Issuu

Issue 114 – Spring – 2026

HOT 100

Celebrating the most exceptional services and suppliers for 2026

DESIRABLE DESTINATIONS

Taking in Newcastle, Waikato and Hawai‘i

EVENTS TECHNOLOGY

The innovation driving next-level experiences

MEGA VENUES A new playbook for events at scale

BEST BREWERIES Social spaces for beer and business

The Cutaway

Inside Sydney’s stunning new events canvas

presented by

co-hosted by

DISCOVER WHAT’S NEXT IN EVENTS Tuesday, 1 September, 2026 Hyatt Regency Sydney

Meet 40+ venues & suppliers

Learn from industry leaders

Network all day + After Dark

500+

50+

25+

Event professionals

Exhibitors and sponsors

Industry Speakers

SPI

CE K TIC NOW KE TS LEDG AR E E L SES IMI SIO TE D NS

Choose your experience FREE Expo, Spice Knowledge Sessions or All-Access Pass $185* One day. Endless possibilities. eventsuncovered.com.au

*Price excludes GST and booking fee.

Sessions

Events

Day

Contents

Spring 2026

REGULARS

6 8 10 18

44 Tourism Fiji

102 4 Spice Spring 2026

Where business meets bula.

Jane Lyons, general manager, Hyatt Regency Sydney.

46 Mega venues

Terence Smith from Known Associates.

Emerging leaders

FEATURES

Editor’s letter Going up, going down New and noteworthy Five minutes with…

40 years of Lancemore

Celebrating an events institution.

Cover story: The Cutaway

Inside Sydney’s new events canvas.

Adam Mather-Brown

A new playbook for large-scale properties.

68 10 years of Sprintr

Looking forward to where events tech is heading.

Meet ICC Sydney’s progressive CEO.

Events Uncovered

Coming together for the 11th edition of Spice’s annual event.

Fostering young talent

Layering bricks of experience for emerging leaders.

Venue licensing

Knowing your legal obligations and potential risks.

Hospitality sustainability Embedding eco-initiatives into events operations.

40 Attracting events excellence

Cultivating a positive workplace culture.

Women in tech

Meet the professionals delivering unforgettable events.

User guide to AI

Tips and tricks for event planners.

Hot 100 Services and Suppliers

Joint-winners for 2026 as voted by Spice readers.

MEETINGS 2026

Reflections on NZ’s preeminent trade show for business events.

Events technology

The new era for premium productions.

Best breweries

Where beer and business events combine.

DESTINATIONS 98 Newcastle

The coastal cool of a surf city.

102 Waikato

Thinking beyond the big cities.

108 Hawai‘i

Aloha dreaming in the Pacific.

We recommend the front row.

fiji.com.fj

Editor’s letter

The power of fortitude

Gavin Dennett Editor Managing Director Simon Grover Publisher Paul Wootton pwootton@intermedia.com.au Editor Gavin Dennett gdennett@intermedia.com.au National Sales Team Charlotte Marshall and Katherine Ross Production Jacqui Cooper and Tazlin Cantrill magazine.material@intermedia.com.au Art Director Alyssa Coundouris Prepress Tony Willson Subscriptions subscriptions@intermedia.com.au The opinions expressed by contributors

and advertisers in Spice magazine are not

t’s been a pretty chaotic year for the events industry. All the positive sentiment about where the sector is headed with innovation and macroeconomic impact has been somewhat tempered by tough fiscal conditions driven by the high cost of living, fear over fuel shortages and a pointless conflict in the Middle East. While event planners, venues and clients keep a close eye on shifting economic conditions and how that impacts operating budgets, one thing is clear: the business events industry is resilient. Through positive thinking and resourceful ways to still deliver events with impact, the sector is powering through and, overall, the outlook is good. The theme of resilience will thread through the Spice Knowledge Sessions when the 11th edition of Events Uncovered comes to Hyatt Regency Sydney on Tuesday, 1 September, 2026. This unmissable single-day event is a highlight on Australia’s business events calendar, with a bumper speaker program, free showcase with more than 50 exhibitors and sponsors, and a sensational after-party. If you haven’t got your all-access ticket yet, get to it! This issue’s cover story features ICC Sydney and its phenomenal new events space at Barangaroo: The Cutaway. This landmark facility on the shores of Sydney Harbour interweaves architectural excellence with a rich cultural tapestry for large-scale events like nowhere else. Read all about it from page 20. HOT 100 Also in this huge issue are our annual features – Hot 100 Services and Suppliers, mega venues and events technology – plus destination features on Newcastle, Waikato and Hawai‘i, a spotlight on breweries, and a focus on emerging leaders in events. See you at Events Uncovered! Issue 114 – Spring – 2026

Celebrating the most exceptional services and suppliers for 2026

DESIRABLE DESTINATIONS

Taking in Newcastle, Waikato and Hawai‘i

EVENTS TECHNOLOGY

The innovation driving next-level experiences

MEGA VENUES

ON THE COVER

A new playbook for events at scale

The Cutaway. Photo: Brett Boardman Photography.

BEST BREWERIES Social spaces for beer and business

The Cutaway

Inside Sydney’s stunning new events canvas

Spice magazine sales and marketing team Charlotte Marshall +61 2 8586 6216 cmarshall@intermedia.com.au

Katherine Ross + 61 2 8586 6176 kross@intermedia.com.au

Visit spicenews.com.au for the latest industry news as it happens. Our twice-weekly updates cover venues, suppliers, destinations and technology, as well as inspiration and tips to help you plan stand-out events. Spice Magazine

@SpiceNewsMag

@SpiceNews

Spice magazine and spicenews.com.au are proud media partners of:

necessarily those of Food and Beverage Media's management or staff.

All material contained in Spice is copyright.

Spice magazine is published by

Food and Beverage Media Pty Ltd (ABN 81 163 792 292)

41 Bridge Road, Glebe NSW 2037

ph: 02 9660 2113, fax: 02 9660 4419 ISSN 1832-7176

6 Spice Spring 2026

DISCLAIMER This publication is published by Food and Beverage Media Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication. Copyright © 2026 - Food and Beverage Media Pty Ltd.

MORE THAN A REFRESH. A TRANSFORMATION.

A $20 million transformation is bringing beautifully refreshed guest rooms, elevated event spaces and world-class technology to Queensland's premier coastal event destination. Set between the ocean, river and lagoon, Sunshine Coast Convention Centre and Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort offers 36 hectares of coastal surrounds, flexible event spaces for up to 1,400 delegates, and endless opportunities for memorable conferences, meetings and celebrations. Good things take time, coming to you late 2026. Be the first to experience it, book your event today.

DISCOVER MORE AT SUNSHINECOASTCONVENTIONCENTRE.COM

Trends

No more random motivational speakers filling a time slot; delegates want genuine takeaways they can actually use, such as keynotes, agendas and formats tailored for people in the room, as well as workshops and live demos instead of passive lectures.

Unattainable experiences

There is a rise of intimate group moments that guests simply wouldn’t get on their own, such as exclusive hidden venues, behindthe-scenes experiences, and once-in-a-lifetime performances. These are the unforgettable bits people will talk about for years to come.

Going up

Natalia Dasilva, senior event producer at LMG in Perth, reveals what hits and what misses in events in 2026.

Microactivations

Instead of one big “wow” moment, event planners are sprinkling smaller, surprising moments throughout events, such as a pop-up tarot reader, a mini cocktail cart, or a roaming magician. Guests can stumble on them organically and it keeps vibes high from start to finish.

Intentional networking

Not everyone who attends a conference is an extrovert and nobody likes standing awkwardly alone by the coffee cart. Designing events for every personality type – not just the confident ones who easily work a room – is something event planners are thinking more about. AI-matching and smart-badge tech are making it easier than ever to connect the right people to each other. 8 Spice Spring 2026

Photos: iStock.com – Dmitry Belan; Drazen Zigic; miodrag ignjatovic; Valeria Venezia.

Curated content

Trends Buffet dinners

Long queues, lukewarm dishes and mystery chicken just isn’t it anymore. Family-style dining and share plates that create conversation and connection are winning instead, making event meals a moment.

Single-use anything

Big, beautiful builds are incredible, but no event manager loves it when they get binned after a two-day conference. Planners are eliminating single-use materials, leaning into zero-waste catering, and tracking carbon footprint as a matter of course. Reusable, rental-first design is fast becoming the norm, not the exception.

Going down

Partnerships that don’t fit

We’ve all seen a sponsor added to an event where the connection just doesn’t make sense, and audiences notice. It reads as a transaction, not a genuine partnership, and people feel sold to rather than looked after. The ones who get it right pick partners to add value for that crowd.

Photos: iStock.com – Ivan Kovbasniuk; GoodLifeStudio; Dragos Condrea; laflor.

Digital event options

Zoom fatigue is real, and people are craving the energy, spontaneity and connection you only get in person. Screens can’t compete anymore, and virtual is now the back-up plan, not the main event. spicenews.com.au 9

Upfront

New + noteworthy $25 million conference centre opens in Queensland Frenchville Sports Club in Rockhampton, in Central Queensland, has completed a $25 million redevelopment transformation,

positioning the venue as one of the region’s leading destinations for business events. The redevelopment includes a purpose-built functions centre accommodating up to 230 guests banquet-style or 350 people cocktail-style, alongside contemporary events spaces designed for conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, networking events, training workshops, awards evenings and end-of-year celebrations. The venue combines events spaces with premium in-house catering, modern audiovisual technology, complimentary onsite parking and a dedicated events team, providing organisers with an all-in-one solution for business events. Located just minutes from Rockhampton Airport and close to accommodation options, Frenchville Sports Club offers delegates easy access to some of Central Queensland’s

major attractions, including the Capricorn Coast, Mount Archer and Fitzroy River.

The redevelopment forms part of the club’s staged $25 million investment, which has transformed the venue into a contemporary hospitality, entertainment and events destination for the local community and visitors to the region. Frenchville Sports Club’s chief executive officer, Damien Massingham, tells Spice the investment reflects the venue’s long-term commitment to growing Central Queensland’s business events industry. “Our vision was to create a contemporary destination that serves our local community and provides conference and event organisers with a high-quality venue in Central Queensland,” he says. “As demand for regional business events continues to grow, we’re proud to offer organisers modern facilities, exceptional hospitality and an experience that showcases everything Rockhampton and the region has to offer.”

Hotel brand debuts in Darwin An international hotel brand has come to Northern Territory for the first time with a new-build hotel featuring meetings and events space. Located in the city’s CBD, the new-build voco Darwin Suites has launched at 87 Mitchell Street, marking the Northern Territory debut for the IHG Hotels & Resorts premium brand. The 88-room property also marks the debut of the voco Suites product in Australia, with one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. All suites feature a kitchen or kitchenette, a dedicated work area and space to lounge, while onsite eatery, The Aviary Bar & Brasserie, showcases modern Australian cuisine and regional flavours. The property also features an outdoor plunge pool, a 24-hour fitness centre, and an 86-square-metre meetings and events space with capacity for 60 people. “voco Darwin Suites is a proud moment for our team and for the Northern Territory,” says Sean DeSouza, portfolio general manager, voco Darwin Suites. “This opening brings a globally recognised premium brand into the heart of Darwin, while still delivering a distinctly local sense of warmth, personality and connection. 10 Spice Spring 2026

“Darwin is a city with incredible energy, from its events and business community to its natural landscapes, cultural experiences and dry-season lifestyle. Our goal is to give guests a premium, comfortable and memorable base from which to experience it all.”

Upfront 36-metre LED multiscreen installed at Brisbane venue

A new 36-metre LED multiscreen has launched at Royal International Convention Centre at Brisbane Showgrounds, comprising three 12-metre screens that combine to create a megascreen at the venue. The third of three 12-metre screens was recently installed by the venue’s in-house audiovisual partner, Microhire, expanding the existing two-screen set-up in the Royal ICC halls.

The additional screen expands configuration options, with all three screens able to operate in parallel across a combined 36 metres in length, or be lowered to stage height to create a dynamic centre-stage LED backdrop. The installation is the first of its kind in Brisbane, providing a total 122 square metres of LED display, powered by Watchout 7 Media Servers and PixelHue P80 presentation switcher. The first two screens were installed in February, with the latest addition forming part of Microhire’s continued investment in new audiovisual capability and technology at the venue. “The new 36-metre LED capability gives our clients more creative freedom when designing their events,” says Jago Coyle, general manager of venue sales and marketing at Brisbane Showgrounds. “Whether it’s a large-scale conference requiring a panoramic display or an awards night with a striking stage backdrop, this technology allows organisers to create more immersive and memorable moments for their guests. “The ability to configure the screens in different ways means we can support a wider range of event formats, while giving clients greater flexibility, impact and value within the event space.” Microhire’s regional general manager of Queensland, Bryan Dochstader, says the installation is elevating the Royal ICC venue for clients and delegates. “Events are now demanding a high level of impact and flexibility that this technology delivers, and this investment maintains Royal ICC’s international standard and allows a competitive price point for our clients,” he says.

Sydney waterfront venue announced as part of $2 billion development A new 4500-square-metre events venue is coming to Sydney as part of a major development at Darling Harbour. Doltone House has unveiled plans for Doltone House Harbourside, a large-scale new waterfront destination that is due to open in 2027. Set within Mirvac’s $2 billion Harbourside redevelopment at Darling Harbour, the purpose-built venue will span 4500 square metres of flexible events space and be capable of hosting up to 1250 guests. The facility will also feature a dedicated business centre for meetings and conferences. With floor-to-ceiling views across Sydney Harbour, Doltone House Harbourside is designed to host conferences, gala dinners, business events and weddings. With arrivals from the waterfront promenade and access via Pyrmont Bridge, and future connectivity to Pyrmont Metro Station, the venue will be positioned adjacent to ICC Sydney and Darling Harbour hotels. “This is a defining moment for our business and for the future of events in Australia,” says Paul Signorelli, executive chairman, Doltone Hospitality Group. “Doltone House Harbourside represents our vision for benchmarking a world-stage venue that is architecturally striking, technologically advanced and purpose-built to deliver extraordinary experiences at scale, accompanied by our nationally acclaimed catering.

“We’re incredibly proud to bring this to market and invite our clients to be part of it from the beginning.” The Harbourside redevelopment will deliver significant improvement to the public domain, including a new waterfront park, an expanded promenade and a network of public open spaces.

spicenews.com.au 11

Upfront Heritage resort reveals refurb and rebrand A heritage-listed estate in the NSW Blue Mountains has unveiled its new branding following a multimillion-dollar refurbishment. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa has begun its new life as Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains following a rebrand under Ardour Hotels. Built in 1889 as the grand summer residence of former NSW parliamentarian Sir Frederick Darley, the estate boasts late-Victorian-early-Federation architecture, manicured English gardens and an outlook across Jamison Valley. Having undergone a multimillion-dollar luxury transformation, the NSW Blue Mountains resort becomes the second heritage estate in Salter Brothers Hospitality’s Ardour Hotels & Estates collection – joining the recently unveiled Ardour Milton Park Bowral, in the NSW Southern Highlands. “Lilianfels embodies the very essence of Australian mountain luxury,” says Tash Tobias, CEO, Salter Brothers Hospitality. “For decades, it has welcomed generations of families, dignitaries, socialites and celebrities, while standing as a beloved icon for the Blue Mountains region. “Our vision for this project was guided by a profound responsibility to honour Lilianfels’ history and preserve its original character, while introducing world-class luxury hospitality.” Design firm Luchetti Krelle led the property’s new design, drawing inspiration from English garden estates for the 89 guest rooms and suites, reception and common areas, and new central bar The Lounge.

“Second to the visual transformation, our refined culinary experience is where Ardour luxury will really be felt by guests,” says Kam McManamey, executive chef, Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains. The Lounge has been created to become the heartbeat of the hotel. It’s an entirely new atmosphere designed to flow between pre-dinner cocktails, a three-course sit-down meal, or a late-night whiskey.” Lilianfels’ transformed wellness spa will soon be unveiled as an Èliva luxury day spa. The estate’s fine dining Darley’s Restaurant and Miss Lilian have remained untouched.

New hotel for $330 million Melbourne precinct A new-build hotel is coming to the inner-Melbourne suburb of Richmond, as part of a multimillion-dollar mixed-use development. Richmond Square is a precinct development set to comprise 107 residences, a 57-room hotel, hospitality and wellness offerings, and a range of services designed to support residents, visitors and the surrounding community. Property developer Fortis has been given the green light for the new premium-lifestyle hotel to occupy the first two floors

12 Spice Spring 2026

of the site’s Carmine House. The hotel is slated to open in early 2027, with the preferred hotel operator to be revealed in coming months. Richmond Square will offer a service-led lifestyle model integrating hotel operations into the Carmine House residences as a fully complementary experience, providing residents with access to a range of lifestyle and convenience services. Jordan Winada, Fortis’ head of acquisitions (commercial) in Victoria, says the project showcases the changing expectations around how people want to live in urban environments. “Richmond Square has always been about creating a destination rather than simply delivering residential apartments,” he says. “As buyer expectations continue to evolve, we’re seeing increasing demand for developments that offer convenience, connection and access to high-quality experiences and amenity as part of everyday life. “The hotel approval allows us to further realise that vision and create a precinct where residential living is complemented by hospitality, services and amenity in a way that is rarely seen in Melbourne’s CBD and fringe. “Richmond Square has been designed to provide that experience through a carefully curated mix of residential, hospitality and lifestyle offerings that work together to create a more connected way of living.”

Upfront

Construction commences on $150 million Queensland hotel A $150 million new-build hotel with events space is coming to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, with work set to be completed in 2028. Construction is underway at Crowne Plaza Maroochydore Sunshine Coast, which will play a key role in meeting the region’s growing accommodation demand ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Sunshine Coast faces a significant shortfall in hotel accommodation, with more than 2400 additional rooms – around 10 new hotels – required in the lead-up to 2032 and beyond. IHG Hotels & Resorts will operate the 180-room hotel under the Crowne Plaza brand, and it will feature more than 900 square metres of flexible meetings and events space, including a 600-square-metre ballroom. “This project is about more than delivering a hotel – it’s about supporting the Sunshine Coast’s transformation into a worldclass destination ahead of the Olympics and beyond,” says

Michael Maroun, director of the property’s developer, Felix Capital. “Maroochydore is fast emerging as a major commercial and lifestyle hub for the region and our project will put Ocean Street and Maroochydore at the epicentre of development during the next few years.” When complete, the hotel will also feature a 167-seat, all-day dining restaurant; a 180-seat outdoor pool bar and lounge; a ground-floor signature dining venue; a lobby bar; a 30-metre pool; gym; sauna; and secure basement parking across two levels.

(From left) Matthew Tripolone, managing director, Australasia and Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts; Michael Maroun, director, Felix Capital; Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli; Robert Maroun from Felix Capital and Jad Maroun Lords Group.

“The Sunshine Coast is evolving rapidly as a business and leisure destination, and we are seeing strong demand for highquality, internationally branded accommodation,” says Matthew Tripolone, managing director, Australasia and Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “This project is well positioned to support that growth and meet increasing demand ahead of 2032 and beyond.” The property development also includes AER Residences, which will comprise 24 luxury two-bedroom and threebedroom apartments across the top four levels of the building.

Adelaide new-build hotel announced for Hilton Hilton has unveiled plans to build a 27-storey, 251-room hotel in Adelaide East End, in the CBD, to replace the former Hilton Adelaide Hotel at Victoria Square that rebranded to Amora Adelaide in July 2026. The new-build Hilton Adelaide East End hotel will be developed under a franchise agreement with Auriga Investments and be operated by Trilogy Hotels. The hotel will form part of Arcadia, a contemporary mixed-use project set to revitalise the eastern end of the CBD, 1km from Rundle Mall. “The return of Hilton to Adelaide is a symbolic and strategic milestone,” says Tushar Raniga, director of development, Hilton Australasia. “This project allows us to reintroduce Hilton Hotels & Resorts as a modern, design-led flagship aligned with Adelaide’s growth and evolving skyline. “Auriga’s vision and the site’s exceptional location make this an ideal opportunity to re-establish Hilton’s presence in South Australia, in partnership with Trilogy Hotels.” Hilton Adelaide East End will offer guest rooms ranging from 31 square metres to 140 square metres; a recreation deck; multiple food and beverage venues; and 303 square metres of meetings and events space.

