cim june 2015 issue

Gourmet attractions TNQ gets its groove back Times are a changin’ for Perth

Meetings ahoy

P&O Conferences

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E 2015

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Connect with our Australian HotelsPan Pacific Perth | PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney | PARKROYAL Parramatta

PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport

MEETINGS & EVENTS

Four outstanding venues in Australia, with over 60 meeting and event spaces,

and generous inclusions to ensure that

your guests remember your event for all the right reasons; and you do too.

“ memorable for all the right reasons”

HOLD AN EVENT WITH US AND YOU COULD

A LUXURIOUS TRIP FOR TWO TO SINGAPOREWIN For details visit

pphg.com/meetings

PARKROYAL ON PICKERING, A PARKROYAL COLLECTION HOTEL

LOCATED IN SINGAPORE

Terms and Conditions: Authorised under NSW PN LTPS/15/02908, VIC PN 15/818, ACT PN TP 15/05538. 1. Event must be held at one of the four Australian properties and held prior to the 11/11/2015. 2. Entrants must be over 18 years and have a valid email address. 3. One entry per person. 4. Winner will be drawn on the 4/12/2015 and be advised by email, mail or telephone. 5. Accommodation package valid at PARKROYAL on Pickering only. 6. Accommodation package is for a 5 night stay in a standard room and includes two business class flights with Singapore Airlines.

7. Accommodation is subject to availability and excludes special events and blackout period. 8. By entering this competition you consent to further contact from Pan Pacific Hotels Group via newsletters or mail. 9. Event value must be over AUD5,000.

www.pphg.com/meetings

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

Connect with our Australian HotelsPan Pacific Perth | PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney | PARKROYAL Parramatta

PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport

MEETINGS & EVENTS

Four outstanding venues in Australia, with over 60 meeting and event spaces,

and generous inclusions to ensure that

your guests remember your event for all the right reasons; and you do too.

“ memorable for all the right reasons”

HOLD AN EVENT WITH US AND YOU COULD

A LUXURIOUS TRIP FOR TWO TO SINGAPOREWIN For details visit

pphg.com/meetings

PARKROYAL ON PICKERING, A PARKROYAL COLLECTION HOTEL

LOCATED IN SINGAPORE

Terms and Conditions: Authorised under NSW PN LTPS/15/02908, VIC PN 15/818, ACT PN TP 15/05538. 1. Event must be held at one of the four Australian properties and held prior to the 11/11/2015. 2. Entrants must be over 18 years and have a valid email address. 3. One entry per person. 4. Winner will be drawn on the 4/12/2015 and be advised by email, mail or telephone. 5. Accommodation package valid at PARKROYAL on Pickering only. 6. Accommodation package is for a 5 night stay in a standard room and includes two business class flights with Singapore Airlines.

7. Accommodation is subject to availability and excludes special events and blackout period. 8. By entering this competition you consent to further contact from Pan Pacific Hotels Group via newsletters or mail. 9. Event value must be over AUD5,000.

12

CONTENTS

On the coverThe appeal of conferencing at sea is set to soar with the arrival of P&O Cruises’ two newest ships later this year.

Tassie on the menu Canberra’s secret out Malaysia’s winning streak

Savour the experience

Pan Pacific Hotels Group

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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 New Zealand news

09 International news

32 Event report Australian Technology Park

33 Q&A Kerrie Hosken, Consider it Green

34 Venue update

36 Talking point Anna Hayward, Auckland

Convention Bureau

37 Meeting people

38 PCO Association

32

16

FEATURES10 Cover story P&O Conferences

12 Perth A new vision out west

16 Sporting venues Stadiums and racetracks odds

on for investment

20 Food & wine How the regions are selling their

gourmet offering

24 Tropical North Queensland Queensland’s most glamorous region

finds its mojo

26 CINZ Meetings The Kiwis put on a party

28 Incentives Chasing the high spending incentive

delegate dollar

30 Budget update Government gets behind the events industry

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

I have just arrived back from This Is Gold Coast Business Exchange and famil. In the week long trip I managed to

achieve a long list of things I had never done before.

Now I am not trying to brag about how good my job is and that I get to do amazing things all the time. But it made me think about the length and breadth of our industry and the amazing array of product on offer. Add those experiences to the incredible geography of Australia and the iconic landmarks we are so lucky to have and quite frankly why would you have your conference anywhere else?

I am not trying to offend other countries – I have had equally amazing experiences around the world – I just felt the need to let

my inner patriot out for a minute.

Our industry, which works incredibly hard to not only win conferences but ensure they are the best they can be when they happen, just seems to go from strength to strength through sheer determination and passion. My trip to the Gold Coast was one of those “it’s great to be alive” moments.

I need to thank all the team at Business Events Gold Coast and all the suppliers who made it such an amazing and memorable trip.

Here is a list of the “firsts” in case anyone is interested.

• Stayed in a hotel room that is actually larger than my home• Had dinner in a candy store• Had breakfast served to me by the hotel general manager dressed as a chef• Rode in a stretch hummer• Patted a fully grown tiger• Had my photo taken with Ninja Turtles• Competed in a fashion design/runway competition• Rode a segway• Patted a bilby• Ate an english mustard, salmon roe and cauliflower macaroon• Given an iPhone made out of chocolate that had my website on the screen• Had my champagne poured by a girl hanging upside down on a trapeze• Rode in a Cadillac.

Yes, this was all in one trip!

Perth is reinventing itself, with a rising tide of infrastructure spending reshaping Perth as a multifaceted city with plenty of opportunities. Find out more on page 12.

THIS MONTH’S TOP STORY

PUBLISHER’S WORD

Published in Australia by Creative Head Media Pty Ltd

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A week of ‘firsts’

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Local knowledge key to Launceston growthBusiness Events Tasmania (BET) has seen a surge of interest in Launceston and the north of Tasmania with a 23 per cent rise in

bid conversion this financial year. BET chief executive Stuart Nettlefold said the spike is the result of listening to event organisers’ needs.

Vivid Sydney’s record attendanceVivid Sydney has broken visitation records for the third year in a row with more than 1.7 million people attending

the festival in 2015, up 19 per cent on last year. Destination NSW chief executive Sandra Chipchase said the hard work behind the scenes has paid off.

Asian incentive delegates big spendersNew research released by Business Events Sydney reveals that Asian incentive delegates are Sydney’s highest yielding

delegate, outspending holiday visitors by an average of 6.5 times, and up to as much as 9.4 times, which amounts to $974 per delegate on average. (See more on page 28.)

Gold standards for BCEC’s green practicesBrisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has achieved EarthCheck Gold Certification, joining an elite group of world-

wide venues and tourism organisations which operate at the highest environmental standards. BCEC general manager Bob O’Keeffe said environmental integrity “is a fundamental pillar to success.”

Business Events Geelong gets a gongBusiness Events Geelong took out the National award for best Regional Destination Marketing Organisation at the recent

Meetings & Events Australia National Industry Awards held at Hamilton Island on May 27. Mark Day, convention bureau manager, said it recognised “the hard work and dedication of the Business Events Geelong team”.

NEWS BRIEFS

The winners of the Perth Convention Bureau (PCB) Aspire Program have been announced at an event at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on May 28.

More than 50 applications were received this year, with only 10 awards available.

The winners this year were Dr Paola Chivers, winner of the University of Notre Dame Australia award after securing Perth’s bid to host the 12th International Conference on Development Disorder 2017; Dr Heidi Stieglitz Ham (Autism and Language Intervention – WA) winner of the City of Perth Convention Scholarship; Jessica Richards (Kidsafe WA) winner of Giving West Scholarship; Michelle Bateman (Citizen

Advocacy South Metropolitan Inc.) winner of City of Mandurah Scholarship; Dr Oktay Erten and Professor Kerry Brown (Curtin University); Dr Robert Cunningham and Tara McLaren (The University of Western Australia); Dr Greg Lopez (Murdoch University); and Dr Jennifer Loh (Edith Cowan University).

PCB chief executive Paul Beeson said “the program has been responsible for contributing more than $100 million dollars to the WA economy as well as playing a key role in securing conferences that have and will continue to contribute to advancing the State’s broad expertise and knowledge in a wide range of industries”.

Aspire Awards winners announced

Business events key to Brisbane’s growthA committee tasked with shaping Brisbane’s economic development strategy for the next seven years has recommended business events form a key part of the city’s plan for growth.

The Brisbane 2022 New World City Action Plan recommends the city win more conferences by consistently hosting 40 international conferences per year and striving towards an average of 50,000 delegate days per month by 2022.

The aim would be for the city to consistently earn a top 50 International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranking city in the world.

The Brisbane 2022 New World City Action

Plan, prepared by the Lord Mayor’s Economic Development Steering Committee, is the result of consultation with more than 1000 people including executives, entrepreneurs, students, government agencies, analysts, academics and leaders from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said he would consider the full implications of the 2022 New World City Action Plan before announcing which key recommended actions would be adopted.

“My aim is to ensure Brisbane’s influence as a serious player in the Asia Pacific region continues to grow and we are recognised globally as a new world city full of opportunity,” he said.


The ACT Government has set aside $5.4 million over two years for refurbishments to the National Convention Centre Canberra.

The refurbishment package, expected to commence late 2015, includes new carpet, painting, upgraded digital signage and other technical components, new seating, a makeover of the bathroom facilities and upgrading existing technology including security systems, movable walls and lighting.

National Convention Centre manager Stephen Wood (pictured left with ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr) said he was delighted with this announcement.

“This investment will also complement the recent and planned co-investment of almost $6 million by IHG for facility maintenance and capital expenditure in coming years,” he said.

“Canberra continues to see investment in urban renewal including infrastructure projects, new hotels, exciting foodie precincts including New Acton, Braddon and Kingston Foreshore. There has never been a better time to hold your event in Canberra."

Sunshine Coast’s increased event fundingFive Sunshine Coast events will benefit as a result of new funding under the Queensland Government’s Regional Development Program.

Events that will receive funding over the next three years include the Cricks Noosa Festival of Surfing, which will receive $150,000 over three years from 2016 – the largest recipient from the grants program.

Also on the sporting front, the International Rally of Queensland, which is held in June at Imbil in the Mary Valley, will receive $75,000 over three years from 2016.

Other Sunshine Coast events to be supported by additional funding include the Queensland International Three-Day Equestrian Event to be held at Tandur from October 3-5, the Queensland Ocean Swim Series, and the Noosa International Rugby 7s from October 9-11.

Push to make Victoria number one for eventsThe Victorian Government will embark on a “once-in-a-generation shake-up” of the tourism and major events sectors bringing them under one roof.

