest/conference ratio does not impact anyone as we deliver the best customer experience for all our guests.

Q: What sort of group numbers is P&O targeting?

A: The ideal group size for Pacific Aria and

Pacific Eden is up to 200 pax for conferences. However we also facilitate large incentive groups on our entire fleet as well as full charters of up to 2000 guests.

Q: Do the groups come ashore at any point or stay on board?

A: Our popular four-night cruises dock for the day at destinations such as Moreton Island, Mornington Peninsula, the Sunshine Coast and the Whitsundays. These cruises are great as they include a full day for leisure or team building activities in port which the delegates enjoy. Our three-night cruises are mostly at-sea experiences which are a great option for creating something different and tie-in with our message about "leaving earth", which resonates with our guests. Our ships are essentially like floating resorts so there is plenty to do and experience on board.

Q: Is there a dedicated event organiser onboard with the group or do they need to bring one?

A: We would always recommend that there is a group leader for the company onboard, who knows the content, session requirements and delegates. However for all our larger 150-plus groups, we will also have a head office event coordinator sail with the group to ensure seamless delivery and execution of the event. For all groups that currently sail, we provide a group contact onboard for the duration of the cruise. In addition, all the group correspondence, from initial enquiry stage to coordination, is performed in house by our dedicated P&O Conferences team here in Sydney.

Q: How important is the food and beverage offering onboard?

A: Our food and beverage concepts have evolved over the last few years, and we now have new dining initiatives like The Pantry food market concept on Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, which will replace the traditional buffet. Luke Mangan's Salt Grill is offered across the fleet and is very successful, so it will also feature on our two latest ships along with the new Dragon Lady and Angelo’s restaurants. We are very proud of our locally sourced product and all food is prepared fresh on board, from the butter to the fresh bread and desserts.

Q: Is P&O targeting high end groups in particular?

A: We are offering a product suitable for all markets, and have room choices from lead-in interior rooms to penthouse suites. We do a simple comparison which resonates well for a land-based 4-star option, which we feel would be the most relevant market to target.

Q: How do the ships differ and can a group that has been on one expect something different on another?

A: Our existing fleet, Pacific Pearl, Pacific Dawn and Pacific Jewel, are predominantly the same and are perfect for any incentive, charter or “flexible conference”, where groups do not require a high number of conference sessions. While we use our existing venues for events on those ships at the moment, our latest ships, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, will offer three dedicated conference venues which are ideal for all-day conference groups. Both ships are slightly smaller but offer many new features and concepts which will be rolled out over the coming months, including dining and entertainment offerings which will be new for P&O.

TALKING POINT

Australian cruise line P&O Cruises is steaming into the conference market, creating a new P&O Conferences division to spearhead an increase in corporate bookings. CIM talked with senior sales manager Rebecca Mutanen about the reasons behind the push.

All at sea


MEETING PEOPLE

Pullman Melbourne on the Park has welcomed Erkin Aytekin to the role of general manager. His most recent tenure was at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth; previous experience also includes senior roles in both hotel operations and sales and marketing, having worked in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Auckland.

Margaret Spiro has been appointed to the role of account manager for Sultanate of Oman Tourism in New Zealand. Spiro brings with her extensive knowledge and expertise in tourism marketing and trade relationships. She is best known for her long time service with Tourism Victoria in the New Zealand market.

Ecruising has appointed Alastair Fernie to the newly created role of executive general manager. He has a broad level of experience and understanding of the cruise industry, with his previous role as general manager of Harvey's Choice Holidays.

Richard Rheindorf has joined the Accor group as vice president meetings and events global sales. He was previously in charge of the German Convention Bureau for North America, and country manager for Pacific World in China.

Wyndham Hotel Group South East Asia and Pacific Rim has appointed Angus Dunbar to the role of general manager of

Ramada Hotel Hope Harbour, Gold Coast. Dunbar’s previous experience includes management roles for Rendezvous Hotels in Australia and New Zealand.

The Orange Group has appointed Kylie Brittain as senior experience manager at Orange Exchange, where she will

be based in Queensland. She joins the Orange Exchange team from her most recent position as convention bureau manager at Destination Queenstown.

Atanas Botev has been appointed to the role of general manager of Stamford Plaza Adelaide. Prior to relocating

to Adelaide, Botev held management positions in London, in venues such as the May Fair Hotel, Radisson Blu Hampshire Hotel and Radisson Blu Leicester Square Hotel.

The South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation has appointed Lynne Hocking to the newly created role of executive

manager. Hocking brings with her more than 30 years of experience in the tourism industry, where she held international marketing roles for Rydges Hotel and Resorts.

The Langham Auckland has appointed Raj Kakarla to the position of director of food and beverage. Kakarla has more than 23

years experience in hotels across New Zealand, Australia, India and Nepal. He most recently held general manager roles in India with Oakwood Asia and Accor groups.

Event management company cievents has appointed Ro Brownie (pictured) to the role of marketing manager. She

brings with her 20 years experience in the event industry with organisations such as GPJ, the International Rugby Board, and TP Events. Cate Carpenter has moved into the role of director of sales.

