Spice issue 94 Spring 2021

Issue 94 – Spring – 2021

REVEALED:

HOT 100 Services & Suppliers

DESTINATIONS Albury Rockhampton Daylesford Cairns

TALKING TECH

Why Aussie tech firm Entegy is focussing on the future of in-person events

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Contents

32 Spring 2021

REGULARS

6

5 6

Going up, going down Cover story: Entegy

FEATURES 8

Hot 100: Services & Suppliers The votes are in, these are the top event businesses for 2021.

15 Technology

23

ow hybrid event technology has evolved H to better connect and engage delegates.

20 Mega venues ustralia’s biggest event venues are more A agile and adaptable than ever before.

8

DESTINATIONS 23 Rockhampton Spice heads to Central Queensland to uncover the event opportunities emerging within this regional city.

26 Albury

26

ith a booming food scene and W immersive cultural experiences, Albury is coming into its own as a prime event location.

30 Daylesford Spice takes a trip to the famed Lake House to experience the tranquil, luxury resort and highly regarded restaurant.

32 Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef ew and exciting developments are N underway, offering more reasons than ever before to explore the region.

34 Port Douglas

15

30

Stunning resorts and exceptional experiences are just two reasons why this is the ultimate post-conference destination. spicenews.com.au 3

Editor’s letter

A new chapter

A

Brittney Levinson Editor Managing Director Simon Grover Publisher Paul Wootton pwootton@intermedia.com.au Editor Brittney Levinson

s you pick up the Spring edition of Spice Magazine, while much of the country is facing major challenges yet again, I hope it can bring some inspiration for the events that are to come once travel and gatherings return. In a fitting tribute to some of the industry’s hardest working professionals, our annual Hot 100 Services & Suppliers is back again, with the full list from page 8. Also in this issue, we catch up with event technology specialists from page 15, to learn about the latest developments in hybrid technology, and then check in with two of Australia’s mega Lana Bogunovich venues (page 20) to hear how they’re adapting for the future.

We saw a glimpse of normality earlier this year as business events sprang back to life and in that time, I was lucky to be able to travel to some amazing regional destinations that were eager to showcase their offering to conference and meeting planners. In this issue, you’ll find features on Albury in regional NSW (page 26), Cairns and Great Barrier Reef (page 32) and Rockhampton (page 23) in Queensland, and Daylesford in regional Victoria (page 30). Each of the destinations were wonderful hosts and really proved that some of the best event locations are right here in our own backyard.

It’s with a full and grateful heart that I write this editor’s letter, as I finish up my time at Spice Magazine after three years. I feel honoured to have been welcomed into the business events industry to share the stories of such a passionate, resilient community.

I’m thrilled to pass the baton to Spice’s incoming editor, Lana Bogunovich, who has hit the ground running in the new role and who I’m sure will continue sharing the latest news and event inspiration with you, our readers.

blevinson@intermedia.com.au National Sales Team Katherine Ross, Charlotte Marshall Production Manager Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au Production Assistant Natasha Jara njara@intermedia.com.au Graphic Designer Alyssa Coundouris Prepress Tony Willson Subscriptions

Spice Magazine Team Group sales and marketing manager Katherine Ross

Sales and marketing manager

Graphic designer

Charlotte Marshall

Alyssa Coundouris

+ 61 2 8586 6176

+61 2 8586 6216

+61 2 8586 6152

kross@intermedia.com.au

cmarshall@intermedia.com.au

alyssac@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. @SpiceNews

@SpiceNewsMag

@SpiceNewsMag

Spice Magazine

subscriptions@intermedia.com.au Spice Magazine and spicenews.com.au are proud media partners of: The opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers in SPICE magazine are not 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 4 Spice Spring 2021

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 © 2021 - Food and Beverage Media Pty Ltd.

Lockdown care packages Organisations can show some love for their employees and clients during tough lockdowns with thoughtful care packages. Corporate gift suppliers offer everything from baked goods, flowers and wine to be delivered to the door.

New event jobs

Venue buy-outs

One of the silver linings from

With the ever-changing nature of

the pandemic is how the event

restrictions right now, hotel or venue

sector has evolved and the new

buy-outs are expected to be popular

job titles that have emerged as

as events resume. It reduces the risk

a result. Positions such as virtual

of unknown members of the public

event specialist, hybrid event

entering the event spaces and helps

producer and hygiene officer are

delegates feel at ease.

now more common than ever.