Premier Daniel Andrews said that the Government will be responsible for safeguarding and growing tourism in Victoria by ending inefficiencies and duplication, better coordinating its major events and tourism efforts and embarking on the most aggressive tourism and major events campaign the state has ever seen.

The Government’s $80 million boost to major events in the recent Budget “will give this body the arsenal it needs to take on and beat our competitors”.

“No one does major events like we do,” he said.

“We want to bring every aspect of tourism, marketing and major events under one roof, and get the cogs working together. One body, one voice and one clear plan.”

ACT splashes out on National Convention Centre refurb

New guide for business events industryTourism Australia and Austrade have released the latest edition of Attracting Business Events to Australia, a guide outlining Australian Government assistance to industry during the event bidding and marketing process.

Tourism Australia managing director John O’Sullivan (pictured) said the guide would help attract more events to Australia by providing a clear pathway to industry support.

“Business events are an important contributor to the Australian economy, generating income, fostering trade and investment and lifting our reputation as a world-class destination,” he said.

The first point of contact for industry players seeking assistance is Tourism Australia, which then liaises with Austrade and other government agencies where required to assess requests and provide guidance.

Attracting Business Events to Australia explains this process, lists priority industry sectors and details the minimum requirements for support.

Austrade CEO Bruce Gosper said business events were a major area of opportunity for Australia.

“Austrade’s onshore team and international network of more than 80 offices in 48 markets can help Australian companies and foreign investors realise the full value of this dynamic sector,” Gosper said.

Watch the video in the CIM iPad app.


NZ NEWS

An additional 10,885 international conference delegates will visit New Zealand thanks to the work of Tourism New Zealand, injecting an additional $30 million into the New Zealand economy.

It has been a very successful year for the business events sector. Tourism New Zealand has bid for 54 international conferences, with 23 successful bids since July 2014 – once again surpassing our annual targets.

Demand for incentive travel is growing as well. Since July 2014 Tourism New Zealand has supported 117 major incentive bids and secured $23.5 million in incentive travel to New Zealand.

It is a very positive time for the industry with the development of new convention centres for Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch in the pipeline.

These new convention centres will be a game changer for New Zealand and will allow us to start bidding to attract larger and more valuable conferences to New Zealand.

International delegates deliver the highest average daily spend of all visitors, making them an important part of Tourism New Zealand's strategy to increase the value of international visitors to New Zealand.

In 2013 Tourism New Zealand received additional funding to significantly increase its presence in the conference and incentives space. Since then Tourism New Zealand's activity has gone from strength to strength.

Tourism New Zealand is committed to working collaboratively with the business events industry to grow delegate numbers and value. It's great to see New Zealand successfully bidding for and winning international association conventions. Much of this comes down to the influential sector leaders who are putting their hands up to champion their field of expertise to attract key conventions to our shores.

Anna Fennessy is Tourism New Zealand’s acting international business events manager.

Driving visitor value for New Zealand

NZICC design announcement welcomed

Christchurch has won the right to host the Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons (PAPS) meeting in March 2019.

The event will bring at least 300 delegates to the city. It follows the Asia-Oceania Conference of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in November 2018, with 800 delegates.

Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau manager Caroline Blanchfield says these conference wins signal a surge of interest in Christchurch as a meeting destination.

“The PAPS meeting is just one of more than 15 large conferences we know are ready to book Christchurch in the next five years to provide a huge economic boost for the region,” she said.

The Convention Bureau partnered with Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) to prepare the winning bid, presented by Christchurch-based organising chairman Professor Spencer Beasley at the PAPS 2015 conference in South Korea last week.

TNZ international business events manager Bjoern Spreitzer says events such as this provide a huge opportunity to grow the value of visitors to New Zealand.

"This is what our work in this sector is all about, attracting people to New Zealand for business and knowledge exchange who previously might not have visited,” he said. “They bring their expertise to New Zealand and we are encouraging them to explore further and make a holiday of it."

Paediatric surgeons to conference in Christchurch

Air New Zealand has revealed its new international network lounge design with the opening of its lounge at Sydney Airport.

The lounge measures more than 1500sqm and features a mix of spaces to meet the differing needs of around 300 guests.

“We have been investing heavily in enhancing our customer experience,” said Air New Zealand chief sales and commercial officer Cam Wallace.

“Airports are a key part of the customer journey and 18 months ago we embarked on a $40 million programme to redevelop several of our lounges at some of the busiest ports we fly to.”

The Air New Zealand International Lounge at Sydney Airport is located on level two of the international terminal.

The airline expects to open its flagship international lounge at Auckland International Airport in August this year with similar new spaces planned in Brisbane, Queenstown and a number of regional New Zealand ports over the next two years.

Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) has welcomed news confirming the revised preliminary design for the planned New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).

“This is a positive next step in creating an important piece of infrastructure for Auckland and its economy,” says ATEED chief executive Brett O’Riley.

“New Zealand needs an internationally competitive national convention centre of this scale to attract top level, large scale business events and support the growth of the business events industry in New Zealand.”

Brett O’Riley says a convention centre of this size underpins both Auckland’s Business Events Plan, released in August 2014, and Auckland’s Visitor Plan.

“Auckland is currently losing conventions to other destinations, particularly Australia, because we are not able to offer a venue suited to large scale conferences,” he said.

Air New Zealand reveals new lounge design in Sydney


Taiwan has moved up six places to 28th in the world’s country/region rankings and fourth in Asia with 145 meetings, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

This is the highest ICCA ranking for Taiwan since 2010, with the number of association meetings in Taiwan a historical record breaker.

Having hosted 92 ICCA-recognised international association meetings in 2014, the capital city of Taipei remains one of the most popular meeting destinations in Asia, only behind Singapore, Beijing, Seoul and Hong Kong. The second largest

city in Taiwan, the southern harbor city of Kaohsiung, attracted 23 meetings and was crowned 17th in the Asian city ranking, which is the city’s highest ever position.

Dallas to host global tourism summitDallas, Texas, will host the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in April 2016.

Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau president and CEO Phillip J. Jones and Dallas-Fort Worth Airport CEO Sean Donohue announced the location of the 2016 Global Summit at the close of the 2015 WTTC Global Summit in Madrid, Spain.

Dallas is only the third US city to host the Global Summit in the event's 15-year history.

“We are excited and honoured that the WTTC has selected Dallas to gather the world's top travel and tourism executives,” said Jones. “This important meeting of elite leaders further puts Dallas on an international stage and confirms our work to position Dallas as a global leader.”

The two-day event will draw about 500 guests, including international journalists, global tourism ministers and CEOs of major travel and tourism companies.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

A selection of agents from the Flight Centre Group were hosted by Vanuatu Tourism Office, Infinity Holidays and Air Vanuatu last week, showcasing Vanuatu’s recovery following the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Pam earlier this year.

This was the first Australian travel agents famil since the Cyclone crossed Vanuatu’s path and agents were able to see firsthand how the destination has bounced back stronger than ever.

Vanuatu Tourism Office’s Australian representative, Anne Morris, said the people of Vanuatu have been working tirelessly to repair damage done by Cyclone Pam and reopen their hotels, businesses and tours and the famil was a great opportunity to highlight this.

“Over half of the resorts and restaurants in Port Vila are now open to guests, Espiritu Santo remains fully operational, with no damage sustained and even Tanna, which was affected quite significantly, has reopened selected accommodation and tours,” she said.

Vanuatu recovery on show

The international community of freight forwarders and its related sectors will make Malaysia its base for six days in October 2017 when they descend on Kuala Lumpur to participate in the International Federation of Forwarders Associations World Congress 2017.

The FIATA World Congress 2017 is expected to attract 1200 delegates.

“The FIATA World Congress 2017 is a clear nod in Kuala Lumpur’s direction as a

leading destination to host these prestigious international events,” said Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau chief executive Zulkefli Haji Sharif.

“What’s really significant is that we continue to attract a varied spectrum of business events, and that is not only testament to the nation’s hosting credentials but also a credit to local associations such as the Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders who leads the charge to bring in these events.”

One step Forwarder for Malaysia

Taiwan ranks 4th in Asia


COVER STORY

P&O Conferences is anticipating bookings for meetings will continue to swell over the coming months as it reveals more details of the features onboard its latest ships, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.

While the ships’ boutique size and dedicated meeting rooms are already attracting attention from conference organisers, P&O expects the recent

roll out of other onboard features will also be a drawcard.

The cruise line has just

released more striking renderings of the ships’ interiors and public areas, revealing luxe new bars, a plush private dining room and some of the most spacious rooms across the fleet.

P&O Conferences corporate groups sales manager Peta Torkington says the new images confirm that Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden will change the look and feel of cruising in Australia when they debut in November this year.

“There’s no question the ships will create an exciting setting for conferences – we think they’ll be incredibly popular,” she says.

The latest features to be unveiled include an exquisite private dining room, delivering a decadent Chef’s Table experience in a setting perfect for executive corporate dinners.

The cruise line has also revealed more after-hours entertainment options for delegates including The Blue Room – an intimate space with rich velvet and chrome furnishings – and the relaxed new Ocean Bar with comfy chaise lounges and a casual vibe.

Meanwhile the child-free Oasis area, featuring hanging chairs and private day beds with sheer curtains, will be a popular spot for post-conference catch ups.

The new renderings also provide the first look at the ships’ accommodation offerings, with spacious rooms styled with beautiful, modern furnishings. Among the options are Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden’s penthouse suites which will offer large spa baths, walk-in wardrobes and floor-to-ceiling glass windows opening onto expansive private balconies.

News of the features follows last year’s announcement of the ships’ onboard conference facilities as well as its revolutionary Pantry food market area, replacing the traditional buffet, and two new restaurants – Angelo’s, featuring modern Italian cuisine, and Dragon Lady offering panAsian food. In all, each ship will offer nine different dining options including the popular Salt grill by Luke Mangan.

While there is still strong demand for events on P&O Cruises’ existing three-ship fleet – Pacific Dawn, Pacific Jewel and Pacific Pearl – there is huge interest in the smaller 1500-guest Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden given their dedicated meeting facilities, ideal for groups of up to 200 delegates.

The arrival of Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria has also driven the expansion of the cruise line’s itinerary offerings with almost 40 per cent of its cruises sailing for two to five nights – ideal for corporate meetings.

“We’re expecting interest will grow even further once Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria arrive in Australia and organisers are able to see just how perfect they are for meetings,” Torkington adds.

Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden will be welcomed into the P&O Cruises’ fleet during a five-ship spectacular on Sydney Harbour on November 25.

