cim may 2015 issue

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

Savour the experience

Pan Pacific Hotels Group

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MAY 2015

businessevents.newzealand.com

O� ering world-class facilities, spectacular landscapes, an unmatched array of activities all within easy reach, and warm, welcoming people, New Zealand will take your next event from ordinary to extraordinary. Plan the conference they’ll never forget today.

A business event in New Zealand goes beyond expectation.

EXPERIENCES BEYOND BUSINESS

Rotorua

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

CONTENTS

On the coverFood is playing an increasingly important part of any delegate experience, with Pan Pacific Hotels Group bringing its commitment to local producers to the menu for meetings and events.

Gold Coast makes a splash Convention centres forge ahead Adelaide makes new connections

New eraAdelaide Convention Centre

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APR 2015

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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

07 International news

08 New Zealand news

11 Q&A Natalie Simmons, cievents

34 Venue update

36 Talking point Greg Erwin, Tjapukai Aboriginal

Cultural Park

37 Meeting people

38 PCO Association

16

18

12

FEATURES10 Cover story Pan Pacific Hotels Group

12 Canberra Canberra’s secret out

16 Geelong Victoria’s regional city mixes business

with pleasure

18 Tasmania The Island State is on the menu

22 CINZ Meetings New Zealand on show

24 Malaysia Malaysia’s winning streak

28 Heritage Reconnecting with the past

30 Vivid Sydney Sydney light’s up

32 Case study G20 Leaders’ Summit 2014 businessevents.newzealand.com

O� ering world-class facilities, spectacular landscapes, an unmatched array of activities all within easy reach, and warm, welcoming people, New Zealand will take your next event from ordinary to extraordinary. Plan the conference they’ll never forget today.

A business event in New Zealand goes beyond expectation.

EXPERIENCES BEYOND BUSINESS

Rotorua

TOU0233 - Conferences_Redwoods_CIM.indd 1 30/04/15 11:57 am

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

There are always winners and losers when it comes to Budget time, whether it be on a Federal or State level. This year was

no different, with a bag of mixed messages on display. There was a palpable sigh of relief when the Federal Government announced it will provide $36.7 million over the forward estimates in additional funding for Tourism Australia to support marketing activities overseas. Promoting Australia overseas is becoming more important than ever, with international delegates Australia’s highest yielding visitor based on per day expenditure.

The Federal Government said that tourism, including business events, has been identified as one of five National Investment

Priorities as part of the Government’s Economic Action Strategy to build a strong and prosperous economy, which is great news for the industry as a whole. In short the Federal Government gets what we are doing and the benefits the industry has for the nation.

Infrastructure is a key part of our ability to stay ahead of our global rivals, so it was heartening to see $30 million is to be used to increase promotion of foreign direct investment in priority areas such as tourism infrastructure, including increased resources for Austrade’s global investment team.

Another piece of welcome infrastructure news was the Victorian Government’s Budget pledge of $210 million for the provision for Stage Two of the expansion of the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. That expansion will ensure Melbourne remains at the top of its game with the extra space set to attract an additional 74,000 international visitors annually to Melbourne, boosting the local economy by $167 million.

Unfortunately it was a different story in the west, with the Perth Convention Bureau seeing its funding slashed by 28 per cent for marketing activity over the next three years, despite coming off the back of a record year, and on track again to exceed its annual target of securing $106 million in direct delegate expenditure to the State.

Western Australia’s State Treasurer, Mike Nahan, may well be feeling the fiscal heat as the State’s revenue is still so closely tied to the shrinking resource industry, but to put the goose that consistently lays golden eggs on a crash diet is not the way to prosperity. It’s time he took his head out of the sand and looked to horizon. The future’s bright if you know where to look.

Tasmania’s appeal has achieved critical mass, with the island state recognised as an aspirational destination that delegates actively want to visit. Find out more on page 18.

THIS MONTH’S TOP STORY

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INDUSTRY NEWS

New faces for international advisory boardKenes Group CEO Dan Rivlin (pictured) and Human Genome Organisation international director of operations Shirlena Soh are

the latest members to join Business Events Sydney’s (BESydney) International Advisory Board. BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith says the new appointments will offer “invaluable” irinsights, guidance and support.

TFE Hotels partners with iVvyTFE Hotels has partnered with technology company iVvy to launch a new venue software and distribution platform across

70 hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Europe. The new platform enables TFE Hotels to deliver real-time availability, response and enhanced customer experience for bookers and partners across all TFE Hotels brands.

Hunter gets a $1 million shot in the armThe Hunter tourism industry is to get a package worth over $1 million from the NSW Government following the recent

devastating storms. The funding will go towards creating new marketing campaigns and building existing campaigns to promote the region, as well as extensive support on digital and social media.

Entries open for the Australian Event Awards Event organisers and industry professionals have until August 10, 2015, to submit their work in the hope of taking

home one of the coveted trophies in this year’s Australian Event Awards. All events and achievements must have taken place between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, to be eligible for entry.

Sydney tops rivals in ICCA tableSydney has been ranked ahead of its domestic rivals in the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) global

meetings table coming in at 25th. “Sydney is again leading the way, ranked 1st in Australia and 25th in the world for international conferences,” said Business Events Sydney (BESydney) CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith.

NEWS BRIEFS

The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has unveiled Melbourne’s new brand positioning for business events – The Melbourne Effect.

Speaking from IMEX in Frankfurt, MCB chief executive Karen Bolinger said The Melbourne Effect was designed to encapsulate the city’s strengths as a meetings, conventions and incentives destination and how this drives success for its clients.

“Our previous campaign, Melbourne IQ – The Intelligent Choice for Conferences, which centred around the city’s intellectual

capabilities, has worked extremely well for us over the years, however knowledge is just one of the many factors that entice planners to choose Melbourne,” she said.

“We conducted extensive research across our key market segments, international associations and corporate and incentive planners, and what stood out was their desire for a city and bureau to not just tick the boxes, but to facilitate collaboration and deliver real outcomes.”

The new branding would be rolled out across digital and print platforms over the coming months.

MCB shares The Melbourne Effect

Perth Convention Bureau (PCB) has seen its funding slashed for marketing activity over the next three years.

Western Australia’s State Treasurer, Mike Nahan, has announced a 28 per cent reduction in funding for PCB’s business events marketing and promotional services agreement with Tourism Western Australia (TWA) for the financial years 2016/17 to 2018/2019.

“Forward estimates are disappointing and I know that many in the hospitality and business events industry will be shocked by the proposed level of funding in the three financial years commencing 2016-2017,” said PCB’s chairman, Ian Laurance.

PCB’s chief executive, Paul Beeson, was also disappointed with the announcement.

“This substantial reduction of funding is discouraging, particularly in the context of PCB being one of the highest performing convention bureaus in Australia with an ROI to WA State Government investment of 31:1 – double that of its east coast capital city bureau competitors,” he said.

“Further, PCB has almost doubled its cooperative funding and activities with the tourism industry over the last four years.”

In the last financial year, PCB secured direct delegate expenditure of $107.9 million delivering 104 per cent of the annual target of $104 million. PCB is on track in 2014-2015 to again exceed its annual target of securing $106 million in direct delegate expenditure to the State.

PCB feels budget pain


Hamburg partners with IAPCO

Dallas to host global tourism summit

New Client Advisory board to form brain tankBestCities Global Alliance is marking its 15th year as the alliance of global destinations and convention bureaux with the introduction of a Client Advisory Board (CAB).

The mission of the CAB is to serve as BestCities’ marketplace co-creation partner, providing counsel on trends and operational experiences to help guide the future direction of the Alliance.

“One of the fundamental values of BestCities is our commitment to results-driven partnerships,” said Karen Bolinger (pictured), BestCities board chair and CEO of Melbourne Convention Bureau.

“We have recruited key association and meeting executives to not only share their experience, unique insights and knowledge but to also become international Brand Ambassadors for BestCities.”

“Tapping into this brain tank of industry knowledge and experience will ensure we are really listening to our customers and offering the most relevant and compelling destination service experiences across 12 cities and five continents – now and in the future.”

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Hamburg is now a corporate partner of the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO).

The Hamburg Convention Bureau (HCB) and the IAPCO have sealed their membership agreement with an official presentation of certificates at the industry trade fair IMEX 2015.

With the partnership agreement the HCB aims to raise awareness of Hamburg as a destination and to present the Hamburg Metropolitan Region as a quality location for conventions and events.

IAPCO provides the HCB with access to its current portfolio of 117 professional

congress organisers.

In 2013, IAPCO members recorded a total of approximately 3329 corporate meetings, as well as 2826 association meetings and 609 governmental meetings. With these events, the confederation attracted 2,718,797 participants in total. By making use of the network, Hamburg will be able to boost its prospects of advancing its international profile further.

“We are delighted that we have been able to seal a partnership agreement with one of the most prestigious organisations in the field of congress organising,” said Andrea Weidinger, authorised representative and head of conventions at the HCB.

Dallas, 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.

From left: Nicola McGrane, Thorsten Kausch, Michel Neijmann, Andrea Weidinger.


NZ NEWS

100% Pure New Zealand redux

www.motat.org.nz/functions +64 9 815 5801

A UNIQUE VENUE FOR A MEMORABLE EVENT A UNIQUE VENUE FOR A MEMORABLE EVENT

The latest evolution of Tourism New Zealand’s 100% Pure New Zealand campaign has further defined the country’s offer to travellers with a focus on the range and closeness of New Zealand’s attractions.

The new strategy and 100% Pure New Zealand commercial comes as one of the world’s longest running destination campaigns turns 16, making it among the world’s most successful.