Single-use coffee cups They’ve slowly re-emerged thanks to the pandemic, but single-use coffee cups have got to go! Where you

Going up, going down

can, opt for reusable cups that can be easily sanitised between uses.

Overly loud music When we can meet again, the last thing we need is extremely loud music that ruins the atmosphere. Keep it at a pleasant volume that allows for networking and talking

Rescheduling events, again

amongst delegates.

We’ve been through enough COVID, we want our events back!

Lack of flexibility In today’s climate, venues that don’t offer flexibility around rescheduling will lose business from event organisers who require assurance and adaptable booking terms. spicenews.com.au 5

Cover story

Ready for live

Event technology company Entegy talks on going quiet and preparing for the return of live events.

TOP LEFT: Entegy software development has focussed on website and registration TOP RIGHT: The Entegy app is just one part of their end-to-end tech solution

E

vent management platform Entegy was flying high at the end of 2019. With 70 worldwide resellers and some of the biggest event suppliers in the world engaged with their event technology platform, they had every reason to feel optimistic heading into 2020.

Current research and development on the platform was nearing end-of-cycle and within months the team was set to open their Amsterdam office to service a growing European market. In February and March, Entegy had more than 1,000 events booked to run on the platform in 2020. Then, well, we all know what happened.

We have a problem here At the time, Entegy was generating more than half its revenue from the European and United States markets, which were among the first markets to be disrupted by the pandemic.

Entegy co-founder and chief operating officer Angus Hotchin says the impacts on the European market offered a preview of what was to follow in Australia.

“One of my early recollections was speaking to one of our key partners in Europe,” he explains.

“They had a series of events coming up and I remember them saying those events were in doubt. Within four weeks we had cancellations and postponed events worldwide.”

By the end of March, the 250 events Entegy had lined up for the month ahead had been slashed to only a handful.

6 Spice Spring 2021

What do we do right now?

With the industry on its knees after a more than 70 per cent drop in event revenue, it was an anxious time to be a technology supplier. But, as Entegy cofounder and chief executive officer Ian Apuli recalls, the team were determined to remain calm.

“At that point, we were 18 months into a fiveyear strategic plan. We knew it was going to have to change drastically with so much uncertainty around, so we chose to focus on what we could control,” he says.

As part of the new strategic plan, Hotchin and Apuli set about simplifying their management structure.

“Now there is less white noise and we are focussed on making sure there is clarity around the decisions we are making,” says Apuli.

“There is a clear vision to buy into and the team has been amazing.”

Alongside management changes, Entegy also took the time to assess and set new short-term goals for the business.

“We created simple, achievable milestones for products, budgets and revenue but knew these might have to change at any moment based on industry recovery,” explains Apuli.

“We were fortunate to have multiple income streams, so as much as events were scarce, we had something to work with. We also had allocations in our budget for our expansion into the European market, which could be reallocated to keep the lights on.”

Cover story Ending up in the right place One key decision Entegy made early on was to not chase the virtual market.

“We assumed the majority of other event tech companies would change tack to appeal to online events,” says Apuli.

“As much as we did adapt parts of our system to support virtual attendance, the focus was always on where live events would be in July 2021 and beyond; 100 per cent virtual didn’t really interest us.

“We knew we already had one of the better touchless on-site solutions in the market and the decision became about what we wanted to be when events returned to us in person.”

The decision to stay away from fully virtual events gave Entegy the opportunity to refocus on its existing developments.

“For years we’d been slowly evolving into an endto-end Software as a Service (SaaS) platform and we felt we were a few products short of truly achieving that,” says Apuli.

“The positive from COVID for us was we had the time to stop, assess our priorities and set a new development pipeline target for July 2021.”

So Entegy jumped into a new research and development cycle aimed at completing their endto-end offering, focussing on the development of an event website builder, as well as improved registration, financial management and meetings products.

“On top of the product improvements, we wanted to open up our product to the wider market and allow those who want to self-manage to sign up to the platform,” says Apuli.

Contactless technology is crucial for today’s events

“The positive from COVID for us was we had the time to stop, assess our priorities and set a new development pipeline target for July 2021.”

– Ian Apuli

What’s next?

Entegy touchless registration kiosk

Looking back at the last 18 months, Hotchin and Apuli say while it was an extremely challenging and uncertain time for everyone, they managed to find the positives and have some fun in the process.