“For more than four decades, Hilton has played a defining role in Adelaide’s hospitality landscape, and Auriga is honoured to be part of its rebirth,” says Eric Luk, director, Auriga Investment Group. “Arcadia was conceived as a place where community, design and city life come together – a precinct that blends a new residential neighbourhood with a flagship Hilton hotel. Together, they will create a destination that draws locals back into the CBD and supports the year-round calendar of events that makes Adelaide unique. “This is a long-term investment in the city’s future, and we are committed to delivering a precinct that elevates Adelaide for generations to come.” Hilton Adelaide East End is set to open in 2031. “Every great city needs a Hilton hotel, and we are honoured to have been appointed by Auriga Investments as operator of the new Hilton Adelaide East End,” says Scott Boyes, CEO, Trilogy Hotels. “This landmark project underscores Trilogy’s dedication to maximising performance for hotel owners while creating memorable stays for our guests. “By combining Trilogy’s local expertise and disciplined operations, along with Hilton’s powerful loyalty program, the hotel will set a new benchmark for quality and service in Adelaide.” spicenews.com.au 13

Upfront New hotel opens in Brisbane’s north A 148-room hotel has opened its doors in north Brisbane, offering apartment-style rooms and business meetings facilities. Adina Chermside Brisbane recently welcomed its first guests in the city’s northern corridor, offering homegrown Australian hospitality in a growing region of the Queensland city. The hotel is minutes from Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital and major transport links. Developed by Brisbane-based Limitless Developments and designed by WMK Architecture, the property “delivers a light-filled, design-led interpretation of subtropical urban living, with articulated forms, generous glazing and integrated greenery connecting guests to the outdoors”. “Adina Chermside is a smart expansion into a high-demand, well-connected urban hub,” says Chris Sedgwick, group chief operating officer, TFE Hotels. “The apartment-style product, the design and the location make it ideally suited to longer stays and a broad mix of corporate and leisure travellers.” The hotel offers a mix of studio rooms and one-bedroom apartments with kitchen and laundry facilities. Guest amenities include an all-day cafe and bar, meeting rooms with natural light, a gym and undercover parking. Adina Chermside general manager Sue Rowe says the hotel is designed to feel calm, welcoming and connected to its neighbourhood. “From the softer, nature-inspired interiors to the intuitive apartment layouts, everything has been designed to feel like a genuine home base,” she says. “We’re already seeing strong demand from guests who want space, flexibility and connection to where they’re staying.

“We’re uniquely positioned to support a diverse mix of business, medical, sporting and leisure travellers. With our proximity to the hospital precinct, Westfield Chermside and key corporate and light industrial hubs, we have shaped our offering around flexibility, comfort and community connection.” The hotel’s two meetings spaces cater to small-format business and medical groups, with rooms designed for productivity and wellbeing. The two flexible rooms – Staib Room and Hamilton Room – boast natural light, contemporary design and intuitive technology. The rooms can be booked individually or combined to create the larger Maiwar Room. Staib Room is 29 square metres and can hold up to 18 delegates, and is ideal for presentations, interviews board meetings and focused work sessions, with integrated AV, including a large TV screen and conference speaker system. Hamilton Room is 33 square metres and can hold up to 28 delegates, and is suited to workshops and planning sessions. Adina Chermside also offers views to Brisbane City, Glasshouse Mountains and Moreton Bay. “Whether guests are here for a meeting, a sporting event or a shopping weekend, the experience is warm, easy and designed to help them recharge,” says Rowe.

New-build hotel to open in Sydney’s west A new hotel with rooftop terrace for events will open in Parramatta, western Sydney, in August 2026. The new-build 51-room Sebel Sydney Parramatta residential-style hotel is the latest accommodation property to come to the growing western Sydney business district. Developed by Nirskam Group and managed by Accor, the hotel will feature 51 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. The hotel features an all-day Italian dining restaurant and rooftop bar and terrace. A small meeting room adjoins the rooftop terrace and both spaces can be hired for events. “Sebel Sydney Parramatta will offer a really attractive extended-stay experience to a destination that is entering an exciting new chapter,” says Adrian Williams, chief operating officer, Accor Pacific. “Parramatta is evolving rapidly as a centre for business, culture and visitation, and this hotel is well placed to meet growing demand for high-quality 14 Spice Spring 2026

accommodation that offers the comforts of home.” With a local economy valued at approximately $28.86 billion, Parramatta is the second-largest economy in NSW, and its population is projected to exceed 500,000 by 2050. State significant developments in the region include Parramatta Square, Powerhouse Parramatta museum project, and Riverside Theatres, in addition to the 2026 opening of Western Sydney International Airport. “We are excited to be preparing to welcome guests to Sebel Sydney Parramatta and introduce a new boutique extendedstay experience to this fast-growing market,” says Michael Rignall, general manager, Sebel Sydney Parramatta. “The hotel has been thoughtfully designed to deliver the space, comfort and flexibility today’s travellers are seeking, while also creating a stay experience that feels genuinely connected to the energy and character of Parramatta.”

Dinner with dinosaurs. Cocktails under a whale. Just another night at the Museum. Australian Museum Venue Hire

Find out more Australian Museum 1 William Street, Sydney NSW 2010 W australian.museum

Upfront Marriott brand to debut on Gold Coast Marriott International has announced it will bring one of its premium brands to the Gold Coast for the first time when a new 138-room hotel opens in late 2029. The new-build hotel will be built in the Queensland city by developer M Property and will debut as The Westin Gold Coast. The hotel will add to the two resorts Marriott currently operates on the Gold Coast, and the company also has a further four properties in the pipeline in the region. The new hotel will be operated by La Vie Hotels & Resorts. “The Westin Gold Coast represents a natural fit between brand and location, and we already see strong performance across our existing Westin portfolio, both in key domestic and international source markets for the Gold Coast,” says Tristan Cooper, director of hotel development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International. “We are excited to welcome Westin to the Gold Coast and introduce a genuine point of difference to the market.” The hotel will occupy levels one to 15 of the new-build mixed-use development, with 115 premium guestrooms and 23 suites offering sweeping ocean views or vistas across the Gold Coast hinterland.

Designed to cater to leisure and business travellers, the hotel will feature a signature restaurant and bar, conference and meetings facilities, an infinity pool and pool bar, and wellness studio. The Westin Hotels & Resorts brand places strong emphasis on wellness and wellbeing. “This signing represents a significant step forward for M Property and reinforces our long-term vision for the

Gold Coast as a world-class hospitality destination,” says a representative from M Property. “Working with Marriott International to bring the Westin brand to this market is a milestone we are proud to see come to fruition. Westin’s focus on wellness and an elevated guest experience aligns closely with what we set out to create through this development. “We are also pleased to have La Vie Hotels & Resorts appointed as the hotel operator. Their track record, professionalism and genuine understanding of the guest journey makes them the right partner for this project, and we look forward to what we will build together.” La Vie Hotels & Resorts’ chief executive officer, Jerry Xu, says the company is looking forward to managing The Westin Gold Coast. “Being appointed to manage The Westin Gold Coast is a proud milestone for La Vie Hotels & Resorts, and a strong endorsement of the platform we have built across the Asia-Pacific region,” he says. “We have tremendous respect for the vision the M Property team has brought to this development, and we are honoured in the trust they have placed for La Vie to bring that vision to life.”

Rebrand for Sydney beachfront hotel One of Sydney’s most recognisable beachfront hotels will be rebranded in August 2026, transitioning into a luxury coastal retreat. Manly Pacific, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, will transition to Elysium Manly, the second property from the emerging Australian hospitality brand. Elysium Noosa was the first property for Elysium and is defined by “refined design, curated dining and an intuitive, guest-led approach to service”. The transition reflects “the continued evolution of the property, building on significant investment and momentum already established across the hotel”. In 2025, the property completed a $40 million refurbishment of its guestrooms and suites, as well the $8.5 million creation of hatted Italian restaurant Cibaria. Elysium Manly will continue to operate under the leadership of general manager Dylan Cole. “Manly Pacific has built a strong reputation as one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels in the Australian landscape, and this next chapter allows us to build on that foundation with a more considered expression of coastal luxury,” he says. 16 Spice Spring 2026

“The investment made across accommodation, design, dining and service has transformed the guest experience. Elysium brings those elements together under a singular vision, while continuing to deliver the warmth, authenticity and sense of place our guests value most. Our guest focus remains the same: delivering a seamless, high-quality experience while refining the details that make a stay here meaningful.”

MEET WITH PURPOSE AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, PERTH Elegantly appointed spaces for inspired events Where the Swan River meets Perth's iconic skyline, discover 2,000 square metres of thoughtfully curated event spaces featuring sweeping river views and exceptional flexibility. Enhanced by Perth's first fully immersive in-house audiovisual experience, every event is delivered with genuine care and attention to detail. Imagine state-of-the-art LED screens in every meeting space, together with a striking 15 x 3.5 metre ultra-wide LED screen in the Elizabeth Quay Ballroom, where delegates bring ideas to life and create memorable meetings. From executive meetings and conferences to gala dinners and brand launches, every occasion is supported by advanced technology, versatile venues and expert event planning. Start planning your next exceptional event at www.ritzcarlton.com/perth/events.

Five minutes with…

Jane Lyons, general manager, Hyatt Regency Sydney Hyatt Regency Sydney is Australia’s largest hotel, offering 5-star excellence overlooking Darling Harbour, writes Gavin Dennett.

ith 878 guest rooms and expansive events facilities, Hyatt Regency Sydney is home of the 11th edition of Events Uncovered presented by Spice on 1 September 2026. For the hotel’s general manager, Jane Lyons, the event provides an excellent opportunity to showcase an outstanding internationally recognised property that is at the forefront of premium hospitality.

What has been your career progression leading to your role helming Hyatt Regency Sydney?

I have been with Hyatt for more than six years, serving as general manager of Hyatt Regency Sydney during that time. More recently, I was appointed the role of area director, classics, essentials and inclusive Pacific, expanding my responsibilities to support a portfolio of Hyatt hotels. Before joining Hyatt, I held leadership roles with The Langham in New York and London, as well as Hilton in Sydney. Those experiences gave me the opportunity to work across diverse international markets and develop a broad perspective on luxury hospitality, operational excellence and guest experience.

Is it rewarding managing one of Australia’s leading 5-star hotels?

It is a privilege. With 878 guest rooms, we welcome thousands of guests each week. On any given day, we might be hosting delegates attending a major international conference, corporate travellers, families enjoying a Sydney getaway, sporting teams or couples celebrating a special occasion. That diversity is what makes the role so rewarding; no two days are ever the same. 18 Spice Spring 2026

What drives your career?

A passion for people – our guests and colleagues. I was fortunate to work across a variety of hotel operations before moving into general management, and leading Hyatt Regency Sydney felt like a natural progression. It’s a role that combines the scale and complexity of Australia’s largest hotel with the opportunity to innovate, build high-performing teams and create memorable experiences for guests.

Is there pressure to continually evolve the guest experience?

The hospitality industry never stands still so evolution isn’t pressure, it’s necessity. Guest expectations are constantly changing, whether that’s around technology, wellness, sustainability or personalised service. We regularly invest in our facilities, our people and our service delivery to ensure every guest experience feels welcoming and memorable. For our events clients, that means continually refining everything from events technology to catering and delegate experiences. In hospitality, there are always new ideas to explore, changing guest behaviours to understand and opportunities to do things better. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a team that is curious, embraces experimentation and isn’t afraid to innovate.

Is the 5-star hotel landscape changing in Australia?

Luxury today is less about formality and more about thoughtful, personalised experiences. Guests expect intuitive service, frictionless technology, flexibility and experiences that feel effortless and tailored to their individual needs.

Five minutes with…

Stunning events at Australia’s largest hotel.

Maritime Ballroom, where Events Uncovered will be held.

We’re also seeing wellness become more deeply embedded in the guest experience. It’s no longer just about having a gym; it’s supporting wellbeing throughout the stay. Convenience is equally important, with guests wanting everything they need in one destination, whether that’s accommodation, dining, meetings, fitness or entertainment. Sustainability continues to be a key consideration, with guests and event organisers increasingly seeking venues that align with their environmental values without compromising quality or experience.

What is Hyatt Regency Sydney’s offering for business events?

Business events are at the heart of what we do. With more than 4000 square metres of flexible events space, including two pillarless ballrooms with spectacular Darling Harbour views, and more than 20 meeting rooms, we’re able to host everything from executive board meetings and incentive groups to large-scale conferences for up to 1000 delegates. We offer organisers the convenience of accommodating delegates in the same location as their event, making logistics simple for interstate and international attendees. We’re fortunate to have our trusted audiovisual partner, Encore, based onsite. Their team knows our venue inside out and understands the unique capabilities of each of our events spaces. That familiarity means they can work alongside our events team and clients to deliver tailored technical solutions.

What can events delegates get at your hotel they may not find elsewhere?

Scale without compromise. We combine the capabilities of a major convention hotel with the personalised service clients expect from a 5-star property. Delegates appreciate the convenience of staying, meeting, dining and networking all in one location, while enjoying spectacular Darling Harbour views and direct access to Sydney’s CBD. Our talented culinary team takes pride in delivering curated menus that showcase premium local and seasonal produce, creating tailored dining experiences.

The main foyer at Hyatt Regency Sydney.

Behind the scenes, our experienced events specialists work as an extension of our clients’ teams, ensuring every detail, from planning and technology to service and catering, is delivered seamlessly.

Many new high-end hotels are opening in coming years – how is Hyatt Regency Sydney staying ahead of the curve? Competition is healthy because it raises standards across the industry, and that’s a positive for guests and event organisers. We stay ahead by focusing on our strengths while continually looking for ways to innovate and evolve. Our scale, location and purpose-built events facilities are unmatched in the Sydney market, but what differentiates us is our people. We invest in upgrading our technology and facilities to ensure they remain contemporary and meet the evolving needs of our guests and clients.

Are you looking forward to Events Uncovered?

Absolutely! Events Uncovered is a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry peers, strengthen existing relationships and remind events professionals of everything Hyatt Regency Sydney has to offer. We are always excited to welcome events professionals into our spaces. n spicenews.com.au 19

Cover story

Fashion parade at the National Indigenous Art Fair 2026 at The Cutaway . Photo: Katherine Griffiths, courtesy of NIAF.

INSIDE THE CUTAWAY:

Sydney’s new events canvas

Sydney has welcomed a stunning new events space at Barangaroo, on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, with The Cutaway interweaving architectural excellence with a rich cultural tapestry for large-scale events like nowhere else in the city.

ydney’s events landscape has gained a compelling new addition. Operated by International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) and carved beneath Sydney Harbour’s Barangaroo Reserve, The Cutaway is set to become one of Australia’s most distinctive venues for business events, cultural experiences and large-scale productions. Spanning 5000 square metres beneath Barangaroo Reserve, The Cutaway combines architectural character with sophisticated events technology, offering organisers a flexible events space unlike any other in Australia. “The Cutaway gives Sydney a remarkable new canvas for business events and cultural experiences,” says Adam Mather-Brown, chief executive officer, ICC Sydney. “What makes it so compelling is the way it combines architectural character, technical capability and a deep sense of place. Our ICC Sydney team is proud to bring expertise, operational excellence and a proven commitment to creating memorable moments for clients and visitors to The Cutaway.” The recent redesign – developed by fjcstudio in collaboration with First Nations knowledge keepers and creatives, led by Dr Shannon Foster of Bangawarra, alongside artist Jake Nash – has transformed the concrete shell beneath Barangaroo into a premium, highly considered venue. Informed by this collaboration, the design employs natural forms to soften the sandstone’s cut edges and reflects cultural references to Saltwater Country, sandstone rock shelters known as giba-gunya, and knowledge trees such as the Port Jackson fig, known as damun. New gallery spaces, events facilities, skylights, enhanced premium acoustics, and dedicated education and back-of-house areas balance functionality with a strong sense of place. Designed to host conferences, gala dinners, immersive exhibitions and cultural festivals, the venue is already proving its versatility through a diverse calendar of high-profile events.

20 Spice Spring 2026

The stunning entrance to The Cutaway at Barangaroo. Photo: Brett Boardman Photography.

National Indigenous Art Fair 2026. Photo: Courtesy of ICC Sydney.

Cover story

BESydney’s Global Ambassador Gala Dinner in June 2026. Photo: Adam Taylor, courtesy of BESydney.

Pre-function space at The Cutaway. Photo: Brett Boardman Photography.

National Indigenous Art Fair 2026. Photo: Katherine Griffiths, courtesy of NIAF.

Ahead of The Cutaway’s official opening in August 2026, momentum is building through milestone events that are demonstrating the venue’s potential in real time. Among them was BESydney’s Global Ambassador Dinner, held in June, which was an important test event for the newly transformed space. Bringing together more than 400 leaders, innovators, researchers and decision-makers, the gala showcased The Cutaway’s ability to balance scale with sophistication. Notable speakers and guests included NSW Premier Chris Minns and NSW Productivity Commission Chair Danielle Wood, and they reinforced the role of Sydney’s business events sector in driving innovation, trade and talent attraction. The evening was a fitting milestone for a venue designed to connect people, ideas and industries, while offering a strong proof point for its readiness to host major gatherings. While business events are a natural fit, The Cutaway is equally committed to cultural storytelling. That commitment was demonstrated through the National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) in early July, which transformed the venue into a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture as part of NAIDOC Week. As the first major Indigenous cultural event held at The Cutaway following its transformation, NIAF brought together around 30 Indigenous art centres and more than 100 artists from across Australia to share stories, artworks and cultural practices. “For such an event, this place is so special,” says Peter Cooley, chief executive officer of First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, founders of NIAF. “As an Aboriginal person, I walk into that space with all the artists, the artwork, the way it’s been designed, the look of it, and for me, it feels like a safe and cultural space. That’s really important when you have mobs coming from all over Australia who need to feel welcome and safe, and I feel we do that at The Cutaway.”

The NIAF event highlighted the venue’s ability to create meaningful audience experiences at scale. Visitors encountered exhibitions, installations, live performances, workshops, a fashion showcase and artist talks that explored the diversity and strength of contemporary First Nations creativity. It also reinforced The Cutaway’s role as an inclusive platform for cultural exchange and community connection. Looking ahead, The Cutaway’s momentum continues with Luxperience 2026. Scheduled for November, the luxury travel trade event will host its largest-ever cohort of buyers and partners, bringing together global luxury travel brands and advisors from across Australasia and the Pacific. For Luxperience organisers, The Cutaway’s appeal lies not only in its location but its distinctive atmosphere. Framed by a dramatic 14-metre-high sandstone wall, the venue offers a memorable environment for networking, appointments and brand experiences, supporting growing demand for immersive event settings. Behind the scenery sits a robust technological backbone. ICC Sydney has equipped The Cutaway with integrated audio, vision, lighting and rigging systems designed to support complex productions. Four 9x5-metre AR2 2.8mm LED screens provide a powerful visual canvas, while a sophisticated d&b line array sound system delivers coverage for keynote presentations and live performances. Extensive rigging and lighting infrastructure – including more than 70 moving lights and integrated architectural lighting – enables event producers to create highly customised environments with minimal additional build. Permanent rigging infrastructure, fibre connectivity, broadcast-ready networks and support from ICC Sydney’s in-house audiovisual specialists further streamline event delivery, giving organisers flexibility to deliver ambitious concepts across conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, product launches and cultural activations. “For ICC Sydney, this is about expanding what is possible for event organisers in Sydney and creating a platform where people, ideas and experiences can connect in new and meaningful ways,” says Mather-Brown. As Sydney continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for business events and cultural experiences, The Cutaway is emerging as a powerful new asset. With a calendar spanning commerce, culture and community, it is more than a venue; it’s a new stage for Sydney’s ambition, where stories are shared, connections are forged and experiences are brought to life. n spicenews.com.au 21

ICC Sydney

Big ideas and bold realities

ICC Sydney has entered a visionary era of technological innovation, with CEO Adam Mather-Brown driving a seismic shift in how the venue delivers value for clients and stakeholders, writes Gavin Dennett. Above: A full house at TikTok Entertainment Centre.

ince landing at International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) as new CEO in 2024, Adam Mather-Brown has hit the ground running in putting the venue at the forefront of innovative thinking and technological evolution. Having been at the venue as general manager since 2014 – in ICC Sydney’s pre-opening phase through to commencing operations upon doors opening in 2016 – Mather-Brown has vast experience in overseeing its operations and future vision. He also has an extensive career in international large-venue management behind him. Now two years into the top job at ICC Sydney, he is charting a course to ensure the venue is at the cutting edge of innovation.

Since becoming CEO, are you excited by the innovative trajectory of ICC Sydney?

It’s exciting because we’re living in this magnificent time that I’d call a “digital Woodstock moment”. We have put a very strong strategy together to ensure we’re relevant and competitive. We have listened to our clients and that has helped us learn we need more space, more content and the ability to have different revenue streams.

Is this where the venue’s popular Dancers’ Alley and TikTok comes in?

We knocked on TikTok’s door and got them interested. They’re not just a naming rights partner on the building [ICC Sydney’s TikTok Entertainment 22 Spice Spring 2026

Centre]; it’s a really strong partnership and represents the first time TikTok has entered into a naming rights partnership with any venue. They have made it clear they are not just a dancing app; they want to be the world’s biggest entertainment app and the world’s biggest knowledge transfer app so putting their name on the building helps them reach into the entertainment sector. They want to bring their talent into our bricks-andmortar space. I love the concept of YouTubers, streamers and content creators moving from their digital space to our building.

What is ICC Sydney doing to bring its clients on this journey?

We launched a content creation package as part of a strategy to look at all the different canvases to promote a client’s events, whether it’s digital signage or creating content. We’ve got in-house 3D animation, motion graphics specialists, editors, audio, voiceovers, everything, and it’s all in-house for our clients.

Are clients valuing the comprehensive package you offer for their messaging? It certainly provides convenience and speed to market. It all comes under our innovation stream. We’ve got the most exquisite building in one of the best cities in the world. Its design is timeless, but it is so important what we do with those beautiful bones we’ve got. We’re now more than 10 years old so we’re maturing and have opened our eyes to the revenue that content creation streams are generating.

ICC Sydney

The stunning exterior of TikTok Entertainment Centre in Sydney.

The Cutaway at Barangaroo.

Dancers’ Alley at ICC Sydney. Photo: Glenn Pokorny.

“It’s a really strong partnership and represents the first time TikTok has entered into a naming rights partnership with any venue.” Has the popularity of Dancers’ Alley surprised you?