Meetings ahoyThe appeal of

conferencing at sea is set to soar with the arrival of P&O Cruises’ two newest

ships later this year.

Watch the video & slideshow in the CIM iPad app.Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden’s main pool area.

Sara Flaksbard · [email protected] · 02 9209 4810 · laissez.com.au

Sara Flaksbard · [email protected] · 02 9209 4810 · laissez.com.au

www.laissez.com.au


PERTH

As the tide of the resources boom ebbs away, another tide of infrastructure spending is coming in, reshaping Perth as a multifaceted city with plenty of opportunities, writes Sheridan Randall.

Perth is being reshaped, both literally and figuratively, with a multitude of infrastructure projects set to transform the city, many of which are coming online this year. Several milestones in the $1 billion Gateway WA project have now been completed, significantly improving access to and from the Perth Airport precinct, the $2 billion Fiona Stanley Hospital is now open and the new $1.2 billion Perth Children’s Hospital is nearing completion.

Several stages of the Perth City Link project have been completed including the opening of Perth Arena and the sinking of the railway line, while the first four buildings in Kings Square are nearing completion.

Accommodation room supply, once the main bugbear of event organisers, is increasing with new hotels opening and more on the way. Almost 300 new rooms in three hotels have entered the market in the City of Perth since 2012 (Terrace Hotel, Frasers Suites and Bailey's Service Apartments), while an additional 2050 rooms already under construction across 11 hotels with brands such as The Westin; Quest and Crown

Towers (which is adding 500 rooms to the current 700 rooms across the Promenade and Metropol, in addition to 4800sqm of new meetings space) in the mix. Ritz-Carlton and Avani also look set to join the party.

“An increased supply of new hotel additions, expected between 2015 and 2018, will be the main driver of occupancy easing and

increased availability,” says Paul Beeson, Perth Convention Bureau’s chief executive.

“Price reduction has helped make Perth more competitive. Increased supply will help to improve the quality and variety of hotel stock in Perth, which is important when attracting

additional tourism and business events.”

Alex Hotel was the most recent addition to the sector, with the boutique Northbridge hotel opening its doors in May. “Perth is definitely changing, there is a bit of a tag floating about describing what’s going on in the city as the ‘new Perth’ which reflects Perth’s modernisation and move into being a larger, more worldly city,” says Miles Hull, Alex Hotel’s general manager.

“Perth’s international visitation is growing and we are now transitioning into a market less reliant on the resource industry. This is great news, as it bringing in a new type of visitor engaged and interested in the unique offer of Western Australia.”

Alex Hotel is well placed to benefit from the Perth City Link project.

“This will allow the City to move north, and merge with both the cultural precinct and Northbridge and in turn result in Alex being in the absolute centre of the action,” he says. “Surrounding us, only three minutes’ walk to the centre of the CBD is every major cultural icon of Perth, The State Art Gallery, State Theatre, State Library

New visionWatch the video in the CIM iPad app.

“Our investment is a testament to the

confidence we have in Western Australia as a tourism destination.”


207 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, Western Australia 6000, Australia

Book your next event at Pan Pacific Perth before 31st July 2015 and enjoy a host of exclusive benefits including complimentary Wi-Fi for delegates and a complimentary data projector.Speak with our dedicated event planners today on + 61 8 9224 7777 or email [email protected]*Terms and conditions apply.

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and Museum as well as a host of small creative institutions and galleries.”

Singapore’s Como Hotels & Resorts will also make its first entry into Australia’s hotel market in Perth, with the new 6-star Como The Treasury. Due to open in September 2015, the hotel is a key part of the $580 million of the heritage Cathedral & Treasury precinct, which

will include a range of retailers as well as acclaimed expat chef David Thompson’s new Australian restaurant (see box).

It’s not just new builds entering the Perth accommodation sector, with established hotels also upping their game. The 5-star Pan Pacific Perth in the CBD has completed a multi-million dollar investment which

saw 124 Premier rooms and eight suites completely remodelled. The lobby is also set for a new look, with construction beginning this month.

“Our investment is a testament to the confidence we have in Western Australia as a tourism destination,” says Craig Bond, area general manager – Oceania at Pan

Infrastructure update• The new Perth Stadium and Sports Precinct ready for the start

of the 2018 AFL season.

• The 40-hectare, $880 million Riverside project is set for completion by 2020.

• Elizabeth Quay due to open in late 2015.

• The Perth City Link, reconnecting the CBD and Northbridge, is well underway with the first four buildings in Kings Square precinct complete by the end of 2015, Yagan Square

opening early 2017 and full completion by 2020.

Opposite page from left: An artist’s impression of the new Perth Stadium and Sports Precinct; Perth city skyline; Alex Hotel in Northbridge; an artist’s impression of Elizabeth Quay.

http://www.panpacific.com/


Chop chopAcclaimed chef David Thompson (Nahm, in Bangkok) is returning to Australia with the opening of Long Chim in Perth’s Old Treasury development. Long Chim will be a relaxed eatery featuring his signature food, street art and a cellar bar. Expect a decent stir-fry from this award-winning chef.

Get advice from those who know Western Australia best

Do you want to bring a conference, exhibition or corporate event to WA?

The dedicated team at the Perth Convention Bureau can make this a reality and help you bring your event to Perth. PCB have been helping not-for-profit associations bring their meetings and conferences to Western Australia for more than 40 years. Perth Convention Bureau can provide you with:• Support and services FREE OF CHARGE• Access to funding support• Venue, accommodation and supplier information• Tailored proposals and itinerary suggestions • Marketing and promotional materials

Perth Convention BureauTel: +61 8 9218 2900 Email: [email protected]

www.pcb.com.au

Pacific Hotels Group. “Pan Pacific Perth’s refurbishment is a timely response to growing business demands in the city.”

“With Perth City set to see a massive infrastructure program over the coming years, the city’s skyline will be dramatically reshaped by a dynamic mix of commercial, residential, entertainment and arts spaces seeing the central business district link with the Swan River and the entertainment and arts precinct in Northbridge.

“As Perth is one of Australia’s fastest-

growing capital cities, these infrastructure developments present significant investment opportunities in the hospitality, commercial, retail and entertainment sectors.”

In another key indicator for the city’s growing confidence, Qantas is bringing back its Perth-Singapore route from June 26, 2015, after a year hiatus, operating five return Boeing 737 Perth-Singapore services each week. The year ending September 2014 saw an almost 30 per cent increase in Singaporean visitors to Western Australia, making Singapore the

state’s second largest international market by visitor spend and arrivals.

“Reopening this route re-enforces Singapore as a key international market for WA tourism and business and Singapore serves as a major point of connection to Europe and the rest of the world to Perth,” says Beeson.

“The additional access to Perth is positive, showing Perth as a major gateway to Australia. Perth’s great advantage is its time zone and short distance to South-East Asia.”

Right: The new look lobby at Pan Pacific Perth.

http://www.pcb.com.au/


Out and aboutThere’s much to Perth beyond the CBD, with historic sites, beautiful beaches and picturesque wineries all on offer within easy reach of the city centre.

Fremantle, or Freo as it is commonly known, is a bustling fishing port just a 30-minute drive or train ride from the city or for a more scenic route hop on the ferry from Barrack Street for a leisurely cruise down the Swan River. Caffeine connoisseurs can stroll down Freo’s renowned cappuccino strip. Grab some freshly caught fish and chips at the Fishing Boat Harbour followed by a thirst quencher at the Little Creatures boutique brewery. Work your way through their range of award winning craft beers and ales or get a behind the scenes tour. For a taste of the state’s history head to the Western Australian Maritime Museum, or visit World Heritage Listed Fremantle Prison (pictured above), the largest and most intact convict built prison in Australia. You can even stay there, with the 200 bed Fremantle Prison YHA offering private rooms and dormitory-style accommodation. For those wanting something more upmarket, Hilton Hotels is opening a 150-room DoubleTree Fremantle in 2017.

The Swan Valley is only 25 minutes’ drive from the CBD yet a world away in real terms. Western Australia’s oldest wine growing region, the Swan Valley has quietly won a legion of fans for its wines, which range from Verdelho to other white styles, full-bodied reds and some of the world’s finest Fortifieds. Home to more than 40 family-owned vineyards offering wine tasting, many of which are still run by the descendants of Croatian and Italian families who came to the area in the early 1920s, along with big names such as Houghton and Sandalford (pictured left). Beer lovers can also rejoice with five boutique breweries including microbreweries and German style beer cafes serving their own handcrafted lagers, pilsners, ales, wheat beers and stouts made following traditional techniques and using the best local produce.

Scarborough in Perth’s northern suburbs is one of the most iconic beaches in Perth. Get the sand between your toes before, during and after a conference at the Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough, which offers 24 meetings and events spaces for up to 680 people in its largest room. Add some colour to your meeting at The Matisse Beach Club which offers a range of meetings spaces with a beach club vibe, catering up to 700 people. Dine at one of the many restaurants along the Esplanade, or take in the view from the Rendezvous Hotel’s Observation Deck on level 24 (pictured right). Or simply grab a towel and head to the surf.


SPORTING VENUES

Kicking goalsSporting venues are an alternative to traditional conference spaces giving delegates a chance to soak up the passion and history, writes Anastasia Prikhodko.

Sports stadiums are becoming a popular choice of venue for conferences and business events due to their large capacity, variety of function spaces, modern technology and sporting atmosphere.

Since its $535 million redevelopment, the Adelaide Oval has experienced a 10 fold increase in new functions and events.

“Since our reopening in March 2014, we have averaged five functions a day, and that’s not including anything that’s on the major playing field,” says Ben Swanson, functions and events manager at Adelaide Oval.

“Food and service are our point of difference. We are not

pitching ourselves as just sports catering. We use the finest South Australia produce and our whole ethos is based around

having food that is local or has local influence.”

Swanson says that when the venue is hosting large international

events it tends to not take bookings but they would for domestic cricket games.

“It provides a unique selling

point because during lunch the delegates can go watch the games,” he says.

The Melbourne Australian Open

continues to bring in economic benefits to Victoria, with a record crowd of 703,889 coming from around the country to watch this year’s tournament.

Melbourne and Olympic Parks consist of three arenas (Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena, and the newly redeveloped Margaret Court Arena) one stadium (the 30,000 seat AAMI Park) and one adaptable function space (Melbourne Park Function Centre, which currently hosts over 200 events a year).

“We’re investing in our sporting precinct to ensure Victoria remains the home of the Australian Open and on the travel list of sport fans across the globe,” says John Eren,

“While ANZ Stadium has served Sydney well, it must undergo a

significant redevelopment to ensure it continues to attract major events

for Sydney and NSW.”


