PHOTO ALBUM: Fairmont Resort MGallery in the Blue Mountains as this iconic property unveils her resplendent new face. Travel Daily and Business Events News tried out the newly refurbribed resort and took these pictures to showcase some of the activities the property has to offer.


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Eight Australian MICE practitioners, six nights, three amazing partners and a million laughs! This was how our educational program to Dublin broke down in numerical form but Ireland is not a country to be experienced through figures. It is a wonderfully warm and inviting country full of natural storytellers, inviting bars, local characters and of course the famous craic. With the combined effect of Emirates flying daily in to Dublin and a strong Australian dollar, there is no better time to introduce Ireland as the perfect destination for incentives, meetings and events. We enjoyed a brief stopover in Dubai en route to Dublin thanks to UAE's premier DMC, Arabian Adventures, staying at the always-enchanting Madinat Jumeirah, which made the journey to Ireland even more enjoyable. Once in Dublin, multi award winning DMC Event Partners delivered a creative and thoughtful program including a Segway tour of Phoenix Park and a visit to the Guinness Storehouse where we learnt to pull the perfect pint! Next it was a picturesque trip to county Wicklow to get some tips on playing the traditional game of Hurling and quality control some Baileys, before heading further south to enjoy a horse and carriage ride through the legendary Gap Of Dunloe. Ireland offers an amazing array of hotels, ranging from traditional to contemporary and our participants were treated to some of the finest. Starting at The Shelbourne Hotel, where we enjoyed dinner at the very table that the Irish constitution was drafted on, we moved on to the majesty and grandeur of Adare Manor, on the West Coast. In Killarney, we stayed at a property that boasts eight meeting rooms, a boardroom and its own exhibition space as well as the ESPA resort spa complex; the world-renowned Europe Hotel. It is clear that Ireland can comfortably cater for any event. Participants agree that we will forever think of Ireland as being the small country with a big heart! Special thanks to Emirates, Arabian Adventures and Event Partners. Arabian Adventures and Event Partners are represented in Australia by PillowMINT. Photo Caption: (L-R) Laura Richards (Incentive Business), Paul Reitberger (Conference Resources), Rebecca Easterman (PillowMINT), Megan Isles (Axis Events), Rebecca Leahy (Incentive Action), Keith Christenson (212F), Larissa Tracey (Platinum Travel Corporation), Justine Jones (EJP Productions), John Costelloe (Event Partners), Yvette Bortolussi (Donna Barlow Corporate Travel) with a couple of locals we picked up along the way!
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has capped off a winning 2012 walking away with top honours for Specialised Tourism Services and the silver prize for Business Tourism at last night’s NSW Tourism Awards 2012. Hosted at Le Montage by the Tourism Industry Council NSW, the awards recognise organisations that have achieved outstanding success and furthered the development of the NSW tourism industry. The judges commended BESydney’s highly effective role in bringing large economic benefits to Sydney and NSW. Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney comments, “BESydney is thrilled with the results of last night’s awards ceremony. Business events that our team secures for New South Wales (NSW) play a vital role in stimulating and driving demand for our State’s vibrant tourism industry. We work closely with a vast array of government and private sector stakeholders to achieve the results we do. These awards are a great acknowledgment of the valuable contribution this collaboration makes in ensuring that NSW continues to be the business travel capital of Australia. "I also congratulate BESydney’s Strategic Partners and Members who were honoured at last night’s awards. They represent the true wealth of talent, expertise and innovation in Sydney and NSW.” Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, acknowledged the industry’s continued efforts to innovate, along with the depth of product on offer in this state. “The NSW Tourism Awards is an important opportunity to recognise the achievements of the industry and those who strive for the shared common goal of ensuring NSW is the number one visitor destination in Australia.” In addition to last night’s award win, 2012 has proved to be a very successful year overall for BESydney. In June, BESydney celebrated securing an outstanding 103 business events, worth $225.6 million for the 2011/12 financial year. Further, BESydney’s efforts have seen the bureau collect an array of industry awards and acclaims. “The awards we have won this year recognise the different strengths of our organisation and our forward thinking. From our contribution to the tourism industry and our commitment to raising awareness of the many legacies – beyond tourism dollars – brought