It will showcase how New Zealand’s diverse range of experiences are all within easy reach and can all be experienced with ease, with the message, “Every day a different journey”.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler says the past three years of 100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand have been extraordinarily successful with international visitor numbers at record levels, but it is now the right time to move the campaign on.

“For the next phase of 100% Pure New Zealand, we’ll be emphasising our story of closeness and diversity – how our amazing landscapes and activities are all within easy reach,” he said.

“Every day you travel through New Zealand, it’s a different journey.”

Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand have announced they will extend their marketing partnership through the 2016 financial year, jointly investing more than NZ$20 million ($18.5 million).

The announcement will see marketing activity increased in South America and the United States with Air New Zealand’s two new direct services, Buenos Aires – Auckland and Houston – Auckland, set to commence in December this year.

Tourism New Zealand CEO Kevin Bowler says the

partnership has also seen tangible results in terms of visitation to New Zealand.

“Inbound tourism reached a new high in the past financial year with 2.94 million visitor arrivals, up 7 per cent on the previous year," he said.

“We know that working collaboratively extends the reach and effectiveness of our campaigns, and look forward to continuing to collaborate with Air New Zealand to build on the positive results we have achieved to date.”

$20 million boost for tourism in New Zealand

Major cultural and sporting events have helped push up overseas visitor figures to New Zealand.

Visitor numbers are up 9.9 per cent for the year ending March 2015 after another good showing in March, according to figures from Statistics New Zealand.

“Events like the ICC Cricket World Cup, which kicked off in February, and Chinese New Year have further boosted arrivals for the last couple of months,” said Tourism

New Zealand CEO Kevin Bowler.

“As a result we have seen positive overall growth out of Australia up 4.3 per cent, the UK up 4.1 per cent and India up an incredible 27.5 per cent.

“Despite the increasingly unfavourable exchange rate, the ICC Cricket World Cup has driven a strong month of arrivals from Australia, up 14 per cent when compared to the same month last year.”

New Zealand visitor numbers impress


Allowing groups within a discipline to learn about each other’s priorities makes for a more worthwhile conference experience – and we can apply this understanding in our own world too.

I was gratified to see, in a recent article about a primary healthcare conference in which my team was involved, that “pharmacists who attended said it was worthwhile, not only to learn new skills, but to find out what GPs are being taught”. That got me thinking about just how valuable this cross-pollination can be, and what a great way it is to really appreciate the challenges and priorities within a discipline. In a healthcare context, for example, that better understanding could well result in better care for patients.

While cross-pollinating is done by individuals, those of us planning and hosting conferences can create the environment for it to occur. We can do this through careful programme design, allowing plenty of opportunity for conversation within and around sessions, through briefs to speakers to bridge knowledge gaps in the audience, and through marketing that makes it clear all comers are welcome and catered for.

We can also benefit from this kind of “side by side” learning within our own industry. As a supplier, finding out what really matters to your customers – and their clients – may be a catalyst for all sorts of new ideas and directions. IAPCO’s new educational offering, the EDGE seminar series, launches in Auckland in August (see

www.iapcoeducation.org). While it is education by PCOs for PCOs and tackles topics of key interest to this group, it’s also an ideal opportunity for bureaux, venues and others in the meetings world. Learning how to ask the right questions and tailor your offering to the needs not just of PCOs, but the clients they serve, can lead to better working relationships, better service delivery – and, ultimately, better conference experiences.

Jan Tonkin is founder and managing director of leading New Zealand PCO The Conference Company. She is also vice-president of IAPCO and vice-chair of the IAPCO Training Academy, which administers the Association’s international education programme.

Learning alongside one anotherAuckland advocates boostFourteen leaders in their fields have been selected to represent Auckland on the world stage as the city bids for international business events. The advocates, representing sectors spanning health, medical, education and ICT, will work closely with the Auckland Convention Bureau, a division of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED).

“The Auckland Business Events Advocate Programme aims to generate more leads, more bids and a higher conversion rate of winning bids,” said ATEED chief executive Brett O’Riley.

Chisholm Park Member for 36 years, 24 Handicap

“Some golfing greats have played here. The Great White Shark hasn’t, but we do get the odd one off the coast.”


COVER STORY

Food and wine provide an immediate connection to authentic local experiences, with Pan Pacific Hotels Group bringing culinary passion to all its hotels across three States. Its emphasis on farmers’ market-inspired food and local wine across its restaurant and meeting and events food offerings makes for an unforgettable experience for delegates.

Nothing says Sydney more than surf and turf, and at Parkroyal Darling Harbour’s standalone bistro Abode you can take your pick. Chef Ryan Hong offers a distinctive menu utilising fresh, seasonal flavours from locally sourced producers. Think Sydney rock oyster, SSB jelly and lemon cheek or grass fed rib eye from the lush pastures of Riverina in NSW.

Craig Bond, area general manager Oceania, says Abode has its own identity, offering guests at the hotel and local Sydneysiders the chance to connect.

“We understand the need to offer a place that has its own distinction, that connects people through food that has been sourced with thought and care as well as offering comfort, affordability and outstanding service,” Bond says.

Parkroyal Parramatta is riding the wave of investment surging through the west of Sydney, with its $25 million expansion well underway adding a further 90 rooms including 40 Club rooms to its total inventory of 286 guestrooms, as well as a Club Lounge and gymnasium. The hotel is also increasing the number of conference and meeting spaces to 12 rooms, making it the largest meetings and events hotel in Parramatta.

Its Table:30 restaurant and bar will also be extended to introduce an alfresco dining element that captures Parramatta’s multicultural street food atmosphere. Dishes such as grilled prawns, moghrabieh, sumac spiced onions, and Greek lamb backstrap with cous cous, feta and garlic yoghurt sit alongside tandoori chicken in a mild butter sauce with saffron rice, and sesame seed crusted grilled salmon with bokchoy and wasabi mayo.

Parkroyal Melbourne Airport is also flexing its local culinary credentials under executive chef Deepak Mishra, who was recently inducted into the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an International Association of Gastronomy. With delegates able to

simply fly in and walk to their meeting or event, they can still get a true taste of Victoria. The menu at its Airo Restaurant and across its delegate food offering is bursting with local seasonal produce (pictured). Milawa chicken

breast and confit leg ravioli, and slow cooked Yarra Valley venison fillet with spiced pumpkin mousse tempt the tastebuds on the latest winter menu.

In the west, seafood takes centre stage at Pan Pacific Perth, which has recently completed a multi-million dollar revamp of some its accommodation rooms including a new level of Premium Rooms, with a new look lobby due later this year. Enjoy the day’s catch on the weekend with a traditional beer battered fish and chips or go for an Asian inspired dish such as its classic nasi goreng with beef satay, fried egg, pickled vegetables and prawn crackers at the hotel’s in-house restaurant Montereys.

No matter the event, meeting or conference, Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s farmers market-inspired delegate food offerings and paddock to plate philosophy will ensure your clients are savouring their experience far beyond their working day.

Savour the experienceFood is playing an

increasingly important part of any delegate

experience, with Pan Pacific Hotels Group

bringing its commitment to local producers to the

menu for meetings and events.


Q&A

Q: Think global act local – does that mantra apply to the business events industry?

A: Yes, absolutely, more and more we are seeing our clients looking to both consolidate their meeting and event spend as well as work with a global agency who are able to provide local knowledge along with reporting on risk mitigation, procurement services and the like.

The events industry is still a very high touch industry, so our customers still want a local contact with local knowledge, with the added benefit of security and stability from global agencies.

Q: Are clients looking for more detailed ROI and how do you measure it?

A: Totally, and this won't change. Meetings and events take a lot of planning, no matter how large or small, and although the event creates an experience, the ROI comes post the event. It's at this point clients want to ensure that the experience and learning are not forgotten within days of returning to the office.

As such, we work with our clients to ensure that their event provides a story telling opportunity that lasts well past the event date. By providing messaging and themes that tie into the overall business goals, supported with a post event comms strategy, you are able to measure ROE (return on event).

Depending on the nature of the event we can measure ROI in different ways. However, it does start with the event brief and understanding what the strategic intent is and how this will be measured, whether it be through increased sales, better employee engagement or production knowledge.

Q: Business events are often part of a larger strategy – how involved are you in that part of the planning?

A: We treat every meeting and event as a bespoke opportunity to engage and inspire the audience. So with every event we look at our clients overall business goals and how we can tie these in to the content and experience. We also work with our clients to understand how the event ties in to the rest of the meeting calendar to ensure this interaction is part of an overall story telling piece.

Q: Can you tell us about strategic meetings management programs and what it means for the industry?

A: Strategic meeting management (SMM) programs have been in place in the US and UK for a number of years and are now starting to see some traction here in the Australian market.

SMM programs manage the entire cycle of meetings and events from the request of meetings, sourcing and awarding business to hotels, DMCs and AV providers and then the attendee management. What has traditionally been a fragmented approach in pulling all elements of

the event together can now be seen through one lens. It also provides our customers previously unseen data on meeting cycle trends, rate trends, how far out meetings of various types are being booked, how many events one employee may attend per annum, overall organisational meeting calendars, risk management and of course a financial benefit through better contracting based on historical data.

Q: Data capture is the buzz word across many industries – is this the case for business events as well, and where is the industry in terms of using this resource?

A: Data capture is very relevant for the events industry especially for those companies who manage a large number of events per annum. This has traditionally been a decentralised

un-managed category yet one of the larger spend categories. Where we are seeing the most value is in procuring the right product and driving year on year cost savings. It is a very exciting opportunity for our industry.

Q: Of your global offices where do you see the most growth?

A: All of our offices are still on a strong growth path including Australia which is our most mature market. However, the US is certainly seeing the most significant growth and with offices currently only in New York City the potential to expand our footprint is significant. The UK too is seeing some great recovery signs for us and we are already seeing much better forward bookings for FY16.