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“The Superboxes at Rod Laver Arena are very popular with our corporate clients and provide an unbeatable entertainment experience for guests,” says Joe Fennessy, communications specialist at Melbourne Olympic Parks. “Our calendar

of events suits all tastes from the Australian Open tennis to concerts featuring the world’s best performers.”

Work on the arena, including the redevelopment of the Melbourne Park Function Centre, is scheduled to start

in February 2016, following the Australian Open, with completion expected in 2020.

Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium holds around 300 to 400 functions a year, with September through to December being their busiest months. However,

In the actionAIS Sportex, the AIS’ interactive sporting exhibit, allows guests to try

their hand at basketball, football, rowing and virtual downhill skiing. AIS is also in partnership with team building company BeChallenged to offer learning programs promoting teamwork, communication and leadership.

Adelaide Oval Delegates can watch sporting events during their breaks.

Royal Randwick Delegates are able to incorporate horse races, and Melbourne Cup races into their conferences. Night races, and ghost races can also be organised.

VenuesWest Offers the opportunity to incorporate extra features such as a fitness class, meditation, stretching sessions and water activities, all under the guidance of qualified and experienced instructors.

Opposite page from left: An function at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne; Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne; Medallion Club, Etihad Stadium.

http://www.australianturfclub.com.au/events.html


due to the venue being in high demand all year round, there is a restriction on business functions and conferences held during major events.

“If dates are flexible we can suggest dates least likely to be affected by major sporting events,” says Steven Harrison, the venue sales manager for Melbourne Stadiums. “We rarely hold events concurrently with major sporting events. But if we know that the enquiry of an event is likely to clash with a sporting or concert event we would be upfront and advise straight away.”

Canberra’s Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is set on 65 hectares campus-like environment and includes

Canberra’s largest function and events space, the AIS Arena, catering up to 4200 delegates.

“The business events market is of critical importance to the commercial outcomes of the AIS,” says Craig Fairweather, the assistant director of marketing at AIS sponsorship and business development.

“While sport is our raison d’etre, our facilities and venues are available for use whatever your meeting, conference or event is.”

The AIS will undergo a $10 million refurbishment over the next two years, as it looks to attract more business events.

In Sydney, ANZ Stadium is undergoing a $350 million

redevelopment to transform the stadium into a cutting edge sports and entertainment precinct.

“Sydney is the most diverse and competitive sporting city in the world, being home to more than 15 professional teams across five major codes,” says Daryl Kerry, ANZ Stadium managing director.

Kerry says that Sydney has fallen behind in sporting infrastructure compared to other states and major cities in the Asia-Pacific region.

“While ANZ Stadium has served Sydney well, it must undergo a significant redevelopment to ensure it continues to attract major events for Sydney and NSW,”

he says.

The Australian Turf Club (ATC) own four properties in Sydney – Royal Randwick, Warwick Farm, Rosehill Gardens and Canterbury Park – which cater to horse races, events and hospitality.

Recently, Royal Randwick acquired rights to the operation of The Stables, a lifestyle space designed as a “man’s private cigar club,” which is now open to the public.

“The Stables offers the very best in design, food and function space for all occasions,” says Jimmy Busteed, general manager sales and events for the ATC. “The Stables has spectacular views over the entire Royal Randwick track, Theatre

Above: Royal Randwick. Left: An artist’s impression of the redevelopment of Rod Laver Arena.


Business Events at the AISThe Australian Institute of Sport. The AIS. A place that cannot be found anywhere else in Australia.

Boasting 11 exceptional event venues and spaces — not to mention an experienced events team and award-winning catering from Trippas White Group — the AIS will ensure your conference, meeting function or gala dinner is one to remember.

The AIS Arena, Canberra’s largest function space, can cater up to 4,200 delegates theatre-style and 900 at gala dinners. The AIS also off ers two theatrettes (60–300) as well as the Gold, Silver and Bronze Meeting Rooms which are ideal breakout rooms for larger events or individual meeting rooms.

Situated just minutes from Canberra CBD, the AIS delivers champion events.

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A game changerOut and About Media and Marketing (OAMM) have developed a consumer engagement strategy across the Australian stadium market called Connected Stadium.

Through the Connected Stadium brands are able to measure and interact with their sports/entertainment audiences.

“There are many brand awareness advertising options in sport but none which deliver an

integrated, data capable solution such as the Connected Stadium platforms,” says Edward Abbott, CEO of OAMM.

“This is the biggest change ever in stadiums understanding their audiences, it allows them to identify trends in consumer behaviours and market relevant products and services.”

Of The Horse and across to the Sydney CBD skyline including the Anzac Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge.”

Accessibility is also set to improve with a new light rail in operation at the end of 2018, connecting the CBD to Royal Randwick.

Royal Randwick has also just completed an extensive $600,000 permanent installation of audio, visual and lighting systems in the Level 2 Ballroom.

In the west, Rosehill Gardens located 10 minutes from Parramatta CBD, has completed carpet installation within the Exhibition Hall, completing stage one of the $20 million refurbishment planned over the next 12 months.

In Western Australia, VenuesWest contains the largest selection of function spaces throughout Perth. Erin Gallagher, communications manager at VenuesWest, says that nine of the 13 venues offer a total of 20 different function rooms and can cater for up to 4000 delegates.

VenuesWest also appointed US catering group Levy Restaurants to oversee their food and beverage offering, marking the Chicago-based caterer’s first bite of the Aussie market.

Sporting venues are on a winning streak, with a surge of investment in their meetings facilities set to ensure delegates come away winners.

Above: Function room at the Adelaide Oval. Below: Adelaide Oval.

www.ausport.gov.au/events


FOOD & WINE

Food and wine is proving a winning combination when it comes to promoting Australia overseas, with that same passion working equally well at drawing locals to regional destinations, writes Sheridan Randall.

A taste of the nationWhat started as a putting another shrimp on the barbie has morphed into a fully-fledged degustation with matching wines. Tourism Australia’s Restaurant Australia campaign has been working wonders so far with perception rates of Australia as a food and wine destination by overseas visitors increasing.

Lisa Ronson, chief marketing officer for Tourism Australia, says food and wine are “are really powerful” tools for attracting visitors.

The government agency has spent around $40 million in the last eight months, including the gala dinner held in Tasmania late last year, which saw the culinary glitterati of the world descend on the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart for the posh version of an Aussie barbie. Local culinary heavy weights such as Ben Shewry (Attica), Peter Gilmore (Quay) and Neil Perry (Rockpool) donned white aprons and delivered a true taste of what the nation has to offer, generating around $44 million worth of global exposure.

“We still have a way to go so it will be a massive part of the campaign going forward,” Ronson says. “I think what the event in Hobart

showed was that we are really serious about our food offering. We have great people, place and produce.”

The next phase of the campaign aims to broaden its scope. While the gala dinner focused on Australia’s culinary elite, the next stage will see more talk about the produce.

“That’s our challenge in the next year,” she says. “How we do that we are still working through. From an event point of view, which is what we did in Hobart, we are really going to look at that and take it more out into the regional areas. It’s got a long life and we have a long way to go. People want to experience everything about a country, they want to spend time off the beaten track where they can get really authentic food and wine experiences.”

John Hart, CEO of peak industry body Restaurant and Catering, says the positive effects of the campaign have “brought the industry together”.

“What we are starting to see now is those coming to this country that are responding to the Restaurant Australia campaign are spending


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With peppermint fl avoured TIC TAC Pillow Packs on the table, attendees will be able to freshen up and stay focused with a simple tear of the packet.

ARM0582 Tic Tac CIM_60x210.indd 1 19/03/14 11:16 AM

more when they get here,” he says. “We are not only getting an uplift in the number of people coming to the country but once they get here they are a different type of tourist and spending more, which is great for business.”

Encouragingly the scope of Australia’s food and wine offering goes far beyond the top end venues in capital cities and well into the regions.

“Really it’s about getting a deeper engagement and making sure we have some of that particularly regional product involved in Restaurant Australia,” he says. “We want to get people out into the regions.”

Mark Best, owner and head chef of Marque Restaurant and Pei Modern, says Tourism Australia “has done a fantastic job in bringing together a whole heap of compelling storytellers”.

“It’s about perception,” he says. “The French are very good at marketing their cultural heritage and we can learn a lot from them. In our unique way we have an incredible product. When you talk about grassroots you don’t get any more grassroots than our producers. The local cafes and local restaurants, they all follow.”

That push for authentic food and wine experiences is driving an expansion of culinary festivals and events in the regions, with

the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival considered the godfather to them all. In attendance terms the festival has been staggeringly successful, with visitor number rocketing from 100 when it launched 12 years ago to 35,000 in later years. Driven by the passion of local restaurateur Jim Berardo, the festival’s future may now be under threat, with Berardo’s company, which ran both the festival and local restaurant Berardo’s, going into voluntary administration (see more in the box).

Despite the uncertainty over how it will continue, the festival has been a template on how to attract the best culinary talent and legions of interstate visitors to a regional destination.

Simon Ambrose, chief executive at Sunshine Coast Destination Limited (SCDL) says that food and wine festivals don’t just bring foodies to the region.

“Events such as the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival have definitely become a drawcard for incentive groups looking for something exceptional to include into their programs,” he says. “The good news is, other Sunshine Coast events are also attracting a number of incentive groups from across Australia and New Zealand.

In the balanceThe future of the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival is uncertain following an announcement that festival organiser and restaurateur Jim Berardo has entered his company into voluntary administration.

Noosa Food & Wine Events, owner of Berardo’s Restaurant, appointed John Cunningham and Paul Nogueira of Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants at the end of May.

The news comes only weeks after this year’s festival closed its doors.

The administrators have stated that although the restaurant was trading at a loss it was the festival’s ongoing losses that forced the move, with 2014 ticket sales particularly affected by heavy rain.

In a letter to the Sunshine Coast Daily, Berardo stated that he had “worked hard and long, at great personal expense, to resolve all financial issues facing the company”.

Rising infrastructure costs, capped sponsorship and a decline in discretionary spending all contributed to the festival's financial woes, he stated.

He hoped that with the assistance of local and state governments and the key partners that the festival will continue in 2016 and “be better than ever”.

The Noosa International Food and Wine Festival.

http://www.ferrero.com.au/foodservice/tictac/tt_home.html


Our business events team are finding groups are very surprised and attracted by the accessibility and ease of being able to incorporate a paddock-to-plate or trawler–to-plate offering into their program. There are not many places where farm tours can commence within minutes’ drive of the main tourism hubs.”