Hilton Worldwide has appointed Ronald van Weezel as general manager of Hilton Sydney. He brings with him extensive

hospitality experience across Europe and Asia; and was previously the general manager of Hilton properties in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Berlin and Brisbane.

AST Management has appointed Russell Bennett to the role of general manager. Bennett brings with him more than 35 years

of management experience, specialising in audio visual, operational and sales and marketing management, with companies including Staging Connections, Microhire and Staging Dimensions.

AVPartners has appointed Nathan Hinschen as operations manager at Hamilton Island. Hinschen launched his

career in the audiovisual industry with AVPartners three and half years ago, after starting as an audiovisual technician at Hamilton Island.


PCO ASSOCIATION

My 15-year-old son asked for a record turntable for his birthday.

Looking at him, I would say he’s a fairly typical member of “Generation Z”, the “Digital Natives”, “Generation Like”, “Selfie Generation” or whatever clever term social demographers are now calling our current generation of teenagers.

Like most young teens, he loves his digital technology. He’s on Facebook, he texts his girlfriend constantly, he posts on Instagram, listens to music on Spotify and he Kicks, Vines, and Yos like all in his digital generation.

Yet the thing he most wanted, and now loves, is playing “records” on a turntable. He loves the “real sound” of the crackle as the needle lands on the vinyl; the ability to hold an album cover in his hands and read the liner notes; the need to turn it over at the end of side one.

Clearly my son is not alone. Vinyl record sales in 2014 were the highest in almost 20 years and the resurgence in vinyl sales continues to grow. Tellingly, it's young people leading the vinyl charge judging by the fact that the top-selling vinyl album of 2014 was not Pink Floyd or the Beatles but an Arctic Monkeys release.

Is this vinyl obsession just another fad, a short-lived fondness for “retro” or a sign of something more significant? Time will tell.

So what's the relevance of my son's music tastes to the world of conferences and events?

While emceeing a large conference just

As conferencing gets more high-tech, there’s a very real case for going back to “analogue” basics, writes Andrew Klein.

Analogue conferencing in a digital age

before Christmas, I looked out at the audience and could not help but notice that the audience’s faces were all lit up and glowing. And I don’t mean glowing in a “this conference presentation is amazing; I’m having a ball” way. I mean glowing from the light of the iPads, iPhones and laptops that a large part of the audience was staring at.

To be fair, the presentation was boring; the presenter was prattling on in a monotone voice with his back to the audience staring at the bullet-points on his endless PowerPoint slides and graphs that no-one could read, let alone decipher.

It’s possible some of the audience were “interacting” with the presentation through the conference app, tweeting their thoughts on the speaker’s content, checking out which breakout session they were heading to next on the Digital Agenda, or following the speaker’s slides on their devices. Or maybe the audience were busy texting questions for the Q&A segment via the polling technology offered in lieu of a traditional “put your hand up if you have a question” question time.

Either way, I was left wondering, “how is all this digital technology really helping make the conference more interactive, more dynamic and more productive?” Could it be that technology is actually doing the opposite?

Digital technology is now a common part of conferences and events. But as conference and event technology and digital capabilities continue to develop, the need to embrace analogue at conferences has, in my opinion become more important than ever.

The mere fact that events ensure that lots of people (with a common interest) end up in one room together provides us with a rare opportunity to give our delegates something that we tend to do less and less. Talk. Face to face. With a “real” person.

Dare I say it, just like we did in the olden days.

Here is a rare opportunity to stare at a person, not a screen. My concern is that an ever-worsening obsession with PowerPoint slides, conference apps and social media can actually make it harder for delegates to make the most of the opportunity for genuine human interaction.

Now, the last thing I’m aiming to do here is to

be demeaning of AV companies or conference social media agencies. By all means, hire the best there is. They are absolutely vital to the successful, smooth running of your event. And in this digital age, delegates deserve and expect the latest on offer. I genuinely love what technology can offer the industry and I see great AV companies doing uber-cool things that have the desired “wow” impact.

Same with social media and apps which, if used sensibly, can lift engagement levels in conference rooms. I appreciate that some delegates prefer to text a question than ask it “live”. And let’s save on paper by putting handouts and handbooks onto apps, wherever practical.

But, I still find that without doubt the number one most powerful, awe-inspiring and memorable moments at a conference are not digital or technology-related. What inspires, impacts and moves delegates the most are pure unbridled analogue moments.

Usually it’s the speaker on stage telling a story: simple, old style communication. Despite all the developments in technology, you can't beat the sheer impact of a real person telling their story from the stage. Or the great piece of advice you took away from chatting at morning tea.

As a presentation skills trainer, I encourage conference presenters to keep it simple, to minimise technology and simply try to turn their presentation into a conversation, made up of stories that illustrate a point. Ask the audience some questions; get them involved. The ancient art of story-telling is more important and impactful now, in this age, than perhaps ever before.

Technology has its place and I fully understand that there's a generation attending our conferences who are digital natives. But I would hazard a guess that in evaluations, the number one conference highlight listed by young or old delegates is either the networking opportunities or the impact of a keynote speaker. Just the simple act of meeting and listening to authentic people, being themselves and telling relevant stories, just like they did in the old days.