Q: Fast forward 20 years – how will the industry look and what will be the fundamental driver of change?

A: I think events are a very powerful tool. Whether it is a day meeting or offshore 10 day incentive they are all about creating an experience to engage and inspire the audience and this will not change.

Technology has enabled us to bring the world much closer together however the need to meet face to face will still be there. The more logistics focused side of events such as venue selection and registration will become far more automated and managed by technology. This is what we are seeing through strategic meeting management programs and the desire to consolidate spend and have a more commercial approach to these elements of an event.

I think the shift that we are seeing now is about events becoming much more intertwined into the overall business messaging activities of a company with many seeing the value that a successful event with powerful content can deliver to an organisation.

This is a trend which will continue and will see events become a key element of a company's marketing and people strategy rather than a standalone activity.

Full service event agency cievents is spreading its local knowledge and experience world-wide, with global manager Natalie Simmons keeping everything ticking over in six countries.

Local acts global


CANBERRA

Canberra is nothing like you think it is. It’s time to change your perception of the nation’s most misunderstood city, writes Sheridan Randall.

Shifting perceptions

“Canberra in its second century is embarking on a journey of rejuvenation, of renewal and one of presenting an entirely different face to Australia and the world,” said ACT Premier Andrew Barr, speaking at the Australian War Memorial dinner as part of this year’s Top Secret famil organised by the Canberra Convention Bureau

If you think Canberra is just a town for pollies and bureaucrats, prepare to have your preconceptions changed.

It is the centre of government but it is also the nation’s cultural centre. If you think Canberra is boring, think again. The city is home to some of the nation’s most innovative hotels and culinary creativity. Canberra is often described as the “coolest little capital in the world”, but that really doesn’t do it justice. Canberra is not cool, it’s way too smart for that. It’s what cool becomes when the hormones settle down.

As the newest city in a young

nation, Canberra has always had an image problem, but that is changing. Not by chance but by design, and that is the key to understanding why Canberra is the perfect city for events. Nothing is left to chance.

“The Government I am leading is seeking to open Canberra up to national and international investment, events and opportunities,” said Barr.

“This city is home to so many of Australia’s national institutions, leading researchers, leading

thinkers, the decision makers in this nation who all come to gather in this place to shape the future of our country. There is no better place for you to shape the future of your industry, your business or your association bringing events to this city with its liveability, functionality and world recognised leadership.”

The famil began in style at the Hyatt Hotel, with the group enjoying an alfresco lunch while listening to Canberra historian David Headon bring to life the

Watch the video in the CIM iPad app.


National Convention Centre

31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601 02 6276 5200 [email protected] nccc.com.auCanberra... Brilliant Possibilities

early struggles of Canberra’s conception. To contrast how far Canberra has come the next stop was a tour of NewActon Precinct including Hotel Hotel, Peppers Gallery Hotel and QT Canberra. In many ways NewActon represents exactly where Canberra is headed. A mixed-use precinct that includes hotel accommodation, residential

apartments, restaurants and community spaces. In many ways this sustainable, striking precinct is what many cities aspire to in lofty artists impressions but rarely see in reality; here in Canberra it has been fully realised.

The Realm precinct is another example of Canberra’s ability to bring great thought and

attention to its design, with Hotel Realm and Burbury Hotel offering contemporary accommodation and mixed use facilities including hatted restaurants and wholefood cafes.

Senator Zed Seselja spoke the next morning over breakfast at the National Arboretum Canberra.

He began, as many Canberrans

do, by plugging the city’s access to the nation’s power brokers.

“The access to Government and key decision makers is a key advantage for many organisations,” he said.

With the spectacular views across the city and surrounds as a backdrop, Seselja also promoted the beauty of the region and its accessibility.

Canberra barista world’s bestCanberra barista Sasa Sestic of ONA Coffee was been named 2015 World Barista Champion at the 16th Annual World Barista Championship held in Seattle, USA. Sestic is the founder and director of roaster ONA Coffee is a partner in the popular Canberra city cafe The Cupping Room. His secret weapon to win the competition, a dash of local winery Clonakilla’s shiraz viognier.

Opposite page from left: The Australian Institute of Sport; the lobby of Hotel Hotel; Sasa Sestic at the World Barista Championships; sweet treats at every stop.


READY TO INSPIRE.

Canberra, the meeting place of Australia, is ready to host your next event. Order your free 2015 Meeting Planners Guide.

Get ready to be inspired.

WWW.CANBERRACONVENTION.COM.AU

“The other thing that is special about Canberra is the access to nature,” he added. “The Arboretum, the Centenary Trail and the Namadgi National Park. There are so many great features in Canberra. There are few places that can offer what

Canberra can offer when it comes to hosting major events.”

No visit to Canberra is complete without a tour of both the Old Parliament House and current Parliament House. The history in both buildings is palpable, and there is something of a thrill

knowing you are in the very centre of power.

With both buildings filled with portraits of former leaders, art is also strong influence in the nation’s capital, which is also home to both the National Portrait Gallery and National

Gallery of Australia, which regularly showcase global blockbuster exhibitions. The National Museum of Australia is worth a visit solely for the striking building that houses it, with its revolving exhibitions an added bonus.

From left to right: The Jamala Wildlife Lodge at the National Zoo and Aquarium;

lunch at the Hyatt Hotel; NCCC showcases local produce; interactive exhibit at the

National Gallery of Australia.


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.

/ExperienceAIS

@ExperienceAIS

T (02) 6214 1036E [email protected] ausport.gov.au/events

P&SS 33920 CIM Magazine Ad v2.indd 1 10/04/2015 1:18 pm

The Australian Institute of Sport and National Zoo and Aquarium also offer a variety of spaces and venues guaranteed to bring an extra dimension to any event or conference.

Lunch at the National Convention Centre Canberra highlighted not only the centre’s conferencing credentials but also its culinary expertise, with its food stations showcasing the best of the region’s local produce. Guest speaker Tim Kirk, from local winery Clonakilla, spoke about the shiraz grapes established by his scientist father that took the world by storm; another local success story that highlighted how Canberra’s application of intellect delivered something truly special and world-class.

“The food and wine scene here is fabulous,” said Stephen Woods, the Centre’s general manager.

“We believe Canberra is purpose built to govern Australia, but it’s not too far a stretch to say it was purpose built for events. The ease of movement and logistics that we have here in Canberra, from the airport through to the city. You can have wonderful functions and then wander to some really important icons of Australia and in no time be back at your hotel. It is a city that has been

designed and therefore works really well for events.”

The final night of the Top Secret famil included a tour of the James Turrell Retrospective Exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia. An American artist who uses light and space to change the way we perceive our relationship with everything around us. A perfect metaphor for the effect Canberra had on the group, with everyone leaving with their preconceptions of the city changing with every step of the way.

Senator Seselja had begun his talk the morning before with a plea to the group.

“I hope your trip over the next couple of days will dispel some of the negative impressions people give of Canberra,” he said.

Canberra has for too long had to fend off prejudice from those who never visited. The time has come to shed the apologetic tone and embrace everything it has to offer.

“I like to think it is Australia’s best kept secret,” he added. Not for long. The secret’s out; Canberra is a city with its eye on the future. And that future looks bright.

Sheridan Randall was hosted by the Canberra Convention Bureau and stayed at the Crowne Plaza Canberra.

Clonakilla spreads the good wordA two times finalist for Australian Winemaker of the Year, Clonakilla is one of Australia’s leading small wineries, with wine expert James Halliday describing its flagship Shiraz Viognier “an icon wine, one of the best in the country.” Chief winemaker Tim Kirk wanted to be a priest before his passion for wine got the better of him. A true evangelist when it comes to great wine.


GEELONG

Geelong has transformed itself into a city of food, wine and relaxation and in doing so attracted an increasing number of delegates.

“We focus predominantly on the corporate, association and not-for-profit sectors within Melbourne, regional Victoria and Sydney,” says Mark Day, bureau manager for Business Events Geelong.

This year has started off well for the industry with Business Events Geelong securing two major conferences, with the Australian Tea Masters Association’s inaugural Australian Tea, a new trade show and conference for specialty tea and related products, to be held later this year.

In February 2016, the Linux.conf.au conference is expected to attract 650 delegates from Australia and overseas who will occupy an estimated 2000 hotel suits. This is the largest Linux and open source conference in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Our busiest month this year was March we had 60 events with 3406 guests” says Ebony Kirk, events manager at Novotel Geelong, which offers five conference rooms

for up to 230 delegates.

“Melbourne is predominantly our target market because it’s only an hour away.”

Booking conferences and meetings on short notice is becoming increasingly regular with organisers, who are requesting bookings only three days before an event and are usually staying for two days, according to Kirk.

Located on the city’s iconic Cunningham Pier, The Pier Geelong is the largest custom built corporate and events space in Geelong, with its venues catering from smaller business meetings for up to 50 people to a conference of 800 to 1000.

“The venue is positioned on the Geelong waterfront and is in walking distance to galleries, heritage streetscapes, cultural hubs, shopping plazas, and a myriad of activities on the waterfront,” says Tennille McInnes, sales manager at The Pier.

“The Pier houses a boutique bar and a beautiful la carte restaurant so it is not uncommon to look after the guest post meeting time, be it an organised social event or an impromptu one.

“We are also involved in corporate business networking groups and attract corporate events from product launches, conferences and exhibitions with the majority being Victoria-wide but we also handle many interstate and international events.”

McInnes says the duration of the events varies and can be anything between a few hours to two weeks.

The Pier recently underwent a refurbishment and continue to discuss further improvements in order to stay on the forefront.

