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With new properties springing up left, right and centre it seems that the Gold Coast has become the pot of gold at the bottom of the rainbow, which is now home to a fortune of business event possibilities.
According to Gold Coast Tourism this part of Queensland has become more popular for delegates than other major centres around Australia, including Sydney.
When the Gold Coast comes to mind you usually associate it as a holiday destination; a place to take your family, to relax and even a place where you can spend some time at a theme park. However, for the business events industry the Gold Coast has become a shining gem on the Queensland coastline, with an array of venues and possibilities. With hectares of World Heritage rainforest, private islands and 70 kilometres of coastline, the Gold Coast sets the stage as a tropical yet sophisticated destination for business events. And with more than 800 accommodation options, over 600 restaurants and cafes all within close proximity of each other, the only challenge for event planners will be choosing where to go.
The biggest news on the Gold Coast is that there has been a 47 per cent increase in business tourism spending and a 56 percent increase in business tourism delegate days over the last 12 months. And according to Gold Coast Tourism this has put this glitzy part of Queensland on the map as one of the favourites for business events in Australia.
Not only does the Gold Coast offer a plethora of venues, it also offers the opportunity for delegates to bring family or partners who can enjoy the luxury spas and shopping that the region has to offer. And for something more adventurous, why not learn to surf or test your senses at the various theme parks.
The combination of possibilities on offer on the Gold Coast has proven successful with the growing popularity with delegates, but also has placed this region as one of the Asia Pacific’s three most popular MICE resort destinations, not once, but three times running in an Asian based industry survey.
In this section we will look at the latest venue news on the Gold Coast, team-building activities, put the spotlight on some great places to meet, eat and sleep as well as profile an event case study to spark your imagination.
When you think of the Gold Coast it’s often not synonymous as a wine region of Australia, but more of a surfing destination. However, located in close proximity to the Gold Coast the Sirromet Winery is said to be a state-of-the-art facility which comprises a vineyard, winery, cellar door and restaurant. This multi-award winning winery has breathtaking views of Moreton Bay and Stradbroke Island, all the while being surrounded with green rolling vineyards.
As well as being a great place to relax and have a glass of wine, Sirromet also offers venues which can cater for up to 200 guests. The Sirromet Barrel Room is able to entertain 120 seated diners or 150 theatre-style, as well as the option of 200 cocktail-style. The venue possibilities range from the Lurleen Restaurant to an open air amphitheatre for 9000 guests. Sirromet also has a private dining room for 26 guests, as well as two other outdoor ceremony venues. Go to www.sirromet.com to check out the wine tours.
This is less than a must see, but more like a must experience, as according to Tall Ship Sailing Cruises they are much more than just a sailing cruise company. They specialise in spectacular off-site dinners for corporate events and provide island-based functions and activity options for those in the conference and incentive industry. The tall ship’s fleet consists of the Sir Henry Morgan, which can carry 70 guests, the Maranoa which can cater for 40 guests and the MV 2000, which was purchased in 2004 and is used for whale-watching expeditions. For more information about Tall Ship Sailing Cruises go to www.tallship.com.au.
It’s time to learn how to surf! And why not learn with a world professional surfer. Michael ‘Munga’ Barry’s Godfathers of the Ocean surf school runs daily sessions for everyone from beginners to pros. Don’t worry if you don’t have a board – all equipment is supplied and two-hour group lessons take place at Burleigh Heads Beach. These lessons can be booked for private sessions or for corporate team building programs. For more information go to www.godfathersoftheocean.com.
Located in a building considered the world’s tallest residential tower, Q1 Resort and Spa, this new bar not only has 360 degree views of the Gold Coast, it’s also just opened in March, so it’s the hottest and highest place to sip cocktails. Apart from this, it would make a memorable meeting place for pre- or post-function drinks. Elevated to the 77th floor this venue is promising to be a new contender in the nightlife scene with its unique views. If you wanted to stage an event here, this property also has function facilities. For more information or enquiries go to www.qdeck.com.au.
Can you imagine relaxing with a glass of wine, eating lunch and overlooking the sparkling ocean? Located at the Beach Pavilion Goodwin Terrace, the Mermaids Restaurant & Bar can make this a reality. The Burleigh Heads Beach restaurant is said to be the closest thing to dining on the ocean without getting your feet wet! Not only does it have breathtaking views, it also provides high-quality food in a ‘mediterasian’ style. This beautiful spot is open seven days a week, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. To make an enquiry contact (07) 5520 1177.
