It’s full steam ahead for Sydney this calendar year, as the city prepares to host 30,655 international conference delegates throughout 2007.
With help from Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB), the city has secured 35 major business events for the year worth a combined $104 million to the local economy. The International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention will be the largest, worth $12 million and attracting 3000 delegates to the event in July.
Several large incentive groups from one of Sydney’s most promising growth markets, Asia are also pencilled in to arrive in 2007.
Jon Hutchison, SCVB managing director says this will be another bumper year for Sydney’s business events sector.
“This year is particularly good for large-scale events, with at least 10 conferences expected to attract more than a thousand delegates,” Mr Hutchison says. “Each of these events is worth between $1.3 million and $12 million over just a few days, making them especially valuable contributors to the city’s economy.”
There’s no denying that Sydney has got an iron grip on the market when it comes to big events. But how is the city faring when it comes to smaller conferences and incentives groups?
Mr Hutchison says that the SCVB places considerable importance on attracting small and medium events to Sydney, particularly incentive events and short-notice events which can be scheduled between the larger association events on the calendar. He also says that the SCVB has had good results targeting small and business events in recent years, particularly from Asia where the incentive market has been developing strongly.
“During 2007, we have at least 27 small and medium events scheduled, representing 10,715 delegates and an economic value of $47.4 million. They range in size from 80 to 800 delegates.
“Among the small and medium events to be held this year are some important incentive groups, including a Roche China group of 800 who visited in February (worth $5.6 million), a Bajaj Auto group of 600 from India coming in May ($3.2 million) and a Nanfang Lee Kum Kee group of 500 from China in May ($1.9 million).”
Sydney will also be playing host to some association events and national conferences in the small and medium category during 2007, including the Speech Pathology Australia National Conference for 800 delegates in May ($3.9 million), the International Society for Cellular Therapy Conference for 600 delegates in June ($2.5 million) and the XVIII International Conference on Relativity and Gravitation for 600 delegates in July ($2.8 million).
“The beauty of Sydney is its ability to create spectacular events on a small scale, as well as on a grand scale. Our event organisers and creative service providers have become adept at orchestrating unique and exclusive events that make the most of Sydney’s best assets.”
To prove that point, Mr Hutchinson refers to the outdoor dinner organised by SCVB and David Grant Special Events last November for 11 top international incentive organisers.
“We set up a magnificent marquee in front of the Opera House, brought in the finest caterers and organised a private performance by jazz legend James Morrison. The incentive organisers were floored.
“And that’s what Sydney does best – creates unforgettable experiences in breath-taking locations using highly talented professionals, regardless of whether it’s a large or small group.”
Quay Grand Suites Sydney
Located in East Circular Quay, the Quay Grand Suites Sydney has recently completed a soft refurbishment of its conferencing and F&B facilities. The hotel’s Harbour Bridge Rooms, which can host up to 100 people, have received new carpet and pin boards in warm, earthy colours creating a more inviting and comfortable function space. The Quadrant Restaurant has also been re-carpeted in the same style, and has received a new feature wall and re-upholstered chairs. Now with a funkier, more modern look, the ECQ Bar has received a fresh lease of life with new carpet in the southern end of the bar, new lounge chairs, ottomans, tables and chairs. The hotel’s 68 one- and two-bedroom suites are currently undergoing a soft refurbishment including the addition of feature walls and new furniture in the lounge room, new rugs and new balcony furniture. For more information, phone (02) 9256 4000 or visit www.mirvachotels.com.au.
Novotel Sydney On Darling Harbour
Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour is a four-and-a-half-star hotel with 525 guest rooms. Refurbished in 2006, the hotel features an undercover walkway to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, and is surrounded by shopping, restaurants, bars and clubs. Other features include the Liquid bar, the Dish restaurant with views over Darling Harbour, a swimming pool, full-size tennis court and gymnasium. Novotel is adjacent Hotel Ibis and Grand Mercure Apartments. For more information, phone (02) 9934 0000 or visit www.accorhotels.com.au.