Tropical North Queensland is also keen to show off its culinary credentials with Port Douglas Carnivale (May 22-31) combining community events with a strong focus on food and wine.

“Food events such as the original Food, Wine and a Taste of Port, The Longest Lunch and Seafood Extravaganza have made up the very fabric of Carnivale and are what have helped it to grow into one of Australia’s best known events over the last 21 years,” says Roy Weavers, general manager of Port Douglas Carnivale.

“Over the years, Carnivale has continued to embrace more and more food events as people’s appetite for food tourism continues to grow. Events such as Palates of Port, an eight course degustation under the stars, Taste Port Douglas and more have all made their mark on the Carnivale calendar.”

Carnivale began as an incentive for yachties attending the Clipper Cup to come into town, but now attracts local, interstate and international visitors thanks to direct flights to New Zealand.

“Carnivale provides a boost for local businesses, filling local accommodation and restaurants over the festival period, and is a wonderful talking point for those that come along and those who aspire to,” he says. “A domestic publicity campaign can generate around $2 million worth of exposure across all media for Port Douglas, which is incredible.”

Relish Food and Wine Festival (June 6) is another Queensland festival dedicated to pleasures of the palate. Held in conjunction with the World's Greatest PubFest, this year’s event saw a record 3000 people attending.

“Relish Food and Wine Festival has been a great way in the past to show South East Queensland what the Fraser Coast has to offer,” says Councillor for Events Darren Everard.

“This year we have decided to make our local chefs the 'hero' of the festival. We have so much talent here on the Fraser Coast with many award winning chefs and restaurants.”

Fraser Island prawns and Hervey Bay scallops are just some of the local produce being showcased, and with the event very much about promoting the region’s produce it is beginning to attract more visitors from beyond the region as far as Sydney.

“Food is a part of Australian culture,” says Everard. “It is a huge part of the Fraser Coast lifestyle, and it is continuously growing.”

The Hunter Wine Festival (June 20) is also looking to make its mark on the Australian psyche, and with the deep pockets of hotel owner Dr Jerry Schwartz funding it is not likely to be going under anytime soon.

Held at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley as part of Hunter Valley Food and Wine Month, the event is set to bring in more conference and incentive groups looking to sample the array of local wine, food, beer and cider on offer.

“Food and wine have been crucial in driving the events sector in recent years, and Tourism Australia has really supported the push by making food one of their international priorities,” Schwartz says.

“It can be a crucial differentiating factor for a regional destination

Cooking up a stormCIM was at this year’s Noosa International Food and Wine Festival and caught up with some of the culinary talent.

Matt Moran (Aria, Chiswick, Opera Bar): “I think this is my seventh time to the festival, but I spend a lot of time in Noosa because I have a house up here. It’s like schoolies week for chefs. It’s always fun.”

Dan Hong (Ms. G’s, Mr Wong): “It’s a case of work hard and play hard. It’s my fourth year here and I just love coming. Chefs in general, we don’t have much time to hang out with other chefs because we are so busy with our own restaurants, so it’s really good to catch up with them.”

George Francisco (Circa 1876): “I love Noosa. It’s my second time to the

festival. Coming here was up on my list and

once I got invited I’ll always come back. The producers are a big draw.”


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winning conference and incentive business. It might in the end be only a small component of the conference programme, but a destination's attractiveness grows significantly depending on its profile as a foodie destination.”

Schwartz has been very proactive in raising the profile of the Hunter Valley, with the festival another tool in his well-funded marketing box being used to bring in business. Last held more than 30 years ago, Schwartz resurrected it in 2013, a move which “we can directly link it to growth in conference and incentive business”.

“I think it is fair to say that the Hunter Valley has not had the same positive profile as some of Australia's other food and wine destinations in recent years,” he says. “Everyone knows the name

Hunter Valley and associates it with wine but I don't think it has made the most of its heritage.

“Wine regions like Margaret River and Yarra Valley have really stepped up their marketing with outstanding events, which is why we decided to invest our own money into resurrecting the Hunter Valley Wine Festival. It hadn’t been held for 30 years, when we revived it in 2013, which is ridiculous given that the Hunter that is one of Australia's leading wine regions.”

As Australia’s confidence in its food and wine continues to grow so to do the number of festivals across all the states and territories celebrating its local produce and talent, giving more opportunities to give conference and incentive groups a real taste of Australia.

From opposite page: Port Douglas Carnivale’s Longest Lunch; Noosa International Food and Wine Festival; The Restaurant Australia Gala Dinner in Hobart.

www.cievents.com


TNQ

The only way is upTropical North Queensland has a spring in its step again, with a burst of new investment and plenty of interest from overseas, writes Sheridan Randall.

Tropical North Queensland is back! Investment is back. Overseas visitors are back. Confidence is back.

“The Aussie dollar dropping is working in our favour,” says Rosie Douglas, director of business and tourism events at Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

“There is less business going offshore and we are more affordable for international business looking to come into Australia.”

Top amongst the newly resurgent overseas figures are the North Americans, while China and Singapore are still a major focus following a newly appointed business development manager in Shanghai and new direct flights to Cairns from Singapore, adding an extra 20,000 airline seats a year to the destination.

“There is good opportunity with smaller

groups which suit the capacity that Silk Air provides,” Douglas says. “The great thing for us is that Cairns is still a relatively new destination and very few incentive groups have been here in the past eight to 10 years. We also have some major infrastructure investment from Singapore which is also helping put Cairns on the map. The flights will also provide good connectively with Europe which is good from an association perspective and also with China from an incentive point of view.”

That Singaporean investment is the NOVA8 project financed by Singaporean developer Aspial Corporation. The project begins construction in July and will feature seven commercial and residential towers in Cairns CBD.

“We are seeing a lot more business confidence overall in the region, not just in the tourism area, and confidence builds confidence,” says Douglas.

“With the investment in the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas for example, this signals a message that the owners are confident that they will get a good return on investment, therefore signalling to other businesses that they should also invest. It’s a bit like a domino effect – in the right direction though!”

Work is set to begin on the $50 million Cairns Aquarium, while Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park has unveiled two new event facilities including the Bundarra Cassowary Egg Theatre as part of the Park’s $13 million redevelopment in April.

The Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, in

Right: Cairns is seeing a burst of infrastructure investment on the back

of rising confidence. Below: Kuranda Scenic

Railway in heritage-listed rainforest.

Facelift for an iconThe Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort has begun a much anticipated $40 million refurbishment resulting in a floor-to ceiling revitalisation of the hotel’s 294 guest rooms. The hotel is very much a symbol of the ebbs and flows of the region’s fortunes. Built by the late Christopher Skase in 1988 it quickly put Port Douglas on the map, becoming a tropical playground for the global rich and famous. That glamour slowly faded along with Skase’s reputation, with the hotel becoming more a museum to the interior design excesses of the 80s. Property owners Fullshare Group are now set to bring the grand dame of TNQ back to her regal best, across its 147 hectares of tropical gardens and 2 hectares of swimmable saltwater lagoons.


CAIRNS CONVENTION CENTRE

visit: www.cairnsconvention.com.au

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Cairns also reopened 36 newly refurbished Horizon Club rooms and Cairns’ biggest club lounge in a 5-star hotel after a much anticipated million-dollar renovation earlier this year. The Horizon Club Lounge on the Mezzanine level is now double in size at 272sqm and includes a dedicated executive boardroom with state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities.

Being seen to successfully deliver on two major international events last year, the G20 meeting for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors and the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE14), has also done wonders for Cairns’ reputation.

“On the back of these prestigious international events Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef experienced

a 63 per cent increase in business event leads,” says Douglas.

The Cairns Convention Centre, the quiet achiever in the nation’s conventions sector, is still busy doing what it does best – attracting international delegates (50 per cent of its business) keen to experience the region’s natural wonders combined with world-class convention facilities.

With a healthy conference season in full swing this year, 2016 is also looking positive with three of their conferences booked bringing in over 1000 delegates each including The Australian & New Zealand Society of Cardiac & Thoracic Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting.

The successful Cairns Delegate Advantage

Program had been extended to Palm Cove and Port Douglas since it relaunched earlier in the year. The program, which involves 48 businesses offering discounts and value adds especially for delegates included in a brochure in delegate satchels, has been distributed to almost 5000 delegates over the past three months.

The region’s fate is heavily tied to that of Australia as an aspirational destination for overseas visitors.

“The challenge is the positioning of Australia amongst all the competition that out there,” says Douglas.

“However with Business Events Australia investing more into this market I am confident we will see continued growth.”

Facelift for an iconThe Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort has begun a much anticipated $40 million refurbishment resulting in a floor-to ceiling revitalisation of the hotel’s 294 guest rooms. The hotel is very much a symbol of the ebbs and flows of the region’s fortunes. Built by the late Christopher Skase in 1988 it quickly put Port Douglas on the map, becoming a tropical playground for the global rich and famous. That glamour slowly faded along with Skase’s reputation, with the hotel becoming more a museum to the interior design excesses of the 80s. Property owners Fullshare Group are now set to bring the grand dame of TNQ back to her regal best, across its 147 hectares of tropical gardens and 2 hectares of swimmable saltwater lagoons.

www.cairnsconvention.com.au


CINZ Meetings has wrapped for another year, giving buyers a real insight into the depth and diversity of New Zealand’s business events industry across its many regions, writes Sheridan Randall.

In the spotlight

Under promise and over deliver is the mantra of many a successful event, and CINZ Meetings 2015 was no exception. Finishing off an action packed week for 650 buyers, the Gala Dinner at Shed 10 showed the Kiwis party as hard as they work.

Sue Sullivan, Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) chief executive, said that Meetings was all about making “NBFs” (new best friends) and that is exactly the case for the army of Aussie buyers that crossed the ditch.

“We in the meetings sector have a strong story to tell, and Meetings is the ideal platform to tell that story,” she said.

CINZ Meetings 2016 will be held at ABS Showgrounds in Auckland on June 15-16.

Expect the unexpectedAuckland Convention Bureau hosted two pre-show famils – Grand Choice and Boutique Choice – showcasing the variety of meeting spaces on offer in the City of Sails.

Watch the video in the CIM iPad app.

CINZ MEETINGS

Rock’n roll, hip hop and haka

were all part of the show at the Meetings Gala

Dinner at Shed 10.


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Meetings highlightsThere were too many memorable moments across the two-day show at ABS Showgrounds but here were some of the highlights.