It has been amazing. We put up a sign, gave them a webpage, created some social pages, put up some video screens and started talking to these people who were dancing outside. Their main feedback was for us to keep it authentic. Having given that community a space and identity to dance in, we’ve got big brands knocking on our door wanting to shoot television commercials and promote energy drinks, but that’s not authentic. However, if we host a big dance competition inside the theatre and get that community to engage, that’s a better fit.

Is the dancing community being weaved into your clients’ orbit?

Absolutely. We are all about capturing moments, creating it to the specifications of screens around the venue, and then using it for mobile optimisation, which extends the life of the event and adds value to it. TikTok is going to start streaming live from Dancers’ Alley and the international audience will begin to recognise it. The fact that delegates can lean into all of that when they’re making decisions about getting on a plane to go to Australia – and wanting to be in a vibrant environment – is very good.

We’ve also invested in podcast studios so clients can have a speaker onstage, and do the plenary session followed by media interviews afterwards in a podcast studio, which extends the life of the event. It all makes sense if you’re flying some of the smartest brains halfway around the world to stand onstage that you then follow it with them going into a podcast suite to speak to some of the smartest kids from uni or elsewhere. We can then edit it all and push it out for clients via YouTube and other platforms so they have a legacy with indefinite lifespan. We are just a conduit for other people’s success.

ICC Sydney is operating The Cutaway in Barangaroo – is it an honour to be chosen to run such a landmark venue?

We are honoured to operate this remarkable venue and make a difference by delivering events that positively impact people and the planet. We look forward to welcoming clients and visitors to continue experiencing exceptional events, immersive experiences and exhibitions with ICC Sydney that ultimately leave a lasting impact.

What will the new venue deliver for events in Sydney we haven’t seen before?

Situated at the intersection of Sydney’s academic, cultural and technology precincts, ICC Sydney’s mission is to make a difference. Our world-class venue has long been recognised for delivering extraordinary event experiences while championing innovation, connection and community impact. ICC Sydney brings this capability to The Cutaway in support of NSW Government’s vision for a more vibrant and connected Sydney. With its striking architecture and prime location in the heart of Barangaroo, The Cutaway will become a premium stage for festivals, immersive experiences, corporate launches, exhibitions, gala dinners and creative industry showcases. Under ICC Sydney’s stewardship, it will be a place where local and international audiences can engage with First Nations culture, contemporary arts and the broader creative industries. n spicenews.com.au 23

Jessica Ridley.

Yasmin London.

Quinn Darragh.

Keith Harwood.

Keegan Luiters.

Jessica Turnbull.

Coming together for Events Uncovered The events industry will unite when the 11th edition of Events Uncovered presented by Spice comes to Hyatt Regency Sydney on Tuesday, 1 September, 2026, for an unmissable showcase of thought-leaders, exhibitors, networking and fun.

rom humble beginnings in Sydney more than a decade ago, Events Uncovered presented by Spice has morphed into the Australian business events industry’s most anticipated single-day event. In 2026, its 11th edition promises to be bigger and better than ever, raising the bar with new host venue Hyatt Regency Sydney. As Australia’s largest hotel, Hyatt Regency Sydney features 878 guestrooms, 23 meetings and events spaces, and two incredible pillarless ballrooms, which will host Events Uncovered. Hyatt Regency Sydney was named Oceania’s Leading Business Hotel 2025 at the World Travel Awards that acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. Given the status of the property and its position overlooking Darling Harbour in the CBD, anticipation is high for a bumper event. In a full day of excitement, Events Uncovered presents a free Showcase with more than 50 exhibitors and sponsors offering information, entertainment and activations; the ticketed Spice Knowledge Sessions featuring the events industry’s innovators and thought-leaders delivering educational keynotes and panel discussions; Sundowner networking drinks; and evening closing party, Uncovered After Dark. The free Showcase will feature exhibitors including suppliers, venues and destination bureaus, and will also include a coffee cart, morning and afternoon tea

24 Spice Spring 2026

– presented by Hyatt Regency Sydney – and Sundowner drinks from 5pm, presented by Hawaiian Airlines. The Spice Knowledge Sessions program will feature keynotes, panel sessions and one-on-one Q&As covering themes including emerging leaders, teamwork, leadership, AI and tech, sales resilience, events design, exhibitions, marketing and trends. It will be MC’d by television presenter, journalist, media coach and entrepreneur Jessica Ridley. Events and podcast host, and founder of First Movers Co, Yasmin London, will present the opening keynote at Spice Knowledge Sessions: “The courage to connect: A first-movers guide to a human future in the AI era”, thanks to Inspire Speakers. First Movers Co is an organisation “redefining leadership for a human-focused future in the AI era”, and London brings grit, empathy and real-world expertise to the complex challenges of leadership, digital culture and human connection, blending powerful storytelling with brave, evidence-based strategy to help people lead, influence and innovate with purpose. She is a former professional swimmer, NSW police officer and tech director, who brings expert insight into the worlds of technology, gender, youth and culture, and how they impact human potential. Bondi Rescue’s Quinn Darragh will deliver closing keynote, “Resilient by choice: The power of gratitude and optimism”, also thanks to Inspire Speakers.

Events Uncovered

2026 Spice Knowledge Program 9am Opening welcome with Spice editor Gavin Dennett 9.10am The courage to connect: A first-movers guide to a human future in the AI era • Yasmin London, founder, First Movers Co. • Presented by Inspire Speakers. 9.55am Nine trends shaping modern events and marketing • Gavin Maloney, director of sales marketing, Hyatt Regency Sydney. • Katerina Grant, director, The World Of, and founder, Unend. • Shelley Mitchell, head of events, Doltone Hospitality Group. • Moderated by Spice editor Gavin Dennett. 10.20am Morning tea (presented by Hyatt Regency Sydney) 10.50am Sales resilience: Accelerating business development in competitive markets • Michael Licenblat, CEO, Bounce Back Fast. 11.25am Emerging leaders: The next-generation talent reshaping events • Kirsty Boase, events coordinator, Business Events Cairns and Great Barrier Reef. • Terence Smith, events manager, Known Associates Events. • Edward Callen, technology operations manager, Adelaide Convention Centre. • Holly Barnett, project manager, Touchpoint Meeting Services. • Moderated by Andrew Crook, chair, ABEA Emerging Leaders Council. 11.55am Teamership: What does a great team member do? • Keegan Luiters, author, Teamership and Team Up. 12.20pm Events debrief: Essential steps for assessing the performance of your event • Marc Singerling, director of event delivery, ICC Sydney. • Ellie James, head of events, The Association Specialists. • Nicci Gow, event producer, Nicci Gow Events. • Moderated by Spice editor Gavin Dennett. 12.45pm Lunch (presented by Humanitix)

1.35pm Perfecting the most underrated role at your event • Jessica Ridley, television presenter, journalist, media coach, entrepreneur and Events Uncovered MC. • Keith Harwood, managing director, Inspire Speakers. 1.55pm Embracing AI: Where to next for technology

shaping business events? • Chris Schlueter, director of business and innovation, Sprintr. • Sandra Parisi, business improvement manager, Encore Event Technologies. • Marcus FitzGerald, co-founder and project director, The Bite Project. • Moderated by Andrew Everingham, founder and CEO, CAPITAL-e. 2.30pm Defining success: What high-performing exhibitors do differently • Jessica Turnbull, trade show strategist, Oscar Events Co. 2.55pm Tailoring events: Transforming attendee data into elevated, personalised experiences • Nadia Kentera, director, Ke. Creative Events. • Katie Fraser, customer/operations general manager, FCM Meetings and Events. • Stephen Noble, general manager, Asia Pacific, The Conference Company. • Moderated by Spice editor Gavin Dennett. 3.20pm Afternoon break (presented by Hyatt Regency Sydney) 3.50pm Business for good: Social responsibility and the art of giving back • Adam McCurdie, co-founder and co-CEO, Humanitix. • Q&A with Spice editor Gavin Dennett. 4.20pm Resilient by choice: The power of gratitude and optimism • Quinn Darragh, Bondi Rescue. • Presented by Inspire Speakers. 5.00pm Sundowner Drinks (presented by Hawaiian Airlines) 6.00pm Uncovered After Dark spicenews.com.au 25

Events Uncovered

Katerina Grant.

Adam McCurdie.

Michael Licenblat.

Sandra Parisi.

Ellie James.

“His story will resonate deeply with the Spice Knowledge Sessions audience that is navigating uncertainty, change and high-stakes decision making.”

Marcus FitzGerald.

Nicci Gow.

Shelley Mitchell.

Stephen Noble.

26 Spice Spring 2026

Nadia Kentera.

Andrew Everingham.

Katie Fraser.

The Bondi Rescue lifeguard, former paramedic and elite endurance athlete has spent his life saving others in the ocean, and he will share what it takes to survive, adapt and perform when everything is on the line. Darragh is known for operating calmly in high-pressure environments where decisions matter and outcomes are immediate, but his most defining test didn’t happen in the surf – it was in a hospital bed. After years of battling chronic illness, he underwent a life-saving liver transplant following complications from an incurable autoimmune disease. What followed was a brutal period of setbacks, surgeries and near-death complications. At his lowest point, Darragh made a decision that would redefine his life: he would not let his story end there. Less than a year after major surgery, he completed an ironman event. Soon after, he set his sights even higher – taking on extreme endurance challenges, including a 24-hour continuous ocean swim at Bondi Beach and record-breaking long-distance swims, all while raising awareness for organ donation and supporting causes close to his heart. As a speaker, Darragh brings raw authenticity, humour and powerful perspective. He speaks about resilience as lived experience – how to stay composed under pressure, how to rebuild when life doesn’t go to plan, and how to find motivation in moments when most people would quit. His story will resonate deeply with the Spice Knowledge Sessions audience that is navigating uncertainty, change and high-stakes decision making. Before the official opening of Spice Knowledge Sessions, global events technology company Cvent will present a breakfast masterclass from 8am, titled, “The AI advantage: How planners can use AI to drive more impact”, hosted by Sophie Tabet, regional director, Cvent ANZ. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit eventsuncovered.com.au. n

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Emerging leaders

EMERGING LEADERS: Layering bricks of experience Strength of community is the foundation upon which the events industry’s emerging leaders will flourish, writes Andrew Crook, chair, ABEA Emerging Leaders Council.

“B

28 Spice Spring 2026

I think about the full-scale productions I’ve seen, the welcome parties with fireworks and live performances, and the incredible hospitality, creative brilliance and quiet technical expertise behind it all. Most people only ever see the final product, but we see the craft, and it’s all those incredible experiences that make this industry special. However, feeling like you belong to the events industry doesn’t come from one big moment. It comes from layering bricks of experience until you feel you’ve built a home in the industry. This is what the Australian Business Events Association’s Emerging Leaders Council is focused on. We are a national group of early-to-mid-career professionals, representing suppliers, organisers, bureaus and venues across Australia. Gen Z and millennials now comprise most of our events industry workforce and they are the backbone of the emerging leaders community. Our role is simple, but not insignificant: build community first. If we create a strong community, the rest follows. The issues facing emerging leaders become easier,

Photo: iStock.com – nazarkru.

etween you and me…” – when these words are uttered, usually over coffee or in the corner of a welcome function, I know it is when a relationship is being formed. It’s a sure sign people are thinking about careers, ideas, clients and the industry, and about what is possible. It’s in those small, informal moments where relationships are shaped – ones that are key to having a successful career supported by great people. I’m a millennial – anxious, overcommitted and still attempting to buy a home in Sydney. I’m Irish, a marketer and an artist, and I’ve been in the events industry for 12 years. Why would I stay? For me, this industry has always been about people, possibility and wanting to create strong relationships with those around me. That’s why when things get tough – and they do – I think about the privilege of what we get to see. We have all-access passes to the world’s ideas, we see global leaders speak before the doors open, and we watch extraordinary exhibitions rise from empty halls. I vividly remember seeing astronaut Chris Hadfield – fresh from the International Space Station – speak at a conference and he changed the minds of everyone in the room.

Emerging leaders

“This isn’t about carving out separate space for the sake of it; it’s building a recognised, respected pipeline of future leaders.”

Andrew Crook.

education flourishes, mentorship becomes natural, leadership skills develop, networks grow organically, and confidence builds. Community is the foundation of it all. That’s why we are prioritising quarterly in-person coffee catch-ups across major cities alongside a national calendar of webinars and professional development. They are informal, curated and welcoming spaces where emerging leaders can connect with peers and senior professionals because when you walk into a room and know someone, or feel confident enough to introduce yourself, everything changes. Gen Z and millennials are often spoken about as though they are a problem to solve, but I don’t believe that’s true. The Gen Z soul isn’t radically different from previous generations; the dreams are the same, the ambition is the same, and the desire to build a meaningful career is the same. What is different is what young people are willing to compromise on. Purpose matters. Values matter. Planet and people matter. There is a stronger alignment with meaning over pure profit, and that’s something business leaders need to pay attention to, not because it’s fashionable, but because it’s practical and often gives rise to competitive advantage. Emerging leaders now make up much of the workforce. They also make up a significant portion of our event audiences. If you’re not supporting emerging leaders, you’re not supporting much of your workforce, or your future customer base. If you want

Holly Barnett.

a sustainable industry, a sustainable business and a sustainable leadership pipeline, investing in this cohort is essential. However, supporting emerging leaders doesn’t have to be complex. It can be sending your team members to industry events or offering a venue so we can create an experience that inspires someone early in their career. It can be mentorship or being open to reverse mentorship, which is just as valuable. Established leaders may have enormous experience to share, but emerging leaders bring fresh perspectives, digital fluency and values-driven thinking that strengthens organisations. It’s why programs such as ABEA’s Peer Xchange – which connects members across career stages – matter as much to the mentor as they do to the mentee. This isn’t about carving out separate space for the sake of it; it’s about building a recognised, respected pipeline of future leaders. We want the emerging leaders community to be known for creating confident, capable and connected leaders. People who feel empowered, people who understand the industry beyond their own organisation, and people who know they’re part of something bigger. Those early “Between you and me…” conversations still matter because the future leaders of our industry are already here. The difference now is that we’re building strong foundations under them and the scaffolding around them to ensure strength and longevity because community comes first. Join with us to help lay the bricks for an events industry we all benefit from. n

Edward Callen.

Kirsty Boase.

Andrew Crook is chair of ABEA Emerging Leaders Council, an ABEA board observer, and marketing and communications manager at AV1. He will be moderating the panel session, “Emerging leaders: The next-generation talent reshaping events”, at Events Uncovered presented by Spice at Hyatt Regency Sydney on Tuesday, 1 September, 2026. He will be joined by Holly Barnett, project manager, Touchpoint Meeting Services; Edward Callen, technology operations manager, Adelaide Convention Centre; Kirsty Boase, events coordinator, Business Events Cairns and Great Barrier Reef; and Terence Smith, events manager, Known Associates. spicenews.com.au 29

Emerging leaders

Harnessing creativity and passion in events With a background in theatre direction, Terence Smith brings ingenuity and imagination to his role as events manager at Perth’s Known Associates, writes Gavin Dennett.

rom performance arts to business events, Terence Smith channels his creative instincts to produce moments that matter on and off the stage.

How did you first get involved in business events?

My background is in theatre directing, and I completed by Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Directing. During this research, I examined how to create empathy from a theatre performance, and upon completion of studies, the challenge was to work in a career with a steady income that utilised these skills. This brought me to events. I went back to complete my Bachelor of Commerce in Event Management, and while I still do theatre directing, I now also “direct events” using the same ideas of how I can use an event to connect my guests and make an impact.

in ensuring all the small details are taken care of and how to have fun. They have also provided me opportunities to learn and grow from the start of my internship to now.

What do you enjoy most about working in business events?

I love how creative my job is. No day is the same, which keeps things exciting and new, and I enjoy being part of a team that allows for this. I most enjoy being event manager for creative events with exciting themes that let me bring in my theatre experience of creating exciting entertainment performances and themed styling.

What are your favourite projects you have worked on?

Yes, I first began as an intern in my final year of study in 2021, which eventually led to full-time work in 2022.

I have loved working on The BrainChild Ball each year. This is a charity gala raising money for children with brain cancer and is themed to a different country each year. I first began working on this event under Melissa Howie – for the first two events – then stepped into lead event manager for 2024 and 2025. I also loved calling my first fireworks show at the 2025 Autoleague Championship.

Who have been your mentors in the industry?

What are your long-term career ambitions?

Is Known Associates your first experience in the industry?

My events director, Tamara Cook, and operations manager, Melissa Howie. They have taught me how to be meticulous 30 Spice Spring 2026

To continue to make an impact, creating experiences for guests – and people in general – that connect them

Emerging leaders and bring joy to their lives. I would like this to continue across my career as an event manager and in theatre directing.

What do you enjoy about the Perth business events landscape? It’s a small sector compared to bigger cities, but I feel this allows us to create stronger and long-lasting relations with others in the industry. These relations help us to work with suppliers to create the most “wow” at our events.

What have you learned from other next-gen talent in the events industry?

At Known Associates, we bring in interns which provides a great chance to give them a feel of what the events industry has to offer. Like any creative environment, having a team from different demographics is important to ensure thinking is always outside the box and done to appeal to a wide range of guests.

How important is it to recognise the input of young professionals in the events sector?

Very important as it’s a changing landscape with technology and AI. Younger professionals bring these skills with them and help to ensure the sector doesn’t get left behind. I’d urge for younger workers to be given the

opportunities I have had otherwise it’ll be a dying industry.

How important is different generations of workers sharing ideas?

It is so important. Creative brainstorms are one of my favourite parts of the events process – collaborating as a team, bringing ideas to the table and helping build upon ideas to create something tangible is such an exciting part of the event management process.

What advice do you have for any young person considering a career in business events?

“Creative brainstorms are one of my favourite parts of the events process – collaborating as a team, bringing ideas to the table.”

The hours can be long, the stress can be high and it’s not always as glamorous as you’d imagine. However, it’s so much fun, and no day will be the same. When you look across a room to see hundreds of smiling event guests’ faces and a happy client, it’s all worth it. Do it because you enjoy it, not because you want a paycheque. If you don’t enjoy it, it will show in your work. Terence Smith will appear in the panel session, “Emerging leaders: The next-generation talent reshaping events”, at Events Uncovered presented by Spice at Hyatt Regency Sydney on Tuesday, 1 September, 2026. n

The team from Known Associates, with Melissa Howie (far left), Tamara Cook (second from left) and Terence Smith (fourth from left).

spicenews.com.au 31

MEETINGS 2026

MEETINGS 2026 at NZICC.

Breaking records at MEETINGS 2026

The show floor at MEETINGS 2026.

32 Spice Spring 2026

In June this year, Business Events Industry Aotearoa hosted MEETINGS 2026 at NZICC in Auckland, and the trade show that began in 1997 broke records as its largest and most valuable edition yet, writes Gavin Dennett.

he 29th edition of MEETINGS was held at New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) on 17-18 June 2026 – the first time the Auckland venue hosted New Zealand’s preeminent business events trade show. The shiny new venue took centre stage as New Zealand’s only national trade show for the business events industry hosted domestic, Australian and international buyers, and connected them with regions, accommodation providers, venues and suppliers. Following the successful trade show, Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has revealed MEETINGS 2026 was the largest and most valuable event in its three-decade history. The projected business generated from the event is NZ$170 million ($141 million), a 55 per cent increase on 2025, with the number of buyers at the show increasing by 20 per cent. MEETINGS 2026 welcomed a record 1600 attendees – including Spice – with more than 700 qualified buyers and more than 260 exhibitors representing 19 regions. Hopkins says the value of opportunities and conversations between buyers and exhibitors was the highest result ever recorded. “This reinforces the positive momentum which is being felt across the sector, with strong interest from domestic and international buyers to hold business events in New Zealand,” she says. “It also underscores the importance of MEETINGS as the industry’s flagship trade event, connecting the industry with key decision-makers and creating opportunities that translate into future business.

MEETINGS 2026

Record $253 million target for NZ business events After hitting international conference targets of 110 bids worth NZ$185 million ($153 million) in the 2025-2026 financial year, the bar has been raised for the year ahead, with the same number of bids and an ambitious financial target for Tourism New Zealand. “We’re delighted to have closed out the 2025-2026 financial year hitting our targets of 110 bids worth NZ$185 million in value, which is the highest we’ve ever reached for,” says Penelope Ryan, global manager, business events, Tourism New Zealand. “Next financial year, we will retain our target of 110 bids, but our value target is now set at NZ$253 million ($210 million). We’re confident we can meet this ambitious new value target and continue to deliver lasting benefits for Aotearoa New Zealand. “There’s been strong recovery in business events sector numbers during the past year. We have a record number of international conferences booked and a very strong pipeline of bids, and we want to build upon that. “Business events will continue to be a high-value part of our visitor mix, bringing people who spend more, travel outside peak seasons and contribute to growing New Zealand’s knowledge economy.” Ryan and Business Events Industry Aotearoa chief executive Lisa Hopkins have welcomed the additional NZ$1 million in funding for business events announced by the New Zealand Government during MEETINGS 2026, which will boost bidding activity through Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme. “It’s fitting the government’s investment into business events was announced at MEETINGS, the country’s largest business events trade show, where destinations, venues, suppliers and buyers are creating the next wave of business for New Zealand,” says Hopkins.

BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins (left) with New Zealand Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston (right).