Andrew Klein is a presentation skills trainer, speaker and professional conference emcee. He was a presenter at last year’s PCO Association conference.


PCO ASSOCIATION NEWSHave your say about the PCO Association Conference

Two days on the floor talking to participants at the recent Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo in Melbourne highlighted to PCO Association director of business partnerships, Maxine Tod, the fact that people in the meetings industry sector have developed a thirst for knowledge and understanding of things that will help them

cope with their day-to-day workloads.

“There is an enormous desire from people

to learn about certain topics and they

are turning to conference and exhibition

programs to satisfy their quest for

knowledge,” she says.

To help fulfil that need, the PCO Association

is currently seeking input from those intending to attend the association’s annual conference, to be held this year in Adelaide from November 29 – December 1, on the topics they’d find most relevant and helpful for them.

To have your say, contact Tod via [email protected].

Think of the last great movie you went to and what made it great. Was it the story? The acting? The action? Or perhaps the twist at the end? Go on; actually think for a minute.

When you were thinking of what made it great, did the ease of parking, the speedy ticket collection, the position of the candy bar, the design of the ticket or the comfort of the seats come to mind at any time?

Probably not, because we just expect those things to happen. They are all important cogs in the wheel that make the movie experience possible, but they are not usually what we remember, and not how we judge our experience.

In our industry, if attendees turn up at the wrong venue and the timings on the agenda are skew-whiff, the event may be remembered for all the wrong reasons. But that does not generally happen, because you are all great at your jobs. Clients expect the organisation just to happen, and it should be seamless, just like we expect to be able to get into a movie with little fuss. So how then should the success of your event be judged?

It should be the experience attendees have, what happens on stage, what the presenters do, how the program is structured and flows and most importantly, how meaningful and engaging the content is, that deems an event’s success.

So why then is most of our strategy and planning time spent on logistics and dietary

requirements? And why, in the lead up to the event, has the content, the beating heart and the most important element, had the least attention?

Making our events more meaningful and connected and creating content that has cut through, inspires and resonates is possible through working more effectively with the presenters and contributors at the event. We need to engage them at an earlier stage in the planning process.

We need to take control of what will happen “on screen” from the get go.

I am continually amazed when I speak at an event, that the organisers are seeing the content for the first time. This means they don’t know what I am about to put up on a screen, or talk about, or ask a group to do before I actually do it. They don’t know how my content fits in with what the other presenters are talking to, or how my information fits in with the structure of the day and the intent of the event.

Back to my analogy; it is like opening a new film, inviting the critics and not actually knowing what movie they will see.

So, what can you do to crown content your king?

Get content on the agenda and make someone responsible for it.

When we work with a client, first and foremost we understand why they are doing

an event and their strategic intent beyond just bringing people together. It can be building a community, motivating, rewarding, challenging, changing perceptions, or launching an initiative, product or service.

Once we understand what the strategic intent is, we ensure we know why that is important to them right now. Asking how the strategic intent fits into their business’ goals, strategy and long term plans takes out the guesswork and ensures you can deliver an event that not only runs smoothly, but delivers value.

We then start to build a program at a macro level to support the intent of the event. Once that is done we work closely with the owners of each section of the content or experience to ensure that they are well briefed and deliver their part of the total story.

We know that there is not an endless pit of money that organisations are willing to invest in for meetings and events, and people will not spend easily if they are not seeing an outcome that delivers a quality experience and contributes at a higher, strategic level. It’s time to take the lead and challenge your clients. Take your service beyond getting everyone into the theatre and start controlling what ends up on the “screen”.

Michael Hann is director of engagement consultancy Deep Blue Learning and a consultant to the PCO Association.

Content is kingMaking events more meaningful and connected comes down to placing more importance on content, writes Michael Hann.

Embrace ourexclusive benefits

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Vancouver • Whistler • Xiamen • New openings: Yangon (2017) • London (2019)

Serviced Suites | Bangkok • Ningbo • Singapore • Tianjin • Xiamen

Book your next event at Pan Pacific Perth before 30th June 2015 and enjoy a host of exclusive benefits.Our experienced team can tailor a package to suit your requirements. Speak with us today on + 61 8 9224 7777 or email [email protected]

*Terms and conditions apply.

207 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, Western Australia 6000, Australia

Embrace the Pacificpanpacific.com

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Embrace ourexclusive benefits

Hotels & Resorts | Bali • Dhaka • Jakarta • Manila • Ningbo • Perth • Seattle • Singapore • Suzhou • Tianjin

Vancouver • Whistler • Xiamen • New openings: Yangon (2017) • London (2019)

Serviced Suites | Bangkok • Ningbo • Singapore • Tianjin • Xiamen

Book your next event at Pan Pacific Perth before 30th June 2015 and enjoy a host of exclusive benefits.Our experienced team can tailor a package to suit your requirements. Speak with us today on + 61 8 9224 7777 or email [email protected]

*Terms and conditions apply.

207 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, Western Australia 6000, Australia

Embrace the Pacificpanpacific.com

Guest Loyalty Programme

cim march 2015 issue

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