by business events, to the introduction of Mandarin-speaking staff across all areas of the organisation and the Future Leaders we are nurturing, our future-focus is clear in everything we do ” comments Ms. Lewis-Smith. “We pride ourselves on challenging the status quo and thinking differently. This is reinforced by our success at Prevue’s inaugural Visionary Awards earlier in the year,” adds Ms Lewis-Smith Accolades awarded to BESydney during 2012 include: · 2012 Meetings and Events Australia Industry Award for Metropolitan Destination Marketing Organisation of the Year · Business Development Manager of the Year Award to Sinead Yeo, Regional Manager Asia, from the NSW State Division of the Meetings and Events Australia Industry Awards · Outstanding Contribution Award to Ian Stuart, Senior Consultant, at the 2012 Meetings and Events Australia Industry Awards · Scholarship to attend the ICCA Youth Forum at EIBTM to BESydney’s Sales Research Executive, Christina Barton, following a competitive global application process · Prevue’s inaugural Destination Visionary Award, which celebrates vision and innovation in the global meeting and incentive industry. Last Friday guests at the National Convention Centre (NCC) were treated to a dazzling performance by leading female musician Missy Higgins and raised over AU$14,000 for local not-for-profit Yellow Van Food Rescue in the process. Missy Higgins was supported by Gurrumul Yunupingu, an Indigenous Australian musician, who sings in the Yolngu language. The concert was held in the NCC’s Royal Theatre and is part of a new initiative, whereby the convention centre donates a portion of ticket proceeds to a nominated charity – with partners including the RSPCA ACT and Yellow Van Food Rescue. The NCC’s community VIP experience offering launched on September 1, where British comedian Bill Bailey performed to a sell-out crowd at the Royal Theatre and raised over AU$3,000 for the RSPCA. The funds were used to help animals in need in the Canberra community. “We’ve been supporting Yellow Van Food Rescue since 2008 as we believe it’s a fantastic organisation which each year provides thousands of people with nutritious and delicious food that would otherwise go to waste,” said Cindy Young, Manager, National Convention Centre Canberra. VIP guests were treated to a pre-concert cocktail event where they dined on oysters, grilled prawns and scallops, a selection of Australian cheese and petit fours. Special guests were also treated to premium seating for the concert. VIP guests consisted of a mix of Yellow Van Food Rescue staff, volunteers, supporters and local students. “Our five- year partnership with the NCC is invaluable and they are one of our strongest partners in the community,” said David Burnet, Director, Yellow Van Food Rescue. "Last Friday’s event was fantastic and we’ve received 100% positive feedback from our attendees. The VIP guests were glowing in their praise of the way the event was run, the premium food quality and the great seating.” The NCC will continue its support of Yellow Van Food Rescue VIP concert showcasing Grammy award-winning artist Carole King next February. For more information on this initiative, visit www.nccc.com.au and for further information on Yellow Van Food Rescue visit http://food-rescue.commsatwork.org/yellow-van-food-rescue A key group of more than 150 executive and personal assistants from across Sydney were treated to an exclusive experience of The Star’s new 5-star hotel, The Darling and the soon to open Events Centre. Hosted by The Star's managing director, Frederic Luvisutto and The Star's sales team, last Wednesday evening, Jakki Temple The Star’s executive director of sales highlighted the priority of connecting with the right people. "A large portion of the bookings we take for corporate events throughout The Star's event spaces come from executive and personal assistants who are commonly swamped with other tasks,” Temple said. The event took place in th lobby of The Darling hotel, with its impressive columns to The Star’s glass roof, and ten metre long rugs which were designed by Australian fashionista Akira Isogawa. Guests toured some of the suites in the hotel and experienced a birds-eye view of the new Event Centre and the city skyline backdrop from the balcony of the hotel rooms. Caroline Beinke, general manager marketing and sponsorship at Australian Hotels Association (NSW) expressed her excitement about the possibilities. “The Event Centre is going to allow us to be more creative in the way that we put our events together as the size, features, technology and sales team are so flexible for a host of our different sized events.” Bookings are now being taken for the Event Centre, which is set to open in January 2013.