“MEETINGS is where relationships are strengthened, opportunities are developed and significant future business is secured. This funding will help strengthen that pipeline and support New Zealand to compete for more high-value international conferences.” New data from BEIA shows multiday conferences supported $925 million ($769 million) in economic activity in New Zealand in 2025 and generated more than 735,000 international visitor nights. “New Zealand is recognised as a safe and welcoming destination,” says Ryan. “We now have three world-class convention centres open in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, which are attracting business events from across the globe. We are also seeing increased interest from corporate and incentive groups out of North America, Australia and South-East Asia, including some that were originally looking at Europe.”

spicenews.com.au 33

MEETINGS 2026

Above, left, and below: MEETINGS 2026 official opening ceremony. Above, right: Synthony rocks the MEETINGS 2026 closing night.

34 Spice Spring 2026

“Next year marks 30 years of MEETINGS – a significant milestone for an event that has welcomed thousands of decision-makers, organisers and planners, and resulted in billions of dollars being pumped into New Zealand’s economy during the past three decades.” BEIA has announced MEETINGS will remain at NZICC in Auckland for the next three years. “The BEIA board wanted to ensure MEETINGS continues to evolve and grow,” says Martin Sneddon, chair of BEIA’s board. “Staying at NZICC for the next three years establishes long-term continuity. We can now plan for the future with confidence.” The 30th edition of MEETINGS will be held in June 2027. “Knowing MEETINGS will be anchored at NZICC means we can continue to ensure the trade show remains fresh and relevant, while at the same time enhancing the elements we know are important to the industry,” says Hopkins. Auckland Convention Bureau manager Ken Periera says New Zealand’s largest city is excited to host MEETINGS for the next three years. “All our Auckland partners are reporting real and tangible business confirmations, with lots of future opportunities,” he says. “MEETINGS has also given us a platform to launch several major new initiatives, such as Auckland Transport’s new Hui pass designed specifically for delegate travel

[including as part of the city’s new City Rail Link, opening in September 2026],” he says. The MEETINGS 2026 official opening included a vibrant and colourful performance, supported by Auckland Convention Bureau, that celebrated the cultural tapestry of the host city with a showcase of music and dance. During the ensuing two days, the show floor was buzzing with exhibitors, hosted buyers, guests and media, all connecting to generate business for the events sector. MEETINGS 2026 concluded with its “Electric Garden” finale as NZICC’s Te Paepae theatre was transformed into a festival-inspired garden after dark, with an unforgettable performance by internationally renowned group Synthony, which delivered a live concert experience pairing electronic dance music anthems with a full live orchestra, guest DJs, vocalists and spectacular laser and light shows. “Closing MEETINGS with Electric Garden, and Synthony headlining, was a real highlight for us,” says Prue Daly, general manager, NZICC. “Sharing an Auckland success story that’s gone on to make waves nationally and globally was a powerful way to bring the industry together for an experience that was energetic, joyful and unmistakably special. It reflected the impact we aspire to create through NZICC.” n

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Venue licensing

Venue licensing risks: Knowing your obligations For hospitality and events venues, knowing your licensing obligations is an essential part of business, but getting it wrong can risk criminal charges, writes Lauren Cassimatis, founder and principal at Melbourne-based Gallant Law.

36 Spice Spring 2026

The most common liquor licence offences I see in my practice as a criminal defence lawyer are: • Not having a liquor licence: The licence transfer issue is the most consequential yet most avoidable. Applying for, and receiving, a valid licence before you begin trading is essential. • Failure to display your licence clearly: Victorian law – and equivalent in other Australian states – requires your liquor licence and prescribed notices are displayed prominently on the premises. Failing to do so is an offence with a maximum penalty of up to $1018 – even if your licence is otherwise valid. Inspectors will look for these and they’re often the first signal a venue could be in breach of other regulations. • Having the wrong licence for your operation: There are multiple licence categories, including general, on-premises, restaurant and cafe, and takeaway. Each one carries different conditions about trading hours, what can be served and who can be on the premises. A restaurant trading as an events venue, or a bar that starts hosting late-night events, may find their existing licence category doesn’t cover their actual operations. This is a risk for event venues and operators, in particular. If you’re hosting business functions, private events or ticketed experiences alongside your regular trade, you need to confirm your licence explicitly covers those activities. In Victoria, infringement notice fines are $1221, with maximum penalties $12,211.

Photo: iStock.com – Jinda Noipho.

very year, hundreds of new venue operators enter the hospitality business for the first time, eager to make their mark on the scene. But what happens when you buy a venue? Do you keep the name? The menu? The social media accounts? The staff? The furniture? The suppliers? The liquor licence? There is so much to consider, but the most important thing operators should focus on is often most forgotten: compliance. It’s not glamorous and it won’t fill your venue or impress your guests, but if it’s overlooked, it will capture the attention of an audience you don’t want: the authorities. That’s what happened to a recent client of Gallant Law. He bought a cocktail bar, assumed there was an automatic transfer of the liquor licence and began trading. Within months, Liquor Control Victoria informed him that not only was the venue unlicensed, but that he had committed an offence by operating the bar and serving alcohol while unlicensed. With nearly 7000 new hospitality venues opening in Australia in 2025 alone, it’s a mistake that keeps happening, and the penalties are significant. In Victoria, you’re facing a penalty of up to $48,842 or two years’ imprisonment. In NSW, you could face penalties up to $11,000 and/or 12 months’ imprisonment. In Queensland, it’s up to $83,450 for a first offence, with increased fines up to $166,900 or 18 months’ imprisonment for subsequent offences.

Venue licensing

Lauren Cassimatis, founder and principal at Gallant Law.

“The moment charges are publicly known, your relationship with patrons, suppliers, insurers, regulators and council are all at risk.”

• Gaps in staff RSA certification: All staff who serve or supply liquor must hold a valid Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate. Again, if you’re an events or functions venue, be vigilant to ensure RSA compliance for casual or contract staff. Verify their certifications and validity for the state in which you operate. A NSW RSA isn’t automatically valid in Victoria without a transfer of certification. Fines for offences in this category are $1221 with a maximum penalty of $12,211.

What happens if you get charged?

Liquor licence offences can attract significant fines and trigger loss of your licence entirely. Cases can go before the courts, create a criminal record and generate media attention. While all this is happening, you’ll still incur the operational and overhead costs for a venue that is likely not in operation. In an industry where reputation is everything, that damage can outlast the legal process. For a new business that hasn’t yet had the chance to build goodwill or financial reserves, it’s an existential threat. The moment the charges are publicly known, your relationship with patrons, suppliers, insurers, regulators and council are all at risk. If you are charged, seek professional legal advice immediately. Understand your rights and options before doing anything else. It could be as simple as accepting the charges and fines, with agreement to remedy the breach. In more

complex situations, specialist legal counsel will help you identify the best course of action for your business and your reputation.

How to stay compliant

If you’re buying a venue, engage a specialist lawyer who can walk you through title and licence transfers before settlement. If you’re an existing operator expanding your offering or hosting a function outside of traditional trading hours, review your licence conditions and make sure they comply with your plans. For all operators, frequently audit your compliance with liquor regulations. Verify RSA certifications regularly, make it standard in your onboarding, and don’t assume casual staff have it covered – especially if they’ve previously worked interstate. The client I’m defending didn’t set out to break the law, but this oversight cost him his freedom to trade, ongoing legal fees, costs to his business operation, and potentially more in reputational damage. These mistakes are almost entirely preventable, and the requirements aren’t complicated. They just need to be known and remedied before you open the doors, not after. Disclaimer: This article contains general legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. All matters are determined on a case-by-case basis. n spicenews.com.au 37

Sustainability Photo: iStock.com – Igor Suka. Icons: iStock.com – gobyg.

Eco-focus: Embedding operational sustainability Sustainability in hospitality and events has moved beyond window dressing to become a key driver of systematic operations for progressive venues, writes Christian de Boer, United Nations’ advisor on sustainable tourism and managing director of Jaya House River Park in Cambodia.

38 Spice Spring 2026

he conversation around sustainability in hospitality and events has shifted significantly in the past decade. What began as focus on optics and incremental changes has matured into something far more operational and systemic. The question now is not whether the industry engages with sustainability, but how deeply it is prepared to embed it into the way it operates daily. From a global perspective, the most meaningful shift has been a move away from isolated initiatives towards integrated thinking. Reducing plastic water bottles is now expected. The real work sits in rethinking supply chains, procurement, guest touchpoints and waste management as one connected system. That applies across hotels, resorts and the events sector. Events, in particular, remain one of the most resourceintensive areas of hospitality, with high volumes of short-term consumption. If the industry is serious about change, this is where attention needs to be focused. At Jaya House River Park, we approached this from the ground up. Rather than introducing sustainability as a layer on top of the operation, it was built into the core of how the hotel runs. Eliminating single-use plastics was an early step, but the broader focus has always been on creating a closed-loop system where waste is minimised and local impact is maximised. That includes everything from water filtration and refill systems to sourcing and community partnerships. The result is not just a reduction in waste, but a fundamentally different way of operating. One of the key learnings from launching the program, Refill Not Landfill, was that behaviour change only happens when infrastructure supports it. Asking guests or delegates to be more sustainable without giving them viable alternatives simply doesn’t work.

Sustainability

At Jaya House, once refill stations were introduced and made visible and accessible, guest behaviour shifted almost immediately. That same principle applies across events. Whether it is eliminating single-use materials in delegate packs or rethinking catering formats to reduce waste, the solutions are often straightforward. The challenge is implementation. Looking ahead, the future of sustainable tourism will be defined by accountability. Travellers and business clients are becoming far more discerning, and they are asking more specific questions. It is no longer enough to speak in general terms. There is an expectation for measurable impact and transparency. In the events sector, this is becoming even more relevant as organisers are held to reporting requirements and environmental, social and governance targets. Community integration is another area that will define the next phase of the industry. Sustainability should always extend beyond environmental measures. Supporting local communities, creating employment and ensuring tourism contributes positively to the destination is a central part of the model. This approach is highly transferable to the events sector. Organisers can prioritise local suppliers, engage with community-led initiatives, and design programs that extend beyond the venue itself. From an Australian perspective, there is already a strong foundation. There is high awareness around environmental issues, and many operators are ahead in areas such as conservation and responsible tourism. The opportunity now is to take a more holistic approach where sustainability is not treated as a separate initiative but as a framework that informs every decision. This is particularly relevant for events, where decisions around venues, suppliers and logistics have a significant cumulative impact.

One of the most persistent misconceptions is that sustainability comes at the expense of luxury or guest experience. In reality, the opposite is true. At Jaya House, the absence of unnecessary plastic, the use of locally produced products, and connection to local community all contribute to a more considered and authentic guest experience. In the events space, this translates to higher-quality, more intentional experiences rather than high-volume, disposable ones. There is also a clear commercial argument. Efficiency and sustainability are closely linked. Reducing waste, streamlining supply chains and optimising resource use have direct financial benefits. The model at Jaya House demonstrates that sustainability is not just a moral decision, but a practical one. Businesses that recognise this tend to operate more efficiently and build stronger long-term value. Ultimately, the hospitality and events industry needs to move beyond treating sustainability as a separate pillar and instead recognise it as a core business function, embedding it from the outset rather than being retrofitted. What is encouraging is there’s now greater alignment across the industry. There is more collaboration, more knowledge sharing and growing willingness to challenge outdated practices. The next step is consistency. Isolated examples of best practice are not enough on their own. The goal should be to make this level of thinking standard across the hospitality and events ecosystem. If that happens, hospitality and events have the potential to move beyond mitigation and start playing a genuinely positive role in shaping a more responsible and resilient future for tourism. n

“The hospitality and events industry needs to move beyond treating sustainability as a separate pillar and recognise it as a core business function.”

Christian de Boer, United Nations’ advisor on sustainable tourism.

spicenews.com.au 39

Workplace culture Photo: iStock.com – Vladimir Kononok.

Cultivating culture and attracting talent

Fostering a workplace culture that attracts and keeps great people is essential in the events industry, with leadership and employee value top of the wish list, writes Karen Kirton, partner, coach and advisor at Amplify HR.

f you work in events, you already know your people are your product. You might sell venues, production, planning, logistics, styling or technical expertise, but what your clients actually experience is your team. Their responsiveness, their attitude, their follow-through and their ability to stay calm when something changes at the last minute... which in events, it usually does. That is why workplace culture matters so much in the events industry. Not because it sounds nice, and not because it belongs on a values poster, but because culture shapes what it feels like to work in your business, and that directly affects whether good people want to join, stay and do their best work. For a lot of businesses, attracting and retaining great people still feels harder than it should. In the events industry, that makes sense. It is fast-paced, client-facing and deadline-driven work. There can be long days, shifting priorities and pressure to deliver at a high standard every time. That can be exciting, but people need more than a payslip to stay engaged. They need clarity, trust, good leadership, fairness and some flexibility where possible. Most of all, they need to feel that what was promised to them when they joined is true. This is where a lot of businesses get stuck. They go straight to recruitment without being clear on what they are really offering employees.

40 Spice Spring 2026

You may have heard the term “employer brand”, which is what people believe it is like to work for your company. This is shaped by reputation, stories, word of mouth and what people see online. Your employee value proposition (EVP) is different. It is the deal between what your employees give, and what they get in return. If that is vague, it tends to attract the wrong people. If it is clear and accurate, you are more likely to attract better-fit candidates who stay longer. A simple way to think about EVP is across three areas: the team and environment, growth and development, and benefits beyond pay. Usually, it is the basics done well: fairness, recognition, support and clear communication. One simple exercise is to finish this sentence: “People join us because… “ If that is hard to answer, or if the answer is vague, that is usually a sign there is more work to do before expecting your job ads to perform better. Candidates are not just reading your ad; they are looking for proof in how you communicate, how organised and respectful your interview process feels, and whether the experience matches what you promised. This is where Amplify HR’s “Find Grow Keep” methodology is useful. You need to find the right people, grow them through good leadership, and keep them by delivering on the promise through onboarding,

Workplace culture support and consistency. Attracting people is only one part of it; culture is also shaped by what happens after someone joins. In most businesses, culture is shaped every day by frontline leaders such as supervisors, team leaders and venue managers who set the tone in the moment. This is why it’s worth coming back to simple leadership habits. To choose just three, they are clear standards, coaching in the moment, and recognition that matters. Clear standards matter because most performance problems are really clarity problems. People need to know what “good” looks like in plain English. Coaching in the moment matters because feedback is far more useful when it is timely, specific and kind, rather than saved up for a formal review. Recognition matters because people are more likely to repeat behaviours that are noticed and valued. One practical habit that helps is a 10-minute weekly check-in, including, “What is going well?” “What is getting in your way?” and “What do you need from me this week?” It is simple, but it needs to happen consistently.

Those conversations build trust, bring issues to the surface earlier, and help people feel seen rather than managed. That consistency matters most in the early days. You can attract someone with strong EVP, but if their first few weeks feel disorganised, unsupported or unclear, culture starts to unravel straight away. When people feel welcomed, clear on expectations and supported by their manager, they settle faster, contribute sooner and are more likely to stay. In events, pressure tends to expose culture very quickly. Busy periods, demanding clients, long days and constant change will always test your systems and people. If the culture is strong, people are more likely to communicate well, back each other up, take accountability and stay steady under pressure. If it is not, cracks show early. Culture is not a soft issue sitting off to the side. It shows up in service, reputation, retention and growth. When people feel clear, supported and valued, they do better work and stay longer, which is good for your team, your clients and your business. n

“Feedback is far more useful when it is timely, specific and kind, rather than saved up for a formal review.”

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Lancemore

Celebrating 40 years of Lancemore Lancemore is celebrating 40 years in business in 2026, having opened Australia’s first purpose-built regional events venue in 1986.

our decades ago, Lancemore Macedon Ranges opened its doors as the first purpose-built regional events venue in Australia. Now, 40 years on, Lancemore CEO Julian Clark reflects on an enduring legacy of hospitality and events excellence.

What is the history of Lancemore?

It’s an against-the-odds entrepreneurs’ story. Lancemore began life as the first purpose-built conference centre in Australia in a non-tourism region, and our founders, Jan and Peter Clark, had their life savings on the line. The venue was built where the family home used to sit. Fortunately, it was a great success from the get-go, with expansion to new hotels in Red Hill and Milawa. After my parents’ retirements, I took over and Lancemore 2.0 was born. We moved from building to purchasing into the asset light hotel management business as well. We now have eight hotels with two under construction, and our operations span Australia.

Are you proud of the company’s evolution in those four decades?

When we started, Jan and Peter Clark were outsiders to the industry, working as management consultants. They could see how they could create a solid business by making something better. We are immensely proud of our achievements, having a fantastic reputation with our customers and team. Our proudest moments are when we win awards, finish the year with great customer satisfaction, and have our team members say they love working with us. Recently, we had three of the top 15 hotels in Condé Nast Traveller in Australia. As a private family against all the big corporates, being regarded that highly by our customers is very satisfying.

42 Spice Spring 2026

What major change is Lancemore experiencing in the events industry?

A huge amount has remained the same as customers still want great quality facilities, service, food and beverage, accommodation and location. The foundational things have remained the same during the past 40 years, but what has changed is the rise in quality expected and delivered. Most recently, trends have been around greater desire for personalisation, experiences and wellness to complement traditional attributes of an event. We are fortunate to have venues naturally differentiated in those areas, and we are focusing on raising the bar across the foundations of our core business: better design, better food and beverage, better technology and great training of our events teams. We are also focusing on wellness offerings, from walking trails in nature to morning Pilates and yoga.

How does the company view the future of events in Australia?

Very strong. Events have always been core for Lancemore, and demand has only grown during the past 40 years. People always see the value in meeting and collaborating. Technology has always seemed a threat but has never replaced the magic that occurs when people are in the same room together.

What does the future hold for Lancemore? One of our next steps is to expand into South Australia. We have two new hotels opening there in 2027 that are currently under construction. MH Hotel in Port Adelaide will be an amazing boutique hotel, and the other is going to be a special hotel called Lancemore McLaren Vale. We are also on the hunt for more acquisitions and opportunities to grow our portfolio and offerings. n

Above: (From left) Lancemore CEO Julian Clark, and founders Peter and Jan Clark. Below: Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park in Victoria.

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Tourism Fiji

Where business meets bula

With easy access from Australia, world-class resorts, private-island moments and a culture built around connection, Fiji makes a compelling case for your next meeting, incentive or conference. Here are five reasons to host your business event on the idyllic Pacific islands.

or Australian event and conference planners, Fiji offers the combination every strong program needs: simple access, polished infrastructure, genuine warmth and a setting that helps delegates switch off, open up and connect. Close enough for a short-haul international escape, yet far enough to feel like a true reward, Fiji is a compelling business events destination with the people, places and program depth to match.

1. It is close, connected and easy to pitch

Fiji Airways connects the city of Nadi with multiple Australian ports – including key east coast gateways and regional entry points – helping planners move groups with less friction. For stakeholders, Fiji offers an international event that feels aspirational without long-haul complexity. For delegates, it means more time in destination and less time in transit.

2. Hotels built for business

Across Denarau, Nadi, the Coral Coast, the Mamanucas and island resorts, planners can access ballrooms, plenary spaces, breakout rooms, beachfront lawns, poolside terraces and private dining venues. International resort brands and local properties can support AV, staging, themed catering, accommodation blocks, wellness programming and seamless transitions from sessions to sunset cocktails or beachside dinners.

3. Authentic team experiences

Fiji’s culture and connection can be woven naturally into an agenda. Local specialists such as Team Up Events Fiji can support onsite registration, exhibitions, event management 44 Spice Spring 2026

and team experiences ranging from icebreakers to corporate social responsibility activities and Fijian-themed programs. Add kava ceremonies, meke performances, lovo feasts or village visits, and the program feels grounded in place.

4. Incentive moments are already waiting

Fiji makes the reward element easy to elevate. Groups can close with a private beach dinner, take over Malamala Beach Club for an island-style celebration, or add a Sigavou Studios paint-and-sip Fijian art experience. Snorkelling, island-hopping, sunset cruises, golf, spa rituals and dining under the stars can turn attendance into a lasting memory.

5. Fiji delivers value with heart

For Australian planners, Fiji offers a premium-feeling destination that remains personable, manageable and purposeful. Local suppliers and resort teams understand international group needs, from arrivals and transfers to custom itineraries, supplier introductions, themed functions and on-the-ground troubleshooting. The natural environment, community focus and famous bula welcome add emotional impact, helping every program feel generous, immersive and genuinely Fijian.

Business events made easy

For planners looking to inspire delegates, reward achievement and bring people together with ease, Fiji is more than a beautiful backdrop. It is a business events destination with capability, creativity and a welcome that lasts well beyond the final farewell. It’s a destination that can make even the most practical agenda feel like a shared reward. n

Beyond the Ballroom

BECAUSE SOME EVENTS DESERVE A BIGGER STAGE!

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networking event or celebration at CommBank Stadium or Accor Stadium, where iconic venues become unforgettable event spaces. Picture your guests arriving through the players’ tunnel and stepping onto the arena floor, with your brand illuminated across giant stadium screens and LED ribbons. Add premium catering, live entertainment and interactive activations for an unforgettable event.

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Mega venues

A NEW PLAYBOOK FOR

MEGA VENUES

The landscape has changed for Australasia’s mega venues, with their operational objectives evolving into significantly more than just events spaces at scale, writes Matthew Sainsbury.