Doltone House
Doltone House encompasses two unique Sydney-based venues, each with a quay-style theme to its décor or a location that overlooks the water. The original Doltone House venue located at Sylvania Waters was purpose built as a function centre in the late 1960s. The Doltone House name was established more than 35 years ago at this original site. The Sylvania Waters venue has three rooms, including the Monte Cristo lounge which can cater for up to 440 cocktail-style. Doltone House expanded to Darling Island, Pyrmont in January 2000 – July 2002 by revitalising the former casino site into event venue. Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf is located on the upper deck of Jones Bay Wharf at Piers 19-21, Pyrmont Point, offering a waterfront location on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour with views of the city and Harbour Bridge. For more information, visit www.doltonehouse.com.au.
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
Located in the city’s centre, Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney offers a range of conference and function facilities, including its largest space the Whitely Ballroom which can cater for 300 banquet-style. The hotel has a further two function rooms and three smaller boardrooms, plus two restaurants. Other features of Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney include the Angsana Day Spa, indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna and fitness centre, plus 415 guest rooms. For more information, phone (02) 9696 2500 or visit www.amorahotels.com.au.
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre
The first venue in Australia to be awarded ISO 22000 certification, recognising its world-class food management systems, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC) is located on the waterfront in Sydney’s popular visitor precinct, Darling Harbour. With auditoria, meeting rooms and dining spaces of all sizes, the centre is an option for conferences of around 200 people to large dinners of 2000. It has six exhibition halls and more than 30,000 square metres of exhibition space, its Bayside Grand Hall can cater for banquets of 1550 people and its Bayside Auditiorim can seat 3500. For more information, phone (02) 9282 5000 or visit www.scec.com.au.
Powerhouse Museum
The Powerhouse Museum is located in Darling Harbour, and has a diverse collection of 400,000 objects spanning history, science, technology, design, industry, decorative arts, music, transport and space exploration. The museum has an ever-changing program of exhibitions covering approximately 20,000 square metres. It presents 22 permanent and several temporary exhibitions, complemented by more than 250 interactives. The Powerhouse Museum has a range of spaces for hire, including the Turbine Hall which caters for 200 banquet-style, and the Grand Foyer which can hold up to 1200 for cocktails. For more information, phone (02) 9217 0519 or email events@phm.gov.au.
Luna Park Sydney
With the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House as its backdrop, Luna Park Sydney is not only a great place to enjoy rides and games and relive your childhood, but is also a prime location to hold a conference or event. Offering harbourside surrounds, the Crystal Palace Venues at Luna Park will leave a lasting impression on guests to events both small and large. Its function spaces include the Big Dipper Room which is perfect for pre-function drinks, the Taj Mahal Room named after Luna Park’s famous antique mechanical organ, and the Sunset Room which can host a cocktail function of 350. The largest venue is the Big Top which features a large auditorium that can seat 2000 in tiered theatre-style seating, 1100 for dinner or 2900 for cocktails. For more information, phone (02) 9033 7540 or visit www.lunaparksydney.com.
Sofitel Wentworth Sydney
Situated in the CBD on Phillip Street, Sofitel Wentworth Sydney features 436 guest rooms, the Elixr Health Club, Aveda Day Spa, library, and hairdresser. The hotel’s conference facilities include 10 rooms with capacities ranging from 27 in the boardroom to 1200 cocktail-style in the ballroom. It also offers two bars and a restaurant that caters for 160 pax. The hotel is just minutes by foot from Circular Quay, The Rocks and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For more information, phone (02) 9228 9104 or visit www.accorhotels.com.au.
Australian artist John Williamson recently held a media launch in Sydney to release his latest album, “Wildlife Warriors: It’s Time” – a musical tribute to the late Steve Irwin and his work with the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide conservation initiative. Organised by Melbourne-based Media Key, the launch ran for 1.5 hours and featured a large stage area and screens which were used to promote images of Steve Irwin during Mr Williamson’s performance of songs from his new album.