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Virgin Atlantic Airways (VS) and Shangri-la Hotels and Resorts recently hosted a group of managers from key Australian PCO’s in Hong Kong. During the group’s time in the city they enjoyed an itinerary of sightseeing, dining and cultural elements and participated in a cooking class at the Towngas Cooking Centre. Pictured at the Towngas Cooking Centre are (from L to R): Jane Scribner, HKTB; Katerina Perrakis, VS; Lynn Eaton, Spencer Travel; Julie Bohatko, Absolute Edge; Anthony Roseworn, Eventsctm; Uleah McNeil, Shangri-la Hotels and Resorts; Matt Griffiths, 212F; Megan Isles, Axis Events; Nicole Hayes, Carlson Wagonlit; and Joel Gleeson, BCD Travel. With 127 hotels in Australasia, half of which are in China and 700 hotels around the world, Marriott International’s Avril Northridege thanked industry clients and friends for their support over the past challenging year and welcomed them to their much-anticipated annual Thanksgiving dinner. The event held on Sydney’s Balmoral Beach, at the Public Dining Room, Northridge said that Marriott was opening a hotel a month in China. “When I’m told we have a new hotel opening, in a particular town or city I have never heard of, I ask, “But, how many people live there to support the hotel?” And the answer is always X number of millions!” Pictured at the Marriott Thanksgiving dinner are: L-R Jane Scribner Hong Kong Tourist Association, Neeraj Chadha, Marriott Surfers Paradise, Hardy Kilimann,Marriott International, Petula Allan, Virgin Australia, Avril Northridge, Marriott International, Peter Hewlett Asiana Airlines, Joe McCormack Flight Centre, Portia Tang Renaissace Harbour View, HK The celebrated musical 'South Pacific' will begin its Brisbane season next month and on the Gold Coast publicity trail, the show's star Lisa McCune chose the stylish Peppers Broadbeach as her port of call for media interviews and overnight stay. She is pictured with Cindy Ullrich from Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) which is the venue for the show, Kristylea Jones Asst Manager Peppers Broadbeach and Adam McGurk from the South Pacific production team. After a morning on Gold Coast breakfast radio and interviews with print media by the pool, Lisa was looking forward to hitting the beach on the Peppers surfboard! "I love the Peppers Rundells Lodge in the Mt Hotham ski fields so it's great to experience a Peppers by the beach - I will be back with the kids!," said Lisa. South Pacific will open on 27 December and Peppers’ sister property, Mantra South Bank, situated right next door to QPC, is offering great accommodation deals from $172 bed & breakfast per night (www.mantra.com.au).
Recently relocated from Melbourne, where he was associate director – conference, incentive & group sales at Crown Melbourne, Jayson Heron has been appointed as director of sales Hilton Sydney. Reporting to the director of business development, Heron will be responsible for leading the pro-active sales team whilst developing and implementing sales strategies, to maximise revenue contributions, across all market segments and outlets for the hotel. “On Monday the 19th of November the NSW Domestic Group organised an “Amazing Race Australia Style” around Sydney CBD. 13 domestic suppliers co-ordinated the event and they had almost 30 agents from around Sydney in attendance. Elise from Coral Princess Cruises said “this has been our second successful event this year; It is a fun environment for all the agents to come together and learn about the wonderful Australian destinations and products. The suppliers that worked hard to organise this day out for the agents included APT, Coral Princess Cruises, Hamilton Island, Territory Discoveries, Maui & Britz Campervans, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, Voyages, AAT Kings, Inspiring Journeys, Hayman Island, Drive Away Holidays, Top Deck, Delaware North and Sunlover. Michelle from Hamilton Island said “Our aim is to get agents inspired about selling our wonderful country and supporting local and family owned businesses”. If you would like to be involved in their next event follow the Domestic Group on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=tn_tnmn#!/RediscoverYourLoveForAustraliaNswactAgentsOnly” These lucky agents will be taking off to Abu Dhabi and Europe in March courtesy of Creative Holidays, Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Contiki on The Travel Corporation, Etihad & Virgin Australia Mega Famil. Angela Field of Jetset Hurstville on the left, also being congratulated by Danielle Campbell. Agents can be in with a chance to win one of 100 places on the famil. Every booking made with either Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Contiki or Creative Holidays, for all destinations and products, until 14 December, 2012 will gain agents one entry in the draw. Agents can double their chances and receive two entries in the draw when they combine the land booking with any Eithad flight (to Europe) or Virgin Australia airfare (all destinations). The more bookings made, the greater the chance of securing a space. Winners are announced weekly and there are still over 5 weeks to go! Participants will fly to Europe via Abu Dhabi courtesy of Etihad Airways & Virgin Australia to start their trip with a fantastic Creative Holidays adventure followed by a memorable Contiki, Trafalgar or Insight Vacations experience.