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Mega venues

WACA Ground in Perth.

spicenews.com.au 47

Mega venues

Spectacular events at Royal Randwick.

he requirements that once surfaced in the final weeks of event planning are now arriving at the bidding stage. Sensory rooms, complex dietary programs, weather contingencies and legacy reporting have shifted from operational conversations to procurement criteria, and organisers increasingly expect venues to have the answers built before a contract is signed. Venues are responding by making those answers permanent. The quiet room once improvised from a spare meetings space is now purpose-built; dietary management has dedicated roles; and legacy measurement has become a branded program. The pattern across 2026 is formalisation: capabilities that used to mark out a well-run event have become the price of entry for winning the work at all.

A reason to travel

The threshold question for every organiser is now a blunt one: why should anyone board a plane for this? For Jimmy Busteed, Australian Turf Club’s general manager of sales, the answer determines which events thrive. 48 Spice Spring 2026

“If an event can be replaced by a video call, people probably won’t need to travel,” he says. “The events worth travelling for are the ones that offer something people simply can’t experience through a screen. They create opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, experience a destination and be part of something bigger than the agenda itself.” That conviction has pushed Australian Turf Club’s Sydney venue, Royal Randwick, to sell itself as a precinct rather than a room for hire. With more than 25 events spaces on one site, organisers can effectively take over an entire destination and keep delegates moving between conference, networking and gala settings without a single coach transfer. “A conference in the WINX Stand can transition to pre-dinner drinks in the Theatre of the Horse while the room is transformed, before guests return for a gala dinner, all without ever leaving the precinct,” says Busteed. “It’s a level of flexibility that’s difficult to achieve in a traditional venue.” The precinct leans hard into what only a racecourse can offer, from horse and carriage arrivals and its signature Horse Spectacular to live

Mega venues

Theatre of the Horse open-air amphitheatre at Royal Randwick.

“Organisers tell us that a connection to destination is becoming one of the most important factors in creating memorable and engaging conferences.”

Wrest Point in Hobart.

Sunset views at Terrace Bar at WACA Ground in Perth.

race days folded into conference programs. Busteed argues these are the moments delegates remember because a traditional hotel or convention centre cannot replicate them. Practicalities still count, though. Busteed notes that organisers are scrutinising transport harder than ever because delegates place a premium on their time, which is where Royal Randwick’s dedicated light rail stop, extensive parking and capacity to move eight coaches through the site earn their keep. More than 1000km south, Linda Collis is making a similar argument from a very different type of venue. The general manager of Wrest Point says Hobart’s pitch rests on authenticity. “What sets Wrest Point and Hobart apart is our genuine connection to place,” she says. “Delegates are increasingly looking for experiences that feel distinctive and authentic rather than interchangeable conference facilities.” At Wrest Point, this means events that are framed by River Derwent and Mount Wellington, along with the history and character that comes with being Australia’s first casino – and buyers have noticed. “Organisers tell us that a connection to destination is becoming one of the most important factors in creating memorable and engaging conferences,” says Collis.

Provenance on the plate

Wally Edwards Function Centre at WACA Ground.

If destination is the story, catering has become one of its most persuasive chapters. At the WACA Ground in Perth, Kerry O’Sullivan, WA Cricket’s general manager of customer experience, says the client brief has changed. “Clients are asking more about where ingredients come from, and they want delegates to get a genuine taste of the destination,” she says. The venue’s answer includes Wirin, its new cafe, where native Australian ingredients are worked into an approachable menu. “Ingredients such as wattleseed, lemon myrtle, finger lime and bush tomato add something a little different without overcomplicating the food,” says O’Sullivan. → spicenews.com.au 49

Mega venues

Grand Ballroom at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

Partnerships with local businesses such as brewer Running with Thieves put Western Australian craft beer alongside regional wines and seasonal produce, and the same philosophy flows through events catering “so delegates leave having experienced a little more of what Western Australia has to offer, not just another conference menu”. O’Sullivan is in good company. Sofitel Melbourne on Collins buys more than 90 per cent of its food from local suppliers. Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre puts its own figure at 81 per cent, while Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre names its growers, bakers and distillers, and Sydney Showground draws on Royal Agricultural Society’s Sydney Royal Fine Food Show competitions to source award-winning produce from across the country. Provenance, once a pleasant line in a proposal, now anchors culinary programs. The other side of the catering story is complexity. Stephan Leroy, general manager at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, puts hard numbers on it. “For a function of 500 delegates, it is not unusual for nearly 150 guests to register a dietary request, ranging from FODMAP requirements and low-gluten terminology to anaphylaxis-related concerns,” he says. Sydney Showground has watched the same curve. Its general manager, Darryl Jeffrey, says organisers once flagged dietary needs for around two to five per cent of attendees. Large conferences now regularly sit between 15 and 20 per cent, and major events often exceed that. Leroy’s response has been to engineer the system rather than chase each exception. Requirements are captured early, menus are designed to be inclusive from the outset, and the hotel employs “a dedicated food safety chef who reaches out to registered dietary guests ahead of time to explain the shared production environment, communicate the plan for their catering, and ensure expectations and risks are clearly understood,” he says. “By designing the system first, rather than managing each request in isolation, we are able to serve large-scale events with consistency, safety and efficiency, while maintaining transparency and supporting guest confidence.” 50 Spice Spring 2026

The Dome at Sydney Showground.

Canva World Tour at The Dome at Sydney Showground.

Mega venues Regions closing the gap

The mega venue topic is usually a capital city conversation. Andrew Bobeldyk, executive manager of major venues at Mackay Regional Council, which operates Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC), is happy to interrupt it. “Mackay offers what capital cities can’t: immediate proximity to some of Australia’s key economic drivers, including mining, sugar, agriculture and renewable energy projects,” he says. For associations, that proximity translates into site visits, expert speakers and case studies drawn from working industry, delivered in a walkable city with short travel times. MECC has also landed a marquee cultural moment to match its ambition. Disney: The Exhibition, A Century of Magic will make its Australian debut in Mackay in December 2026, following seasons in Philadelphia, Munich, London, Chicago, Kansas City, Seoul, Paris and Madrid. Bobeldyk is candid about the structural imbalance regional venues face when subvention funding and bureaus’ muscle decides where major conferences land. “The playing field isn’t always even,” he says. “Larger cities often have more resources, but strong local collaboration can really close that gap. When you combine that with a great on-the-ground experience, regional destinations can offer something genuinely unique.” Local backing helps close the gap further. MECC draws on the Invest Mackay Attractions Funding Program and its membership of Australian Business Events Association to chase events that once defaulted to the eastern seaboard capitals. →

The auditorium at Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.

“Larger cities often have more resources, but strong local collaboration can really close that gap.”

Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.

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Mega venues

Access moves up the agenda

Ask what has changed fastest in the past year and most venues give the same answer: accessibility and neuroinclusion are not the optional considerations they once were. Kym Guesdon, general manager at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC), says inclusive design is now embedded in standard delivery. “For ticketed live events, dedicated low and high sensory spaces are now standard,” she says. The Brisbane venue has expanded shared seating and quieter huddle spaces across its foyers, and is upgrading wayfinding with digital signage and mapping that supports high-contrast visuals, barrier-free routing, multiple languages and screen readers. Crucially, demand for these elements is coming from buyers. “Organisers are increasingly requesting these elements as part of standard event design rather than as additional features, reflecting a broader shift in expectations across the industry,” says Guesdon. The pattern is repeating nationally. Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) has opened a permanent sensory room and joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, training customer-facing staff to support guests with non-visible disabilities. The WACA Ground now offers two calming rooms, sensory headphones and an all-abilities playground, with a further sensory room planned for 2027. Sofitel Melbourne on Collins has taken a digital route, recently launching a detailed 3D virtual tour that lets delegates map layouts, access points and movement between spaces before they arrive. Wrest Point and Sydney Showground both report accessibility considerations arriving at the planning table far earlier than they once did, shifting from a compliance checkbox to design principle. 52 Spice Spring 2026

Plenary Hall at Wrest Point.

City views at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

Mega venues Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Weather becoming a selling point

Climate risk has moved from the risk register into the sales conversation, and few venues have seen it change buying behaviour as directly as Sydney Showground. “In recent years, we’ve seen several events relocate from traditional outdoor venues to Sydney Showground specifically because of increasing weather uncertainty,” says Jeffrey. The venue’s more than 30,000 square metres of covered exhibition and conference space, backed by its stadium, pavilions and halls, has become an attribute organisers are willing to pay for. “As weather patterns become more unpredictable, resilience is becoming a competitive advantage for venues,” says Jeffrey. Others are building that resilience in quieter ways. PCEC pre-emptively secured produce orders and added short-term onsite storage during recent fuel supply disruptions to ensure no event felt the impact. BCEC, with more than three decades of Queensland wet seasons behind it, builds contingency plans with clients long before a cloud appears. In Hobart, Wrest Point counts its large undercover footprint – with multiple wet-weather back-up options – as a genuine advantage. →

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Mega venues

Flemington Greene: Where big ideas grow

Exhibition space at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Summer Garden at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

From “what happened” to “what changed”

The final shift may prove the most consequential: venues are being asked to help prove that events matter. With boards scrutinising every line of conference spend, attendance figures no longer close the argument. PCEC’s answer is Moments of Impact, a structured legacy program that captures an event’s objectives upfront and follows its outcomes long after bump-out. The Perth venue’s head of marketing, Liz De Prose, points to a robotic surgery demonstration at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons’ Annual Scientific Congress, which connected expertise in Western Australia with a patient in India in real time, and the Daniela Dwyer Foundation’s Grey Matter Gala, where fundraising for brain cancer research kept growing well after the last guest went home. “Together, these examples demonstrate how Moments of Impact shifts the narrative from what happened at an event to what changed because it happened here,” says De Prose. The mega venue of 2026 is measured by what surrounds its biggest room: the story on the plate, the delegate who feels considered, the event that proceeds whatever the sky does, and the outcomes that outlast the closing session. Square metres still matter for Australia’s largest events, but as far as the venues are concerned, that is no longer the sole appeal of these spaces. n 54 Spice Spring 2026

Just 7km from Melbourne CBD, Flemington Greene is set across a 127-hectare precinct with complimentary onsite parking. The venue combines world-class hospitality with flexibility and scale to deliver everything from executive board meetings and gala dinners to exhibitions, conferences, product launches and major festivals. With more than 22 distinctive indoor and outdoor events spaces, sweeping city skyline views and the unique backdrop of one of Australia’s most famous racecourses, every event is elevated by a sense of place that can’t be replicated elsewhere. “Flemington Greene isn’t simply a venue – it’s a destination,” says Sarah Seddon, non-race-day consultant for Delaware North, which is hospitality services provider for Flemington Racecourse. “We give event

organisers the freedom to think bigger, creating experiences that are impossible to replicate within traditional convention centres or hotels. “The scale of the precinct, combined with exceptional hospitality and an iconic Melbourne setting, allows our clients to deliver events that leave a lasting impression.” Whether you’re hosting 200 guests or 20,000 people, Flemington Greene offers the rare combination of accessibility, versatility and destination appeal, making it one of Australia’s premier precincts for business events. For the first time, Flemington Greene is opening a rare window for business events in the week leading into Melbourne Cup Carnival, where guests can meet, celebrate and entertain from within the heart of the action – from striking grandstand spaces to premium dining. “This is an opportunity that simply hasn’t existed before,” says Seddon. “Clients can host an event within the making of Melbourne Cup Carnival itself, experiencing the anticipation, theatre and transformation before the world arrives. It is exclusive, immersive and unforgettable.”

FOR UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES. At Sydney Showground, we set the stage for extraordinary events and unforgettable experiences. Our world-class menus are crafted around fresh, local ingredients, award-winning Sydney Royal produce and premium beverage partnerships. Whether you’re planning a conference for 200 or a gala dinner for 2000, we can help bring your event vision to life.

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Events technology

EVENTS TECHNOLOGY: A NEW ERA FOR PREMIUM PRODUCTIONS 56 Spice Spring 2026

Events technology Elizabeth Quay Ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton, Perth.

Events technology has evolved from being merely a purveyor of pizazz that dazzles audiences to an essential component of production and design, helping overcome challenges to create seamless experiences, writes Matthew Sainsbury.

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Events technology

Elizabeth Quay Ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton, Perth (all photos on this page).

“The biggest missed opportunity is viewing event technology purely as an operational tool rather than a strategic growth platform.”

he most significant events technology story of 2026 is the strategy behind it. Not so much innovation, rather creative ways to make tech “disappear” into the experience. LED screens are becoming part of the venue rather than an item on the hire docket. AI has moved beyond keynote speculation and into the production office, where it is drafting run sheets, generating concepts and compressing weeks of preparation into days. Even power, traditionally one of the least considered parts of an event, is becoming a practical lever for cutting emissions and costs. In other words, events technology is maturing. The appetite for new, shiny things to play with is diminished, but the understanding that technology offers a powerful solution to the challenges of putting on an event has never been stronger. Take The Ritz-Carlton, Perth as an example. It has become the first hotel in Western Australia to install permanent LED screens across every events space, including a 15-metre ultrawide canvas in its Elizabeth Quay Ballroom, delivered in partnership with AVPartners.

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Events technology “Technology is no longer viewed as a standalone requirement; it is expected to be integrated into the environment, enabling engagement, storytelling and connection without becoming the focus itself,” says Dario Orsini, general manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth. Permanence changes what the screen is for. At a recent international business forum at the hotel, the ballroom canvas carried animated event branding over Swan River and Perth skyline imagery during breaks, extending the destination into the room. Organisers are increasingly using the LED environment to build personalised arrival moments that turn a standard registration desk into a welcome experience. “Rather than displaying traditional presentation slides, the screen becomes a living backdrop that supports keynote presentations, sponsor recognition, live content and hybrid broadcasts simultaneously,” says Orsini. The pitch to organisers is that delegates no longer need to trade an exceptional setting for exceptional content, with natural light and panoramic views across Swan River and Elizabeth Quay sitting alongside broadcast-quality visuals. →

Technology as a growth platform While production companies make technology disappear into the room, the event platform market is pushing it deeper into the business. For Jack Ukil, country head of Cvent Australia, the industry’s blind spot is strategic rather than technical. “The biggest missed opportunity is viewing event technology purely as an operational tool rather than a strategic growth platform,” he says. Clients now expect event data to flow into their customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing systems so that pipeline, revenue and return on investment can be measured with the same sophistication as digital marketing channels. That reframing runs through Ukil’s read on AI, which he sees delivering value in personalising attendee journeys, prioritising high-intent leads and analysing engagement in real time, while the notion of AI running an event on its own remains hype.

“The organisations seeing the greatest success are those using AI as a copilot,” he says. On personalisation, Ukil draws the boundary at trust, built on transparency, consent and relevance. “Ultimately, personalisation should feel like good hospitality, not surveillance,” he says. Looking three to five years out, Ukil expects the category to become far more predictive and autonomous. “We’ll see event technology evolve from supporting event execution to actively orchestrating the entire event lifecycle,” he says, with events becoming a continuous source of customer intelligence rather than standalone activities. His advice for organisers is to prepare by building a strong data foundation and ensuring their event platforms integrate with the rest of the technology ecosystem.

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Events technology

Projections from TomTom Productions, based in Queenstown, New Zealand (and photo below).

Pixels on unconventional canvases

In the production market, LED’s takeover is effectively complete. “LED screens went from being a shiny nice-to-have to being pretty standard in everyday conferencing,” says Hamish Roberge, managing director of TomTom Productions, based in Queenstown, New Zealand. “I can’t remember the last time we actually had a projection surface.” However, that doesn’t mean projectors are irrelevant. Quite the opposite as they are now a creative tool. TomTom reserves its projectors for surfaces never designed to be mapped: a barrel-vaulted cellar ceiling carrying immersive content matched to each course of a dinner, as well as teepees, hay bales, buildings and mountainsides. The logic is experiential. Incentive groups choose Queenstown for its landscape so the technology has to create moments delegates could never recreate if they returned with their families, such as the Australian flag the company mapped onto a rock face at dusk to mark the opening of the trans-Tasman bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to reshape the economics of that work. Roberge points to a recent building projection during the King’s Birthday weekend, where content was created entirely by AI under human direction – work that would normally consume weeks of expensive custom design. “People’s appetite for being wowed is exponentially growing,” he says, and cheaper content generation is one of the few ways suppliers can keep pace with it. 60 Spice Spring 2026

Visually appealing events from The Bite Project (and two photos above).

Events technology AI clocks on

On the agency side, AI has crossed from experiment to expectation. “AI has evolved from a nice-to-have, to a must-have, and clients now expect their event agencies to be integrating it into their workflows as standard,” says Marcus FitzGerald, co-founder and project director of The Bite Project, a multidisciplinary experiential, brand activation, creative and event production agency located in Melbourne. Shrinking lead times and budgets are doing the pushing. The Bite Project has deployed AI-powered live translation and transcription in place of human interpreters and uses generative tools at pitch stage. “Rather than briefing designers to work on renders for multiple days, with the right prompts, AI can generate countless compelling visuals at speed,” says FitzGerald, with 3D environmental designers then refining the chosen concept. The next step, currently in testing, is AI software patched into onsite AV desks that will feed live session insights and summaries to organisers and attendees. FitzGerald is also pointing the technology at sustainability, using AI to sharpen attendee number projections, optimise staffing levels and plot more efficient travel routes, all of which cut wastage and emissions from the delivery of an event. →

avisual.com.au

1300 284 782 spicenews.com.au 61

Events technology He is just as clear about its limits. Effectiveness with AI always requires human management, and the chatbot is his pick for its most overhyped application. “They serve a purpose for large-scale experiences, but for 50 to 500 attendee events, people seek personable, humancentric support.”

Data, with a line drawn

Personalisation is being fed from the registration form. The Bite Project uses the intentions delegates declare at sign-up – what they hope to learn and achieve – to shape content development with clients before a program is locked in. The next focus point is getting up to speed with feedback from the experience that delegates are having at the event. “The days of solely looking to post-event surveys are on their way out,” says FitzGerald. “We need to embrace the figures to improve in real time, not for next year.” Despite all this, the overuse of data – and personalisation – needs to be handled carefully. FitzGerald says he is watching the advertising world’s creepier habits closely, aware of the risk they might trickle into events. His agency’s focus is “always on using data to enhance and personalise the attendee experience”. →

Leapmotor C10 REEV launch event from The Bite Project.

Technology shaping venue operations At the luxury end of the venue market, the technology conversation keeps arriving at the same word. “While technology certainly influences venue selection, clients are ultimately looking for confidence,” says Kelly Kuo, director of marketing and communications at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. The CBD hotel has invested in state-of-the-art LED screens across its events spaces in partnership with AVPartners, but positions the technology as one ingredient in a larger guarantee that every element of an event will come together seamlessly. The same philosophy governs personalisation, which draws on delegate profiles, preferred room configurations, dietary requirements and previous event history gathered well before guests arrive. “Often, the most meaningful forms of personalisation are the ones guests barely notice,” says Kuo, pointing to

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streamlined registration, intuitive wayfinding and well-timed information. On AI, the hotel’s position is pragmatic. “Artificial intelligence is changing the way events are planned, but its greatest value isn’t replacing people, it’s giving them back time,” says Kuo, with the technology absorbing administrative work such as analysing attendee feedback and supporting communications, while service stays human. The advice to planners is to consider technology, room design, catering and event flow all together from the outset, rather than treating technology as an add-on to be bolted into a finished plan. “The venues that stand out won’t necessarily be those with the most technology; it will be those that use it most effectively to enhance hospitality and support meaningful connections,” says Kuo.

Events technology

Meet Milo: The humanoid robot redefining event engagement

AVisual Productions.

Hybrid raises its production values

During the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the interest in technology was focused on how it could facilitate hybrid event experiences. That has settled into a smaller, more demanding role, and where remote audiences remain, the bar has lifted sharply. “A hybrid conference should feel like a professionally produced broadcast, not simply a meeting with a camera pointed at the stage,” says Bradley Byrne, director of AVisual Productions. The common mistake is assuming a boardroom videoconferencing set-up will translate to a client-facing event. Byrne says the difference between hybrid formats that work and those that feel like afterthoughts is decided in pre-production, with objectives, audiences and measures of success defined before any technical decisions are made. “You’re delivering two experiences simultaneously: one for the audience in the room and one for those joining remotely,” he says. “Both deserve equal attention.” In practice, that means broadcast-literate crews, multiple camera angles, branded platforms and graphics, and pacing designed for the screen.

As technology transforms the events industry, interactive experiences are becoming an increasingly important part of creating memorable guest connections. Leading the way is Milo, Rentertainment’s cutting-edge humanoid robot, who is bringing a new level of engagement to trade shows, conferences and business events. Designed to interact with guests, Milo is much more than a technological novelty. He acts as an engaging brand ambassador, helping businesses connect with attendees in a way that’s entertaining and informative. Fully customisable, Milo can be programmed to deliver tailored messaging and can be dressed to suit any brand or event theme. Whether he’s wearing a uniform, branded apparel or themed attire, he blends into the event while turning heads for all the right reasons. Throughout the day, Milo keeps guests engaged with a range

of interactive features. From greeting attendees and answering common event questions, such as session start times or directions to key locations, to posing for selfies, dancing, shaking hands and even demonstrating a few martial arts moves, he is always ready to entertain. Comfortable in front of a crowd, Milo can also take to the stage to welcome guests, introduce proceedings or inject some energy into the room with one of his signature dance routines. “Milo is not just a fancy piece of tech, he’s all about making connections as a real brand ambassador,” says Matthew Sacher, national operations manager, Rentertainment. “Seeing him interact with guests, deliver tailored messaging and bring energy to events is what sets him apart. It’s about creating memorable experiences that people talk about after the event is over.” As event organisers continue to seek innovative ways to enhance the attendee experience, interactive technology such as Milo is proving to be far more than a talking point. By combining advanced robotics with genuine audience engagement, he creates memorable moments that encourage conversation, increase brand visibility and leave a lasting impression.