“We are constantly looking at what spaces we can improve to further increase the flexibility and experience of the place,” she says. “The owners of the business are in fairly constant talks with our architects and builders with a new set of ideas currently under discussion for one of our areas, so yes, staying relevant is most important to us.”

Later this year the anticipated $45.5 million new Geelong library and Heritage Centre will open. The nine storey facility will incorporate meeting spaces as well as exhibition and display areas.

A city of work and playJust an hour out of Melbourne, Geelong’s picturesque landscape, waterfront setting and array of gourmet food makes this a popular destination for business events, writes Anastasia Prikhodko.

Right: The Pier Geelong. Below: An artist’s

impression of the Heritage and Library Centre.

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The Pier Geelong is located on the city’s iconic Cunningham Pier and has panoramic water views. From intimate business meetings for up to 50 people, a conference of 800 or cocktail party for 1000, The Pier offers a flexible floorplan, stylish décor and restaurant-quality in-house catering.

Nearby is the city’s largest conference hotel Mercure Geelong; offering 138 spacious accommodation rooms including apartments and suites as well as flexible function rooms catering for a wide selection of events from small intimate cocktail parties to large trade displays.

The Geelong Conference Centre located in Eastern Park Gardens provides a tranquil environment ideal for conferences, meetings or staff retreats. The centre offers hotel and suite accommodation and a cafe; all within walking distance to Geelong’s waterfront.

For a conference venue with spectacular bay views and a vineyard setting, visit The Bellarine’s most beautiful Terindah Estate. Offering architecturally designed event spaces this impressive venue dishes up delectable food and award winning wine.

Located in the heart of the waterfront with amazing views across the bay is Novotel Geelong. Featuring six flexible function spaces, some with bay views and capacities up to 250 people, 109 accommodation rooms with balconies and much more. Whether it’s a conference, trade show, gala dinner or any special function, host an event to remember at Novotel Geelong.

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Mercure Geelong - Under Construction Full Refurbishment of Function Centre

Inside & Outside in 2015

Geelong Conference Centre

Novotel Geelong

Terindah Estate

CIM Oct.indd 1 8/04/2015 12:23:28 PM


Spoilt for choiceTasmania’s appeal has achieved critical mass, with the island state recognised as an aspirational destination that delegates actively want to visit, writes Sheridan Randall.

TASMANIA

It has been called the MONA effect. When the Museum of Old and New Art appeared on the collective horizon it took the world by storm in 2011, and with it brought Tasmania into the global spotlight. A few years have passed since then, but Tasmania is still number one on many people’s destination wish list, in part due to the investment that followed lifting Tasmania’s appeal across many areas including venues, restaurants and offsite activities.

There is a confidence in Tasmania that perhaps wasn’t so visible a decade ago, as evidenced by Tasmania sweeping the table at the recent National Tourism Awards, taking out 10 of the 29 award categories including the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel winning the Business Tourism category. Other winners on the night included Rob Pennicott who was

named an Australian Tourism Legend, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, with their Bruny Island Cruises and unique Seafood Seduction tour, winning four medals, and the Port Arthur Historic Site declared, the nation's best major tourist attraction.

“All in all a really good outcome for the state,” says Business Events Tasmania (BET) chief executive Stuart Nettlefold.

“It really cements our growing reputation in the business events sector. Along with the strong confidence in the sector state wide we are also seeing really strong awareness.”

This is also evident in the number of enquiries being fielded by BET.

“September, October and November are looking to be standout months for our sector,” he says. “We’re currently seeing real excitement within the Tasmanian business

events industry, and it just keeps growing.”

The Population Health Congress 2015 (1100 delegates), the Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) Conference 2015 (800 delegates), the 2015 Society of Economic Geologists International Conference (1000 delegates) and the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) 42nd Annual Scientific Meeting 2015 (1100 delegates) are all scheduled for later this year in Hobart.

Scott Christie-Johnston, business development manager at The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, says Tasmania’s increased profile has brought in further investment resulting in “new and more vibrant product”.

“I think Tassie is taken more seriously from a destinational point of view than it ever has been,” he says.

“I don’t think you can draw a line between


tourism and business events. With all this added product people want to come to Tassie, so not only are we winning more events we are seeing those events drawing good numbers because they are

excited about it and want to come. The offsite component has certainly grown and the destination plays more of a focus, so delegates get a full experience of what people can do here.”

Delegates are staying longer as well.

“If people are here for a conference on Thursday and Friday, they stay for Salamanca market on the Saturday morning, and go home on the Sunday,” Christie-

Hobart's newest waterfront venueThe new Brooke Street Pier development opened earlier this year offering organisers additional event spaces and hospitality offerings, making it ideal for welcome receptions or cocktail functions up to 300 people. The floating pier also provides an enhanced experience for delegates travelling by fast ferry to off-site dinner destinations MONA and Peppermint Bay. It also glows in the dark.

Opposite page from left: Launceston at night and Hobart’s waterfront.


Johnston adds.

The Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart is also reaping the benefits as it looks down the barrel of a record year.

“People are starting to tell good news about Tasmania and service levels have lifted,” says Andrew Best, director of sales and marketing at Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart.

“That is the reason why the smaller tourism operators are winning those awards. All those newer products coming on board based on the groundswell that’s coming through.”

New restaurants and a choice of large offsite venues has also contributed to the new found confidence.

“It had always been the supporting infrastructure that had slightly let us down,” Best says. “It’s all well and good to have a plenary hall for 1000 delegates and an exhibition area for 115 booths but if you don’t have the gala dinner space there is a piece of the puzzle missing. With Macquarie Wharf No. 2 and Princes Wharf 1 coming on board and the ability to do a 600 plus function at MONA the jigsaw puzzle is complete.”

The new confidence isn’t limited to Hobart with Launceston also seeing strong

growth, as awareness of its capacity as a business events destination increases, with Launceston and the north of Tasmania recording a 23 per cent increase in bid conversion this financial year. Having a newly appointed business development manager, Misty Sanderson, based in Launceston has also helped drive business to the city.

“Having a physical presence in Launceston has provided us with the benefit of someone on the ground, pulling together all the great products and services on offer and presenting them in the best possible light for the destination,” says Nettlefold.

“Someone that is experiencing the city and surrounding towns every day and aware of the latest activities and dining experiences to hit the market.”

Playing on the city’s strengths has paid off, with Launceston to hold the Bioenergy Conference (November 2015, 300 delegates), Australian Society for Infectious Diseases Annual Scientific Meeting Conference (March 2016, 350 delegates) and Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (AIAST) National Conference (May 2016, 200 delegates).

Christine Pritchard, business development

manager at the Sebel Launceston, says Launceston works “as a community” to attract large conferences.

“We also partner with attractions in our regions to offer organisers, whether they be company direct or PCOs, some alternative partner, and pre and post options,” she adds.

“Regional exploration of Tasmania tends to be the trend at the moment. Short breaks to explore a specific region is the preferred way to go.”

Regular events such as wine and food festival Festivale (February 12-14, 2016), agriculture event Agfest (May 5-7, 2016) and the newly launched Dark Mofo (June 12-22, 2015) also add extra incentive for groups to explore to Tasmania.

In addition to this is Tasmania’s growing reputation as a world class foodie destination. It is no coincidence that Tourism Australia’s campaign Restaurant Australia held its gala dinner in Hobart attracting the world’s culinary movers and shakers to sample the best of Australia’s food and wine.

“That brought a lot of international wine and food writers into Hobart and showed how the produce, wine and our emerging

A shucking good timeWant to mix Tasmania’s rugged natural beauty with the best local food and wine? It’s a winning combination that has seen Robert Pennicott win numerous awards for his Pennicott Wilderness Journeys.

Their Tasmanian Seafood Seduction tour, recently named Australia’s Best New Tourism Development at the National Tourism Awards, gives small groups up to 36 the opportunity to eat oysters shucked straight from the water, freshly caught rock lobster, abalone and sea urchin accompanied by gourmet local produce and Tasmanian wines, boutique beers, ciders and juices.


New investmentThe increased confidence in Tassie’s appeal has resulted in greater investment with the commencement of a $35 million luxury hotel on Hobart’s waterfront – Macquarie Wharf One, a $7 million restoration of the Port Arthur Historic Site (pictured), a $16 million silos hotel

and conference centre redevelopment in Launceston, and a $185 million eco-tourism development at Musselroe bay on Tasmania’s North-East Coast including a golf course, 5-star resort, day spa and villas.

Mantra has also expanded in Tasmania, with the new Mantra Collins Hotel Hobart and Mantra Charles Hotel Launceston joining existing Mantra properties Peppers Seaport Launceston, Peppers York Cove and Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.

1 Davey Street, Hobart, TAS 7000 P +61 (03) 6235 4535

[email protected] www.grandchancellorhotels.com

Boutique attitudeConvention centre size •

Hobart

whiskey offerings all add to the overall pitch to what we are selling as a business vents destination,” says Nettlefold.

The Sebel Launceston’s Market Square Restaurant pushes its local credentials under head chef Michael Mackaway.

“We try to drive business to our restaurant by designing themed ingredient dinners and supporting local producers,” says Pritchard. “Tasmanian food, beer and wine is spectacular, you’d be mad not to try and use our unique, pristine offerings.”

Another Launceston venue, The Tramsheds, is also proud to show off its local culinary connections.

“Tasmanian food is always a requested item with large conferences,” says general manager Mick Hammond.

“We handle this simply by using Tasmanian produce anyway. I think it’s good to have strong relationships with those around you, including local food producers. I really feel like we all know each other and about one-another’s businesses. It’s great to be able to

refer my customers to another business while using the business owner’s name – not just their Google listing. I think that people like that sort of local knowledge.”