Meghann Salmon has recently joined the Mackay Convention Bureau as Business Events Manager. With a background in events, marketing and communications Meghann is looking forward to working with local Mackay organisations to secure and maximise potential and upcoming conventions and events and generating opportunities for the local business community. Meghann is joined by Lucy Biehl, who has been with the Mackay Convention Bureau since January and has a background in tourism and a wealth of local industry knowledge, to complete the Mackay Convention Bureau business events team. Meghann and Lucy are well-equipped and eager to help source accommodation, plan social programmes and provide impartial advice to assist conference organisers plan events in the Mackay region. With the support of Mackay Convention Bureau, and a range of first class venues to offer, Mackay’s capability as a business events destination continues to grow. With local business strengths and a growing accommodation offering, Mackay Convention Bureau is now poised to promote Mackay nationally as an event destination and develop new business for the region. Please email Meghann at businessevents@mackayregion.com.au or call 07 4944 5855 to discuss Mackay’s potential as the host of conventions and events of all size and budget.
Metro Hotels now offers free Wi-Fi at three of its 13 properties Australia-wide, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour, Metro Hotel Miranda and Metro Apartments Bank Place in Melbourne, with all its other properties offering free internet with select accommodation packages. According to Mr George Bedwani, Chief Operating Officer of Metro Hospitality Group, the internet has become an important part of our daily lives regardless of whether we are travelling for business or pleasure. “A high proportion of our guests are business travellers. Their feedback has clearly indicated free high-speed internet as a key criterion when choosing which hotel to stay at. “Free wireless or high-speed internet in rooms is becoming a service guests expect, and we are delighted to offer a service to our guests that’s going to save them money by choosing to stay with us.” According to Stephen Nemetz, Manager of Metro Apartments Darling Harbour, the recent introduction of free internet access for guests has been extremely popular, particularly with international guests. “The Apartments are very popular with international visitors due to their excellent location, directly opposite Darling Harbour and an easy walk to all major Sydney attractions. “We all know what it’s like to be travelling interstate or overseas and needing to stay in touch with business colleagues and with family and friends. Free internet access is fast becoming a major factor when choosing a place to stay.” Another Sydney property, Metro Hotel on Pitt, offers free internet with select accommodation packages. “We offer a free internet package to guests who book the package through our website www.metrohotels.com.au,” said Executive Assistant Manager, Lisa Kapinski. “We have also been running a promotion on GDS for our coporate guests which includes free internet. Our bookings have increased by over 232 percent in the last three months, compared to the same period last year.” Earlier this year, Metro Apartments on Bank Place removed all charges for internet usage in a move designed to make it easy for guests to stay connected. Guests are now able to access free wireless internet in their room or free broadband at the lobby computer kiosks. Sydney Harbour Marriott at Circular Quay showcased their new conference facilities last night after a massive, just completed $22 million dollar refurbishment of the hotel. More than 150 corporate planners & conference clients were invited to see the new meeting rooms complete with all new carpets, tables & chairs & soft furnishings, but there was more. Clients saw room set-ups that the hotel can organize, as well as special "themed breaks" that feature a New York, Italian, London, even an ice-cream or candy-store theme. "We've got rid of the clutter and have gone for a minimalistic look so that our clients can utilize rooms any way they want to," said Helen Radic, Director of Sales for the Marriott. "While we upgraded our public areas and our 563 rooms, our conference offerings weren't up to par, there was a deal disconnect between the two products, but that's all changed as of now," added Radic. Pictured from left are: Mary Goldsack, ID Events; Jennifer Brown, gm Sydney Harbour Marriott; Gary Daly, Luna Park; Helen Radic, Sydney Harbour Marriott and Jill Owen, Informa Cruise Holidays International recently held their annual convention onboard Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas - the world's largest cruise ship. Approximately 250 Cruise Holidays franchise owners, consultants and top cruise industry executives attended the event, along with their Australian representative, Les Farrar, Managing Director Cruise Holidays Australia. The convention is the most important educational and networking event of the year for Cruise Holidays franchise owners, which are located across North America, the United Kingdom and Australia. Participants learned about the latest industry trends, were showcased recent developments of the Cruise Holidays technology platforms and discussed ways to improve their client services generally. Whilst onboard most convention participants also joined in a 5 km walk around Allure's jogging track to raise funds for the MS Society, and Royal Caribbean themselves donated $1000 to this great cause. (see attached image of presentation by Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President of Sales Royal Caribbean and Dondra Ritzenthaler, Senior Vice President of Sales Celebrity Cruises