On Trend for Versatility Keen for an adaptable space? Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns has a room that can do it.
THE COVID-19 crisis has prompted a tectonic shift in the way we live. Diminished is the desire for open-plan living, with separate but connected rooms now in demand so those sharing space under the same roof can retreat to their own area when it’s time to work and study or relax and socialise. This trend is also translating to the business events landscape, with organisers requesting flexible rooms to be divided into different areas while allowing delegates to circulate and converse. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns was designed to offer this versatility to both big and small groups. The Event Centre – the dedicated business events address with a separate entrance away from the hotel lobby – features the Lagoon, Trinity and Marlin rooms all opening to a private pre-function space. This gives groups of up to 250 people the freedom to access a plenary, breakout rooms, exhibition spaces, refreshment stations and networking nooks. Planners after the same adaptability, but with fewer delegates, will find a solution in the Marlin Room which features sliding room dividers that can be partially closed to create three minor but still connected venues. In early 2022 a client embraced this opportunity for flexibility by setting up one end of the 247sqm north-facing location as a theatre with stage, the opposite end was arranged in classroom formation, and the middle featured couches and high tables with stools for socialising between sessions.