The power question

The least visible shift may be the most consequential for footprint reporting. After air travel and freight, the diesel generator was the biggest emitter TomTom Productions could actually control. The company has spent recent years engineering it out of the 300-guest end of the market, alongside electrifying its smaller vehicles and stocking its Queenstown warehouse to cut trucking from Christchurch. “We’ve broken a 1.5-tonne system of batteries into a bunch of smaller road cases that we can load into trucks, push into an elevator or onto a gondola, and then click back together like LEGO – a truly portable battery system,” says Roberge. The gains go beyond carbon; no fumes and no generator drone behind a wedding or conference. Critically, the sums work. → 64 Spice Spring 2026

Rentertainment’s Milo humanoid robot.

A LWAY S O P E N T O

Connect

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Events technology “We’re building sustainability around a business case at a price point comparable to the diesel generator,” says Roberge. “For our clients, it becomes a no-brainer rather than the green vanity project.” His carbon-budget logic is straightforward: corporates with emissions mandates burn most of their allowance on flights so everything on the ground needs to run close to zero. Roberge is candid about the ceiling, too. A 10,000-person music festival still cannot run on batteries in any financially sensible way, which is why TomTom aimed the system squarely at the 300-guest gala in a marquee or mountaintop venue instead.

Get them in early

For AVisual’s Byrne, the biggest problem with the way planners treat technology is timing. “The biggest missed opportunity is involving your AV and production partner too late in the planning process,” he says. Technology booked after the venue and agenda are locked in becomes a cost to be minimised rather than a creative tool that shapes the event. His comparison is a major concert or theatre production, where staging, lighting and visuals turn a performance into something unforgettable. “People don’t leave talking about the logistics behind the event,” says Byrne. “They remember how it made them feel.” n

AVisual Productions.

“The biggest missed opportunity is involving your AV and production partner too late in the planning process.”

Facial recognition and AI-powered photography Picture this scenario: You’ve invested in a venue, a caterer, a keynote speaker and a professional photographer, and the event runs beautifully. Then your photographer delivers 800 images to a shared folder link two weeks later and some of your attendees never see a single photo of themselves. According to Shane O’Neill, founder and creative director of Oneill Photographics, your guests deserve more than a Google drive link. Oneill Photographics now offers AI-powered photo delivery at business events, including conferences, industry summits, awards nights, trade shows, exhibitions, product launches and executive headshot sessions. This service ensures every attendee automatically receives the photos they appear in, delivered directly to their phone, without having to search. Oneill Photographics is committed to delivering a photo experience that event attendees will remember and share.

Photos: Oneill Photographics.

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“We are always testing and adopting new AI software that enhances the delivery of images to attendees at our client’s events,” says O’Neill. “Recently, we have used tools that enable instant delivery of images straight onto the subject’s device and their email inbox. “At a recent careers summit at ICC Sydney, we were able to deliver more than 280 headshots during a four-hour period. This created great buzz at the event and the headshot station turned into a cool hangout area while attendees were waiting to have their headshots taken. The client was very happy with that and has requested it again for an upcoming event. “We were photographing an Airbnb event recently when one of the staff was, like, ‘Wow, straight onto my phone – that’s amazing.’ We are finding that beyond using leading edge tech, we can add to the experience attendees are having on the day.”

10 years of Sprintr

Events technology in 2026: What event planners should know

As Sprintr marks 10 years of delivering events technology across Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific, the company’s director of business and innovation, Chris Schlueter, shares where event technology is heading and what event organisers should focus on next.

n 10 years of operation, events technology provider Sprintr has been at the forefront of innovation in events management solutions across registration, kiosks, badge printing, event apps, AI tools and attendee analytics. During that time, events technology has rapidly evolved, and Sprintr’s director of business and innovation, Chris Schlueter, has experienced an elevation in what event organisers and delegates expect. “The technology around apps, registration, interactive floorplans, check-in and AI [artificial intelligence] has significantly evolved,” he says. “But what has shifted even more is the expectations of organisers, exhibitors and attendees. The bar has been raised and it keeps rising. “Attendees no longer compare your event with another event; they compare it with every digital experience they have. If they can board a flight with a tap of their phone, a 10-minute registration queue isn’t a logistics problem, it’s a technology problem that affects brand reputation.” With the constantly changing environment, where should organisers focus in 2026 and beyond? The clearest signal AI has moved from hype to practice is who’s building it. Industry associations are investing in AI tools for events professionals covering agenda creation, contract review and post-event sentiment analysis. Major platforms are embedding AI assistants directly inside event management workflows. “The debate about whether AI belongs in events is irrelevant,” says Schlueter. “The real question is where it can earn its keep, and right now it’s split between the marketing returns from before the event and live mid-session engagement tools.” Before an event, AI handles the structured, repetitive, data-rich work such as drafting registration 68 Spice Spring 2026

communications, building agendas, reviewing contracts and forecasting attendance – tasks where AI compounds its value across every event in a portfolio. During sessions, instant transcription makes content accessible across languages and abilities. AI summaries turn a keynote into shareable insights before the applause finishes. Information that used to die in the room now extends your brand’s reach well beyond it. Events generate some of the richest first-party data in marketing: who registered, who attended, what they saw, who they met, and what they engaged with. This is rarely analysed post-event, with registration in one platform, app in another, lead capture in a third, and the customer relationship management (CRM) software somewhere else. Upcoming and emerging open standards such as Model Context Protocol (MCP) are changing all that, allowing AI systems to connect directly to event data platforms. “An organiser could ask, in plain language, which exhibitor categories generated the most qualified leads across a three-city roadshow and get an answer drawn live from the actual systems,” says Schlueter. “No exporting or stitching data together.” With AI dominating headlines and facial recognition attracting attention since before 2020, Schlueter believes organisers should focus less on novelty and more on outcomes. “Every technology should answer a simple question: does it improve the attendee experience or the operational process?” he says. Whether it’s check-in, event apps or sustainability initiatives, technology should simplify delivery, protect privacy and enhance the event experience, not force the event to adapt to technology. n

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Women in tech

Behind the curtain

Women working events tech magic

Encore Event Technologies’ “Crown X: The Unknown Variable”.

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Women in tech

Libbie Ray, director, Connected Event Group

Meet five women at the forefront of Australasian events technology, who are bringing the latest ideas and innovations to life, and helping create stunning events with lasting impact, writes Rachael Bolton.

Libbie Ray is director at Connected Event Group, and she threw herself into an apprenticeship as a chef at age 15. “Chefing is highly creative and highly technical,” she tells Spice. “You need to have a technical and creative brain at the same time.” Just as you do in events tech. Audiovisual technical production followed, where she has spent the past 15 years. Ray’s production ethos can be summed up in a single sentence: “Everything should look like it was meant to be there, 100 per cent of the time,” she says. Which is why the first meeting her team has with clients rarely starts with a shopping list. “Our conversations with our clients are not, ‘What do you want to order?’ It’s, ‘How do you want your clients to feel when they walk into the room?’” says Ray. But that outcome-first framing means the kit often has to be invented, and Connected Event Group manufactures a lot of its own gear. Ray says the company makes its touchscreen overlays here in Australia, and builds custom frames and apps from the ground up rather than white-labelling them. The build Ray is proudest of is the content management app used at Australia’s flagship cybersecurity conference, CyberCon. It handles three days of the conference across 23 concurrent sessions, plus a plenary. She says that before the new system, wrangling a huge event such as this used to be a “total nightmare”. Now speakers submit plans, an approver signs off, and content is allocated to a slot. Onsite, staff select the day and room and it downloads in running order, ready to load. “It has saved weeks and weeks of time,” says Ray. When it comes to supporting women in the industry, Ray is proud of Connected Event Group’s track record. Long before it was fashionable, the business hired people in marketing, PR and customer service with no technical background at all, then taught them the technology. “They became the translators,” she says. “No-one likes to call an AV company and get talked down to.” →

ritish science fiction writer Arthur C Clarke created a trio of laws in the 1960s regarding the limits of science and future possibilities. His third law is, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”, which is especially true in the events industry, where alchemy is the entire ballgame. “We have that particular saying in our industry,” says Julz Partington, creative director at Encore Event Technologies. “We are the people who showcraft elements, but we’re the people in black. We’re the ones who are standing behind the scenes. We don’t want to be seen. We don’t want to be noticed.” Toni McAllister, senior manager, AV, business development, at ICC Sydney, concurs. “It’s never just tech for tech’s sake, and it’s never just putting a screen in the room.” When magic is your goal, through reliably producing spontaneous feeling in each individual attendee, standards are incredibly high.

Libbie Ray from Connected Event Group.

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Women in tech Julz Partington, creative director, Encore Event Technologies

Julz Partington studied visual merchandising out of school and did a work placement at JAK Creative and Events. She fell in love with the industry and never left, having done turns as a prop maker, running the warehouse and doing bump-ins and bump-outs, event design and creative services management. “Basically, all disciplines of creative in our industry – content, 3D and event design,” she says. These days, Partington is Encore’s creative director across Asia Pacific, and she says the stagecraft of an event comes from how you layer different elements to fix a lasting experience in a guest’s mind. “It’s all about layering those elements together – the food, the lighting, the music, the space – in this perfect little sequence that’s going to create emotion,” she says. “I think one of the things we’re really good at as experiential designers or creative directors in this industry is understanding people and understanding human responses to things.” However, an important part of the magic is effectively hiding the trick, which is where tech plays a big role. “We’re the people in black,” she says. “We’re the Batman behind the drapes. We’re not noticed, but we are pulling on your heartstrings in some shape or form.”

“Everybody has seen what they do at Met Gala. They’re seeing what takes place at Coachella. People’s expectations of quality have risen.”

Julz Partington from Encore Event Technologies.

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One of Partington’s favourite recent projects was the “Crown X: The Unknown Variable” showcase, designed in collaboration with Crown Melbourne during the week of AIME in February 2026. Tech was used in every aspect of the event’s design, which opened with a teaser film sent with the invitation. Guests arrived at a dark holding space with custom-printed cocktails and table lights breathing up and down. A maestro introduced the theme as a disembodied voice, then was revealed at the centre of a table built in the shape of an X, orchestrating four staged scenes while lighting walked each group of guests to their seats. “It’s about using technology to create a human experience or a human emotion,” says Partington. “Some people cried and the room gave a standing ovation.” Partington is blunt about why the bar keeps rising for events design. “Everybody has seen what they do at Met Gala,” she says. “They’re seeing what takes place at big activations at Coachella. People’s expectations of quality have risen because of that.” What excites her next is personalisation at scale: tailoring content, lighting and soundscape to an individual, then doing it for thousands at a time. Additionally, and counterintuitively, designing in more quiet elements. Her team now builds meditation, yoga and sound-deprivation spaces into high-intensity multiday conferences. “You need highs, you need lows, you need loud and you need quiet,” she says.

Ella Stansfield, business engagement specialist, Entegy Events

When Ella Stansfield, business engagement specialist at Entegy Events, first graduated with her psychology degree from University of Otago, in New Zealand, she had no plan on how to use it. “Fresh out of uni, I was actually selling apples on the market floor at 4.30am,” she says. “I learnt about the value of hard work and connection really early in my career, and I guess fundamentally, how to look after people and relationships.” From there, Stansfield got into freelance marketing, working in London and Amsterdam, before stumbling into events technology as Entegy’s first business development hire in New Zealand. She is excited solving a problem she hears daily: event managers running six licences across eight tools that don’t talk to each other, then stitching the seams themselves. The Entegy team has created an all-in-one platform that bundles registration, app, website builder, reporting, exhibitor and speaker portals, live polls, upvoted Q&A and lead scanning into one product. The software was recently built from scratch to secure ISO certification, putting data privacy at the foundation rather than bolting it on. Stansfield’s main argument is about attention. She has heard the objection that apps make guests stare at their phones and thinks it is backwards. If people are confused or lost, she says, the day gets eaten by asking each other what time it is and where to park. She sees curated communication as the antidote, with notifications scoped to your ticket. So a VIP and a general attendee get different information from the same platform, rather than 89 generic emails nobody reads. That framing matters most for the people events can sometimes serve worst – those with accessibility needs or social anxiety who want to extract 100 per cent of the

Women in tech experience but are not comfortable in big, rowdy and confusing crowds. Using tech this way means anyone can bookmark and build their own agenda, see who is in the room and work out where to park before they arrive. “We’re not all comfortable in a social space,” says Stansfield. “So we’re thinking about how we can make that experience as enjoyable and as inclusive as possible.”

Toni McAllister, senior manager, AV, business development, ICC Sydney

Ella Stansfield from Entegy Events.

Toni McAllister was going to be a lawyer, but as she stared at the application forms while making a decision about what to study, she just couldn’t do it. Deep down, she knew she wanted to be creative and tell stories. McAllister studied film and television at Queensland University of Technology, and then spent years travelling the world freelancing as a camera operator. It was only when she came back to Australia that she made the lateral move into event technologies. “AV was a sideways step and it’s something I’ve never looked back from,” she says. This is a common origin story in events technology. Almost nobody arrives at it deliberately, and that is something McAllister is actively working to change. Outside of her work at ICC Sydney, she runs the →

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Women in tech Women in AV Australia group that unites and supports women in the audiovisual industry, and chairs the Australian Business Events Industry’s Education, Skills and Pathways to Industry Special Interest Group. “You can’t be what you can’t see,” she says. For McAllister, her events tech chapter began at Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in the late 1990s, then moved into production work outside venues, and for the past six years she has sat inside ICC Sydney’s audiovisual team on the business development side, translating what technology can do into what a client is actually trying to achieve. It’s been a huge six years, but the past 12 months have been the busiest by far. ICC Sydney launched Connect Create, a content service producing 3D animation and motion graphics for its screens, plus capture and editing that lets clients post reels while their event is still running. The venue opened two video podcast studios so a conversation that ends onstage can be walked downstairs and continued. It also installed a 360-degree circular LED screen in a foyer so an audience can walk around content rather than sit in front of it, and an activation zone with an LED floor that people step onto. ICC Sydney has also taken on The Cutaway, where McAllister works across procurement, design and installation. McAllister says it’s all about staying ahead of the market, anticipating needs and pushing the boundaries on what a space can do. “We want to anticipate what our clients are going to need rather than react to it,” she says. But for all the bells and whistles, her favourite examples of tech in action are the ones nobody photographs: live captioning, an accessible events guide, and wayfinding that means no-one has to ask where they are or where they’re going. “It doesn’t have to be the big and exciting things,” she says. “It’s the stuff that is making people feel more welcome and included in your decisions.”

Toni McAllister from ICC Sydney.

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Alex Godoy from Encore Event Technologies.

“I love the creativity and teamwork – you never know what you’ll be building one day to the next.” Alex Godoy, technical director, Encore Event Technologies

Encore APAC’s technical director, Alex Godoy, doesn’t believe in the word “no”. “If you’re not a problem solver, this job’s not for you,” she laughs. A tech-head to the core, Godoy grew up thinking she wanted to be a music producer but quickly learned that wasn’t the path for her. “I wanted to be like my uncle [who works at famous Australian music production outfit Studios 301] but I hated it,” she says. “I just hated listening to the same thing over and over again.” For several years, Godoy put her AV training to work producing live music. It was higher energy but is a young person’s game with many long nights. It was also less creative than most people think. “With bands, it’s simple: you set up your amps, plug in the microphones and you’re just mixing,” she says. “But with live events, you’ve got lights, screens and different types of effects. I love the creativity and teamwork – you never know what you’ll be building one day to the next.” If a client wants a swirling tunnel effect – as was a recent commission – it’s the team’s job to work out a way to bring that vision to life. “We never say no; there’s always a way to get around it,” says Godoy. “They wanted to do a tunnel effect so I said, ‘We’ll use a projector with lots of haze and a cylinder image that goes around and around.’ When you have a lot of haze, you can have that tunnel effect. “That’s why I like this job, because you can look back and say, ‘I set this up, I made this happen – look what I can do.” n

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AI tools

User guide to AI for event planners

Founder of meetings, events and conference production company Red Lanyard, Sally Porteous, shares how she uses AI applications to enhance her Brisbane-based business.

his article is about how I use AI in my business and not a lecture on how you should use it. Event planning has been part of my work for around 30 years, and 15 years ago I did the study and committed to it properly. Since then, the landscape has shifted almost every year. We’ve had COVID-19, global financial crises, and a run of mega events here in Queensland that tested us. Now we’re being tested again with artificial intelligence (AI) and this shift is big. It’s a little bit scary and making people feel they might be out of a job. I started playing with AI in early 2023 when ChatGPT launched and a thought-leader I follow shared what was possible. I love technology and was ready to explore how it could fill the gaps in my experience. The first gap it filled was my creative side. My biggest challenge in event planning is that I can’t draw. I’m not artistic in the traditional sense and I find it hard to articulate what’s in my head. Vision boards and pitch decks took me days so I didn’t chase creative work. Then AI changed all of that.

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The first tool I tried was Midjourney, a generative AI program that creates detailed images and short animations from natural language text descriptions. I had an event idea I was struggling to describe to a client so I used it to bring visuals to life. I was blown away by how accurately it answered a plain, everyday description of what I wanted. I’ve since used it to create the whole look and feel of a conference in about three minutes. A designer could have done it, too, but it would have taken at least a week, not because of their skill, but because of how long it takes me to articulate a vision to a professional. Even without a logo, you still need to brand a conference through colour, style and font. People look for visual cues to know they have landed in the right place, and that is the quickest way to give it to them. If you are avoiding AI because you don’t think you’re good at prompting, the truth is, that’s a made-up gatekeeper. I already felt locked out because I lacked creative skill, then along came tools to fix that, and the new excuse was I couldn’t write a prompt properly.

AI tools Not true at all. My second example is site design. I was building an outdoor event for a school on a blank slate but helping a client visualise an empty space has never been my strongest skill. It is like rearranging furniture at home; I don’t get the vision until I start moving things. But you can’t do that on an event site. In the past, I’ve paid an architect to lay out a street festival so everything fits. Once I start, I’m fine, I just need the kickstart and that’s what AI gives you. You take a seed of an idea and turn it into something using your mind. You’re not abdicating to AI; you’re using it to get to the next step and speeding up the process. I also use AI to build client presentations, research prices and suppliers, and produce debriefs, evaluations and acquittals. This includes everything from “give me a structure for this presentation” to turning my thoughts into something other people can digest. I keep my toolkit basic with ChatGPT, Manus AI and Claude the main ones right now. Manus is an excellent research tool. For sponsorship strategies, I don’t ask it to write the strategy, I get it to find organisations in my region that sponsor particular activities, read their annual reports, websites and strategic plans for keywords that match my proposal, and research how proposals are being structured. Researching the marketplace this way is one of the most valuable things you can do with AI. Photos: iStock.com – Kenneth Cheung; FabrikaCr.

“You’re not abdicating to AI; you’re using it to get to the next step and speeding up the process.”

I also recommend following people who are genuinely invested in AI, and not only in events. They will flag the upgrades worth knowing about. Don’t sign up to annual plans. It may feel counterintuitive for your budget, but everything moves so fast that you’ll switch tools constantly so stay month-to-month. Also, test the AI already inside the tools you use such as Canva AI, Microsoft Copilot and Google AI. If it disappoints, leave it a few weeks and try again because it will have improved. On that note, when you Google something now, you get a synopsis from Google AI, not the old top 10 links. So your event website needs answer engine optimisation (AEO) alongside search engine optimisation (SEO). You can also build and host websites quickly with AI; host on Manus and simply buy the URL. This matters because event planners always work on a shoestring budget, in small teams and with limited resources. Artificial intelligence is our superpower. If you refuse to touch it, you will be left behind doing the grunt work, and believe me, as you get older and in this business longer, you don’t want to be doing that. n spicenews.com.au 77

Hot 100 Services and Suppliers

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Hot 100 Services and Suppliers

Our annual Hot 100 Services and Suppliers is back for 2026 and Spice readers have voted to tell us which companies and individuals are best in the business. From events management, entertainment and catering to events technology, theming and photography, here are this year’s joint-winners in each of the 20 categories.

Premier Financial Alliance’s “Rags to Riches” gala at Carriageworks, delivered by Laissez-faire Catering, AV1 and Simply Seated.

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Hot 100 Services and Suppliers Best events technology Cvent @cvent_inc Leap Event Technology leapeventtech Sprintr @sprintr_australia Encore Event Technologies @encoreapac Sprintr.

EventsAir @eventsair_

Best events management Scope Productions @scope_productions Zesty Events @eventsbyzesty Funktionality Events and Experiences @funktionality Known Associates @knownassociatesevents The Event Room @theeventroomau

Known Associates.

“

SPICE READERS LOVE:

“Known Associates are amazing to work with – so professional.” Best AV and staging AV1 @av1_australia Microhire @microhire_apac Audio Visual Events @audiovisualevents Eventspec @event.spec Eventspec.

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Perth Audio Visual Events @hellopav

Hot 100 Services and Suppliers

“

SPICE READERS LOVE:

“We couldn’t be happier with Outstanding Events.” Best exhibition construction company Exponet @exponet_aus Outstanding Displays @outstandingdisplays Colemans Group @colemangroup_au Pyramid Displays Pyramid Displays Expo Event Services.