to Mark Schiffner, COO of Cruise Holidays and Tom Baumann, President of Travel Leaders Group.) One of the highlights of the convention was a question and answer session to a panel of the ships senior staff including the Captain, Cruise Director and Food and Beverage Managers. This provided a fascinating insight into operating a ship of this size and when questioned as to 'how she handles' the Captain suggested it was easier to 'drive' than much smaller ships because of the tremendous power and technology available to him. The F&B Manager went on to describe his typical day as including walking up to 21km throughout the many outlets he is responsible for. He also said the ship only incurred food wastage of less than 2%, a commendable figure considering the amount of meals produced every day. Whilst the Cruise Holidays franchise and home based program is yet to officially launch in Australia Les Farrar said they had already signed 3 home based agents and a retail store to their network.
In a major coup for Sunshine Coast tourism, Flight Centre New Zealand has chosen the region as the location for one of its top industry events. Thirty-four senior travel consultants touched down on the Sunshine Coast yesterday for the three-day Flight Centre New Zealand Travel Brokers Conference -–an annual event which was last year held onboard a P&O Cruise. Conference organiser, Jude Russell, said it has been more than ten years since some of the consultants have been in the region. “The Sunshine Coast is becoming more well-known and it feels like the perfect opportunity for our consultants to familiarise themselves with this part of the world. I think we’ve focused a lot of our attention on the Gold Coast in the past, but I think that’s going to change after this trip,” Ms Russell said. The conference attendees spent most of today participating in marketing and industry workshops as part of the event, but over the weekend they’ll have the opportunity to explore the Sunshine Coast thanks to a tour organised by Sunshine Coast Destination Limited (SCDL). “We’ve lined up a full day of activities including a stop at the Eumundi Markets, lunch in Montville and an afternoon of leisure at the beach,” said Steve Cooper CEO of SCDL. The delegates will be staying at Centrepoint Apartments Caloundra - thanks to a kind invitation from owner Murray East. “We are delighted to be providing accommodation for the 34 conference attendees. Some of these consultants have worked in the industry for more than 15 years and have a very large client base so I see this as an amazing opportunity to showcase my hotel, Caloundra and the rest of the Sunshine Coast region,” Mr East said. IMAGE CAPTIONS Image one L-R: Tracy Gray (Wellington), Tina Arthur (Wellington), Lynaire Monnery (Wellington), Tracey Stephens (Dunedin). A new Sydney based groups and incentive department responsible for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, has been announced by Club Med in time for PAICE 2012, which opens tomorrow in Auckland. The timely announcement by groups and incentives manager Brendon King comes as the Club Med team of Joey Templin (new groups account manager) and Club Med New Zealand sales and marketing manager Kaarin Gaukrodger, work on the Club Med stand. King says, "It's a really exciting time to be working for Club Med especially in the groups and incentive department. “We are now seeing the results of the upscale strategy implements by Club Med five years ago and can now boast we are only 4 & 5 trident properties across Asia Pacific. "All of our key properties in Asia Pacific can now facilitate professional and successful events for groups ranging in size of 20 - 900 delegates. “Being an upscale all-inclusive product everything is included from a Club Med escort to greet you at the airport, to all meals, tea breaks, team-building, sports, conference facilities, elegant cocktail functions and exclusive four-course dinners with entertainment. "Whether it’s a national conference for 300 delegates with heavy content or a high end incentive group for 50, the value for money in being at an all-inclusive venue will leave your team sharing the same amazing experience and memories as cost will not restrict the outcome you are trying to achieve. "This leaves teams more time to spend networking, sharing best practices and building relationship with their suppliers and distributors. “This is why our clients such as IBM, IGA, GBI, Capricorn Society, Nutrimetics and Renault continue to return year after year.” Pictured above are: Joey Templin and Brendon King, from Club Med’s new Sydney based Groups & Incentive Department. There are only 40 Australian members of the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or concierge association, and InterContinental Sydney concierge James Nobleza is now one of them. He now joins fellow key bearer and InterContinental Sydney chef concierge, David Patt, on the fivestrong team. In addition to the esteem and expertise associated with his Les Clefs d’Or accreditation, Nobleza brings more than 14 years of hotel experience to the role, having worked at some of Sydney’s top establishments, including Four Seasons Sydney, Swissotel Sydney, Star City Casino and The Westin Sydney. A concierge in Sydney for more than a decade, Nobleza has developed an enviable network of influential local contacts and an extremely thorough knowledge of the city as a travel destination. InterContinental Sydney’s concierge service relaunched in 2006, as part of a new program rolled out across InterContinental Hotels & Resorts globally which combines top-notch personalised service by best-in-class concierge teams with innovative web-based features such as pre-stay emails, destination-specific concierge videos, local tips and interactive maps.