• Meeting Welcome Function at Hilton Auckland

• Auckland Convention Bureau hosted dinner at Auckland Museum

• Hobbiton inspired feast at the Hamilton and Waikato Breakfast

• Meetings Gala Dinner at Shed 10

Networking at the Gala Dinner at Shed 10.

Buyers on the Boutique Choice famil of Auckland.

On the showfloor at Meetings 2015.

www.imexamerica.com


INCENTIVES

“Delegates are undoubtedly looking to be wowed by their incentive,” says Karen Bolinger, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) “They want money-can’t-buy experiences that give them bragging rights with their friends and family.”

The “only in Melbourne” type of experiences focus on coffee, street art, food and wine culture. MCB tailors activities around these experiences for each group.

“Delegates can learn how to be a barista or create their own unique piece of street art as a permanent reminder of their visit to Melbourne,” says Bolinger.

Melbourne’s attractions also

include major events such as the Formula One Grand Prix, Australian Open Tennis and the spring and autumn horse racing carnivals, which are popular with incentive groups.

“If an incentive group is visiting outside the event period, we can recreate the experience for delegates – for example, feeling the adrenaline rush of driving a sports car around the Grand Prix circuit, having the rare honour of standing on centre court at Rod Laver Arena for a hit of tennis, and getting dressed up for a gala dinner and phantom horse race at the Victoria Racing Club,” says Bolinger.

MCB recently launched a new

initiative, The Melbourne Effect, replacing the previous Melbourne IQ brand.

Bolinger says that the initiative is about the city’s ability to be innovative and offer everyday immersive experiences.

“Now many others are claiming smart city or knowledge city status,” says Bolinger. “IQ remains part of Melbourne’s positioning, but it has been broadened to include an emotional connection that builds on the city’s other strengths.”

Over the past five years, 70 per cent of Melbourne’s international corporate meetings and incentive business have come from Asia and 11 per cent from

New Zealand.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) is also looking to increase its appeal to the lucrative Asian incentive market. In collaboration with the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), BESydney developed a report on the corporate incentive market, with a focus on Asia.

Research showed Asian incentive delegates as Sydney’s highest yielding delegate, outspending holiday visitors by an average of 6.5 times, and up to as much as 9.4 times ($1418 compared to $151) and five times the spend of other business visitors.

“This is the first study we’ve undertaken on the corporate

Incentives are an integral part of business events, as they offer delegates a unique experience that highlights the destination and provides a one of kind experience, writes Anastasia Prikhodko.

Mixing business with pleasure

Above: Great Barrier Reef. Right: Melbourne’s laneways

are part of its appeal.


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incentive market from Asia and it’s an important one for us,” says Lyn Lewis- Smith, CEO of BESydney. “We’ve seen 20 per cent year-on-year growth over the past decade in the value of events secured from Asia and this market now accounts for almost half of the business we secure and deliver each year.”

According to the Asian incentive events in New South Wales: expenditure and retail impact report, business incentives make up around 25 per cent of the business travel industry revenue and have continued to rise for the past two decades. Sydney has welcomed corporate incentive events worth over $35 million in 2015.

UTS Business School researchers Dr Deborah Edwards and Dr Carmel Foley say tourism is emerging as a foundation of prosperity for many economies.

"It’s important that governments and communities understand the benefits that business events bring to their destinations, so they get the right support,” says Dr Edwards. “We also hope the knowledge generated by this study will inform innovative and

strategic activities in business events tourism in the future.”

Shopping pursuits were a key part of the delegate experience for Asian visitors. Research found that incentive travellers were likely to shop extensively because it was considered an important part of the leisure experience.

Nature based experiences also continue to be popular among delegates, in particular for those visiting North Queensland, with the Great Barrier Reef being the number one attraction.

“We also have a number of Islands to choose from including the iconic Lizard Island along with Green and Fitzroy Islands off the coast of Cairns,” says Rosie Douglas, director of Business and Tourism Events at Tourism Tropical North Queensland. “The activities include snorkelling, scuba and helmet diving, semi-submarines, underwater observatories and scenic helicopter flights.”

Douglas also says that food experience incentives are in the works of being further developed. “The seafood industry up here is massive, we grow about 80

per cent of Australia’s premium coffee, produce the only chocolate made in Australia, and have a massive fruit industry.”

Stuart Nettlefold, CEO at Business Events Tasmania, says that the state attracts an increasing number of banking and corporate groups as well as car launches and automotive deal incentive groups, with its gourmet offering a big drawcard.

“We are constantly receiving enquiries for off-the-shelf foodie, meet the maker and paddock to plate experiences – and for small groups, these are all so accessible in Tasmania,” says Nettlefold.

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) also continues to attract national and international delegates.

“We have also seen huge interest in smaller attractions such as Willie Smiths Apple Shed, Bangor Wine and Oyster Shed,” says Nettlefold.

Australia is blessed with a real diversity of attractions – from urban adventures to outback experiences – giving organisers the opportunity to tailor incentive itineraries for every market.

Gourmet adventures Whether you want to look at the local wildlife, eat the local wildlife or just head to the nearest winery, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has it covered. The Tasmanian company operates five tourism experiences for small groups out of Hobart.

There she blows Aboard Captain Cook Cruises in Sydney for a whale watching experience, with whale watching season in operation between May to November.

Bring a waterproof jacket and enjoy watching the whales displaying arched backs, tail up dives and blows.

www.sheratononthepark.com


“Our tourism industry achieved record results in 2014, with international expenditure up 9 per cent to an all-time high of $30.7 billion and our tourism investment pipeline is growing by 9 per cent,” says Andrew Robb, Minister for Trade and Investment, with responsibility for tourism.

The Federal Government identified tourism as one of five National Investment Priorities and intends to provide ongoing support for Tourism Australia with an $8.6 million increase in Government appropriation in 2015 to 2016, with a total increase of $36.7million over the onward estimates ($8.6 million in 2016/17, $8.9 million in 2017/18 and $10.5 million in 2018/19) for international marketing activities.

A further $30 million will be invested in tourism infrastructure, and increased resources for Austrade’s global investment teams.

“The recent increase is more of a balancing figure that helps with the buying power overseas for international marketing, as far as the fluctuation of the Australian dollar is concerned,” says Andrew Hiebl, executive director of Association of Australian

Convention Bureaux (AACB).

“Nonetheless that is better than a cut and we’ve been advocating for funding security as its integral from a business events perspective, and of key interest from the Australian convention bureaux collectively.”

Another announcement benefitting the sector is the freezing of the Passenger Movement Charge for the current term of office.

“The fee increases in past years were not in favour with the tourism industry and acted as a barrier,” says Hiebl. “The underlying point from a convention bureau perspective is that any increase in fees or further obstacles to the process of filling out visa application is just going to add to the barriers of us being a long haul destination. We first have to get delegates to overcome the concept of travelling on long haul flights.”

Europe and North America continue to be the dominant international target markets for major business opportunities.

“When you look at the incentive sector where a corporate business is potentially paying for

the travel of thousands of incentive delegates, a one off increase for a single person is a huge impact,” says Hiebl. “Funding security is really critical. More is always a good thing, in particular when you look at Australia in comparison to other competing countries.”

Since last year the AACB have been advocating for the Federal Government to be further involved in the bidding stage to attract international business events to Australia.

“Although it’s not a budget that everyone is ecstatic by, considering the circumstances I think we’ve been lucky with what’s being protected,” says Hiebl.

Funded by the Victorian Government, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) will be undergoing a $210 million expansion, ensuring MCEC is Australia’s largest convention and exhibition space.

Peter King, CEO of MCEC, says that the refurbishment will strengthen Melbourne’s position as a number one destination for business events.

“It’ll be the largest space, with the biggest

Swings and roundaboutsThe Federal Government has committed to backing the Australian tourism and business events sector with a range of investment plans, writes Anastasia Prikhodko.

BUDGET UPDATE


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 NT E C H N O L O G Y P A R K

CONFERENCES I EXHIBIT IONS I CORPORATE MEET INGS

TRAINING I FASHION I PRODUCT LAUNCHES

AND MUCH MORE.

[email protected]: 9209 4220www.atp.com.au2 Locomotive StreetEveleigh 2015

footprint,” he says. “$580 million of economic contribution is generated annually from MCEC’s activities and the expansion is estimated to generate an additional $175 million annually for the state.”

The Centre currently holds 1200 events from national and international markets.

“International business is very important to the city, our local and national business will also be enhanced,” says King.

The Victorian Government will also provide Victoria Tourism Industry Council with $20 million in annual funding over the next four years to grow Victoria’s visitor economy.

“Together with the announcement of additional funding for major events, the MCEC expansion will further cement Victoria’s reputation as the events capital of Australia,” says Peter Jones, chair of the Victoria Events Industry Council. “It is important we continue to support the high-yield business events sector with essential infrastructure investment.”

Premier Daniel Andrews also announced an $80 million budget boost going towards Victoria’s tourism and major events sector to end inefficiencies, duplications, and to better coordinate major events and tourism efforts.

“We want to bring every aspect of tourism, marketing and major events under one roof and

get the cogs working together” says Andrews. “One body, one voice and one clear plan.”

New South Wales is also set for a record boost to its tourism and events sector following the state budget, with a $176 million allocated to support tourism, major events and business events, incorporating the additional $127 million over four years that the NSW Government earmarked for the sector as part of its election commitments, with events a clear catalyst for boosting overnight visitation.

The additional funding represents an extra $73 million over the next four years to secure Sydney as the number one destination for major events in Australia, including $22 million to bring more world class events to Western Sydney. The additional funding will also see Regional NSW benefit from an additional $40 million over four years to grow tourism, as well as $9 million to target overseas visitors from key international markets.

“This Budget secures the continued delivery of new initiatives which have seen NSW lead Australia in visitor numbers, visitor nights and visitor expenditure, and will enable us to deliver new events and sustained growth in the years to come,” says Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres. “This includes $93 million to secure major arts, entertainment and sports events and $51 million to grow tourism across the State.”

The Tasmanian Government will also add an extra $400,000 over four years to increase Tasmania’s business events market.

“This significant investment shows that the Tasmanian Government has great confidence in the business events sector in Tasmania, representing close to a 19 per cent increase to core funding provided annually to BET,” says Stuart Nettlefold, CEO of Business Events Tasmania (BET).

However, Western Australia’s State Treasurer, Mike Nahan, announced a 28 per cent reduction in funding for the Perth Convention Bureau’s (PCB) business events marketing and promotional services agreement with Tourism Western Australia over the next three years.

This move comes despite the PCB securing direct delegate expenditure of $107.9 million; 104 per cent of the annual target last finacial year.

