Iconically and even internationally, when most think of Australia – images of Sydney’s Opera House and bridge ultimately come to mind. And yet with more venues opening and more opportunities for event planners to choose Sydney, this Australian state capital city is becoming one of the major contenders in the industry, for more reasons that just what may appear on a postcard. Whether it is innovative chefs tantalizing the tastebuds of delegates with delicious morsels of local produce or a new venue on the block with so many function possibilities, it’s the event planner’s dream. Sydney’s surrounds are also buzzing with new developments and venues. The grand opening of the Rosehill Grand Pavilion, as well as a score of new properties at Sydney Olympic Park are sure to make a valuable addition to Sydney’s already extensive range of developments.
The hottest, newest place to be in at the moment in Sydney is undoubtedly The Ivy on George Street. With a unique layout, chic décor, restaurants and fabulous cocktails it’s where everyone who is glamorous is seen and where everyone else wants to be.
However, the biggest news at The Ivy for those in the business of events is the recent announcement of more function facilities. Mice.net has the scoop on the latest information about these facilities with the announcement of the whole of level three being transformed into a function space that can cater for around 300 guests.
This area will have the same floor layout as the floor below and it is guaranteed to be the next most coveted function space in Sydney. Originally the plan for this floor was a space for staff offices; however to the delight of many event planners The Ivy now has it all for the business events industry.
Stepping into the building off George Street is like stepping into a beautiful home. The ground level is set out in a courtyard/ garden style which is soaked in natural light from the open centre of the building.The dramatic spiral staircase takes guests into a bar area, through a mezzanine level into the second floor which is home to another one of the three restaurants.
The stage one opening earlier this year consisted of eight bars, three restaurants and six retails stores. Stage two and three are due for completion mid-year and will include 18 bars, nine restaurants, 10 retail outlets, a ballroom that can cater for 1000 guest, penthouse suites and rooftop pool.
This development was five years in the making and was the dream child of Justin Hemmes and sees his company Merivale moving from hospitality to more of a lifestyle focused entertainment company.
“I have designed Ivy to be a surreal escape from the day-to-day world but with a very familiar and comfortable ambience that welcomes people and makes them feel like they are at home,” he said.
The four-storey entertainment complex is said to be the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and when completed is sure to make a mark in Sydney.
Chifley Potts Point has emerged from a $20 million renovation and is now open for business with 227 accommodation rooms and will soon have function rooms available. Located on the corner of Victoria Street and Darlinghurst Road, this hotel will be equipped with four conference rooms which can cater for 60 people, as well as a unique outdoor terrace perfect for a cocktail party, which has views of the trademark Coca-Cola sign.
The Dockside group has recently launched a new brand in an effort to market themselves as the one port of call for business events. This group owns and manages a collection of venues and restaurants that are centrally located in Sydney and now includes another waterfront venue, the Italian Village in the Rocks. The Dockside Group also looks after L’Aqua, Dockside, WatersEdge, Star Room and Ice Cube Seafood Grill.
For many a 40th Birthday is a milestone event, and it’s no different for the Summit Restaurant. This gem in Sydney’s sky-scape was once described by restaurant critic Terry Durack as ‘the it-girl of Sydney dining’. And in an industry that is ever-changing, especially the market in Sydney, it is a testament to the restaurant’s consistent quality that it has stood the test of time (while still looking fabulous, of course).
Gazebo Wine Garden
Located in another chic part of Sydney, Elizabeth Bay is home to the Gazebo Wine Garden which has a long wine list and stylish backdrop that combines two of the best things about Sydney. This award-winning bar is open all year round and with a wine list comprising of hundreds of different plonks you will need to visit more than once. The interior has been described as somewhat quirky because of the trademark moss covered walls. The Gazebo can also become a venue with the ability to cater for 50 or more from Monday to Thursday. However, if you have a special event in mind the team at the Gazebo cater for functions of up to 250 guests, with the option to use the whole space of the wine garden. To check out the function space or wine lists go to www.gazebowinegarden.com.au.
Tetsuya’s Restaurant
This restaurant can boast being named 5th best restaurant in the world as well as being awarded with three chef’s hats. You may therefore get the impression that chef Tetsuya Wakuda has come up with the right recipe, and one look at the 10 course degustation menu it is easy to see why many call this place a ‘foodies heaven’. Expect to book well in advance for the trade mark degustation menu, which is constantly updated. Centrally located in Kent Street in the city, Tetsuya’s provides a tranquil escape and tantalising food, such as confit of Petuna Tasmanian Ocean Trout with Konbu, Daikon & Fennel. Mouth watering yet? For more information go to www.tetsuyas.com.