One of the songs, titled “Wildlife Warriors: It’s Time” has been described as one of Mr Williamson’s angriest ever songs. It features lyrics about the need to protect the bush, and was written by Mr Williamson within hours of Steve Irwin’s emotionally-charged memorial service held last year. It’s expected the new CD will raise thousands of dollars to help the vital environmental work being done by Wildlife Warriors, with $1 from the sale of each CD going to the charitable trust. The CD has the full backing of Terri Irwin and Steve’s manager John Stainton.
The tribute event was held in the Anchorage Room at The Dockside Group’s WatersEdge, conducted against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Set up with theatre-style seating, the event was open only to a select 200 people, including around 30 media and a number of listeners invited along by radio personality, John Laws. The media were given front-row seats to allow clear access photography and interviews with Mr Williamson at the close of the event.
ABOVE: Left to right - Michael Hornby, executive manager, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide; Theodore Drivas, director, Dockside Group; John Williamson; Caroline Matulic, BDM, Dockside Group; and Natalie Doolan, BDE, Dockside Group. Photo by John Laham, Expressions Photography.
Sydney has secured a bid to hold the 16th International Symposium on Atherosclerosis in 2012. The event, worth $18 million to the local economy, will run over five days and is expected to bring more than 4000 delegates to the city.
Sydney was chosen to host the event after a bid by the Australian Atherosclerosis Society (AAS) and the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB), defeating a rival bid from the city of Amsterdam.
The SCVB coordinated a bid team to make a presentation to the International Atherosclerosis Society at its 2006 Symposium in Rome last June, the culmination of a lobbying process launched in the early 1990s.
Sydney’s bid for the symposium was supported by the Department of State and Regional Development. It followed two earlier bids in the 1990s in which Sydney was defeated by Stockholm for the 2000 event and Kyoto for the 2003 event. The 2012 event will be held at the SCEC and will include a trade exhibition for 100 booths.
Australian National Maritime Museum
Located in Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum has a fleet of historic vessels to board, including the destroyer ex HMAS Vampire, the submarine ex HMAS Onslow, and the historic replica of Captain Cook’s Endeavour. The museum is also home to Sydney Heritage Fleet’s spectacular tall ship, James Craig, and a 19th Century lighthouse. Free guided tours are conducted every day in the galleries, on the destroyer Vampire and the Maritime Heritage Centre. Nine function venues are also available, including the 210-seater theatre, and the indoor-outdoor waterfront Terrace Room which is ideal for cocktail parties and dinners. For more information, phone (02) 9298 3777 or visit www.anmm.gov.au.
Sydney Showboats
Treat your group to a dinner with a difference on one of the Sydney Showboats. These authentic paddlewheelers have undergone a multi-million dollar makeover to spruce up their interiors, are fully air-conditioned and are available to hire for functions throughout the day or during the evenings. A dinner cruise is also available featuring performances by Australian showgirls who have danced their way from the Moulin Rouge to Sydney. This lively, fun show accompanied by a three-course dinner is available for groups of up to 430. The boats also have a private dining area on the Azure deck catering for up to 60. For more information, phone (02) 8296 7296 or visit www.cruisingrestaurants.com.au.
Sydney Tower
Sydney Tower takes you to the highest point above Sydney for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, with free telescopes and free guided tour on Observation Deck. A ticket to the top includes OzTrek, the largest simulated ride in Australia, which takes you on a virtual reality adventure across Australia’s cultural history and geography. Perched atop Sydney Tower is Skywalk, a high-altitude adventure where you experience an outdoor walk at 260 metres above the city. Dressed in protective clothing and safety-harnessed to external walkways, Skywalk will see you setting out onto a glass-floored viewing platform allowing you to view the city in a unique way. For more information, phone (02) 9333 9222 or visit www.sydneytower.com.au.