“I think Ian and I strangely enjoyed the period and the reward is seeing the decisions we made back in March 2020 coming to life,” says Hotchin.

“We were recently discussing how we both love working in the company more than ever and the staff seem to really enjoy the ‘day-to-day’ due to clearer roles, company vision and more flexibility in working from the office or at home.”

“We’ve also opened an office in Nashville, Tennessee which has been another exciting development and something that might not have happened if it wasn’t for the opportunities that arose over the last 18 months,” says Hotchin.

“We’re super excited for our future, having what we believe are the most complete, end-to-end, touchless event management solutions in the market.”

Now, bring on those live events. n Get in touch with the team at Entegy to learn more: hello@entegy.com.au | 1300 730 808 spicenews.com.au 7

Spice readers have once again thrown their support behind the industry by voting for their favourite suppliers and services of the business events industry.

From all-star AV specialists and leading exhibition builders to creative florists and expert caterers, these are the top event industry businesses for 2021.

HOT 100 SERVICES AND SUPPLIERS

Catering by Doltone

8 Spice Spring 2021

Best virtual event platform ENCORE EVENT TECHNOLOGIES @encoreapac | encore-anzpac.com ONAIR BY EVENTSAIR @eventsair01 | eventsair.com PHEEDLOOP @pheedloop | pheedloop.com REDBACK CONNECT @redbackconnect | redbackconnect.com.au VIRTUAL EVENTS AUSTRALIA @myvirtualeventsnet | myvirtualevents.net

OnAIR by EventsAIR Sprintr by AV1

Best event technology company CVENT @cvent_inc | cvent.com/au ENCORE EVENT TECHNOLOGIES @encoreapac | encore-anzpac.com EVENTFROG EventFrog Australia | eventfrog.com.au RENTERTAINMENT @rentertainmentaus | rentertainment.com.au SPRINTR BY AV1 @sprintrbyav1 | sprintrbyav1.com

Best AV/staging company AV1 @av1_australia |

av1.com.au

“

READERS LOVE: The Production House Events

“Always creating outof-the-box events that leave an outstanding impression and experience every time.”

HIRE INTELLIGENCE @hireintelligenceaustralia | hire-intelligence.com.au MICROHIRE @microhire_au | microhire.com.au NEXTGEN @nextgenav | nextgenav.com.au STAGEKINGS @stagekings_australia | stagekings.com.au

Microhire

Best event management company THE ASSOCIATION SPECIALISTS @tas_au | theassociationspecialists.com.au AURORA CREATIVE AGENCY @auroracreativeagency | auroracreativeagency.com FLYING RUBY EVENTS @flyingrubyevents | flyingruby.com.au PAV EVENTS @hellopav | pav.com.au THE PRODUCTION HOUSE EVENTS @theproductionhouseevents | theproductionhouseevents.com.au

Aurora Creative Agency

spicenews.com.au 9

Best exhibition construction company EXPO DIRECT @expo_direct | expodirect.com.au EXPONET @exponet_aus | exponet.com.au HARRY THE HIRER @harrythehirer_expos | harrythehirer.com.au Pyramid Displays

MORETON HIRE @moretonhire | moreton.net.au PYRAMID DISPLAYS Pyramid Displays | pyramiddisplays.com.au

Best event equipment hire company CREATIVE HIRE @creativehire_aus | creativehire.com.au

“

HARRY THE HIRER @harrythehirer | harrythehirer.com.au PAGES EVENT HIRE @pageseventhire | pageseventhire.com.au

READERS LOVE: Harry The Hirer

“Fantastic team, great products and appreciate their involvement bringing events back during COVID.”

Creative Hire

PLACE SETTINGS @placesettings | placesettings.com.au VALIANT EVENTS @valiant.events | valiant.com.au

Best event caterer DAMM FINE FOOD CO. @dammfinefoodgroup | dammfinefood.com.au CATERING BY DOLTONE @cateringbydoltone_ | cateringbydoltone.com.au LAISSEZ-FAIRE CATERING @laissez_faire_catering | laissez.com.au PETER ROWLAND @peterrowlandau | peterrowland.com.au Trippas White Group