Tasmanians are very proud of the state’s food and wine offering, says Christie-Johnston.

“It is world-class produce and it’s on our doorstep,” he says. “You hear paddock to plate bandied around everywhere now but I don’t think anyone does as well as we do here in Tassie. It is a key focus of what we want to deliver.”

Extra space at Hotel Grand Chancellor LauncestonHotel Grand Chancellor Launceston has expanded its purpose built Conference Centre including pre-function area, to over 1000sqm, making it the largest meeting space in Northern Tasmania. The Conference Centre offers eight meeting rooms, ranging in size from 48sqm to 700sqm as well as a 300sqm Ballroom. The hotel is also well on its way to completing the refurbishment of all 165 guest rooms and has recently introduced a Lobby Bar.

Left: The global food glitterati at Restaurant Australia’s gala dinner at MONA late in 2014.


CINZ MEETINGS

SINGLE MOSTImportant detail #7YOUR SMILEYour smile. It’s how we measure success. It’s how we can tell your conference at Claudelands has hit the mark in every respect. It’s how we know you and your attendees have experienced everything you‘d expect from a venue named New Zealand’s Supreme Venue of the Year at the prestigious EVANZ Awards.

To find out more about how we can make you smile, contact us today on +64 7 958 5950 or visit claudelands.co.nz

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New Zealand’s economy is firing on all cylinders, with this year’s CINZ Meetings showcasing 190 exhibitors, including 20 new exhibitors from 18 regions across New Zealand.

New Zealand’s largest business tourism trade exhibition Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Meetings 2015 is back bigger than ever, with Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) and Air New Zealand bringing a record number of international buyers and media from China, South and South-East Asia and North America.

More than 90 hosted buyers and media from New Zealand, 90 hosted buyers and media from Australia and 400 day buyers from all around New Zealand are expected to attend holding more than 6000

meetings during the two days of pre-scheduled appointments and social networking events.

Eighteen regions will be on show, stretching right across New Zealand, from the far north to the deep south, showcasing accommodation, venues, attractions, production and theming companies. Northland and Oamaru are showing for the first time, while Hamilton-Waikato and Wairarapa are upping their presence this year.

“Our two pavilions at ASB Showgrounds will be packed with

New Zealand on show


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We believe the key to creating a successful event requires more than providing conference delegates a world-class venue in an attractive city. The standout value for our clients is in the opportunities, connections and ideas generated at every single event.

+Correct as at February 2015.

YEARS EXPERIENCE 11

NUMBER OF MEETING SPACES 21

NUMBER OF STAFF 500+

EVENTS DELIVERED 6,750+

SKYA5992 Conventions Brand Ad (125x210mm) 1.1ƒ.indd 1 24/02/15 9:04 am

inspiration for those planning their next event, conference or incentive,” says CINZ chief executive Sue Sullivan.

The Luxury Collection is returning this year with new exhibitors including Kinloch Lodge by Lake Taupo and Treetops Lodge, Rotorua, Safari Hospitality, Time Unlimited, creators of personalised cultural tours of the Auckland region, and Helicopter Corporation.

CINZ Meetings 2015 is being held on June 10-11 at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds.

Aussies keen to explore New Zealand regionsAround 60 Australian hosted buyers are joining regional familiarisation tours the weekend prior to CINZ Meetings across Hamilton and Waikato, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Wellington, Christchurch and Canterbury, Dunedin and Queenstown.

“Last year’s pre-Meetings familiarisation programme was such a huge success we have expanded to seven regions in 2015,” says Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) chief executive Sue Sullivan.

CIM is off to Dunedin which is participating in the famil program for the first time.

“The value of CINZ and Air New Zealand’s support is enormous and enables us to show off what this beautiful city has to offer,” says Dunedin Bureau manager Kerry Buchan.

“In particular, we want our guests to see the cohesive way business events people work together here. Dunedin itself is one enormous conference venue and we punch above our weight for extra-curricular activities. We have it all and we want our Australian visitors to see and experience this European-flavoured city, all on their doorstep.”

CINZ Meetings offers buyers a chance to see everything New Zealand has to offer under one roof.


MALAYSIA

Winning streakMulti-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual, the melting pot that is Malaysia has become one of Asia Pacific’s top business destinations, writes Anastasia Prikhodko.

“The country offers an extensive and affordable choice of exciting experiences within one destination,” says Ritzeraynn Rashid, communications manager for Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB). “Delegates looking for that special pre- or post-conference tour that is set to wow them will have plenty of choice.”

Strategic location, relevant supply chain, steady economy and state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities are some

of the reasons behind Malaysia’s growing success as a top 10 meeting destination in Asia Pacific.

In 2014, MyCEB provided support for 261 business events, accounting for 131,936 international delegates with an estimated RM1.5 billion ($525 million) in economic impact to the country.

Some of the prominent meetings and conferences held last year were; the inaugural offshore Oil and Gas Technology

Conference Asia 2014, the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Experience, the Meeting Exhibition Australia (MEA) National Conference and the 25th FIG Congress.

“MyCEB’s goal is to improve its rankings as an international meetings destination within International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and to grow business tourism arrivals to Malaysia,” says Rashid.

According to the recent ICCA report,

Right: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre at night. Below: Penang

Peranakan mansion courtyard.

KLCC_10YAC_CIMaus_0515.ai 1 3/30/15 2:10 PM


Malaysia has jumped five places in world convention country rankings since 2013 (35 to 30) and two places in Asia Pacific ranking (nine to seven) based on the number of international association meetings held in 2014.

“We are also very proud to announce that other than Kuala Lumpur, other Malaysian cities like Kuching and Kota Kinabalu have also improved their ranking in 2014,” says Zulkefli Haji Sharif, CEO of MyCEB. “This reflects a growth in Malaysia’s association meetings business amidst a competitive and challenging market.”

From January to December 2014, MyCEB together with industry partners secured 152 bid wins, which will bring in 100,754 delegates to Malaysia between 2014 and 2021. The bid wins will create an estimated economic impact of RM970 million ($339 million).

In May 2017, Malaysia will host the 16th Asia Pacific Life Insurance Congress (16th APLIC)

for the third time in two decades. The 16th APLIC will be welcoming approximately 7000 local and international delegates and is expected to generate more than RM62.5 million ($22 million) in economic impact, a major contribution to the business events industry of the country.

The country has also won the six month bidding process to host the ninth World Urban Forum (WUF9) in April 2018. This will be one of the biggest events Malaysia has ever hosted.

“More than 10,000 international delegates are expected to come for the WUF9,” says Sharif. “This would account for an estimated economic impact of RM126 million ($44 million) to the nation.”

Additionally, in 2020 Malaysia will host the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) World Congress. Bringing together global haemophilia organisations and clinicians who

will advocate for improved medical treatment of haemophiliacs around the world.

According to MyCEB, the biennial WFH World Congress will generate an estimated RM55 million ($19 million) in economic impact with 4300 delegates from around the world expected to attend.

“One of MyCEB’s goals is to make Malaysia the choice destination in business events and meetings for healthcare professionals,” says Sharif.

The relationship between Australia and Malaysia also continues to grow.

“Australia has always been a key target market for us and we enjoy a strong business relationship with Australia-based clients and Malaysia-based Australian companies,” says Alan Pryor, general manager of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

Pryor says that Malaysia’s multiple

Borneo QuestIn April, Sarawak industry members hosted a “Borneo Quest” programme at the Grand Mercure Roxy, Singapore. The event aimed at enticing potential corporate incentive clients, as part of the Sarawak Convention Bureau's (SCB), 7 Wonders of Borneo campaign.

The host committee of the 55th ICCA Congress 2016 (ICCA 2016) in Kuching, Sarawak, is promoting the Borneo Orangutan Project in May this year at IMEX Frankfurt.

The Borneo Orangutan Project is a CSR program which aims to increase awareness

about the plight of orangutans and their rainforest habitat through global events.

“With Singapore as the heart of industry and commerce, I believe Sarawak can complement Singapore’s continued growth by providing the energy and the natural beauty of Sarawak,” says Mike Cannon, managing director of SCB.


Cultural insightThe KLCC offers a complimentary Cultural Showcase as part of its RM100,000 (AUD$35,000) Conventions Value-Add Programme to give international delegates a snapshot of the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage without having to leave the facility. Batik painting, basket weaving, wood carving, songket weaving, pewter smithing, henna painting, Chinese calligraphy and the gamelan (traditional Malay orchestra) are all on offer.

Explore the 130-million year old rainforests and climb the 13,435-ft Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia,

There are a number of heritage and shopping tours whilst also enjoying a multi-ethnic cultural and culinary feast.

See Kuala Lumpur from a bird’s eye view from the 88th floor observation deck of the Petronas Twin Towers.

Enjoy the shopping malls such as Suria KLCC, Central Market, Malay Street, Chinatown and Little India, followed with a local culinary adventure in the famous food street, Jalan Alor.

sectors play a significant role in attracting Australian businesses.

“Oil, gas, energy, agriculture as well as numerous leading institutions of higher learning can benefit Australia-based conferences looking to host their meetings here,” he says.

“We have a dedicated representative based in Australia so we have a presence in-country to communicate and liaise with Australia-based PCOs.”

Pryor also says that between 2010 and 2014, the Centre recorded a 10 per cent year on year average growth in the number of events hosted.

This year the Centre will celebrate a decade in business with expansion plans of Lot 91, which will include an office tower, convention centre and retail podium.

“We are thrilled to reveal that groundwork began in late April and we expect the

expansion to be completed in 2018,” says Pryor. Since opening in June 2005, the Centre has hosted 10,408 events and received over 18.1 million delegates and visitors. As well as, contributing more than RM5.7 billion ($2 billion) in economic impact to Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is part of the AEG Ogden group; this partnership enables the Centre to target specific conventions that have occurred at sister venues.