Crown Plaza Coogee Beach
This hotel has recently completed a multi-million dollar refurbishment and now offers 209 updated rooms. Located just a few kilometres from the centre of Sydney, Crown Plaza Coogee Beach encompasses all that this ‘seaside village’ has to offer. Situated opposite the beach itself, the Crown Plaza makes the most of the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. As well as refurbished rooms, this hotel offers two restaurants and two bars. So why not wake-up here to the sound of splashing waves and sparkling ocean views. For more information go to www.crownplaza.com.au.
The Rocks Ghost Tour
Take your group down to The Rocks for a different Sydney experience, which may end up being something spookier than anything you’ve experienced in this seaside city before. The Rocks Ghost Tours specialise in taking groups through this historical part of Sydney and also offer specific tours such as the Adult Group Tour. This caters for a minimum of 16 guests, who with a Ghost Tour host, will take your group on a two-hour walk into ghostly areas of The Rocks, all the while hearing eerie stories of murder, hauntings and ghosts! To give your group a scare next time you’re in Sydney check out www.ghosttours.com.au for more information.
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon
You may have already experienced climbing the bridge, or seeing Sydney from the water, but what about the sky? Try a sunrise champagne hot air balloon flight over Sydney. The balloon takes to the sky from a chosen site just out of the city and after the balloon is inflated, ascends to the clouds as a new day breaks. Guests can enjoy the views of the Blue Mountains on one side and the city and harbour in the distance on the other. After landing, guests can relax and enjoy a champagne breakfast. So next time you’re in Sydney, rise above the bustling city and see it from a bird’s eye view. For more information go to www.hotairballoonrides.com.au.
A proposed plan has recently been released to further develop the showgrounds as a result of recommendations from the State Government Events Corporation. The plan is to increase the current space of the showgrounds from 21,600 square metres to 40,000, which will mean an increase in conventions and exhibitions.
The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW manages the Sydney Showground site in Sydney Olympic Park and here Johanna McKinnon asks CEO Peter King about his views on the proposed plans.
What impact do you think this proposed development will make?
This development is very positive for Sydney, the Sydney Olympic Park precinct and Sydney Showground. There is no doubt that Sydney needs upgraded and expanded exhibition and conference infrastructure and our site is positioned perfectly with wonderful access to the whole Sydney population.
The showgrounds is looking to double in size. What kind of difference will this make to the type of events you would be able to host?
Sydney Showground already caters for some of the largest iconic events in Australia. This expansion will allow us to provide a better quality experience for our customers along with being able to handle larger events in an enclosed environment. It will also provide a much more flexible site to allow for a more diverse range of events.
How long would this type of development take?
It depends on the stages and the ultimate dollars that are available. Hopefully we will be able start physical work within 12 months.
How will this development benefit Sydney as an international and domestic destination for events?
Everybody acknowledges that this city needs more quality exhibition and conference space. In order for Sydney to attract larger and more diverse types of business and entertainment events both domestically and internationally we need larger and more flexible facilities. Sydney Showground is able to engineer great experiences for our current customers but we need to be able to have access to more parking, better plenary space and upgraded and expanded floor planning. With these in place we believe we can capitalise on the great features of Sydney and its physical attractions.
With much development and plans in the works for this area, it seems Sydney Olympic Park will be an even bigger contender in the competition for business events in the near future.
 SOPA’s new faces
Here may be some new faces at the park that you may soon be seeing more of. The new appointments at Sydney Olympic Park include Kathryn Carmody (featured in this photo), director of sales & marketing for WatervieW Convention Centre, Neil Paterson, director of sales & marketing for Accor Greater Sydney Hotels, Victoria Deak, director of conference & catering sales for Accor Sydney Olympic Park Hotels, and Louise Baxter is the new executive director of sales & marketing.
Into development news, some of the larger-scale developments in the park include a new $63-million residential tower that is planned for Australia Avenue, and is due for completion in 2009. This property will provide 208 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as four commercial/retail units. According to SOPA this Multiplex and Babcock & Brown development will help to establish a vibrant community close to commercial, recreational and public transport facilities.
The new Pullman Hotel (previously Sofitel) five-star hotel development that is planned for opening mid-year is also creating some excitement. This property will feature 212 rooms, 20 storeys and retail space. The other new hotel due for completion this year is the Formule 1 Hotel which is located on the corner of Edwin Flack and Dawn Fraser Avenues. The opening of this $150 million, 156-room hotel will make this the fourth Accor property in the park. And as a result of the new hotel developments, will bring the total number of hotel rooms at Sydney Olympic Park to 680.