TRIPPAS WHITE GROUP @trippaswhitegroup | trippaswhitegroup.com.au

Best beverage or bar supplier BARBAE @barbae.sydney | barbae.com.au COCKTAIL GASTRONOMY @cocktailgastronomy | cocktailgastronomy.com.au KUBARZ @kubarz | kubarz.com.au LIQUID INFUSION @liquidinfusion | liquidinfusion.com.au BarBae

10 Spice Spring 2021

SWEET&CHILLI @sweetandchillidrinks | sweetandchilli.com

Hot 100

SongDivision

Best entertainment agency

Shadé Zahrai

Best individual performer/speaker/DJ

JETPACK ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS @jetpackevents | jetpackentertainment.com.au

HOLLY RANSOM @holly_ransom | hollyransom.com

ONSTAGE ENTERTAINMENT @onstage.entertainment | onstage.com.au

JESSICA RIDLEY @jessicaridleytv | jessicaridley.com.au

SMA PRODUCTIONS @smaproductions | sma-ebd.com

RODD RICHARDS @roddrichardspresents | roddrichardspresents.com.au

SOLUTION ENTERTAINMENT @solutionentertainment | solutionentertainment.com.au

SHADÉ ZAHRAI @shadezahrai | shadezahrai.com

SONGDIVISION @songdivision | songdivision.com

SIMON DOBLE @simon_doble | simondoble.com

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spicenews.com.au 11

Hot 100 Bubbling With Energy

JAK Creative & Events

Best amusement hire

Best theming, props and design supplier

ACTION EVENTS @actioneventsaustralia | actionevents.com

DIVINE EVENTS @divine_events | divineevents.com.au

ALL TIME AMUSEMENTS @all_time_amusements | alltimeamusements.com.au

FUNKTIONALITY @funktionality | funktionality.com.au

BUBBLING WITH ENERGY @bubblingwithenergy | bubblingwithenergy.info

JAK CREATIVE & EVENTS @jakcreative | jakcreative.com.au

JOYLAND AMUSEMENTS @joylandamusements | joylands.com.au

SYDNEY PROP SPECIALISTS @sydneypropspecialists | sydneyprops.com.au

QUIZZAME @quizzameau | quizzame.com.au

“

READERS LOVE:

THIS SPACE @thisspace__ | thisspace.com.au

Hidden Door

“The staff, the events and the way they get clients out of their comfort zones!”

Rock and Roll Team Building

Best team building provider BANANA LIFE @banana_life | bananalife.com.au BE CHALLENGED @bechallenged | bechallenged.com.au

Lull Floral and Events

Best event florist DON DE L'AMOUR @dondelamour | dondelamour.com LULL FLORAL AND EVENTS @lullfloral | lull.net.au

CORPORATE CHALLENGE EVENTS @corporatechallengeaustralia | corporatechallenge.com.au

MELBOURNE EVENT FLORALS @melbourneeventflorals | melbourneeventflorals.com.au

HIDDEN DOOR @hiddendoor_australia | hiddendoor.com.au

POHO FLOWERS @pohoflowers | poho.com.au

ROCK AND ROLL TEAM BUILDING @rockandrollteambuilding | rockandrollteambuilding.com 12 Spice Spring 2021

SEED FLORA @seedflora

Hot 100 Best fireworks, lighting or visual effects company 32 HUNDRED LIGHTING @32hundredlx | 32hundredlighting.com FOTI FIREWORKS @fotifireworks | foti.com HOWARD & SONS PYROTECHNICS @howardsfireworks | howardsfireworks.com.au SHOW FX AUSTRALIA @showfxaustralia | showfx.com.au SKYLIGHTER FIREWORKS @skylighterfireworks | skylighter.com.au

“

READERS LOVE:

Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics

Skylighter Fireworks

“They never fail to put on a great show.”

Best photographer or videographer CREATE ENGAGE @createengage | createengage.com.au EVENT PHOTOS AUSTRALIA @eventphotosau | eventphotos.com.au MR.WIGLEY PHOTOGRAPHY @mrwigleyphotography | mrwphotography.com ONEILL PHOTOGRAPHICS @oneillphotographics | oneillphotographics.com.au VERT PROD. @vertprod | vertprod.com

Vert Prod.

innovative

|

imaginative

|

www.h owards firewor ks

impressive

.com.au

We would like to thank all our clients, staff & event industry colleagues who have supported us over the past challenging year.

We look forward to working with you to add the WOW factor to your events in the future.