“In addition to knowledge and experience sharing, we have the benefit of first-hand insights if the events have been held at another AEG Ogden venue,” says Pryor. “This helps us to customise our proposal, if necessary, and be better prepared in the bidding process.”

Malaysia’s resourcefulness, location, exotic foods and natural array of attractions continues to entice business event visitors for a kaleidoscope of unique experiences in Asia.

Left: Malaysia’s heritage on show. Below: KLCC general manager Alan Pryor.


HERITAGE VENUES

Heritage venues have gained popularity for their historical element and are now in competition with traditional conference centres.

“People have started to move away from the traditional bricks and walls of hotel styles,” says Abraham Dow, general manager of Mantra Lorne.

“Businesses want to invest in their team and bring them to a space where you don’t feel as though you’re at work. When you get people relaxed they are more open to learning, creating and reflecting on their business but you need an environment that allows you to do that.”

Mantra Lorne is the largest conference venue in regional Victoria.

“The venue contains heritage stables, a heritage ballroom, heritage trees and gardens,” he says. “There is so much history here.”

The venue was built as a farmhouse in the

late 1860 by the Mountjoy family of Lorne. Their two storey house gained popularity from summer visitors, which encouraged the family to move away from farming and evolve their hotel business. By 1869 most of the wings were finished off and in 1930 the hotel opened to the general public.

The venue contains 11 spaces, including six of heritage style. Holding 10,000 events per year, a figure the conference venue further expects to grow after the recent renovations.

“This month we finished our $1 million refurbishments, which took seven weeks,” says Dow. “We wanted to start fresh, so we brought back the old floor boards, fire places and went back to the original pastel colours and flower tiles.”

Mantra Lorne attracts the leisure market in Melbourne along with the conference market from Melbourne and interstate. “We are very popular with the universities, government

institutions and associations,” says Dow.

“The conference space has been used for over 150 years. Lorne is one of Australia’s playgrounds. It resonates really well with the Victorian community as most of them have been coming for a great deal of time and have raised their children here. Every time they stay, they reconnect with Lorne.”

Sydney based heritage venue The Governors Table was built in 1788 on the site of the first Government House as temporary accommodation for Governor Phillip. The design of the venue draws inspiration from the history and architecture of the historical site.

The Governors Table restaurant opened in 2004 with a colonial era inspired menu. Head chef Marco Alder sources seasonal ingredients each month from the Trade Wall of ingredients in the Museum of Sydney.

“Much of the imported produce came with the first fleet, so the influence is mainly from

Heritage venues bring a historical narrative to many events and meetings, infusing them with stories from the past, writes Anastasia Prikhodko.

Reconnecting with the past


England,” says Alder. “There were also some European influences from the convicts who had a more Mediterranean heritage.”

Some of the dishes served at The Governors Table include; wood grilled T-Bone romesco sauce; black fig tart with honey and lavender ice cream; grilled local asparagus with aged parmesan custard and nettles and shiso dressing.

A key feature in the restaurant is the Governors table. “It’s an enormous 18 seat French oak banquet table placed underneath the room’s eight meter high ceiling where guests can enjoy communal dining or book the entire table and enjoy banquet dining, just as Governor Phillip once did,” says Zelka Pierce, the restaurant’s manager.

The architecture of heritage venues convey a

story of each location's development, adding a point of difference to an event.

“The Governors Table is a modern interpretation of its foundations capturing significant and historic Australian design elements sympathetic to the site, like the use of stone, timber and steel,” says Pierce.

“These were the materials used to build The Edge of the Trees installation in the museum’s forecourt, a forest of 29 massive pillars representing the 29 Aboriginal clans from around Sydney.

“Australian native plants are used extensively throughout with stag horn and green wall installations breathing life atop the original sandstone walls.”

The venue caters up to 150 guests with the option to extend the restaurant space into the

Museum of Sydney’s heritage entrance where a further 100 people can be seated or it can accommodate 250 for stand up cocktail events.

Another one of Sydney’s oldest venues dates back to 1811. Next year, The Mint will celebrate its 200 year anniversary. Originally the building was part of the colony’s first permanent hospital, known as the Rum Hospital as construction was paid for by a rum importing authority.

Over time the building has been used for multiple purposes including a branch of Britain’s Royal Mint, law court, military hospital and an artist’s studio.

“On an average annual perspective we are delivering around 250 to 275 commercial bookings per year, which usually last one to three days,” says Damian Poole, head of commercial services for Sydney Living Museum Group.

“Our busiest months range between August to December and February through to March,” he says. “With November being the busiest because that’s when all the different types of business sectors clash.”

Sydney Living Museum Group manages 12 museums with The Mint being the principle conference business venue.

“That history and environment tails into the event because it’s the environment you’re delivering your event in,” says Poole.

This year The Mint will be celebrating their 10 year anniversary of the contemporary facility, which was added on during its extensive redevelopment, and Bistro Mint’s one year anniversary.

“Heritage venues are now competing with main function centres,” says Poole. “We are becoming a growing sector and the way we are operating by making the venue available on a daily basis is like todays pop-up bar.”

Opposite page from left: The Mint, Sydney; The Mint interior; Mantra Lorne; The Governors Table.


“Vivid Sydney continues to be the centrepiece winter event,” says Sandra Chipchase, CEO of Destination NSW.

“Last year it was named Australia's Best Tourism Event and attracted 1.43 million people from across Australia and around the world.”

This year numbers are expected to grow with new additions of interactive activity and expansion plans.

This year's festival will attract the world's

leading artists and creatives, says Stuart Ayres, NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events.

“With 60 light installations, new precincts to explore, more idea seminars and an expanded music offering, there's something new to see every night during Vivid Sydney,” he says.

This year’s Vivid is about making the event an interactive experience for visitors with

the new inclusion of Vivid Game Zone.

Pyrmont together with The Terrace Lounge at The Star have been transformed into a buzzing games zone for children and adults. The Star's interactive installations were engineered by creative events company, Fourth Wall.

Features include Pyrmont Pyro, an interactive digital fireworks display at Pyrmont Bay Park; bongo drums, an

Switched onVivid Sydney, the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, returns for its seventh year to light up the harbour city, writes Anastasia Prikhodko.

VIVID

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View slideshow in the CIM iPad app.


REWARD THESHOE-LOVERIN YOUBook your next event with us and receive up to $1000 at Shoes of Prey*

Enquire now at www.rydges.com/shoesofprey

Subject to room & rate availability. Blackout dates may apply. Offer is available for new bookings and events only made between 15 April 2015 and 31 January 2016 and held by 30 June 2016. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or special offer.Bookings with a total eligible spend of $5,000 or more will receive a $250 Shoes of Prey Gift Card. Additional spend in increments of $5,000 will be entitled to an additional $250 Shoes of Prey Gift Card with a total gift card cap set at $1,000. Reward will be provided for conference & event bookings at participating Rydges Hotels and Resorts, QT Hotels and Resorts, Art Series Hotel Group, or Atura Hotels based on the total combined eligible spend. Eligible spend includes day delegate packages, room hire, event foods & refreshments, ancillary event services including AV, staging and theming costs and accommodation bookings.The retail value at time of promotion commencement for each Shoes of Prey gift card is AUD$250. The reward provided is not redeemable for cash or future credit. The delivery of the reward is at the expense of participating Rydges Hotels and Resorts, QT Hotels and Resorts, Art Series Hotel Group, or Atura Hotels and the reward will only be delivered to the customer after they have held and paid for their event in full. For full terms and conditions visit www.rydges.com/shoesofprey

outdoor installation linking rhythms of beating drums with changing light-scenes set against the background of trees; projected video games, and Mission Control, an audience operated light show that activates dozens of search lights atop The Star rooftop.

“Mission control is the largest audience operated light show in the world,” says Jeremy Garling, founder of Fourth Wall.

“You select your music, we record you doing it and then you can share it online.”

Visitors can also participate in the light beam karaoke experience – Face Off, which projects their light-fuelled live music performance onto an exterior wall of The Star Event Centre.

Additionally, for the first time the Vivid experience has expanded into other part of Sydney.

“At the new Chatswood precinct families can explore an underwater fantasy world as they follow the journey of Norbert the Nautilus,” says Ayres.

“Visitors to Central Park, will see animated street art from contemporary artists projected onto the heritage-listed brewery façade and a silent disco on the weekends.”

A light-connected trail of installations and activations will guide visitors to and from the city precinct via Darling Harbour.

The new programming also includes extra music events at Darling Harbour, with Sydney electronic music duo The Presets creating a dj set for the Vivid Laser-Fountain Water Theatre.

Drones are set to take to the sky at Martin Place with players taking control of a swarm of colourful drones using powered tablets.

Sydney’s Opera House continues to be a drawcard for local and overseas visitors, which this year will be hosting its first pop-up indoor harbour-view bar.

“There’s a little vibe across Sydney at the moment that only comes alive during Vivid,” says Ayres.

In addition to the activities is the Vivid Ideas program, with an array of global movers and shakers sharing their insights with the public.

Sydney Harbour Bridge and other parts of Sydney join the show for Vivid Sydney 2015.


CASE STUDY

G20 Leaders’ SummitBrisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, November 15-16, 2014

G20 technology insightFor Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, hosting the 2014 G20 Leaders’ Summit was a unique opportunity with 27 world leaders and eight heads of international organisations.

The G20 Leaders’ Summit connected to an audience of millions around the world and with a 2500 strong international media contingent on-site. The Centre’s in-house team of audio visual specialists operated and managed the entire Audio Visual Production Services (AVPS) component of the G20 event, involving total manpower of 99 AV professionals and using every piece of the Centre’s extensive inventory plus additional specialist items. BCEC also contracted and managed a number of key suppliers to provide additional equipment and services as required.

