Cover story
Anything but
conventional From terraces and tunnels to rooftops and everything in between, TFE Hotels is turning some of their most distinctive hotel spaces into intimate event venues.
I
n 2020, TFE Hotels is doing away with convention to look at corporate events in a whole new way. “We’re thinking differently about the quirky and interesting spaces we have in our hotels and the MICE and leisure event experiences we offer,” says TFE Hotels chief operating officer Chris Sedgwick. “What we want to deliver, in addition to the nuts and bolts of corporate meetings, is an experience. Something that will make our clients sit up and say, ‘wow’.” That could mean transforming an alleyway into a breakout room or apartments with knock-out views into a boardroom or pop-up restaurant. “The sky’s the limit for TFE,” says Sedgwick. And he means it. Quite literally. From the rooftop event space at The Calile Hotel, Brisbane to the underground tunnels at the Adelaide Apartment Hotel Adina Treasury, there’s enormous potential throughout TFE’s network of 60 hotels in Australia and New Zealand. No space is too intimate or too quirky to be considered for bespoke events, says Sedgwick who, together with his event and food and beverage teams, has rounded up TFE’s top 10 spaces for 2020:
1
Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough
While Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough is no stranger to events, the Mentelle Room, with supersized balconies and sweeping views, is perfect for team-building and upscale events. TFE Hotels senior director of sales Shahnaz Bakhshay says the space is a building block for team togetherness. “For PCOs and organisers, there’s an option to upgrade VIPs to Club Lounge access and the chance to tinkle the ivories on Michael Jackson’s grand piano for added wow factor,” she says.
2
The Calile Hotel, Brisbane
One of Australia’s most awarded hotels in 2019, The Calile’s amphitheatre and rooftop is an 12 Spice Autumn 2020
understated space for product launches, awards nights and private dinners.“The rooftop space is a blank canvas and fantastic for evening events,” says Bakhshay. The space is often used for presentations, movie nights as well as early morning pilates and yoga sessions – an easy add-on to any conference and event package.
3
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne on Flinders
4
Vibe Hotel Gold Coast
5
Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury
If location is number one on your event wishlist, then Adina Melbourne on Flinders has the perfect penthouse to suit. Views of Port Melbourne Beach, massive balconies and a well-designed kitchen make it the perfect room for events and incentives. The hotel also offers large conference spaces, so the penthouse lends itself well to lunch meetings or breakout events.
Driftwood Social at Vibe Gold Coast is a laidback outdoor space with a focus on sustainability and surf culture. In summer, the pool club atmosphere prevails, while in winter it transforms from tropical to teepee for a cosy event space complete with heaters and rugs. “Think social events, corporate dinners, gala events and product launches, or anything you set your mind to,” says hotel manager Chris Osborne.
Step back in time at the Adina Adelaide Treasury, where you’ll find a hidden brick tunnel once used to store and smelt gold during the Victorian Gold Rush. The Beatles once used the tunnels to escape their adoring Aussie fans, but in 2020 you’ll find corporates escaping the pressures of everyday life and winding down with cocktails and champagne.
The Calile Hotel, Brisbane. Credit: Valiant