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia is making its mark at Sydney Olympic Park with its office development. The Commonwealth Bank’s offices will be located on Dawn Fraser Avenue, and the second and third office buildings out of the total three being constructed in Sydney Olympic Park will bring three sites to be occupied by 3500 employees, as well as 200 public car parking spaces. The 33,000 square metre development is due for completion by mid-2009.
 
Many of you may have already been aware of the developments at Sydney’s Rosehill Gardens, and after 11 months of solid construction, the Rosehill Gardens Event Centre is about to open its doors in style. This $30 million double facility will accommodate up to 2000 seated guests and organisers will be able to plan events over the 6300 square metre two-levelled space.
The planned celebration for the grand opening is in grand style and those on the invite list include Sydney’s racing and social media, racing identities, celebrities, as well as leaders in the Australian events, conference and exhibition markets.
In addition to this new release, Rosehill Gardens has also launched a new website, which is said to provide an interactive online experience and will showcase the best the Grand Pavilion can offer.
Digital agency Citrus has built the online destination in conjunction with the Sydney Turf Club’s new venue. The site is targeted at event organisers and corporate clients as it showcases the venue’s key features for dinners, conferences, special events and exhibition spaces that can cater for 150 to 2000 seated delegates.
General manager of sales and marketing for STC, Melinda Madigan, said she anticipates the campaign for the launch of the Grand Pavilion will be a key component in capturing a
larger share of the events market.
The Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) have some new faces in their ongoing approach in competing for international and domestic business events. As this billion dollar industry is continuing to grow, these new faces will be a part of the SCVB’s ongoing strategy in securing more bids for Sydney and regional NSW. The NSW Business Events Ambassador Program brings together a group of influential and high profile industry faces who assist the SCVB to bring in large, international business events to NSW. mice.net has profiled some of the faces who will be promoting NSW to the world…
SENIOR LECTURER SCHOOL OF LEISURE SPORT & TOURISM, UTS
How would you describe the role of an ambassador?
To represent the SCVB to my academic colleagues who are contemplating bidding or hosting an academic conference in Sydney by explaining how helpful the SCVB can be in these matters.
How will your background in tourism and hospitality help you in the position of ambassador?
I can advise my academic colleagues on how to effectively procure air fares, hotel rooms and other tourism products so as to enhance conference delegates’ experience of Sydney.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in this role?
To encourage academic colleagues to bid for and host academic conferences, as it may be seen as a lot of work for little reward.
Depending on the type of event, who would you consider is the biggest competition for bids?
For Australian domestic conferences Sydney is probably an easy destination to promote as it has all the facilities required for an effective and enjoyable conference at a reasonable price for all levels of comfort. For conferences hoping to attract international delegates the tyranny of distance may come into the attend/not attend equation, but Sydney in summer is attractive to northern hemisphere delegates enjoying a winter.
Have you been involved with events with the SCVB previous to this role?
The SCVB was very helpful to me when I bid for and hosted the 2007 CAUTHE (Council for Australian University Tourism and Hospitality Education) international academic conference.
BDS(Uni Adel) Grad Dip HA(SA) MHA(Uni NSW) AFCHSE CHE FADI FSAE FAIC Chief Executive Officer, Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM)
Why did you decide to be a Sydney representative?
I was approached by the SCVB. I live and breathe Sydney every day. Sydney is the closest thing to being paradise on earth.
How will your background in medicine help you in the position of ambassador?
(I cannot answer this question with one or two lines)
My background is diverse which is a package comprising experience and training in dentistry, health services management, health administration, company directorship and association management.
In the last seven years, I have taken on a passionate interest in the conventions, exhibition and tourism industry.
My background in the medical field helps me understand the unique qualities and needs of medical organisations in their decision-making process for a diverse range of events locally and internationally.
I have worked in the health system for 15 years and as an association CEO now for more than 10 years.
I believe being an ambassador means it is an opportunity for me to serve my city, represent it, advocate for it, be a messenger for it, be a diplomat for it and to believe that it is the best city for an international event.
It is also about giving constant feedback to the city on what it is that makes it a city of choice for international events, about what works and what does not work, and about mentoring and supporting the people in the industry.
It is also about working with the SCVB in gaining support from all three tiers of government, from business partners and from the community to achieve an over-arching goal of bringing business to the city, creating jobs, employment, boosting its economy, raising its profile and image worldwide as well as contributing to community public good.