This hotel and spa is going through a process of reinvention with a multi-million dollar refurbishment program on the books. Work will be undertaken over the next six months on the Club Watermark and Deluxe rooms. So next time you sleep at the Watermark, it will have a fresh coat of paint, new beds and bedding, LCD flat screen televisions and other special touches. And according to the hotel and spa this property will provide guests with a sophisticated and hospitable environment for both business and leisure. For further information visit www.watermarkhotelgoldcoast.com.au.
Why not relax and enjoy the view with a pre-dinner drink in Ristorante Fellini’s new cocktail lounge before tucking into a scrumptious meal at the split-level restaurant. This multi-award winning restaurant is located on the Broadwater at Marina Mirage and offers sensational Italian food. For more information or to check out the menu go to www.fellini.com.au.
Look past the golden sandy beaches, resort spas, cocktails and function rooms and focus on the variety of team-building activities on offer in this glamorous part of Queensland. With the sand, sun and surf there are the obvious options of water sports, surfing and ‘survivor’ challenges.
However, consider involving your team in some activities that test their creativity, such as a dance spectacular or team ‘idol’. There is an unlimited supply of locations to choose from, indoor, outdoor or even theme park opportunities. When most think of team-building thoughts of army tactics and commando-style activities come to mind. However, according to Craig Wallace from team-building, company Tebu, there has been a change in trends in what groups are interested in. According to Craig, groups are less inclined to want to be a part of a ‘survivor’-style activity that they may have done many times before and just want to have fun, and so Tebu have tailored their activities to suit.
Tebu offer four activities that are less physical and more just plain old fun.
The Hollywood Blockbuster is an activity where groups write, direct and star in their own mini-movie. A ‘Dancing with the Stars’ style dance spectacular is where teams are taught different dance moves from salsa, hip hop and rock’n roll from the experts and then perform them at an evening show. Or do you have a singing star in the office? Team Idol would suit, where teams can choose from more than 9000 tracks and produce their own music video. Or how would your team fare presenting on TV? Try the Breakfast Show option, where everyone on the team has a role. Whether it’s make-up, presenting, camera work, or props, the team have to work together to create a show that will get the ratings.
According to Craig, it is easier for organisers on both sides if they have chosen one of these indoor options, because they don’t have to worry about the weather, or have to worry about having a ‘plan b’.
Teams practice their moves during the day and then usually at that evening’s dinner function perform, providing the entertainment.
“Night-time entertainment and activities are more popular than day time ones for us
Craig said groups are coming back for consecutive years because they enjoy the experience, and simply choose another activity in the same style.
For more information about other Tebu team-building activities go to www.tebu.com.au.
Dreamworld dream surf or dream challenge?
A sure-fire way to build your team is Dreamworld’s Flowrider. This activity has become the hottest thing to do in this Gold Coast theme park and has become a popular choice for corporate groups. This attraction is said to have been popular with everyone from teenagers to adrenalin junkies. But most importantly it’s another exciting option for team-building for those in the business events industry.
FlowRider is said to work by the mechanics pushing a thin sheet of rushing water over a flexible trampoline-like base to create the “ultimate non-stop wave”. Those who are game, simply jump on a specially designed ‘flowboard’ and can start to carve up the waves.
Dreamworld’s CEO, Stephen Gregg, says that corporate social and events groups are buying in to the FlowRider experience.
“FlowRider pushes the traditional work hierarchies aside and puts everyone on an equal footing. It gives senior management and young rookies an equal chance to star. And, it gives the entire team a laugh”, he said.
Another activity that will push your team out of their comfort zone is Dreamworld’s Dream Challenge. This activity can cater for groups from six to 100, with an average team size of 20. Teams are given 50 challenges, in a similar style to the television show ‘Amazing Race’, where each successful challenge is awarded with points. Some challenges have cryptic clues testing knowledge, while others - like a ride on the world’s tallest free-fall the Giant Drop-will test your teams’ nerves! However, the hardest challenge for some may be the part where teams have to turn into buskers before a park audience. For more information about these activities go to www.dreamworld.com.au
With the Gold Coast’s growing popularity in the business events market it’s no wonder that many properties in the area are making sure that they have fresh faces to compete with the growing amount of hotels and resorts. Many properties on this sandy strip have put the time and money into refurbishments and made an effort to refresh existing accommodation and facilities.