“At this point, we’re still in negotiations with the WA Government to have our full funding reinstated,” says Paul Beeson, CEO of PCB.

With business events delegates being the highest yielding of any tourism sector (five times that of a leisure tourist) a reduction of these visitors would be a regressive outcome for Perth and Western Australia, particularly with the concurrent growth in venue and accommodation space.

www.atp.com.au


EVENT REPORT

The Bays Precinct Sydneysiders Summit Australian Technology Park (ATP), May 15-18, 2015

BriefA public engagement by state government agency UrbanGrowth NSW, The Bays Precinct Sydneysiders Summit aimed to build public knowledge, understanding and participation in the transformation of The Bays Precinct.

BackgroundThe Bays Precinct, stretching across Sydney’s Rozelle Bay, Blackwattle Bay and White Bay – including the Sydney Fish Market and the heritage-listed White Bay Power Station – is 80 hectares of government-owned land, 2km west of the Sydney CBD. In July 2014, NSW Premier Mike Baird announced that UrbanGrowth NSW would lead a 20-30 year project to transform the area into a vibrant new harbour front.

A forum to set the scene for local input into The Bays Precinct’s transformation program needed a space that was as vibrant and dynamic as the input itself.

EventAs UrbanGrowth NSW brought together local residents, community leaders, industry representatives and Sydneysiders from across Sydney, ATP’s Exhibition Hall was transformed into an interactive display of The Bays; Sydneysiders entered a venue that guided them through the Bay’s history and current uses. The event space was designed to bring to life the ambitions and objectives outlined in the Transforming City Living: The Bays Precinct discussion paper. It was designed to allow Sydneysiders to explore The Bays Precinct, listen to short talks, participate in discussion groups and consultation activities, and provide their feedback and ideas.

The Park’s historic architecture (it was once the site of the Eveleigh Railway Yards) served as an iconic backdrop for the consultation. As visitors explored concepts to build a revitalised Bays Precinct, they explored the sights, sounds and scents of The Bays themselves. Innovative food and drink options from Hive Catering were integrated

into the event set-up, scaled up and down based on the various activities happening across the Conference Centre throughout four days. Replicas of important sites in The Bays – such as the Fish Market and White Bay Hotel – doubled as catering hubs.

OutcomeThe program for the Summit included a series of short talks, “discovery” displays and more that gave Sydneysiders an opportunity to provide feedback on the case for transformation and overarching ambitions for different areas in the precinct. The event was truly innovative, incorporating a range of options for real-time feedback and instant information, and creating an immersive experience of places and their people. More than 1300 Sydneysiders participated in the Summit and associated Leadership Forums held over four days. The feedback received will inform The Bays Precinct Transformation Plan, which will underpin how the Precinct will be transformed over the next 20 to 30 years.

ATP’s iconic Exhibition Hall added to the vibrancy of the event.


Q&A

Q: Why did you focus your business on sustainable issues?

A: It seemed a natural transition to merge my experience in the business events arena and being passionate with sustainability together as it became apparent that there was a huge amount of wastage and it was time to start making a difference when organising conferences, meetings and incentives.

Q: What was the reaction to environmental issues when you started and has it changed?

A: It’s certainly been a hard barrow to push initially. There was a shift in thinking when carbon was on the agenda under the previous [Federal] Labor government, however, when that was taken off the table it turned from ‘having to do it’ to ‘nice to do it’ and this has completely changed the nature of the conversation for some businesses as some opted out of being more sustainable and went for the cheapest option instead. However, there have been more progressive changes over the last few years with many hotels and venues becoming more sustainable through accreditation and developing some significant CSR (corporate social responsibility) programs which, for me, is encouraging.

Q: Does that mean green events are off the agenda?

A: No, it’s about becoming savvy with the sustainability conversation and moving away from the words “green” or “eco” as some people just see it as “hugging a tree” or green-washing. If we can label things differently and be more creative about the way events and meetings are run it can be more than sustainable – there are significant cost-savings to be made too. For example – move away from bottled water and provide carafes, substitute disposable pens with a better quality pen that has been engraved and provide refills, think about reducing the amount of paper and substitute with an alternative such as a USB flash drive instead just to name a few ideas.

Q: Do you encourage carbon offsets on events?

A: Yes – it’s certainly not as hard as people think it is. The key for me is about relationship building between the event and the local community to help with the carbon offset. I get in touch with the local high schools or primary schools to see if they want to help with tree planting. Over the years there has been some incredible connections made between the client and the organisation that is assisting with the carbon offset, which for me is incredibly rewarding and one of the

reasons why I continue to do what I do.

Q: Does technology play a part?

A: Most definitely technology plays a big role to assist with making events and conferences more sustainable. Webcasts and other technologies are now much more accepted and I’m a huge advocate. There are many new exciting things happening in the world of technology and the business events industry should be embracing it.

Q: How do you choose a venue?

A: I have a pretty extensive checklist. Venues don’t have to be ISO or Hallmark to still have really strong policies that are progressive and sustainable. There are brands of hotels where I have already done the required audits and checklists and know I can go anywhere with that brand because they give me what I need. I also work closely with particular airlines as they are very progressive when it comes to offsetting.

Q: What can event planners do to help?

A: As an observation, it’s often about what they have always done and not wanting to change the formula. It’s important to do a checklist before an event to see where you can make some changes that ultimately will result in a more sustainable event. How can I save on the paper used at this event? Can I substitute water bottles with carafes? Can I supply KeepCups instead of using disposable cups? It’s all about being creative.

Q: How long before a real tipping point?

A: I would like to think that in three to five years there will be mechanisms to make events more savvy, more sustainable and responsible. Currently there is no expectation that you have to do it. We are all responsible for making the business events arena more accountable.

Q: Is it a generational shift?

A: In the time since Consider it Green was established, it is much easier to have a conversation about sustainable events and meetings now – people are much more open and genuinely interested now than when I started out. I also think that the next generation (Gen Y) are willing to make more shifts and changes as they are more technologically savvy and understand the sustainability conversation.

Kerrie Hosken, director of Consider it Green, launched her sustainably focused events business in 2002. She spoke with CIM about how the events industry is still finding its way towards a more sustainable future.

No accounting for waste


News in brief

VENUE UPDATE

African glamping in MelbourneGlamp Cocktail Bar has opened in Melbourne combining the

themes of “glamping” and “African safari”. Glamp serves a signature list of African-inspired cocktails, and has two function spaces; Ahadi Lodge, a giant indoor tent, and Lion’s Den, an intimate room displaying hand-painted walls and a custom-made carpet.

First look at Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas revampThe new look for

Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort’s $40 million game-changing renovation has been unveiled. The revitalisation of the hotel’s 294 guest rooms began this month and is slated for completion in early 2016.

The Club Room opens in Blue MountainsFairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery has

unveiled a new conference space, The Club Room, featuring a classic fireplace, natural lighting, three chesterfield sofas, a 2.4m drop-down data projector screen and a private adjoining kitchenette. The Club Room can accommodate meetings from 36 to 100 delegates.

Mantra gets soulMantra Group has secured management rights of Soul Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. Mantra Group has been managing the tower as agents for the receivers since November 2013. The property is currently operated as Soul Surfers Paradise under the management of the Peppers brand.


Swissôtel Sydney’s new lookSwissôtel Sydney has completed a redesign that includes the installation of a

hand-crafted natural stone panel behind reception in the lobby, and the addition of 14 new Signature Rooms and Suites. The hotel’s further 355 rooms are also being completely refurbished as part of the revamp. Swissôtel Sydney’s signature restaurant has also undergone a transformation.

Rydges for DarwinAmalgamated Holdings Limited will grow its Northern Territory hotel network with

the addition of a new-build development in Palmerston, under the Rydges brand. Rydges Palmerston – Darwin will feature 200 rooms, suites and apartments along with extensive bar, restaurant and convention facilities. The property is scheduled to open in August 2015.

Platform 270 for Melbourne foodiesDoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne – Flinders Street has launched its

new restaurant Platform 270. “DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne – Flinders Street is delighted to offer a genuine contender to the Melbourne dining scene,” said Clinton Farley, the hotel’s manager.

Avani Hotel for PerthMinor Hotel Group will launch a new hotel in Perth, Avani Hotel. The 250-room property will be located within the Perth City Link project. To be completed in late 2017, facilities will include a rooftop bar which will be accessible to the public, in addition to a selection of alfresco bars and restaurants.

Hilton Melbourne South Wharf’s new event spaceHilton Melbourne South Wharf has opened new meetings and events spaces that cater up to 300 people. The Woodside rooms and terrace offer an indoor/outdoor space that can be configured into four rooms or opened into an expansive space of over 400sqm. The rooms naturally open on to a heated undercover terrace providing a setting that can be utilised as a breakout space or function venue in its own right. As one space, Woodside ballroom and terrace can host up to 300 guests for a cocktail event, 140 guests for a sit-down dinner and 220 guests for a theatre style event.


TALKING POINT

Coming from the hotel sector to head up the Auckland Convention Bureau eight years ago, Anna Hayward has seen the city evolve along as a business events destination in the Asia Pacific. Always having a ‘passion’ for the business events sector, she set out initially to create a “well-resourced functioning bureau” before “looking at strategic priorities and building on growing the sector for Auckland and our industry”.

Beginning with a team of two, the Bureau now claims a tight knit crew of seven.

“Auckland has gone from strength to strength, particularly following how much our sector hugely benefited from the 2011 Rugby World Cup,” she says.

“Being a host city to one of the world’s largest sporting events provided a catalyst for change and has left Auckland with lasting legacy improvements including improved infrastructure. It has enhanced Auckland’s international reputation, seeing the city and region be revamped and refurbished – it truly had an impact on the business events sector.”

In 2014, the Bureau launched its Business Events Plan with four key pillars to grow the sector over the next 10 years – to grow volume, grow value, reduce seasonality and support growth across Auckland’s key priority sectors.

“Our key target market is Australia, and in recognising this we appointed a business

development manager in Australia last November to have someone on the ground able to work with business events planners and help them in real time in understanding Auckland’s offering,” she says.

“North America will be exciting with our national airline carrier, Air New Zealand, recently announcing that it will be flying a new direct route from Houston, Texas, to Auckland five times a week from November this year. This exciting opportunity will allow us to connect New Zealand with an even wider southern, mid-west and east coast population. North America is becoming an increasingly important source of high-quality business event buyers for Auckland, particularly within the incentive market opportunities.”