THE Sebel Pier One Sydney celebrated the launch of its new conference space, Water @ Pier One on 1 November with a crowd of more than 200 VIP guests eager to see the room’s magnificent transformation. Situated at the front of the Pier and with expansive wrap-around glass windows which were opened on the night, Water @ Pier One enjoys unrivalled views of Sydney Harbour, Luna Park, and the Harbour Bridge, which all combined to present a breathtaking backdrop for the gala event. The evening was kicked off by the hotel’s general manager, Michael Sheridan, while David Lowe, the hotel’s sales & marketing director was tasked with unveiling the hotel’s exciting new business incentive program in partnership with Etihad Airways. Adam Vance, Regional Marketing Manager for Etihad Airways, was aptly flanked by smart Etihad hostesses, and donated five Virgin Australia prizes (flights to anywhere in Australia) which were drawn on the night. In a fitting ode to the Pier, the 1st November 2012 marked the 100th birthday of Pier One. Capping off the evening, the crowd sung happy birthday, toasted with Moët and celebrated well into the night. Adriana Perabo and David Lowe from Sebel Pier One. AAMI car insurance and their ad agency must be jumping for joy since their Rhonda and Ketut ad (below) featuring a sunburnt Australian woman and a Balinese bar attendant went viral, not only in the social media but also in Bali. On a recent trip BEN wasn’t able to track down the spunky Ketut, but we did spot these T-shirts in a Seminyak market. DMS - Destination Marketing Services recently escorted five conference and incentive planners, to Malaysia, sponsored by Pacific World Asia, Malaysia Airlines, and Tourism Malaysia. Malaysia’s pluralist culture based on its vibrant fusion of Malay, Indian, Chinese and indigenous cultures and customs, exposed the group to multicultural and gastronomic experiences, five star hotels and facilities and its rich biodiversity. Leading destination management company, Pacific World Asia, developed the program that demonstrated their strength in logistics, professionalism and passion for the destination. The packed program saw the group venturing into the heart of Kuala Lumpur with its vibrant architecture and historical background. They were also introduced to the Hindu culture at the sacred site of the Batu Caves and were taken on an educational tour through the Royal Selangor Factory where they met with the granddaughter of the factory’s founder and participated in making their own pewter pendants. The group then arrived in Langkawi to a traditional Malaysian welcome before being taken to the Four Seasons Resort and then on a sail trip on a yacht charter in the Andaman Sea. Their final evening commenced with a nature trail walk in the Datai Bay rainforest with a famous naturalist guide and ended at the award-winning Gulai House with a Malaysian/Indian family style dinner.