Captain Cook Cruises
Join one of Captain Cook Cruises’ 25 scheduled cruises daily to see Sydney Harbour in a different light. The award-winning MV Sydney 2000, with five private dining rooms and million dollar views, cruises daily for lunch and dinner, combining sightseeing with great dining. Captain Cook’s fleet of nine vessels can cater for groups from 2 to 2000 guests fleet-wide. All ships are available for exclusive day, evening or overnight private charter. Captain Cook Cruises’ conference rooms offer natural light and access to outdoor decks. Team-building activities such as clay pigeon shooting, kayaking and jet boat rides are also a breeze to organise around a cruise. For more information, phone (02) 9206 1100 or visit www.captaincook.com.au.
AJC Convention Centre
Nestled in the well-manicured lawns and gardens of the Royal Randwick Racecourse, the AJC Convention Centre is located a short distance from the city and airport, opposite Centennial Parklands. It is home to 14 venues, including the Oaks Lawn Marquee with its chic new up grade and stylish interior. The refurbishment of the marquee has given the centre an opportunity for growth, being able to accommodate for larger numbers and a new calibre of events with its modern appeal. The AJC Convention Centre, relishing in the success of the Tooheys New Easter Carnival, has conference plans from $74 per person until June 30, 2007. For more information, phone (02) 9663 8506 or visit www.ajcconventioncentre.com.au.
Green Rooms Function Centre
Located on Sydney’s north shore and nestled quietly above the heritage-listed Greengate Hotel in leafy Killara, the Green Rooms has been stylishly refurbished in the art-deco style. The venue comprises of five distinct spaces where a broad range of functions, both corporate and private, can be catered for, including conferences and tradeshows, product launches and training sessions. The rooms cater for groups as small as 16 in the boardroom and up to 200 cocktail-style in the Atrium. For more information, phone (02) 9498 3577 or visit www.greengatehotel.com.au.
Sydney Olympic Park
Located in the geographic heart of Australia’s largest city, Sydney Olympic Park was created to host the Olympic Games, but the magic of the venue continues today. Sydney is the first Olympic city to attempt the idea of creating an urban centre in and around its Olympic venues. Today the park merges sport, business, art, tourism, education and residential development in a master plan, forming a new economic centre for a community that will total some 40,000 residents, students and workers by 2025. Sydney Olympic Park is home to two major hotels with two additional hotels approved for construction in 2007. Together these hotels will offer 700 beds. The park also offers more than 425 hectares of parklands, 35 kilometres of cycling and 50 sports to watch and play, plus meeting facilities to cater for either an intimate boardroom lunch for 10, a conference for 300 or a special event for 4000. With eight venues offering 80 different function and outdoor spaces, Sydney Olympic Park can cater for just about any event or function. For more information, phone (02) 9714 7133 or visit www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au.
WatervieW Convention Centre
WatervieW Convention Centre in Bicentennial Park at Sydney Olympic Park is a multi-function convention complex featuring 870 square metres of pillarless space with the flexibility to divide into eight individual meeting rooms. Set amongst 40 hectares of parklands, lakes and ponds, WatervieW can host events from 50 to 2000. It’s just 20 minutes from all major shopping ports located north, south, east or west, and is within easy access of all forms of transport. WatervieW is also complimented by a 180-seat Mediterranean-style restaurant named Bel Parco and an outdoor cafe called Lilies on the Park which can seat up to 220 guests. For more information, phone Dockside on 1300 369 386 or visit www.docksidegroup.com.au.
The Tearoom Gunners’ Barracks
Enjoying views over Sydney’s Middle Harbour, The Tearoom at Gunners’ Barracks is a great venue for special occasions and events. This venue offers indoor and outdoor capacity, and features a panoramic harbour view from Camp Cove, Watsons Bay, Rose Bay and back across the city skyline. Designed by colonial architect James Barnet and built in 1873, this heritage-listed building was under military command up until late 2005 when it was refurbished and launched as The Tearoom Gunners’ Barracks. It has two meeting rooms, a terrace and a sandstone courtyard, and can cater for 380 cocktail-style across all spaces. For more information, phone (02) 8962 5900 or visit www.gunnersbarracks.com.au.
 Sydney Showground is set to undergo major capital expenditure in an effort to capture more business events following on from a number of successful years in the fast-moving segment, including a record 2006.