Expo Event Services @expoevent_services

Hot 100 Services and Suppliers Best events caterer Laissez-faire Catering @laissez_faire_catering The Fresh Collective @thefreshcollectiveau Ultimo Catering & Events @ultimo_catering Joy & Joy @joyandjoycatering Damm Fine Food Co. @dammfinefoodgroup

The Fresh Collective.

Best events equipment hire company Hire Intelligence APAC Hire Intelligence APAC PopUp WiFi @popupwifi Party Higher @partyhigher Event Equipment Group Event Equipment Valiant Interiors @valiant.interiors

Hire Intelligence APAC.

Best virtual events platform Create Engage @createengage vFairs @vfairs Entegy @entegy Encore Event Technologies @encoreapac

EventsAir.

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EventsAir @eventsair_

Hot 100 Services and Suppliers

“

SPICE READERS LOVE:

“Trolley’d provided an epic night of cocktails for our event.” Best beverage or bar supplier The Prosecco Van @theproseccovanofficial Mister Bartender @misterbartender_ BarBae @barbae.sydney Trolley’d @trolleyd The Crafty Barman Hire Co @craftybarman

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SPICE READERS LOVE:

“Funktionality goes above and beyond every time.” Best team building provider Hidden Door Experiences @hiddendoor_experiences Uplift Events.

Be Challenged @bechallenged Uplift Events @upliftevents Cheeky Food Events @cheekyfoodevents Corporate Challenge @corporatechallengeaus

Best entertainment agency Funktionality Events and Experiences @funktionality Event Entertainers @event_entertainers The Play Agency @theplayagency Funktionality Events and Experiences.

Solution Entertainment @solutionentertainment Williams Creative Co @williamscreativeco

Best florist BOOSHI @designsbybooshi Botanics of Melbourne @botanicsmelbourne Poho Flowers @pohoflowers Stem Design @stemdesignflorals Hidden Door Experiences.

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MJ Floral and Events @mjfloralandevents

Creating Immersive Experiences Re-imagine the possibilities for your events. Step into a world of unparalleled creative and production excellence! From jaw-dropping conferences to show-stopping awards ceremonies, Encore brings your vision to life with unmatched technical innovation, boundless creativity and flawless execution. Imagine all the possibilities! With Encore, imagination becomes reality and indelible memories are made. Let us transform your ideas into impact with unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Let’s make extraordinary! T 1800 209 099 E apac@encoreglobal.com encore-apac.com

Hot 100 Services and Suppliers Best individual performer/speaker/DJ DJ Kitty Kat @iamdjkittykat DJ Wildflower @djwildflower.kate Hot Dub Time Machine @hotdubtimemachine Synthony @synthony Dr. Wazz @dr_wazz

DJ Kitty Kat.

Best fireworks, lighting or visual effects company Jetpack Entertainment @jetpackevents 32 Hundred Lighting @32hundredlx Drone Sky Shows @droneskyshows Laservision @laservisionmegamedia Technical Direction Company @technicaldirectioncompany

Apex Event Recruitment.

Best support services Stedmans Hospitality @stedmanshospitality Apex Event Recruitment @apex_event_recruitment Inspire Speakers @inspirespeakers.com.au Saxton Group @saxtongroup

Stedmans Hospitality.

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Show Support @showsupportcrew

Impact, long after the house lights come up Event professionals sweat every single detail: venue flow, sensory styling, high-stakes keynotes and networking energy, but when the doors close, that collective magic dissipates. It doesn’t have to... As Australia’s leading event and video production studio, Scope Productions is known for its broadcast-level expertise and for producing high-end creative content for conferences, brand activations, corporate gatherings, and events. We don’t just produce your event flawlessly – we maximise it. We bottle the experience with seamless, zero-disruption video that integrates directly into your production. From main-stage keynotes to the electric buzz of the exhibition floor, we transform raw live energy into a premium library of pre- and postevent assets, from media grabs and teasers to VR, animation, and powerful cinematic stories that keep the magic alive. Capturing the true impact of your event and extending it beyond a single date delivers tangible value for clients and stakeholders, driving brand engagement long after the house lights come up.

Scope seamlessly integrating content across concrete surfaces, columns, and LED walls for an immersive experience in AGNSW’s Tank.

scopeproductions.com.au

“

Hot 100 Services and Suppliers

SPICE READERS LOVE:

“Sydney Prop Specialists: creative installations with a massive prop inventory.” Best theming, props and design supplier Sydney Prop Specialists @sydneypropspecialists Funktionality Events and Experiences.

Simply Seated @simply.seated The Prop House Collective @theprophouse_ Funktionality Events and Experiences @funktionality Events Fantastic @eventsfantasticaus

Best photographer or videographer Event Photos Australia @eventphotosau Botanical Content @botanicalcontent Oneill Photographics @oneillphotographics The Palms Agency.

The Palms Agency @thepalmsagency Create Engage @createengage

Best transport company (bus, limousine, boat, vessel) CTL Event Management @ctl_event_management Specialised Transport Australia @_yoursta Australian Bus Charters @australianbuscharters Luxury Transport Group @luxurytransportgroup Captain Cook Cruises.

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Captain Cook Cruises @captaincookcruises

Exhibit better Choose

outstanding Bespoke exhibition booths, coupled with exceptional service. www.outstandingdisplays.com.au

We make outstanding happen

Hot 100 Services and Suppliers Best PR and marketing company Eight Communications @eight_communications Powerhouse Communications @powerhousecommunications Milestone Creative @milestonecreativeaus Revolution Lane @revolutionlane Zadro Agency @zadro_agency Powerhouse Communications.

Best amusement hire Rentertainment @rentertainmentaus Big Fun @bigfunattractions Planet Entertainment @planet_entertainment Queensland Amusement Hire qldamusementhire Phelan Amusements phelanamusements.com.au Rentertainment.

Best corporate gift and merchandise supplier YAY! Promos @yay.promos Honeycomb Agency @honeycomb_agency Random Harvest Gourmet @randomharvestgourmet Merchgirls @merchgirls Honeycomb Agency.

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Breweries Philter Brewing Sydney

Philter Brewing offers three events spaces at its headquarters located in the heart of the famous Marrickville ale trail. It is home to a downstairs public bar and restaurant with a view of the working brewery; a sunny, open-air cocktail bar with retractable roof; and an ’80s-inspired sports bar with pool room. From birthday and Christmas functions to baby showers and even the occasional wedding, the venue says it “knows how to throw a party”, with total capacity for 380 people. Audiovisual hire is available for business meetings with a difference, and Philter’s catering – including wings and pizza – is always a hit. Things don’t have to be all about craft beer, either, as the venue features a local wine list and three fully stocked bars.

Good times are brewing

With the rise of craft beer in the past decade, breweries have emerged as exceptional spaces for private functions and business events. These are some of Australia’s finest taprooms offering a welcoming atmosphere and beautiful brews.

Gage Roads Freo Brewery Perth

Perched on Fremantle’s famous waterfront overlooking the working port, Gage Roads Freo Brewery offers a unique events destination that blends welcoming hospitality with relaxed coastal charm. Housed within a beautifully restored 100-year-old storage shed, the venue has been transformed into a sprawling brewery, beer garden and family-friendly destination complete with an epic playground. With something for everyone, Gage Roads Freo is ideal for casual celebrations, milestone birthdays, work get-togethers, networking events, long lunches and post-conference catch-ups. Guests can enjoy panoramic ocean views, fresh local food, tank-to-tap beers brewed onsite, premium beverages and a vibrant atmosphere that feels distinctly Fremantle. The venue’s flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, dedicated functions team and laidback approach make it easy to host memorable gatherings of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re planning a business event, private function or social celebration, Gage Roads Freo delivers good times and an unbeatable waterfront setting.

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Breweries Range Brewing / The Bethnal Brisbane

Tucked next door to Range Brewing’s Newstead home, The Bethnal is a contemporary events venue that blends industrial character with warm, refined hospitality. Surrounded by towering oak barrels and considered architectural details, the space offers a unique backdrop for business events, celebrations, private gatherings and weddings. At its heart is a custom-built private bar pouring Range Brewing’s beers alongside a curated selection of wines, cocktails and premium beverages. With flexible event formats, dedicated planning support and a focus on exceptional guest experiences, The Bethnal brings together the creativity of an independent brewery with the polish of a premium events venue, creating memorable occasions in one of Brisbane’s most distinctive spaces.

Photo: Untamed Creative.

3 Ravens Melbourne

Melbourne’s oldest independent brewery, 3 Ravens, welcomes guests for business events with zero hire fees “leaving you with more cash in your budget for beer”, according to the venue. The brewery is perfect for gatherings up to 75 guests, and the intimate, informal bar space lets groups “treat the venue like your own private pad”. Visitors can sip through 12 taps of brewery-fresh beer and enjoy the free-play pool table. The team at 3 Ravens says guests are completely in control of the vibe: plug in your phone, spin your favourite vinyl, or bring a DJ to keep the room moving. With a BYO food policy, groups can bring snacks or order delivery straight to the bar. Plus, with a 1am licence, groups can keep the party going late.

Mountain Culture Sydney

Mountain Culture is no run-of-the-mill brewery. Built on the idea of creating epic experiences with its beers, the company has built a footprint of standout venues across Katoomba in the NSW Blue Mountains, Emu Plains in western Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart. Its Redfern outpost in inner-Sydney is no exception. Just a stumble from Redfern Station and Waterloo Metro, the venue offers a range of spaces to suit functions from intimate gatherings of 20 people to celebrations for 200 guests. Pair that with canapes, grazing platters and drink packages featuring award-winning beers – including the GABS Hottest 100 topping Status Quo Pale Ale – wine and soft drinks, and “you’ve got the makings of a seriously memorable business function, private celebration or something in between.”

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Breweries BentSpoke BrewPub Canberra

Opened in 2014 by Richard Watkins and co‑founder Tracy Margrain, BentSpoke BrewPub offers a relaxed setting for business or social functions. Its welcoming industrial‑style space is filled with dark wood and vibrant metal, and features 28 draught beers on tap and a menu that incorporates beer and brewing ingredients. Flexible packages cater to groups of up to 90 guests, with tailored food and bar options. Located in Canberra’s lively inner‑north precinct, close to the city centre, BentSpoke BrewPub provides a venue full of personality and local charm for meetings, networking events and informal business gatherings.

Heads of Noosa Taproom Sunshine Coast

Whether you’re planning a private celebration, business function, team event or group gathering, the Heads of Noosa Taproom offers a unique brewery setting that’s relaxed, welcoming and full of character. Located alongside its working brewery, the space combines modern industrial design with warm hospitality, making it ideal for everything from casual catch-ups to milestone celebrations. Guests can enjoy Heads of Noosa’s range of premium lagers, seasonal releases, guided brewery experiences and a menu showcasing premium local produce. With flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, dedicated event support and a range of food and beverage packages, the venue’s team can tailor each event to suit individual groups. Conveniently located in Noosaville, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the Heads of Noosa Taproom is the perfect place to bring people together over exceptional beer, great food and warm hospitality.

Sauce Brewing Co Sydney

Based in Sydney’s craft beer heartland of Marrickville, in the Inner West, Sauce Brewing has been operating for more than a decade, with its current venue opening its doors in 2017. During the past decade, it has established a reputation for exceptional brews and a welcoming and fun atmosphere. Tucked away at the end of a small laneway, the venue is removed from the hustle and bustle of Sydney – planes overhead excepted – and features a taproom, beer garden and rotating food trucks. Sauce Brewing Co is suited for business events and social functions, with seating for up to 200 guests, indoor and outdoor space in the sun, shade and with heating, and a PA system available.

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Breweries Bucketty’s Brewing Sydney

KAIJU! Beer & Pizza

Bucketty’s Brewing is “your Northern Beaches slice of rural, hoppy heaven”, according to owners Nick and Lexi McDonald. The duo set out to build a venue that felt like drinking in the hopfields of The Bucketts – the tiny Upper Hunter town in NSW Nick calls home – after their plan to plant a hop farm there was knocked back by council. So they brought Bucketty’s to Brookvale instead. From the corrugated iron and wooden panels to the homemade tables cut from Bucketty’s timber, every detail at the venue is immaculate and raw. There’s a pool table, dart boards and kids’ play area – and dogs are welcome, too. The beers are authentic, the food from the onsite truck is perfectly paired, and the atmosphere... “Well, find me a better venue to watch a band in the Northern Beaches,” says Nick.

Melbourne

The team at KAIJU! Beer & Pizza says the venue “goes way beyond your standard function room with a sad fern in the corner”. Set inside a spacious converted warehouse in Huntingdale, southeast Melbourne, the venue blends industrial brewery character with bold murals, playful design, a working pilot brewery, 16 taps and a blue Toyota minibus that has become part of the venue’s personality. The brewery provides a flexible, memorable space for private celebrations, business events, team gatherings, birthdays, trivia nights and end-of-year parties. Guests can enjoy independent craft beer brewed onsite, alongside cider, wine, non-alcoholic options and hand-stretched pizzas made for sharing. Business groups benefit from the open layout and relaxed hospitality, creating a setting that feels professional without being formal. Close to Huntingdale Station, KAIJU! Beer & Pizza delivers big character, great drinks and none of the “beige function-room energy”.

Blasta Collective Perth

Set in Burswood, east of Swan River, Blasta Collective is Perth’s home of craft beer, with beers brewed by Blasta Brewing Co at its 4000-square-metre production facility in High Wycombe. The venue also pours premium spirits, cocktails and wine, with a chef-led menu built around quality local produce and select dishes crafted to incorporate the brewery’s beers. Spanning the Beerhall and Gastrobrewery, the venue caters for up to 1400 guests cocktail-style. The Main Hall Art Area and Top Terrace suit smaller business or social groups, while the venue has hosted Crown Perth’s Christmas party two years running. Whether it’s a corporate end-of-year function, a wedding or a casual team catch-up, Blasta Collective brings the beer, food and space to suit any occasion. spicenews.com.au 95

Breweries Sydney Brewery Sydney

Sydney Brewery offers three distinct event venues across the harbour city, combining craft beer, exceptional hospitality and versatile function spaces. Leading the portfolio is Sydney Brewery Rozelle, where historic industrial mill-style interiors, expansive flexible spaces and a giant viewing screen create the perfect setting for business events, private celebrations, product launches and large-scale public viewings. Recently hosting the premiere of the final season of Colin From Accounts, the venue is a standout events destination in Sydney’s Inner West. For larger gatherings, Sydney Brewery Alexandria accommodates up to 350 guests and features flexible events spaces, an all-weather pergola and working brewery backdrop. Sydney Brewery Surry Hills delivers an intimate brewery experience in the heart of the city, offering character-

Cascade Brewery Bar

filled spaces, great food and award-winning beers and ciders for business and social events.

Hobart

Set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Wellington, Cascade Brewery Bar offers a distinctive venue where rich heritage and Tasmanian landscapes come together for a unique dining experience. The venue features a collection of versatile spaces, including the newest addition, Garden Bar, which provides a relaxed indoor and outdoor setting surrounded by lush heritage gardens. Guests can enjoy freshly brewed Cascade beers alongside a seasonal menu showcasing the best of Tasmanian produce. Whether you’re planning a business event, milestone celebration or wedding, Cascade Brewery Bar offers a memorable experience with exceptional hospitality, historic charm and beautiful world-class natural surroundings.

Pirate Life

Adelaide and Melbourne Located in the heart of Port Adelaide, Pirate Life Port Adelaide’s brewery and hospitality headquarters was built on good beer and great people. There’s plenty to love about the venue with its classical facade and high ceilings. With 24 taps, delicious food and a passionate hospitality team, the venue caters to a range of gatherings from casual knockoffs and brewery tours to beer dinners and full‑scale events. Pirate Life South Melbourne is a neighbourhood beer hall celebrating the brewery’s love of quality brews, food and good times. Set in an ex‑mechanic’s workshop on Market Street, it’s the perfect spot to kick back and connect with colleagues and friends. From handcrafted beers and an open‑fire menu to takeaway tins and merch, the venue is a welcoming space for groups.

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Breweries Burleigh Brewing Taphouse Gold Coast

Set moments from one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic beaches, Burleigh Brewing Taphouse is the beating heart of Burleigh Brewing, a proudly independent Queensland brewery now in its 20th year. The space comfortably holds more than 700 guests, moving easily between indoor and outdoor areas, giving events room to breathe without losing their intimacy. Every event runs on beer brewed onsite, with the same care and process behind every batch showing up in each glass. Onsite food partners round out the offering, while flexible formats suit the occasion: casual gatherings alongside regular trading hours, full venue buyouts for larger groups, or a custom set-up built around specific needs. Burleigh Brewing Taphouse brings two decades of Gold Coast brewing heritage to every event it hosts.

“We run regular events at Earp Distillery and always have such a great experience. The space is welcoming, the team is lovely, and everything is always easy to organise. Our guests enjoy coming along.” Event Client: Gorilla360, Google Review JULY 2026

EASY EVENT PLANNING, EXTRAORDINARY VENUE

Team Building Exp. Options 02 8317 5777

Flexible Packages

EARPDISTILLINGCO.COM

Space for 30 or 300 @EARPDISTILLINGCO

CARRINGTON NSW 2289

Destination Newcastle

Coastal cool

The rise of a surf city

With stunning beaches and laidback charm, the NSW city of Newcastle is forging its path as a desirable destination for business events, writes Gavin Dennett.

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“Business events organisers are increasingly looking for destinations that offer something different and that’s what Newcastle delivers,” she says. “Our city has distinctive character, where heritage meets innovation and the coast meets culture. Combined with continued investment in infrastructure and expanding aviation connectivity through Newcastle Airport, it’s easier than ever for delegates to experience everything Newcastle has to offer.” In September 2025, Newcastle Airport unveiled its completed $110 million upgrade, which includes a new international terminal, gate expansions, new customs and quarantine facilities, and an upgraded runway to handle widebody aircraft. The expansion increased the airport’s terminal footprint by 50 per cent and caters to the anticipated sharp rise in visitors to the region. “Newcastle’s strengths across sectors such as health, education, energy and innovation make it a soughtafter destination for association conferences, providing opportunities for delegates to connect with industry leaders and researchers,” says Lazzari. “Our compact city centre means delegates can easily move between accommodation, event venues, award-winning dining and our spectacular coastline, spending less time travelling and more time engaging, networking and experiencing the destination beyond a conference program.

Photo: City of Newcastle.

ocated two hours north of Sydney, Newcastle is the second largest and second oldest city in NSW. Positioned on Australia’s east coast at the mouth of the Hunter River, the city is home to the world’s largest coal-exporting harbour and boasts a rich industrial and convict history. Beyond its reputation for mining and industry, as well as being a gateway to the Hunter Valley wine district, Newcastle has forged a standing for tourism, culture, arts, surf and sand. From Newcastle Beach and Merewether Beach to Nobbys Beach and Bogey Hole sea baths, the region boasts some of the world’s most spectacular city beaches. Another rising attribute for Newcastle is its appeal for business events. With waterside hotels and venues and a rising pedigree for hosting events beyond Australia’s capital cities, Newcastle is a business events hotspot on the rise. The NSW Government and City of Newcastle recognise this, with major funding being pumped into the region to enhance its allure in this sphere. City of Newcastle’s destination and economy manager Georgia Lazzari says Newcastle is a premier destination for business events, supported by strategic investment, expanding connectivity and a growing hospitality sector.

Destination Newcastle “It’s that combination of accessibility, industry expertise and authentic local experiences that makes Newcastle such a rewarding place to host an event.” The NSW Government is also committed to building a new entertainment and conference centre in the Newcastle suburb of Broadmeadow. The 12,000-seat Newcastle Arena will be located to the immediate north of McDonald Jones Stadium – home of the NRL’s Newcastle Knights – in an area already zoned for a multipurpose indoor arena. City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath and Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz recently met with local MPs and advisors at NSW Parliament House in Sydney to stress the regional benefits of the $499 million arena, which is forecast to entertain more than 640,000 people and generate almost $41 million annually for the local economy. The NSW Government has since committed $15 million towards finalising design of the new facility, and Bath has singled out NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley for championing the project for the past three years. Chair of City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Committee and Hunter Park Advisory Member Councillor WinneyBaartz says the facility will deliver significant benefits to the Hunter region. “Newcastle Entertainment Centre was built 34 years ago and was only intended to operate for five years,” she says. “Once the new entertainment and conference centre is constructed, Newcastle will be able to secure touring acts that currently skip our city and require our region’s residents to travel to Sydney or Melbourne.” The arena announcement comes on the back of the NSW Government releasing plans for the city’s former railway site, The Station Newcastle, to be reimagined as a retail and hospitality hub. Work on the historic landmark in Newcastle’s CBD will commence in 2027, with plans to include restaurants with outdoor dining options; a wine bar and cellar door; a gastropub focusing on regional beers and local produce; a multipurpose functions room on the top floor; boutique short-stay accommodation; a cafe; artisanal bakery; and specialty fine food retailers.

Above: Fiona Okpalogu, general manager, Rydges Newcastle.

The Station Newcastle (centre), which will soon be reimagined as a hospitality hub. Photo: City of Newcastle.