PlanningThe G20 event occupied the entire Centre and utilised 170,000sqm of space

for a period of one month from October 21 to November 21. The size, scale and complexity of this event with its high profile political, international business and security layers was something the Centre had not previously experienced.

The volume of event information detail required was huge – the final event order ran to more than 1000 pages in length.

BCEC audio visual and production services manager Brian Nash and his team spent 12 months in detailed planning mode with the members of the G20 Taskforce, the Host Broadcaster and Federal Government ICT representatives, each having significant demands.

“It was a once in a lifetime event and an extraordinary opportunity for the BCEC AVPS Team to do what they do best – design, construct and deliver what was a uniquely challenging and complex event,” he says.

The challenge to BCEC in all departments including AVPS was to provide the level of planning and response that G20 required

while dealing with events happening day to day within the Centre. The Centre’s audio visual team needed to build and operate 385 events in the four months prior to G20.

Their response was to develop a very detailed plan for G20 and assign a separate team of senior managers to spearhead the execution of the plan.

“Planning, particularly in the AV space was critical,” says Nash. Documentation of the critical path of the event was undertaken, which indicated that delivery of content throughout the venue, and rigging were two of the key areas of the build for G20.

DeliveryThe AV team worked 12 hour shifts, 24 hours a day during the Leaders Week including the two days of the actual Summit.

There was a massive demand on BCEC cabling infrastructure from the Host Broadcaster, the Federal Government ICT (Information and Communications


“The G20 Leaders’ Summit saw about 7000 delegates

including the world’s media make the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre their headquarters for the summit. An integral part of the summit for both delegates and the media was the AV. The AV Team were always helpful and supportive in working collaboratively with the Taskforce and resourceful in seeking solutions to complex and changing requirements.

“Along the way BCEC helped showcase Australian business prowess and our capacity to host globally important events – a lasting legacy for our nation.”

– Elizabeth Kelly, Deputy Secretary Governance, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Technology) and the G20 Taskforce. While BCEC cabling was extensive and met all previous demands, it was not sufficient given the necessity for contingencies such as having redundant cabling alongside the operating cable in all areas at all times.

Nine kilometres of cabling network was installed. 37 Riedel MediorNet Frames were used to transport 112 channels of audio and 51 channels of high definition video.

There was the ultimate challenge that nothing could go wrong with the meeting and that in no circumstances could anything stop the Leaders Plenary Sessions. As part of the planning and delivery process it was decided that all equipment including all monitors and displays, video and audio equipment needed to have back-up redundant cabling and power sources.

The Leaders’ Plenary Room operated on generator power for the two days of the meetings, with backup generators available should there be a problem. More than 15 kilometres of cabling was laid within the

Leaders Plenary Room alone.

The requirement for rigging was far larger than anything the Centre had undertaken previously with more than one kilometre of truss and 130 chain motors in the Exhibition Centre alone. The Centre had two rigging teams working shifts over 24 hours for the five day period of the Leaders Week.

OutcomesAcclaimed as the best in the event’s history, which was an outstanding success with a seamless delivery and no issues reported by delegates, the G20 Taskforce or the international media contingent.

The G20 event enhanced Brisbane and the Centre’s growing international reputation as a destination of choice for business and investment, major events and international conventions and tourism.

“The Brisbane Leaders Summit is being hailed as the best in the forum’s history. Integral to that success was the ability to

create an environment conducive to results; meeting spaces suited to their purpose, a venue where complex movements could be made seamless and a building appropriate to the occasion where last minute changes could be accommodated,” says Bernadette Welch, head of G20 Operations, G20 Taskforce.

LegacyThe Centre’s fibre infrastructure was upgraded to meeting rooms prior to G20. Following the successful deployment and experience of more video and audio being networked throughout the venue, this will continue into the future. To bring the same level of delivery to its regular clients, BCEC has purchased a number of Riedel MediorNet Units, along with some digital RF Modulators, providing clients with robust and technology advanced infrastructure improving the delivery and outcomes of their events.

AV snapshot of G20• 300 x 40” monitors for vision and audio

throughout the building

• 18m x 5m LED screen, weighing 4 tonne and made up of 324 individual LED panels to carry ABC News 24, BBC, Fox and international time zones in the International Media Centre

• International Media Centre the size of two football fields

• One kilometre of truss

• 15km of cable for just one room

• 9km of network highway to feed all free to air television channels, 11 Foxtel channels and the Host Broadcaster

• 100km of cable taking images of G20 to billions of people around the globe

• The BCEC Team utilised 37 Riedel MediorNet frames to transport 112 channels of Audio and 51 channels of HD Video. This equated to more channels of video than the entire Glasgow Commonwealth Games

The logistics across all areas of audio visual for the G20 were unparralled in the BCEC’s history.


News in brief

VENUE UPDATE

Swan Valley Novotel showcases modern featuresThe Vines Resort’s

$4 million refurbishment that commenced last year is complete. All 91 rooms and 12 suites of the Novotel hotel guest rooms have had a makeover, including new modern bathrooms, new furniture, soft furnishings and new beds.

New Design for Swissôtel SydneySwissôtel Sydney is currently putting the finishing touches to the

contemporary hotel, located in the CBD. The new look includes the addition of 14 signature rooms and suites. The hotel's further 355 rooms are being completely refurbished with wallpapers, textiles and contemporary furniture, as part of a multi-million dollar design process.

Atura Hotel expandsIn Melbourne's Dandenong and Casey Cardinia suburb lies the latest

instalment of the Atura Hotels brand – Atura Dandenong. The hotel has been refurbished to fit with Atura's signature urban, industrial style. The 128-room Dandenong Hotel follows the opening of Atura Blacktown in late 2013 and the opening of Atura Albury in early 2015.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts debut SuiranStarwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide are opening Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Kyoto. Owned by Mori Trust, Suiran marks the first Luxury Collection hotel in Japan, offering the brand's signature Luxury Collection Concierge service and indigenous experiences in Kyoto.

“We are thrilled to unveil Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto - a portal to the city's rich cultural heritage and exquisite natural setting,” said Lothar Pehl, senior vice president, operations and global initiatives, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Asia Pacific.

“The Luxury Collection's unique brand proposition combined with renowned Japanese hospitality makes Suiran perfectly poised to strengthen Starwood's luxury portfolio in Japan.”


Redevelopment for Townsville’s Hotel CasinoRedevelopment plans for Jupiter’s Townsville Hotel and Casino have

been revealed. The proposed plans a resort-style pool featuring a swim-up bar surrounded by an elevated timber terrace and refreshed dining destinations with a new pavilion for poolside events. The redevelopment will cost approximately $30 million.

Second Mantra in Bali Mantra Group has secured a hotel management agreement for

a 261-room resort on the Nusa Dua Peninsular, Bali to be known as Mantra Sakala Resort and Beach Club, Bali. The hotel offers 247 suites, 14 private rooms and two bedroom pool villas and large conference facilities.

Fremantle Prison YHA opensFremantle Prison YHA in Western Australia is now providing unique

accommodation in the World Heritage-listed 19 century jail. YHA has converted the property into a 200-bed hostel where guests can sleep in the original cells. The purpose built facilities include new private rooms and dormitory-style accommodation.

New Sofitel Hotel for Adelaide announcedA new Sofitel Luxury Hotel will be built in Adelaide's CBD. This is the first internationally branded luxury hotel to be built in the city in nearly three decades.

The $140 million hotel development is scheduled to open in 2018. The hotel will be the sixth Sofitel in Australia and the first in South Australia.

The 32-storey tower will be the tallest residential development in South Australia and will include 80 apartments over the top eight levels with the remaining floors containing the hotel's suites and facilities. Sofitel Adelaide will include 250 rooms and suites, with leisure and business facilities, including a restaurant, four bars, ballroom, swimming pool, health and fitness centre, meeting and conference rooms and a signature Sofitel Club Lounge.

Christchurch’s largest hotel opensBreakFree on Cashel Christchurch has opened its doors on the first stage of a $30million redevelopment to bring the city's largest hotel back to life.

The first 179 rooms of the planned 263-room hotel have been unveiled. Dining outlets are also open and the remaining rooms will be completed by September 1.

The remodeled hotel includes pod style rooms; a contemporary Café & Bar 165; Breakfast Room, Guest Lounge; a conference room catering for up to 80 people and two boardroom style meeting spaces with capacity for up to 20 people; 24 hour reception; internet kiosk; guest laundry and limited onsite parking.


TALKING POINT

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park has been reinvented with a new vision and identity, “Tjapukai – Where Australia Begins”, reflecting Tjapukai’s aim to provide a range of experiences for visitors through an immersion into Indigenous Australia’s rich history and culture. New exterior and interior designs, the opening of new theatres, restaurants and galleries, and the creation of new productions and tour experiences are all part of the package.

“There are three key elements visitors are hoping for when engaging in cultural tourism,” says Erwin. “Firstly people want to learn something about the culture, secondly they want a chance to taste and experience the culture and lastly they want to engage with the people. So education

and engagement are very important in the delivery of the guest experience, but equally our staff need to connect on a deeper level with visitors so they have an opportunity to have a personal connection with the culture.”

That staff engagement is the backbone of Tjapukai, which aims for as close to 100 per cent Indigenous employment as possible.

“It’s through our work that fragile parts of the culture are kept alive,” he says. “Just by using the language on a daily basis for example ensures that it continues to survive and prosper. We become a caretaker of the culture on behalf of the community in a sense.”

