And there are plenty of venues out there offering special deals for conference and incentive groups that are worth considering. If you shop around, you’re bound to find a hot deal that will save you a few pennies and/or reward you for choosing to book a particular package deal. Event-enhancing offers and complimentary extras can be deal-clinchers for planners on a budget, looking to secure a site or destination before the end of the year. And with the close of 2006 drawing near, venues and operators are offering end-of-year specials for events and conferences booked in the months leading up to Christmas. Counting down the months to the silly season, properties and suppliers around Australia have engaged in a battle for business, cutting prices and throwing in extras for group and conference bookings to challenge their competition.
If you don’t want to miss out on bagging a special offer for your next conference or event, start searching around for a hot deal now. Lucky for you, we’ve done some of the legwork on your behalf. Here are a couple of offers that we’ve dug up that might take your fancy.
 Palazzo Versace
For an end-of-year gathering or Christmas getaway, Palazzo Versace has it all wrapped up in 2006. Groups of five to 30 people (with a minimum of five rooms per night) can enjoy Palazzo Versace’s special room rates. For stays from Sunday to Thursday, Palazzo Versace is offering rates from $290 per room, per night (room only), and rates from $310 per room, per night (room only) for stays on Friday and Saturday. Furthermore, the resort is offering a special full buffet breakfast rate of $35 per person. Palazzo Versace will also present arrival tea and coffee for the group’s first day’s meeting as a complimentary gesture (based on one cup per delegate). In the spirit of Christmas, Palazzo Versace has put together special Christmas dinner packages as well. When booking one of the dinner packages on offer, the 10th person will be complimentary. Packages are based on nine full-paying dinner packages in one of the hotel’s restaurants (Il Barocco, Vie Bar and Restaurant, and Vanitas*) and are subject to availability. Conditions apply. Room rates are based on a Superior Room and are subject to availability. The packages are only valid from November 1 to December 22, 2006, for groups of five to 30 people. *Vanitas Restaurant is only available Tuesday to Friday. For details telephone (07) 5509 8000 or visit www.palazzoversace.com.
Hamilton Island
Looking to organise an event that’s going to treat or reward a group? Hamilton Island is offering a special conference package which invites you to throw a great end-of-year function on the Great Barrier Reef for just $514* per person. The offer is valid for conference or incentive groups travelling between December 1 – 20, 2006 and January 15 – 31, 2007. The deal includes three nights’ accommodation in the Reef View Hotel, daily buffet breakfast in a choice of three restaurants, an elegantly themed group dinner including a four-hour beverage package and premium buffet menu, return airport/marina to hotel transfers, and unlimited use of non-motorised watercraft. *This price is based on twin share for more than 200 delegates. Offer is subject to availability. For details telephone (02) 9433 0405 or visit www.hamiltonisland.com.au/business.
The Sebel Launceston
A great venue for meetings and conferences for up to 45 delegates with a flexible meeting room that offers state-of-the-art equipment and wireless technology, The Sebel Launceston is offering a special day delegate package for only $55 per person. Price includes room hire, basic AV equipment, tea or coffee on arrival, morning tea, working lunch, afternoon tea. The Sebel Launceston is also offering overnight accommodation for just $145 per person including full breakfast for one. This package is subject to availability, conditions apply and valid until December 31, 2006. For details telephone (03) 6333 7555 or visit www.mirvachotels.com.
 The Westin Sydney
If you hold your meeting or event at The Westin Sydney in 2006, the hotel will reward you with one of three exclusive accommodation packages. If you spend $20,000, you will receive the ‘Rekindle’ package of a romantic getaway for two, which includes overnight accommodation in a Tower Superior room, full buffet breakfast for two in Mosaic, and a gourmet picnic hamper for two including wine.
If you spend $40,000, you will receive the ‘Reawaken’ package to reawaken your spirit of adventure, which includes overnight accommodation in a Tower Deluxe Room, full buffet breakfast for two in Mosaic, your choice of an exciting Sydney adventure for two (from a Sydney BridgeClimb, sailing on Sydney Harbour, a Taronga Zoo visit, or a Sydney Aquarium visit). If you spend $60,000, you will receive the ‘Relax’ package for the ultimate in relaxation and indulgence, which includes overnight accommodation in an Executive Suite, French champagne and strawberries, dinner for two in Mosaic, full buffet breakfast for two in Mosaic, an exclusive Joh Baileys makeover, and a divine massage at No 1 The Health Club.
For details visit www.rediscoverwestin.com.au.
Shangri-La Hotel
After launching its new events centre, comprising six technology intelligent event rooms, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns invites you to book your next meeting or conference with the following special package. From just $165 per person you receive: twin share accommodation in a Superior Room; full buffet breakfast; full day delegate meeting package; and upgrade to a Horizon Club room for just $85 per person. This offer is valid for groups of a minimum 24 people. If you book 25 or more guests, you will also receive: One hour of welcome drinks; one complimentary room for every 20 rooms materialised; and complimentary room hire for a plenary room.
Conditions apply. For details telephone (07) 4031 1411.
Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge
Situated on the Cobourg Peninsula at the top end of Australia, Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge has announced special rates for delegates seeking a truly exclusive location. For groups of five rooms or more, the lodge is offering a special November rate from just $350 per person per day twin share, which includes tropical habitat accommodation on twin share basis, three meals daily, return vehicle transfers from airstrip to the lodge, and complimentary guided walks and safaris. The rates are valid from November 1 to 30, 2006. Flights and permit fees not included. For details telephone (02) 9331 1311.
 Hayman
For your next conference or meeting, Hayman is set to offer you a full day meeting package available at $70 per person. This package includes morning and afternoon tea and cold buffet lunch, pads, pens, bottled water, screen, flipchart or whiteboard. Hayman has four dedicated meeting rooms, with the largest meeting room accommodating up to 300 theatre-style with a full size stage. Staging Connections are based on island for all audio visual requirements. For details telephone (02) 8272 7007 or visit www.hayman.com.au.
Citigate Melbourne
If you book your event in November 2006 at Citigate Melbourne, you will go in the draw to win a luxurious night at Citigate Melbourne with breakfast for two. Furthermore, the hotel is offering end-of-year package deals, including the Citigate Melbourne day conference package at only $55 per person (excludes room hire) and the Waterview day conference package at only $65 per person (excludes room hire). The price includes pads, pens, confectionery and iced water, whiteboard and flipchart, coffee and tea on arrival, morning tea, two course lunch or buffet-style working lunch and afternoon tea. Minimum numbers apply, subject to availability, conditions apply and valid October until December 31, 2006. These rates may not be applicable on special events or public holidays. For details telephone (03) 9918 0123 or email events@cm.mirvac.com.au.
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