The green lighting of SkyCity’s NZ$402 million New Zealand International Convention Centre, to be completed in 2017, is set to be a game changer for both Auckland and New Zealand as a whole.

“Auckland is currently losing conventions to other destinations, particularly in Australia, because we aren’t able to offer a venue suited to staging large scale conferences,” she says.

The recently launched Auckland Business Events Programme is an initiative Hayward has been nurturing for the last five years, describing it as a “real milestone”. Fourteen leaders in their fields have

been selected to represent Auckland on the world stage as the city bids for international business events, marking a first of its kind for New Zealand.

“To have such an amazing group of people who are passionate about Auckland and committed to working with us to bring more international conferences to Auckland is just outstanding,” she says.

The advocates, representing sectors spanning health, medical and ICT, will work closely with the Bureau to bring more business events to the city and promote it as a global events destination. Collectively, they have secured NZ$8.5 million worth of business events for Auckland since 2011 and have identified potential opportunities.

New Zealand’s economy is running well and Peter Jackson’s movies are still delivering priceless marketing opportunities but there are challenges ahead for Hayward and her team, particularly when it comes to increasing business from Australia.

“Australia being our nearest neighbour, sometimes Auckland can either be left to the last minute or can be on the wishlist to do another time which is why it’s so important for us to ensure the market understands the outstanding proposition that Auckland has,” she says.

“We have changed dramatically following RWC 2011 and the offering is world-class.”

Anna Hayward, manager of the Auckland Convention Bureau, has seen Auckland mature as a business events destination, with the City of Sails looking to ride a new wave of investment, writes Sheridan Randall.

Plain sailing


MEETING PEOPLE

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has appointed Amy Bunting as regional director of human resources for the Starwood Pacific Region and director of human resources for Sheraton on the Park. She takes over from Emma Jones who has transferred to Starwood’s South East Asia operations.

Mantra Group have a number of new appointments. Lucy Rawcliffe, has taken on the position of national sales manager – Consortia Partnerships. Matt McGrath has also joined the sales team as national account manager – MICE. Lauren Bencina is the newly appointed area sales manager VIC/TAS.

AVPartners has appointed Richard Keane as managing partner at One&Only Hayman Island. Keane has over a decade of experience in the audiovisual industry, including Sydney radio, concert audiovisual, night clubs and events.

Andrew Methven will lead the conventions and outcatering kitchen team at SkyCity Auckland. His previous experience includes catering for the NZ Golf Open in Queenstown and Warbirds-over-Wanaka with Continental Catering.

ICC Sydney has appointed Gabriella Alberici (pictured) as business development manager corporate, government

and events; Ruchi Ladkani as business development executive exhibitions; Karla Yum as business development executive national; Chris Nielson as business development executive national; and Ivan Sanhueza as director ICT.

Golden Chain has appointed Mark Loneragan as its new general manager to drive stronger growth for its 250 chain of

owner operator motels, motor inns, hotels, tourist parks and resorts across New Zealand, Bali, Thailand and Vanuatu.

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort in North Queensland has appointed Jayne Martin (pictured) business development manager and

Monique Wheeler as sales and marketing co-ordinator and corporate sales executive. Wheeler comes to Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort from the Cairns Convention Centre.

Exhibitions & Trade Fairs (ETF) has appointed John Woods as senior operations manager. He will oversee the operations

of all ETF show portfolios, including Business Events, Lifestyle, Industrial and International. Woods previously held the role of general manager, operations Australian Gift & Homewares Association.

Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree has appointed Ben Brearley to the role of market development executive. Brearley's

primary roles include developing and implementing TPDD’s digital strategy in areas of social media marketing, website marketing, and email marketing.

Oaks Hotels & Resorts has made three new appointments; Rex Demanser (pictured) as head commercial officer, Ben

Pilkington as area director of sales for Queensland, and Jeshly Sierra as area director of sales for NSW and ACT.

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific has appointed Diane Mitchell to the position of senior director of owner

services and loyalty, based at the company’s corporate headquarters on the Gold Coast

AccorHotels have appointed Janelle Neeve (pictured) in the role of communica-tions manager and Rocky Rosebery in

the newly created position social media and communications coordinator. Both will assist to promote AccorHotels across Australia, and Asia Pacific.

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor has appointed Sarah Croskery as executive assistant manager. She brings a

wealth of industry experience in the hotel industry, joining the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor as human resources coordinator in 2007.


PCO ASSOCIATION

Smart stories stickStory telling is as old as time, and is still the best way to communicate your message, bringing an emotional connection between you and your audience.

The right story, told the right way, to the right audience, at the right time, is a powerful tool of persuasion and seduction.

We live in a world where we’re bombarded by information. If you’re not grabbing my attention and giving me something I need, I will be texting, tweeting and checking emails.

Incorporating stories into your business conversations, whether you are pitching an idea to your manager, persuading your team to do something, presenting at a conference or pitching to a client is the best way I know to get cut through, to get your messages to stick.

Good stories surprise us. They make us think. They make us feel.

They stick in our minds and help us remember ideas and concepts in a way that numbers and text don’t. Of course, this is not to do away with necessary data and facts. But in a world full of them we need stories to give them life, so we connect and have a chance to persuade.

Why do stories work? Because we are hardwired that way.

Effective storytelling provokes a strong neurological response. Neuroeconomist Paul Zak’s research indicates that our brains produce the stress hormone cortisol during the tense moments in a story, which allows

us to focus, while when we see or hear something cute or nice, oxytocin is released, the feel good chemical which promotes connection and empathy.

Other neurological research tells us that a happy ending to a story triggers the reward centre in our limbic system, releasing dopamine which makes us feel more hopeful and optimistic.

If we can make people feel connected towards us, focused, empathic and optimistic, why would we not include storytelling in our business conversations?

Here’s just some of the ways that we can use stories.

Make the complex simple

In the “professional” workplace we are taught to incorrectly rely heavily on packed slides of data and charts to introduce new ideas and different concepts.

Sadly, nobody cares about your data and charts quite as much as you do. But tell a story on what the numbers mean and why the meaning is important, will get better cut through, and get your numbers to stick.

Stories can persuade

When you can demonstrate how an idea

has worked before, had a great result, your persuasive powers increase.

Tell them about the twilight sail down the Seine on a timber yacht once owned by Winston Churchill. Tell them about the private audience with the Pope. Tell about staying in the Johnnie Walker castle, wearing kilts to dinner and entering to the haunting strains of a lone bagpipe.

Help people cope with change

Change is an inevitable part of work life and can bring a level of discomfort to many people. And yet all of us have stories where a change that was initially resisted, ended up bringing a great result.

As a leader share stories of your own unwanted change to help people through tough times

Business storytelling is not the story you tell at the bar after a few free wines. But the right story, told the right way, to the right audience, at the right time can dramatically change the outcome of your business conversations.

Lynne Schinella was a speaker at the PCO Conference in Canberra in 2014 and works with companies to create positive workplaces that make a difference.


From my experience there are five key mistakes companies make when tendering: appointing an unskilled (or overworked) person to manage the bid; copying and pasting from previous submissions; using generic marketing motherhood statements; not answering the purchaser’s questions; or not having a bid strategy.

You don’t need to make these mistakes, nor do you need to hold your breath hoping you did the right thing. There is a better way.

When writing a tender submission every company should take responsibility for their submission, as they have a vested interest in ensuring that it best demonstrates their ability to meet the needs of their prospective client.

It all starts with sound preparation and being ready for the opportunity. Tasks like creating a tender response template, updating staff curriculum vita and/or having the latest company capability statement are invaluable. Having generic documents at your disposal when the tender hits the streets will mean you have just that little bit more time to focus on the specific tender requirements.

Identifying the purchaser and understanding the method in which they are likely to go to tender is also a cornerstone to success. Will it be advertised through a tender portal or in a newspaper? Is it a private or public tender? What is the typical tender document they will use including the form of contract? All of these questions have answers, you just need to spend some time preparing for the opportunity.

Knowing who your competitors are, including

their strengths and weaknesses, is critical to the go-no go process and tender strategy. If an opportunity is an open tender, you are new to the market and there are many other players bigger than you; what chance do you have you might ask?

One answer might be, “not much” and this could lead to a no go decision. This is often a hard decision to make, but sometimes best for the business as it saves time and money. The alternative answer might be, “I have a great chance because of my agility and pricing methodology”. Knowing your competitors will allow you to make an informed decision whether to submit a tender or not.

If the opportunity has “hit the streets” and the go-no go decision was to bid, it is now time to think like the purchaser. This is the single best way to maximise your chances of success. What is the purchaser looking for? What are they expecting to see? Are their compliance requirements strict? What is their budget? Is there a better way to provide the goods or service from what is mentioned in the tender documents? How can we convince them we have the best value for money offer? These types of questions are the backbone to effective tender strategy.

Unfortunately there is no strategy pro-forma, no website where you can download a generic management plan, nor is there any previous tender you can copy and paste from. Tender strategy is bespoke, is an art and requires marksmanship like execution.

Another way to maximise your chances of winning is to come up with a logical and

PCO ASSOCIATION NEWSFear of change killing business‘In the modern world of events and incentive marketing, accepting the frantically accelerating pace of change in technology and expertise is the price of admission to staying in business,’

“Running an event business has changed enormously in the past few years, and it's only going to change more, and faster, in the future,” says former Australian Comic of the Year, author and change management speaker, Marty Wilson. “So you have to evolve

into someone who is totally comfortable with uncertainty. You must become an early adopter, continually seeking out new ways to deliver what today's clients want or you will be left behind.”

Marty Wilson’s “Change Without Fear” keynote, which explains just how to do that based on over 1000 interviews he has done for his What I Wish I Knew book series, will be the opening plenary at the PCO Conference in Adelaide.

Tendering is fraught with pitfalls, but it helps if you go into the process with some key guidelines to ensure whichever way you don’t slip up.

Bidding with eyes wide open

compliant response structure. For too often we see suppliers use their own format, or a previous tender where the purchaser is confused and asks themselves, “What has this company done and where are the answers to my questions?” A sound response structure will make the purchaser feel at ease and allow them to focus on the content, as opposed to looking for a needle in a hay stack.

The art of successful tendering could be summarised in a few key statements: be ready; understand the purchaser; know your competitors; have the right tender strategy; appoint the right bid manager; correctly layout the response structure.

Good luck and happy tendering.

Steve Vermey the director of BMV Solutions, was a presenter at the PCO Conference in Canberra in 2014.

For bookings and enquiries:[email protected] or (02) 8274 7775 www.bridgeclimb.com/groups

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cim june 2015 issue

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