Guest interaction is a crucial part of Tjapukai’s new packages with more one on one activities, such as Cultural Creations that allow visitors to sit with Indigenous artists

With the recent unveiling of Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park’s $13 million redevelopment, chief executive Greg Erwin has one simple goal – to be the number one Indigenous tourism experience in Australia, writes Sheridan Randall.

New beginningand learn the traditional art of weaving, jewellery making and boomerang painting.

“We have also introduced an Indigenous guided bush food trail through our parklands, to learn hands on with your own guide the fascinating uses and medicinal values of our native plants,” he adds. “In the future we would like to expand into cooking classes with Indigenous chefs.”

New productions have also been developed and two new theatres launched to showcase the talents of the Tjapukai performers. Bulurru Storywater provides a theatre experience that uses advanced visual effects to present the ancient Dreamtime creation story of the local Djabugay people.

“The staff are feeling motivated to be working in the new and contemporary facilities, it gives everyone a sense of pride,” he says.

With Tjapukai set to build on the success of the last 28 years, Erwin is looking forward to seeing the next generation of Indigenous employees come through and “celebrating the culture”.

“Success in awareness and education creates more employment opportunities,” he says. “It is self-fulfilling when your focus remains on the recruitment and development of Indigenous people. Without that focus on Indigenous employment the experiences will lack the authenticity visitors are looking for.”


MEETING PEOPLE

René de Monchy joins Tourism New Zealand as the new director of trade, PR and major events. He brings 15 years of global experience in consumer-led businesses. Previously De Monchy worked in Singapore, as the marketing director at Asia Pacific Breweries.

Destination NSW has appointed Catherine Dunkerley to the role of manager sector development in the Industry Partnerships and Government Policy division. Dunkerley will oversee Destination NSW's Sector Development team which works across food, wine, youth, aboriginal tourism and cruise sectors.

Bhaya Cruises Group has appointed Nichole Madin as the official representative of Australia and New Zealand market. She has 20-years of experience in the travel industry, 14 of them involved with Vietnam and South East Asia businesses.

Scott Grant joins the Ibis Mackay as general manager. His career started with Accor group in Australia in 2004. Previously, Grant was general manager at the Mercure Olims Canberra.

Inter-Continental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa has welcomed two new appointments to their sales and marketing

team. Peterina Hughes (pictured) the business development executive of leisure, and Sarah Chung, the marketing executive.

Blair Weir has been appointed director of sales marketing business and leisure at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

Weir joins Sofitel Sydney Wentworth from Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom. He previously held a position of regional director of sales and marketing Australia, New Zealand and Fiji Sofitel Luxury Hotels.

Adelaide Casino has appointed Jakki Temple Govan as the marketing manager. Govan’s extensive career spans

over 25 years in the hotel industry bringing experience in implementing tactical marketing strategies.

Benjamin Nesbitt has joined Frasers Hospitality as general manager of Fraser Suites Sydney. Over eight years, he has held

various positions with Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) in rooms division, as well as in revenue management and front office management.

Capstone Hotels has appointed Angela King to the role of general manager for Nugget Point Queenstown. King

previously was director of sales and most recently general manager at the Sir Stamford at Circular Quay.

Daniella Tonetto joins The St. Regis Macao, Cotai Central and Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central as general manager of

sales and marketing. Tonetto previously held a dual role as regional director of sales and marketing and as leader of the Starwood sales organization for the Pacific Region.

Harvey Stockbridge is the new managing director of Hannover Fairs Australia. Stockbridge is responsible

for introducing Australian exhibitors and visitors to Deutsche Messe’s worldwide event portfolio as well as the growth plans of Deutsche Messe AG in Australia.

Christchurch's BreakFree on Cashel has appointed Graeme Back as the general manager of the new hotel. Back will leave his current

post at Beqa Lagoon Resort in Fiji to head up the remodelled hotel. His experience in New Zealand includes general manager roles at Heritage Auckland, Park Heritage Rotorua and Milford Sound Hotel.

AVPartners has appointed Erikson Nygaard to technical event coordinator at Perth Convention and Exhibition

Centre. Nygaard will provide assistance in the planning, direction and execution of events at the Centre.


PCO ASSOCIATION

Dealing with disruptionNew technologies are shaking things up faster than ever, with those slow to adapt set to be left behind.

Welcome to the age of disruption. We live in an absolutely fascinating time: power is shifting from incumbent governments and companies to citizens and consumers; technology is revolutionising the way we do everything; and global competition, market access and mobility are redefining what’s possible. Unsurprisingly, these forces are substantially shaking up the status quo and placing new pressures on leaders. So, how do you disrupt rather than be disrupted?

Know your why. As Simon Sinek, author of Start With Why says, “people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it”. Knowing and articulating your organisation’s “why” (or more specifically your “why” for change) is critical for getting people to buy-in to leaving

behind the comfort of the status quo or to re-engage with an organisation and brand with new levels of vigour and “stickyness”.

Challenge your existing mentality and design for a new one. When it comes to thinking through change we need to be able to identify and separate ourselves from the constraints of “the way we’ve always done it” – it’s necessary to have one eye on our feet and one at the horizon.

That brings with it the need to iterate, iterate, iterate! Innovation succeeds in an environment of constant experimentation. Research, design, test, improve – the primary process of agile product development will become core to any new business initiative by 2020. We can no longer spend months planning for change,

creating process constraints and hoping for the best on the other side. We must create organisational flexibility, frequent evaluation and the ability to refine and change course on a dime. I like to group this under the heading of “architectural agility” – it’s not just about catching up to the rolling ball, it’s being able to continue to keep pace with where it will roll next.

Start now by building a culture that supports and rewards innovation, by hiring and training employees for the ability to adapt and by replacing limiting processes with rapid iteration.

Holly Ranson is a strategic wealth analyst at NAB and Chairperson Y20 Youth Summit to the G20.


Periodically, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) releases publications outlining common GST errors uncovered during their GST audits of small to medium businesses. One of the most common GST errors is the claiming of credits for the GST included in the price of conference outgoings which are “non-deductible expenses”.

This should ring warning bells for a conference organiser assisting clients with, or hosting events in Australia, particularly where it has agreed to assist a client with accounting for its GST obligations, including preparing the Business Activity Statement for lodgement. An example of a “non-deductible expense” (for which no GST credits can be claimed) that is most relevant to a conference organiser, is determining whether or not an activity is the provision of entertainment to conference attendees or delegates.

As a general guide, basic fare (such as sandwiches) or drink (for example water, juice, tea, coffee) that is “reasonably incidental” to attendance at a seminar or training session of four or more hours duration is deductible. Conversely, food or drink (including alcohol) served at a dinner to which spouses may be invited, held at a different venue from the seminar, is likely

to be “‘non-deductible expenses”, even if for example, the dinner includes a business element such as a keynote speaker.

So as it can be seen, when it comes to conferences, the line between what is or isn’t entertainment can easily become blurred. The only certainty is that failure to account for GST correctly (resulting in a GST shortfall, due to over claimed credits), will be costly – both in terms of finance and reputation to a professional conference organiser.

Over the Tasman, a non-resident of New Zealand that incurs GST on conference related costs in New Zealand has two ways to get a recovery of that GST.

The first is where the conference is generating some revenue (such as attendee fees or advertising revenue). Where the total revenue exceeds NZ$60,000 (in any 12 month period), the non-resident will normally need to register for GST in New Zealand, return GST on the revenue and claim GST input tax on the conference costs. If the revenue does not exceed NZ$60,000, the non-resident has the option, but is not obliged to register for GST.

The second is where the conference is not generating revenue (or not generating revenue exceeding NZ$60,000). In this case, the non-

resident can register for GST under special “non-resident” registration rules and file GST returns to get a refund of GST paid in New Zealand. There are a number of requirements that must be met in order to register so non-residents should seek confirmation from a tax adviser that they qualify.

A couple of things to note:

A PCO or other person that is organising the conference on behalf of a non-resident and incurring costs in New Zealand as agent of the non-resident cannot recover the GST. Only the non-resident that is incurring the GST as principal can register for GST and recover the costs.

A non-resident attendee at a New Zealand conference who pays an attendance fee may be able to recover the GST on the attendance fee (together with any other GST incurred on costs in New Zealand) by registering under the non-resident registration rules. Overseas businesses that are sending several employees only need to register once and can collectively recover the GST incurred on New Zealand costs.

For those attending and organising conferences in New Zealand, GST can be a significant cost. Make sure you consider whether there is the ability to recover the GST.

PCO ASSOCIATION NEWSPCOA prospectus available onlineFor the first time the PCO Association has introduced a live exhibitor floor plan and booking system for the 8th Annual PCOA Conference and Exhibition, at the Adelaide Convention Centre, November 29 – December 1, 2015.

The Prospectus features an innovative, interactive floorplan providing exhibitors the opportunity to secure their preferred stand location online.

The full PCO Association Sponsorship and Exhibitor Prospectus can be accessed live by logging onto www.conference.pco.asn.au/sponsorship.html.

For further information contact Jillian Masters on +61 0435 374 476 or email [email protected].

Moore director for PCOA ConferencePeta Moore has been appointed as the program director for the 2015 PCOA Conference and Exhibition.

PCO Association secretary Peter Sugg said the program will address both the micro and macro issues that impact the industry ranging from practical case studies to the latest research.

This year’s workshop program is being developed based on member and business partner feedback and will focus on the “how to” of a range of skill sets.

The value of both the Australian and New Zealand currencies will stimulate international inbound growth while providing an incentive for our local Associations to stay closer to home. These factors are contributing to the positive business outlook in the MICE sector in the short to medium term.

Jacqui Hardwick, director at Ryan Australia, and Peter Scott, partner at KPMG New Zealand, talk about a number of Australian and New Zealand GST issues that typically affect conferences and events.

Tax issues for meetings and events

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