General manager of event sales, Kim Laura Brown says the RAS Board has seen the potential of business events for Sydney Showground and is backing the capital expenditure program.
The 1000-seat Badgery Pavilion, for example, is receiving a $1 million refurbishment from May with air-conditioning, new carpet and furnishings, making it one of the largest spaces in Sydney for meetings and special events.
Ms Brown says the works planned at Sydney Showground are going hand-in-hand with the growth of Sydney Olympic Park as a precinct.
“There are a number of new developments in Sydney Olympic Park including the new Formula 1 hotel and the five-star Sofitel,” she says.
These new facilities, along with companies moving to the precinct – including the Commonwealth Bank which is establishing offices for 5000 in Sydney Olympic Park – will assist in attracting more business.
“People [attending a conference] want an environment that is well-suited to meetings. They want restaurants and bars that they can utilise before and after the event. And that’s what we see happening more and more at Sydney Olympic Park.”
Sydney Turf Club is set to commence the construction of the proposed corporate pavilion at Rosehill Gardens immediately following the 2007 Caravan, Camping, 4WD and Holiday Super Show held in April.
The addition of the $30 million grand corporate pavilion will ensure Rosehill Gardens remains a state-of-the-art venue for thoroughbred racing and non-raceday events, including conferences, gala dinners, exhibitions and cocktail functions. The corporate pavilion will replace the temporary constructions hired during festival periods, providing an addition to the current Member’s Reserve Area and a new and improved facility for corporate events.
Construction of this facility will be completed in time for the 2008 Golden Slipper Festival.
Rosehill Gardens is centrally located in the heart of Sydney, only minutes from Parramatta’s CBD. It offers a number of versatile areas suitable for conferences, dinners, special events and exhibitions up to 15,000 square metres, with the convenience of free parking only metres from the entrance, a train station to the door and a variety of accommodation options within walking distance.
Quay West Resort Magenta Shores
Located just 90 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, Quay West Resort Magenta Shores is the perfect venue for meetings and conferences with its beachfront setting, indulgent Day Spa, 18-hole championship golf course and five-star facilities. Planners can choose to take advantage of the current Winter Conference Day Package special rate from $65 per person per day. Package includes freshly brewed tea and coffee on arrival; morning and afternoon tea; a delicious buffet lunch; iced water, pads, pens and mints; standard audio-visual equipment and plenary conference room hire. This package applies to conferences of a minimum of 20 delegates. Conditions apply, and valid June 1 to August 31, 2007. For more information, call (02) 4352 8106 or email events@qwrms.mirvac.com.au.
The Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley
Nestled in the heart of the Pokolbin wine region and under two hours’ drive from Sydney, Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley is a great place to soak up the delights of this beautiful region. Set on 40 acres of manicured gardens with the Pokolbin countryside as a backdrop, the hotel offers 71 French provincial or heritage-style guest rooms and suites which feature verandahs and original antique and period furniture. The hotel also features a country-style guest lounge, Grecian-style indoor heated pool, a floodlit tennis court, half basketball court, sauna, spa, gymnasium and an outdoor BBQ area. The Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley is currently upgrading its facilities with the addition of a brand new Villa Thalgo Day Spa which will consist of five treatment rooms. Catering for up to 320, the hotel has six variable space meeting rooms, four break-out rooms and boardrooms to choose from, all with natural light, as well as a purpose-built outdoor cinema and bonfire. For more information, phone (02) 4998 7680 or visit www.mirvachotels.com.
Novotel Northbeach Wollongong
Located on the beach in the heart of the Illawarra region, Novotel Northbeach Wollongong is only one hour’s drive south from Sydney Airport. The resort boasts a dedicated MICE floor with 12 conference rooms, nine of which offer natural light and can cater for up to 660 delegates. Most meeting rooms feature vistas of the ocean just metres away from your whiteboard. The resort also features 204 guest rooms, a beachfront restaurant, lounge, bars, full-size tennis court, swimming pool, gym, sauna and spa. Also on offer are Wollongong’s other great attractions, from skydiving, deep-sea fishing and hang gliding to bushwalking, Harley Davidson tours and visits to the biggest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere. For more information, phone (02) 4224 3111 or visit www.novotelnorthbeach.com.au.