Have you previously been involved with the SCVB in securing events or in a similar?
Yes, I have been doing that since the year 2001, directly and indirectly.
We worked together incredibly well in bidding and winning the World Ultrasound Congress called WFUMB 2009, which was a two year bidding process and which had a nine year lead time.
How do you perceive the importance of this role in helping the city to gain successful bids?
I have helped in joining the SCVB when they host VIPs and officials from overseas in Sydney.
It is important for the decision-makers to hear directly from a client and to know from an association CEO’s perspective of why Sydney is the city of choice for international world events. It adds credibility and meaning to the bidding process as it adds the passion and human factors which turn bids into success stories.
What do you think will be the most rewarding part of representing Sydney?
A sense of pride and purpose to be able to serve and to give something back to this city, doing something for the greater good of the city without thought of reward or return. The rewards come in the form of one’s own self discovery of what is possible and the impact one has on the greater good through small and big deeds.
PROFESSOR OF LABOUR LAW, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
What is involved in being an ambassador?
An ambassador’s role is to promote the city of Sydney and its surrounds in being a marvellous venue for conferences, seminars and other gatherings.
How will your background in law help you in the position of ambassador?
I have run and still run conferences and I know what it takes for a successful conference. The venue and the city in which conferences are held are vital to their success.
How do you think this role will change how you see Sydney?
As Sydney becomes even more attuned to holding conferences and events, Sydney venues and persons generally will become more adept in hosting conferences and events.
With so many beautiful beaches around Sydney – why not make the most of them. Here mice.net looks at a few spots to spark your imagination.
A renowned and breathtaking part of Sydney without a doubt is Palm Beach and when many think of this area, many think of Jonah’s.
Located overlooking the white sandy beaches and sparkling sea of Palm Beach this unique venue offers groups secluded facilities. Jonah’s has everything, from what is said to be a world-class hotel and restaurant, breathtaking views, meeting and function facilities, as well as team-building packages which include sailing regattas, orienteering and mini Olympics. Your team can make the most of all of these possibilities, which are only an hour’s drive from the city, or if time is not on your side, it only takes a 12 minute plane ride from Rose Bay.
For business events, this beachside venue is said to be an ideal and versatile property for product launches, corporate lunches and dinners, as well as a destination for drive events.
The facilities include what is called ‘The Terrace’ or meeting room, which looks directly out to the pristine ocean, is completely private with its own entrance and also has an adjacent restaurant. As well as having business event facilities, Jonah’s also provides accommodation with 11 guest rooms which all have king split beds. If your group is too large to be accommodated just at Jonah’s, they have arrangements with another accommodation provider in the area, with an additional 10 rooms just five minutes away.
And further north along the coastline there is another property that can meet your business event needs. Located just 90 minutes from Sydney, the Quay West Resort Magenta Shores not only offers accommodation, such as studio guest rooms and villas, it also has function facilities. There are three spacious function rooms and with high ceilings and saturated in natural light, rooms are sure to be popular with event planners.
Two out of three of the rooms have views of the rolling greens of the surrounding golf course and these rooms can be opened up to extend into one large space that can cater for 400 delegates or 200 banquet-style. In addition to these facilities this resort also has a pre-conference area that can cater for up to 140 guests, as well as two boardrooms for 40 delegates.
On the other side of town, Wollongong has recently welcomed its first Medina Apartment Hotel, which is situated in the heart of this beachside city. The style of these apartments are said to embrace the seaside setting with a contemporary look and feel. This property has 71 apartments with options of either studio rooms or one-bedroom apartments. The one-bedroom apartments have a separate dinning and lounge area, and with a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry and broadband facilities it is sure to feel like a home away from home.
Two events that Hannafords had staged at Freshwater Beach for an English corporate group had some unexpected guests. The focus at the time for the Hannaford’s team was to successfully set up the two stunning events. However, according to Nick Hannaford, they had to dodge raw eggs, had power cut to their generator, as well as copping an earful of verbal abuse!
The plan was to dazzle guests with a stunning and enchanting Australian beach dinner set amongst twinkling lights, a tenor and eight golden sand sprites. But the biggest surprise was the other dramatic performances on the night.
According to Mr Hannaford they followed all the correct procedures in notifying all of the relevant departments and authorities for approval, and yet some rogue locals decided to take them and the council on.
Although they were faced with all of these things they still managed to deliver an event as promised, which has really put a spotlight on Hannaford’s skill in off-site event management.
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