The Crowne Plaza Royal Pines Golf Resort & Spa is one of those properties which has undergone some work. Recently this resort has gone through a multi-million dollar transformation and is said to have an impressive new look, putting the property back on the map as a premier business events destination.
The refurbishments included the guest rooms, reception, swimming pool area, seafood buffet restaurant and coffee lounge. New additions included an interactive games zone, what is said to be an ultra modern ‘Hydrate’ Bar, and a new Angsana Spa which includes the Marcus Edward Hair Salon. The property has covered all bases, especially for incentive groups, who can also make the most of the world-class 27-hole championship golf course.
But what about the conference facilities, I hear you ask. No problem at this resort, where event planners can use the purpose-built convention centre, which is home to 15 meeting rooms and what is said to be an impressive 1500 square metre ballroom, which has eight-metre high ceilings and can cater for most sized events.
According to Edwina Mason, the resort’s director of sales MICE, the transformation of the resort has significantly enhanced the property’s position in this market.
“This investment has had such an immense impact on our product, it has completely renewed our appeal to the corporate meeting and incentive world,” she said.
The recently refurbished four and a half star Radisson Resort on the Gold Coast has been called conference central and last year was rewarded with the Queensland Hotel Association Best Deluxe Accommodation Award. Celebrating the resorts 10th year of success this year, it’s no wonder the property has won many awards including a trio of international Radisson Presidents Awards and the Carlson Hotel of the Year Asia Pacific.
With 308 guest rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms and wither private balconies or courtyards, the resort also provides a selection of conference facilities. With 15 versatile conference rooms for groups of 10 to 900, event planners can choose to hold events in the newly refurbished ballroom or perhaps choose from two of the outdoor venues. The resort also provides the option of holding functions at their Palm Meadows Golf Course or Clubhouse, for exclusive conferences and special events.
With a focus on Surfers Paradise, this area is also looking refreshed and the Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise is one to check out. This hotel has recently completed a refurbishment of the main tower function rooms. The new rooms have been described as having rich, warm, contemporary tones that create a sense of style and space. This style is a continuation of the hotel’s recently refurbished main tower guest rooms, which were finished last year.
The hotel’s new-look meeting facilities include nine function rooms, which vary in size and design, and can cater for groups of three to 580. There are also other areas available, including tropical landscaped gardens, chapel and poolside area which could be used as break-out areas.
In this same vicinity, the Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise has also been through a $15 million revitalisation and is sporting a new look, that features bold contrasting colours and an innovative use of space and light. With 404 accommodation rooms, this hotel also offers nine venues, which incorporate two ballrooms, and can cater for up to 600 guests. A bonus of these venues is that they have easy trade and vehicle access. Also, most function rooms have natural light and open onto terraces. These features, in combination with the hotel’s day spa, swimming pools, tennis courts, as well as other leisure and recreational facilities, make this property an all-rounder for business groups.
Hilton’s the new face on the block
The Hilton group are getting in on the growing popularity of this region with its Surfers Paradise development due for completion next year. The development is broken up into two buildings and the residential part of the second tower or Orchid Tower has recently been released for sale. The first tower or Boulevard Tower was released in mid-November last year and due to the successful sales in this building, the launch of the second tower was fast-tracked to March.
According to Hilton, they recorded more than $120 million in sales in just 12 weeks of the first tower being launched and out of 186 residences, now 95 percent have sold.
As of late March, 224 two, three and four-bedroom residences in the Orchid Tower are for sale, and for those who want the luxury of living in the heart of Surfers Paradise at a five-star hotel now can, with prices starting from $825,000.
This will be the first new hotel to be built in Surfers Paradise in more than 20 years and the first five-star hotel to be constructed on the Gold Coast in nearly 10 years.
And if the graphic models are anything to go by, this $700 million development is sure to make an impact on the already impressive sky-line. This deluxe, full-service hotel’s two towers are located in the heart of Surfers Paradise. The first will front Surfers Paradise Boulevard and stand at 32 levels and the other, fronting Orchid Avenue, will stand tall at 57 levels. For more information visit www.raptisgroup.com.au or the sales centre on (07) 5570 8070.
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