The Sebel Resort & Spa Hawkesbury Valley
Just under an hour’s drive from Sydney, The Sebel Resort & Spa Hawkesbury Valley is a country retreat close to the city offering stylish accommodation, leisure activities, dining options and conferencing facilities. Set on eight hectares of gardens, the hotel sits at the gateway to the Blue Mountains. It features 105 guest rooms, including the deluxe spa rooms which are currently undergoing a soft refurbishment, the Villa Thalgo Day Spa with 14 treatment rooms, an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, spa, gymnasium, two all-weather tennis courts and the Barracks Bar which features a games room and billiard table. The resort also boasts six function rooms all with natural lighting and individual break out areas, two boardrooms, and outdoor areas ideal for team-building and marquees. There is capacity to cater for functions of up to 270 people. For more information, phone (02) 4577 4222 or visit www.mirvachotels.com.
Cypress Lakes Resort
Cypress Lakes Resort is situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley vineyards, 90 minutes north of Sydney. Its accommodation includes villas which range from one to three bedrooms. The resort also offers state-of-the-art conference and event facilities, recently opening a new purpose-built meeting space of 450 square metres, named The Event Centre. This venue is capable of seating up to 396 banquet-style and up to 624 theatre-style. Together with the existing convention centre, the resort now has a total capacity of more than 1000 theatre-style. The resort has also recently installed a new 225-square-metre marquee beside the lagoon pool, ideal for product launches, cocktails and social events. For more information, phone (02) 4993 1555 or visit www.cypresslakes.com.au.
Conferencing beachside is a popular option, despite the season. Delegates can enjoy the opportunity to take a dip in the surf between sessions, or a walk along the beach to start or end the day. Many beachside venues take full advantage of the ocean views, with meeting rooms facing out into the sea, restaurants overlooking the sand, or huge private terraces amid palm or pine trees.
A cocktail function by the ocean is the perfect foundation for a beach or nautical theme, while break-outs between conference sessions can be set up outdoors for delegates to experience a refreshing sea breeze, possibly a sunset in the evening.
And as beachside venues are always on the water, the possibilities for team-building activities are almost limitless. Most of Sydney’s beaches are spacious, clean, open and safe, so conducting activities for large groups on the sand or even in the ocean is an achievable feat. There are a handful of surf schools available that can take groups, large or small, out for a surfing lesson, a majority of beaches have the capacity to hold volleyball competitions, and you’ll never find it too difficult to round up a load of kayaks, snorkels, jet skis, paddleboats, bodyboards or charter boats to use at your disposal.
The hardest part about conferencing beachside is choosing a beach from Sydney’s collection that will best suit your event, and then choose a seaside venue to match!
Upgrade for Brighton Beach hotel
Having recently completed a multi-million dollar upgrade of its expansive conference centre, Novotel Brighton Beach is now in the position to accommodate up to 550 people theatre-style.
Located five minutes from Sydney Airport, the hotel has several meeting spaces on level two including the pillarless Endeavour Ballroom, Sirius rooms and breakout rooms. These have been newly carpeted and furnished, and have been fitted with improved soundproofing and directed lighting. Already wireless, improved and discreet access/rigging points for audio-visual equipment have also been included in the upgrade. The hotel also features 296 guest rooms. For further information, phone (02) 9556 5111 or visit www.novotelbrightonbeach.com.au.
Beachside dining
The Bathers Pavilion is situated right on Balmoral Beach and features a restaurant, café and function facilities. Built by Mosman Council in 1921 as a changing shed, Bathers Pavilion is a Spanish mission-style building with moorish overtones. The pavilion is heritage listed and features outstanding views toward the heads and Middle Harbour. Just 15 minutes from the CBD, Bathers Pavilion is perfect for a memorable meal or for a special function. For more information telephone (02) 9969 5050 or visit www.batherspavilion.com.au.
<< Top |