Plans for The Station include outdoor spaces that will be activated with community and public events such as markets, live music and charity events. “This is fantastic news for the Hunter,” says Catley. “This redevelopment will bring The Station’s beautiful heritage buildings to life as a harbourside destination for dining, shopping and great community events that will draw locals and visitors. The transformation will create new opportunities for events, dining and cultural experiences, bringing new vibrancy to a landmark destination on the foreshore.” On the shores of Port of Newcastle, standing tall overlooking the channel where ships traverse the waters, is Rydges Newcastle, a 175-suite promenade hotel. The property features nine flexible functions and conference rooms, and Wharf 350 Bar and Restaurant. “I love this city,” says Fiona Okpalogu, general manager, Rydges Newcastle. “Newcastle has really found itself from a tourism perspective and the city is going from strength to strength. For a long time, people may have had a concept of Newcastle as just a blue-collar city, but I think people have realised there is so much more here than that. Things are happening and the restaurant scene has exploded. “The lifestyle is incredible and there is a cool vibe here. Newcastle people are very proud of their city. One of my favourite things to do is finish here at the hotel in the afternoon, throw on my exercise gear and walk straight out to the beach or break pool. It’s 7km to the end of the break pool and back to the hotel.” → spicenews.com.au 99

Destination Newcastle

Rydges Newcastle overlooking the city’s port.

Functions space at Earp Distilling Co.

“Newcastle has really found itself from a tourism perspective and the city is going from strength to strength.” Rydges Newcastle opened in 2003 and is in the process of staged renovations to upgrade its rooms and facilities. “It was definitely time for an uplift to really open up the hotel,” says Okpalogu. The hotel’s bar was renovated two years ago, with the function spaces and 77 guest rooms complete in 2025. The hotel’s restaurant will be overhauled later this year, with the remaining guest rooms currently being renovated, including new bathrooms and 94 new balconies overlooking the port. “All of the refurbished conferencing rooms feature new carpet, state-of-the-art AV with drop-down screens and disappearing projectors, and new furniture in all of our meeting rooms,” says Okpalogu. “We have a lot of repeat clients who are here every second week; a lot of day meetings as well as larger events. “Because the view from here is so beautiful, cocktail parties out in the garden are very popular. We’ve got a lot more meetings space than many other hotels in Newcastle, plus we do most social events, business events, weddings, sporting teams coming through – you name it, we do it.” Having spent time working in hotels outside of Newcastle – mainly in the Hunter Valley and Mackay in Queensland – Okpalogu is happy to be back in the city she loves. “Newcastle has such great weather for being beachside, with people out and about,” she says. “The city is big enough to have everything you need, but still small enough that there’s not the hassle and stress of larger cities. Our conference guests really notice that.” Rydges Newcastle is also home to Hunter Hospitality School, which was launched by the property’s owner, Dr Jerry Schwartz, in collaboration with university executives to offer hands-on vocational training, diplomas and industry placements within an active hotel environment. “It’s a great initiative to reinvigorate a younger generation in hospitality,” says Okpalogu. “We love having a hospitality school here, and all my department heads are involved. We are all part of it in different ways, getting in to help teach students.” n 100 Spice Spring 2026

Ocean views from Merewether Surfhouse.

The dedicated functions floor at Merewether Surfhouse.

Destination Newcastle

Earp Distilling Co.

Events focus: Venues of Newcastle Located in the industrial port setting of Carrington, 10 minutes north of Newcastle CBD, Earp Distilling Co was established in 2019. The Earp family has been operating business in the Newcastle area since 1883 before they turned their attention to distilling seven years ago. Founded and operated by brothers Michael and Richard Earp, the distillery is one of the city’s most sought-after venues for group functions, weddings, spirit tastings and business events across two distinct spaces. The versatile and modern industrial venue features the Barrel Hall with its sleek design and open layout that can be tailored to a wide range of events. Capable of hosting up to 300 guests cocktail-style or up to 150 people for a banquet sitting, the entire venue can also be hired to cater for up to 500 people. Earp Distilling Co’s Distillery Bar can also host up to 30 people for canapes, with food and beverage packages heroing flavoursome share-style cuisine and the venue’s bespoke spirits such as gin, vodka, rum and whisky. “We know the best corporate events don’t just look great – they’re seamless to run,” says Cat Borg, operations manager, Earp Distilling Co. “We’ve built our venue and events offering around making planning easy, with memorable spaces, flexible packages and a team there to give you the best experience possible. “Being a distillery, our venue is a little different from the norm, but we care about

supporting our community, and that means helping businesses create events that are professional and enjoyable for their guests.” Overlooking Merewether Beach is Merewether Surfhouse, one of Newcastle’s most picturesque vantage points. Offering a spectacular coastal experience with sweeping 270-degree ocean views from every corner of the venue, it is home to a beachfront bar, restaurant, cafe and dedicated events space. The events level can seat up to 250 people or hold 350 cocktail guests. Thanks to its movable walls, the venue can create north and south rooms, seating 90 and 150 guests, respectively. A few blocks away sits Modus Merewether brewery, the main operational headquarters for Modus Brewing. The company’s Mona Vale premises in Sydney’s Northern Beaches may be its spiritual home, but the Merewether site is an open facility capable of hosting up to 300 guests across four spaces, including the brewery floor and a dedicated meetings room. Foghorn Brewery is another popular venue for business events, capable of hosting up to 250 guests in its Art Deco CBD building. Also in the Newcastle CBD, Ravella is a functions venue housed in a revitalised 1905 heritage church building. It features three venue spaces, with The Grand Hall hosting up to 300 people, The Cocktail Bar capable of holding 100 guests, and The Atrium connecting the two venues with a light-filled space. n spicenews.com.au 101

Destination Waikato

BEYOND THE BIG CITIES

The New Zealand region of Waikato punches above its weight when it comes to incentives and business events, with a proven track record of hosting large-scale productions, writes Gavin Dennett. Above: The city of Hamilton on Waikato River.

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ith shiny new convention centres opening across New Zealand in recent years, much focus has been on the nation’s major cities. Auckland’s New Zealand International Convention Centre opened its doors in early 2026 on the back of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre opening in 2021 and 2023, respectively. These openings have spotlighted international and domestic conferences for their metropolitan regions, however smaller destinations are sending reminders they are outstanding alternatives to major cities when it comes to business events. The region of Waikato, in New Zealand’s upper North Island, is challenging long-held assumptions in the events industry that big events need big cities. “Waikato has become one of New Zealand’s leading business events destinations because it offers organisers the complete package,” says Nicola Greenwell, general manager of Hamilton and Waikato Tourism. She says Waikato offers the best of both worlds for business events, combining purpose-built conference and events venues with experiences that create memorable moments for delegates.

“From quality accommodation with dedicated conference and events facilities through to purposebuilt venues, they provide the flexibility to host everything from board meetings and incentive programs to large conferences and exhibitions,” says Greenwell. “What really sets Waikato apart is the opportunity to create memorable delegate experiences beyond the conference program. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes tour at Hobbiton Movie Set, exploring the internationally acclaimed Hamilton Gardens, or connecting with nature at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, these experiences add another dimension to an event so delegates leave with a sense of place.” Greenwell says Waikato has a proven track record of delivering large-scale business events and the region continues to invest in accommodation, including Pullman Hamilton opening in late 2026. “With direct flights from Sydney, Gold Coast, Wellington and Christchurch, easy road access from across the North Island, and a dedicated business events team supporting organisers every step of the way, Waikato is a destination that’s accessible, collaborative and easy to work with,” she says.

Destination Waikato

Functions at Seddon Park.

Events space at FMG Stadium.

Waikato’s city of Hamilton is the fourth largest in New Zealand and home to H3, the firm that operates venues FMG Stadium Waikato, Seddon Park, Hamilton Gardens and Claudelands Events Centre. The company has launched its campaign, “Big events don’t need big cities”, to deliver a direct message spruiking the region. H3 says at a time when scale, infrastructure and major city investment dominates industry headlines, the company is making a case for a different way of thinking, with less focus on size and more on fit, flexibility and delivery certainty. “There’s a lot of noise in the industry about scale and capacity, but what we’re seeing and hearing directly from organisers is they want certainty a venue can deliver,” says Ben Slatter, director of H3. “They want assurance the experience is right for their delegates and that the team knows how to execute.” The campaign positions Hamilton as a city that can deliver complex business events without layers of cost, congestion or compromise. Rather than competing on scale, it leans into purpose-built venues, experienced technical teams and a track record of consistently delivering events across sport, entertainment and business. “Business events are an economic engine for Hamilton,” says Slatter. “Big cities absolutely have their place, but not every event needs that environment to succeed. In many cases, smaller cities can offer a better experience for organisers and delegates because they have more accessible venues, tighter logistics and a level of flexibility that’s harder to achieve elsewhere. “Successful events come down to people and execution. Our job is to create an environment where events run smoothly, relationships are built and people want to return. That’s not about being the biggest, it’s about being the right fit.” H3’s business growth and development lead, Melissa Williams, says New Zealand and Australian event planners have shifted their thinking about Hamilton and the Waikato region. →

International cricket ground Seddon Park in Hamilton.

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Destination Waikato

“We offer a centrally located, well-connected city with a world-class venue in Claudelands.”

Claudelands Events Centre.

Gala dinner space at The Pā in Hamilton.

“They are recognising the value we offer, which is a well-connected, highly capable destination that delivers meaningful benefits for delegates and event owners,” she says. “We offer a centrally located, well-connected city with a world-class venue in Claudelands. This is backed by experienced, passionate teams and local businesses that pride themselves on working collaboratively with organisers to deliver successful events.”

In the expansive Claudelands Park, The Grandstand is a 202-square-metre events space with ornate character that can hold up to 120 guests. The Barn is a rustic events space with capacity for 650 people that spreads across 800 square metres and is ideal for business functions, public markets and exhibitions. Located at University of Waikato, The Pā is a landmark building at the heart of Hamilton campus. The facility reflects the university’s commitment to an integrated and accessible campus that includes social interaction, hospitality, community events and culture. The Pā is suitable for conferences, gala dinners, exhibitions and cultural experiences, offering multifunctional spaces for small and large events. Te Āhurutanga headlines the three main events spaces with a 15-metre LED screen and capacity for up to 710 people theatre-style and 650 for cocktail. Te Kōpūroa offers adaptable meetings and breakout spaces that can be configured as one large venue or divided into smaller rooms, while Ko Te Tangata Wharenui is a cultural hub available for special bookings that can be combined with outdoor space. Two Hamilton sports venues are operated by H3. Seddon Park is an international cricket ground that boasts two functions spaces – the 251-square-metre Oaks Lounge and 61-square-metre Dave Hoskin Lounge – plus outdoor space for events. FMG Stadium is home to rugby’s Waikato Chiefs and offers eight events spaces across five levels for business events, meetings and private dining. The Bronze Lounge is the largest room, with capacity for 350 guests and views of the field of play across 370 square metres. →

Venues in Hamilton

Located in the heart of Hamilton, Claudelands is a multipurpose events venue comprising Claudelands Arena, Claudelands Conference and Exhibition Centre, The Grandstand and The Barn. Claudelands Arena features a C-shape design that creates an intimate atmosphere for large groups of up to 6000. With 2200 square metres of scalable space, the facility is suitable for business and public ticketed events. The Heaphy Room is the main conference space at Claudelands Conference and Exhibition Centre and it is suited for medium-to-large conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, seminars and performances. It can hold up to 900 people for theatre-style or cocktail, and up to 650 banquet-style. The centre also features exhibition halls, boardrooms and other versatile functions spaces. 104 Spice Spring 2026

The Pā at University of Waikato.

Elevate your next corporate event. Host conferences, retreats and celebrations in the heart of the Hunter Valley, where premium event spaces, luxury accommodation, refined dining and exceptional hospitality come together to create unforgettable experiences.

+61 2 4998 2603

events@thevintage.com.au

www.chateauelan.com.au

Destination Waikato

The Pavilion at Hamilton Gardens.

The Clements Hotel in Cambridge.

The picturesque Hamilton Gardens offers an enchanting setting for business events, conferences and workshops. Venue hire options cater to intimate gatherings up to large outdoor festivals. The Pavilion is the main events facility, offering capacity for up to 706 guests cocktail-style and 648 theatre-style across multiple spaces.

Welcoming hotels

Novotel Tainui Hamilton is located in Hamilton’s CBD and features 217 guest rooms and six pillarless meeting rooms, with pre-function spaces, catering for up to 300 delegates. Its sister property, ibis Hamilton, sits next door and is a 126-room economy hotel on the banks of Waikato River. It has four conference rooms, including the intimate Korimako for small meetings, and two larger rooms, Huia and Pukeko, which can be used individually or combined for larger groups. In the town of Cambridge, 23km southeast of Hamilton, The Clements Hotel is a stunningly renovated heritage building. Originally built in 1911,

Events facilities at ibis Hamilton.

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the restored boutique 5-star property features 29 guest rooms and three events spaces – including an outdoor lawn area – for conferences, dinners, cocktail evenings, private dining and intimate gatherings.

Hobbiton Movie Set

A major drawcard to Waikato, Hobbiton Movie Set is situated 65km east of Hamilton, where guests can experience the magic of where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies were filmed. When the films’ location scouts discovered the 1250-acre sheep and beef farm nestled in the region’s rolling green hills, it was declared the perfect setting for Sir Peter Jackson’s adaptation of the classic works by JRR Tolkien. Guests to Hobbiton can enjoy a guided walking tour of the location, take in the spectacular attention to detail, and delve into the otherworldliness of Middle-earth. The site can also host functions with its dedicated events team helping curate a spectacular and unique experience in one of New Zealand’s most famous settings. n

Novotel Tainui Hamilton.

The ethereal beauty of Hobbiton Movie Set.

Brisbane’s forecast:

Sunny with a high chance of success. Host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brisbane is Australia’s rising star. The city is brimming with convention must-haves and many more must-dos. Warm and walkable, captivating and connected, green and generous, your delegates will love it here.

Our city, your canvas.

sales@BCEC.com.au | 07 3308 3063

A South Bank Corporation venue, proudly managed by Legends Global.

Destination Hawai‘i

Aloha spirit: Island dreaming in Hawai‘i The tropical paradise of Hawai‘i melds its laidback vibe with culture, fun and adventure, making the island chain a blissful Pacific destination for incentives and events, writes Gavin Dennett. Above: Kona Sea Salt at Keahole Point. Photo: Andrew Richard Hara.

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ong regarded as a dream holiday destination, Hawai‘i is one of the most idyllic and charming places on earth. Boasting island rhythm and its famous welcoming aloha spirit, the 50th constituent US state is a group of volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean. With Honolulu its capital on the island of O’ahu, the destination welcomes visitors with open arms. Hawai‘i is economically strong, with tourism a major contributor, along with agriculture, manufacturing and activities of national and international significance such as research and development in oceanography, geophysics, astronomy, satellite communications, biomedicine and defence. These vital attributes meld together to make Hawai‘i highly sought after as a landing place for high-calibre incentives and business events. With the business and leisure infrastructure of a mature tourism hub – resorts, hotels, activities, expeditions, nature and conference facilities – the islands are perfectly positioned to exponentially grow their business events sector. Importantly, Australian event planners are on Hawai‘i’s radar. Meet Hawai‘i is a collaboration between Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau and Hawai‘i Convention Center to reinforce the Hawaiian Islands brand as a world-class destination for global business meetings, conventions and incentive programs. It is funded by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and is targeting

Australian and New Zealand-based planners to encourage them to seek events in Hawai‘i that are grounded in Pacific Island values with people whose knowledge of place, reciprocity and community have the power to reframe how attendees think about their own work. For Australian and New Zealand-based planners, Hawai‘i offers a rare combination: a destination easily accessible and capable of leaving attendees changed. Direct flights connect Sydney and Auckland to Honolulu year-round, and the Hawaiian Islands offer a full range of MICE infrastructure. “Not simply a market, Oceania is represented by a community bound by a shared responsibility to carry culture into every space we enter with integrity and intention,” says Dr Aaron J Salā, president and CEO, Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau. “We are looking to deepen relationships with Oceaniabased planners and co-create business events rooted in Pacific values – events that will leave a lasting, positive impact on people, place and culture. “Oceania has always been so much more than friends to us, and when you bring your meetings and events to Hawaii, something powerful and magical happens. We create moments of memory, we create moments of collaboration, and we create incredible impact that lasts far beyond the meeting itself. “We elevate community, cultural practice and humanity so from our Meet Hawai’i team, we bid you a fond aloha and welcome you.”

Destination Hawai‘i

“These upgrades will embody Hawai‘i’s unique sense of place while setting a new standard for excellence.” O’ahu: The Gathering Place

Hawai‘i Convention Center in Honolulu.

Gift of Water sculpture at Hawai‘i Convention Center. Photo: Hawai‘i Tourism.

Affectionately referred to as The Gathering Place, O’ahu is the third largest Hawaiian island and home to a majority of Hawai’i’s population, with a fusion of east and west cultures rooted in the values and traditions of Native Hawaiian people. Home to major city Honolulu and famous Waikiki Beach, the island is a combination of bustling city life and laidback surf towns with an abundance of restaurants, hotels and activities. Located a few blocks from Hawai‘i Convention Center, overlooking Ala Wai Boat Harbour, Prince Waikiki resort boasts stunning ocean and sunset views. The 561-room hotel spans 33 floors and features almost 2800 square metres of indoor and outdoor events space at a locale pairing urban convenience with island tranquillity. Also in the harbour vicinity, Hilton Hawaiian Village sees Hawai‘i’s largest meetings come to life. Set on 22 oceanfront acres in the heart of Waikiki, the convention resort offers scale, location and authentic Hawaiian experiences for meetings, incentives, conferences and events. It features recently refreshed guestrooms – with more to come – indoor and outdoor event venues, direct beachfront access, exceptional dining, and its famous Friday night fireworks. →

Hawai‘i Convention Center

A major two-year repair and renovation project is currently underway at Hawai‘i Convention Center in Honolulu – the venue’s first major upgrade since it opened in 1998. The works are scheduled to be complete in late 2027, with reopening in January 2028. “Hawai‘i Convention Center is a cornerstone of Hawai‘i’s visitor industry and an economic engine to drive business to hotels, restaurants, retail stores and activities statewide,” says Caroline Anderson, interim president and CEO, Hawai’i Tourism Authority. “Modernisation of the convention centre enhances the visitor experience. We are restoring its splendour and grandeur, taking this valuable asset to an exciting new level to create extraordinary experiences for visitors and residents.” Hawai‘i Convention Center’s general manager, Teri Orton, says the venue has been preparing for its reimagined rooftop plaza, new performance stage and open-air canopy. “The revitalised spaces will honour Hawai‘i Convention Center’s iconic open-air island ambiance that resonates with visitors,” she says. “These upgrades will embody Hawai‘i’s unique sense of place while setting a new standard for excellence.”

100 Sails Restaurant & Bar at Prince Waikiki.

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Destination Hawai‘i

Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort.

Big Island beauty

The island of Hawai’i is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. Nearly twice as big as the other Hawaiian Islands combined, thus its “Big Island” nickname, its 10,400 square kilometres feature 11 of the world’s 13 microclimates, from wet tropical to polar tundra – a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the colossal Maunakea and Maunaloa volcanoes. From the geological marvels at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and snow-capped heights of Maunakea, to the lush valleys of Hilo and Hamakua Coasts and jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach, the island of Hawai’i is an expression of the power of nature. Located on the northwest Kohala Coast of Big Island, Hilton Waikoloa Village is a sprawling 62-acre resort that combines its stunning oceanfront setting with the island’s largest collection of meetings and events facilities. The resort recently completed the first phase of its US$68 million Palace Tower renovation, unveiling newly redesigned guestrooms and suites. The resort features a whopping 22,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor events space, including Waikoloa Convention Center, and an array of oceanfront venues, catering to large-scale conferences, incentive programs and retreats, as well as onsite golf, spa, cultural and adventure activities. Perched along Hāpuna Beach, The Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort stretches across a pristine white-sand shoreline. The resort’s contemporary style, manicured gardens and all-ocean-facing guestrooms complement its open-air dining venues, 18-hole Hāpuna Golf Course, and almost 8000 square metres of flexible indoor and outdoor events space. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was Hawai‘i Island’s first resort, and in February 2026 the property unveiled its US$240 million renovation to celebrate its 60th birthday. The works upgraded all 252 guestrooms and suites, plus dining venues. With 7900 square metres of flexible events space, the resort delivers exceptional incentive travel experiences, with traditional spa facilities, sports and adventure. On Big Island’s westernmost Keahole Point, Kona Sea Salt is a seven-acre salt farm with rustic charm and ocean views. The venue has several indoor and outdoor oceanfront events spaces and a covered lanai patio, and it can host up to 300 guests. n 110 Spice Spring 2026

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

“When you bring your meetings and events to Hawai’i, something powerful and magical happens.”

Kona Sea Salt. Photo: Andrew Richard Hara.

Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Scale. Flexibility. Endless possibilities. Wrest Point Hobart

Tasmania’s iconic waterfront destination for conferences, events and gala occasions. Everything under one roof - accommodation, event spaces, dining and entertainment.

Country Club Tasmania

Northern Tasmania’s large conference and golf resort destination. Event spaces, accommodation, dining, leisure and golf experiences in a single location.

Tasmania’s Complete Experiences and Events Portfolio Contact our Sales team to learn how we can help make your dream event a reality. sales@wrestpoint.com.au or sales@countryclubtasmania.com.au

A new dimension for events Redefining the Grand Ballroom at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, an 18metre LED wall brings scale and clarity to every moment. From intimate meetings to large-scale events, each space is designed to adapt with ease, creating a seamless experience for every occasion. 25 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 | 03 9653 7701

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