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Already plenty of corporate companies from NSW and Victoria are taking advantage of the warmer weather on the Sunshine Coast, not to mention the great rates currently available, and the quality accommodation options.

One company that recently dropped in on the Sunshine Coast and more particularly the Sheraton Noosa was Foodland for its conference for around 260 delegates.

The Champion Group commissioned Way Out Theatreworks to provide entertainment and theming for the conference which took on a Mardi Gras theme for the welcome reception and a Roaring Twenties vibe for the gala dinner.

Said The Champion Group’s Nick Scheer, the highlight of the event was most definitely the gala dinner.

The Mardi Gras theme was also well received with the Dixie band, roving fire performers, and crystal jugglers all adding to the feel, and definitely started the conference off with style.

Mr Scheer said the 1920s-style dancers and the band provided by Way Out Theatreworks was exception at the gala dinner as was the room theming.

He was also full of praise for Noosa generally, saying there were no transfer headaches, and a vast array of excellent restaurants all within walking distance from the venue.

Delegate partners were well looked after with great local activities to enjoy.

He said The Champion Group had not had a conference on the Sunshine Coast previously but would not hesitate in coming back again.

This is certainly not a rare comment from first-timers on the Sunshine Coast with many vowing to return again after holding a successful event in the region.
From the heart of Noosa to Coolum, Marcoola, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and beyond, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast really does offer something for all styles, tastes and group sizes.

For those who really want to get away from it all it’s hard to go past Fraser Island’s Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Conveniently located on the western side of Fraser Island, Kingfisher Bay Resort has capitalised on the island’s World Heritage-listed surrounds, creating a specialist conference venue which complements the island’s natural beauty.

Kingfisher Bay Resort business development manager Leonie Belbin believes conference organisers are always on the lookout for an accessible, world-class destination with a point of difference, and Kingfisher Bay Resort delivers in spades.

“On Fraser, there are no traffic lights and no fast lane to distract – instead the island and Kingfisher Bay Resort grounds provide an environment which is conducive to stimulating ideas and dialogue.”
Ms Belbin said Fraser Island was also becoming more accessible as major domestic carriers added the Fraser Coast to their schedules, which in turn made Kingfisher Bay Resort’s facilities more attractive to conference organisers.




“Virgin Blue currently operates direct services from Sydney, with other major city connections, and Qantaslink provides regular flights from Brisbane,” she said.

Kingfisher Bay Resort is currently offering a base residential package for delegates of $199* per person per day including hotel accommodation, buffet breakfast and dinner, return ferry transfers from Hervey Bay and delegate day package along with the services of a specialised events team to personalise programs. As a special offer - conference planners who book and hold their meeting or event from June to September will receive either a one hour welcome cocktail party or a Fraser Island print for every delegate.*

When it comes to the business of conferencing - Kingfisher Bay Resort’s delegate programs can be designed to suit individual needs and activities include canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing challenges and beach games. Resort rangers guide 4WD Eco-tours, nature walks and marine cruises.

“The island also provides the perfect backdrop for adventure-based team-building challenges. And when the day’s work is done, our team can transform Fraser’s unique wilderness into a specialist venue – where they can banquet under the stars or dress up in costume and kick up their heels.”

The traditional meetings industry is also well served at the property. The resort’s ballroom seats 300 people theatre-style, and can be divided into three sections. There are also four smaller meeting rooms for training programs or syndicate work. Shaded verandas provide additional space for break-out areas.

To learn more visit http://conference.kingfisherbayresort.com or contact Leonie Belbin on (07) 3032 2813. *Conditions apply. Base residential package is for a minimum of 10 people, twin share. New bookings only.
Back on the mainland, another popular resort is Surfair on Marcoola Beach located right near the airport in the heart of the Sunshine Coast.

The property has plenty of accommodation and great conference facilities to match including a conference centre which offers five well-appointed spaces suitable for a variety of uses. Each room is decorated in contemporary neutral shades with panelled walls, adjustable lighting and technical sophistication allowing for multi audio-visual presentations.

The property’s flagship space is the Spinnaker Room. With floor to ceiling windows overlooking the outdoor pool area, this room can comfortably seat up to 180 delegates theatre-style.

The Beachfront Ballroom can seat up to 270 theatre-style, and there are plenty of break-out rooms for smaller sessions.

Surfair on Marcoola Beach is also home to the Poolside Steakhouse Restaurant, a bit of a legend on the Sunshine Coast.

To learn more about this property visit www.surfairmarcoola.com.au.







WHAT YOU DID: MediaWorks customers travelled to Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa throughout August to October 2009 with six groups covering 12 regions across New Zealand. We rose to the challenges, many months earlier, to create an experience that would exceed their expectations. For the gala dinner and closing event, an amazing “Casino Royale” experience was created by working with Staging Connections and the resort’s talented team. Given the evening was cloaked in mystery, room drops were arranged so that the attendees were suitably attired for this glamorous evening. The ladies received long black cocktail gloves and the gentlemen bow ties. Expectation was building before their journey began. The red carpet was rolled out, film noir played on the big screen, the tables dressed with glowing martini glasses! The evening had something for everyone: from the thrill of the roulette wheel, the roll of the dice at the crap tables and the turn of cards at the blackjack table. The kitchen provided an essential Noosa experience. Each wave of attendees received the same experience and professionalism which we counted on!

SPECIAL TOUCHES: From the time we completed the preliminary site inspection at the resort we knew we were working with a ‘special’ group of professionals. Each of our attendees were recognised as VIPs, with many of them being welcomed personally by general manager, Stephen Ferrigno.

CHALLENGES: The only challenge was keeping the theme a surprise for the attendees, but we managed to do this with the cooperation of the resort’s team and strategic planning.

CLIENT’S COMMENT: “When we site inspected many months ago, the general manager talked about the wonderful team he has, and I must say you have definitely walked the talk. Adair, Sharron, Jose, Sarah and I have felt totally relaxed with your team; they are proactive, helpful, unflappable, organised and a pleasure to deal with. This extends from front desk, to functions, to pool bar, to concierge, house keeping and to conference / event team.”
- Ross Jamieson, director, Williment Travel Group.






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