Bedroom The Gold Coast tourism industry enjoyed a night at Mantra Sun City in the heart of Surfers Paradise to welcome the V8 Ute drivers staying in house for the annual GC600 event. Guests were treated to a display of heavy metal of the four wheel kind with over 60 race cars on display around the property including a $600,000 McLaren – the never been driven luxury car was flown in direct from London for the occasion. Mantra Sun City GM, Michael Murtagh, said the event was a great success this year: “It was an early indicator that the event was going to be a success when around 65% of our bookings were taken by March this year,” he said. The Mantra Sun City restaurant also catered for over 600 drivers, crew and event staff for breakfast over the weekend event as well as various functions. Pictured are Mantra sales & marketing staff, Melinda Harrison, Hannah Yates and Yvette Peverell with: Anna Dziopa – Corporate Traveller Trish Symonns – Corporate Traveller Wendy O’Brien - GC Basketball Allan Hilzinger – GC Bastketball Peta Downie – Surfers Paradise Alliance Clare Ramsay – Gold Coast City Council Wade Leys- Momentum Sports Kate Barr – GC Tourism Tabatha Obrien - Goldlinq Leila Fiedler from DMS has led an Australian and New Zealand delegation for IMEX AMERICA 2012. The show was extremely successful for both buyers and sellers. IMEX America 2012 was 28% larger than its inaugural edition in October 2011, having added 77 new booths and showcased 2413 exhibiting companies. 2,400 buyers from across North America and 43 other global markets – 20% more than last year. In addition, the trade show had also welcomed around 1,700 attendees. The entire delegation felt that the show had high caliber of MICE products exhibiting. The show was very well organised and the 30 minutes appointments is sufficient to either discuss a planned itinerary or learn about new products. The timing for the show is very suitable for the Aust./New Zealand markets and the access to Las Vegas makes is even more enticing to attend the show. Prior to IMEX, DMS’ business partners’ “Hosts Global Alliance” has show cased the highlights of Las Vegas, some venues and hotels were inspected, a helicopter ride over the Great Canyon and the pleasure of going to a musical and listening to “The Jersey Boys”. The group then flew to New York for a post IMEX fam. trip and the hosts were Shackman Associates and the Waldorf Astoria. Amongst the highlights of New York 9/11 memorial, evening cruise on the Hudson River, and a broadway musical “Once”. The delegation was also hosted for an exclusive lunch in a luxury suite with the management of the Waldorf Astoria. The combination of attending IMEX America and getting to know Las Vegas and New York was of great benefit to all attendees.
A healthy number of C&I guests headed to the IVY on Wednesday night as the NT Meeting Muster 2012 rolled into Sydney. The event was the third held in five cities that included Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide, with a smaller gathering to be held in Perth. Causing a frisson of interest in the predominantly female audience was MC Russell Robertson, former AFL Demons player, who up until three years ago had never been to the Northern Territory. "My vision of the Territory is like that of many other people who haven't there - hot, ready and dusty," he said Which begged the question why is he the NT spokesperson? "Simply because I hadn't been there before," he said. "Until I'd been there and seen things like the sunset over Uluru, I thought I'd seen it all. "I was flabbergasted, it was a spiritual experience and I was a changed person," he said with honest conviction. "I recommend the NT experience and if that equates to business, then I urge you to go." MEANWHILE, getting a one up on other AIME exhibitors the NT operators were handing out invitations to join them to Spend an Evening with the NT@AIME, at Melbourne's Paco's Tacos, Tuesday 26 February. It sounds like a fun evening, so line up for an invite by emailing info@ntconventions.com.au. Pictured above are: Scott Lovett, director Business Events, Northern Territory Convention Bureau & Fernando Lonergan, CWT Meeting & Events. In a move that reflects the venue’s ongoing commitment to the business events sector, two valued members of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre’s management team have been appointed to roles on ndustry bodies. They are director of operations, Stephen Wood who has taken on the role of chair of the Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) NSW Branch Committee, while business development manager, Toni McAllister has joined the board of the International Special Events Society’s Sydney Chapter. Commenting on the appointments, Centre chief executive Ton van Amerongen said, “The Centre prides itself on the contribution it makes to the broader industry so I’m delighted that Stephen and Toni have taken on these additional roles which will help build our sector." The opening this week of Sydney TreeTop Adventure Park with the longest flying fox in the country, promises the ultimate outdoor adventure experience for a reward day or eco-friendly, team building activity. The park, which is located at the Plough & Harrow, Western Sydney Parklands, Elizabeth Drive, Abbotsbury, joins other TreeTop Parks on the Central Coast and Newcastle. Each park offers a unique combination of adventurous fun for all age groups, however, for those who want more of a challenge they have developed the Extreme Adventure. On this you can join the possums and owls in the treetops at night with only a headlamp to light your journey, feeling the wind in your face as you fly through the dark night.
   
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