E : bang@howardsfireworks.com.au

P: 1300 883 093

W : www.howardsfireworks.com.au spicenews.com.au 13

Hot 100

The Monday Group

Yay! Promos

Best support services

Best corporate gift and merchandise supplier

CLIFFORD WALLACE AGENCY @cliffordwallace | cliffordwallace.com.au

CLOUD NINE GLOBAL @cloudnine_global | cloudnine-global.com

THE MONDAY GROUP @themondaygroup | mondaygroup.com.au

HONEYCOMB AGENCY @honeycomb_agency | honeycombagency.com.au

NOSH HOSPITALITY @noshhospitality | nosh.com.au

MAUI JIM @officialmauijim | mauijimcorporategifts.com

OUR BOYS & GIRLS @ourboysandgirlsaustralia | ourboysandgirls.com.au

PROMO PROS @promo.prosc | promopros.com.au

TOP SHELF RECRUITMENT @topshelfrecruitment | topshelfrecruitment.com.au

YAY! PROMOS @yay.promos | yaypromos.com.au

“

READERS LOVE: Ventura Bus

“Reliability and customer service.”

Zadro Agency

Captain Cook Cruises

Best PR and marketing

Best transport company

FRANK AUSTRALIA @welcometofrankaus | welcometofrank.com

BLUE SKY HELICOPTERS @blueskyhelicopters | blueskyhelicopters.com

MILESTONE CREATIVE AUSTRALIA @milestonecreativeaus | milestonecreative.com.au

CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES @captaincookcruises | captaincook.com.au

SWEATY BETTY @sweatybettypr | sweatybettypr.com THRIVE PR + COMMUNICATIONS @thrivepr | thrivepr.com.au ZADRO AGENCY @zadro_agency | zadroagency.com.au 14 Spice Spring 2021

CTL @ctl_transport_logistics |

ctl.com.au

GROUP TRANSPORT AUSTRALIA @grouptransportaustralia | grouptransportaustralia.com.au VENTURA BUS @venturabus | venturabus.com.au

Technology

Are hybrid events the new normal?

Partially out of necessity and partially out of a need to better connect and engage delegates, hybrid events are more important than ever. And they’re here to stay, writes Gwen O’Toole-Luscombe.

spicenews.com.au 15

Technology

M

“Try not to get caught up in the technology but rather what the technology can do for you and your event.”

– Tanya Brown

16 Spice Spring 2021

ost of us attended more online events in 2020 than ever before and while virtual fatigue is a real issue, this year has seen a shift to the hybrid event, in which physical and virtual components both play an important role.

In the past 12 months, hybrid events have continued to evolve in order to recreate the feel of a live, in-person event and engage audiences well beyond the closing remarks.

Australian-built and owned hybrid platform Jomablue has seen a holistic change in the way organisations perceive hybrid event experiences, with more of a focus on using tools such as live chat, networking and entertainment to engage virtual attendees as if they were attending in person.

“Online events have become incredibly comprehensive in the last 12 months and simply delivering a presentation that offers a single engagement point – to sit and watch – is no longer acceptable to audiences,” says Jomablue chief executive officer David Haysom-McDowell.

Where previously events were a set time and place, hybrid events give organisations the ability to offer event content for a much longer period of time.

“For example, clients are maintaining digital content online for a number of weeks to drive audiences back to past sessions and presentations,” says Haysom-McDowell.

“They are also providing new engagement opportunities by offering follow-on events. These smaller events are supported by highly targeted communications based on interaction data from the original activity.”

Adding value for sponsors Emerging hybrid technology is not only connecting delegates, but offering better return on investment for sponsors and exhibitors too.

Having delivered a number of hybrid events over the course of the pandemic, Brendan Day, director of events and experiential at Sydneybased event management company Capital-e, says there are added benefits for sponsors.

“For sponsors and exhibitors at business events, the benefits of integrating the hybrid experience for both in-person and online shows greater exposure for exhibitors,” he says.

“By integrating these experiences, online attendees can get as much out of the event as those in the room,” Day adds.

As more organisations make the switch to hybrid, Day has seen a rise in personalised, in-house online platforms. Some are enabled to integrate software such as networking tools, sponsor portals and exhibitor interaction tools, allowing them to gain leads and create traction for their own prospects.

But given the sheer volume of virtual and hybrid events, Day says attracting delegates is becoming more challenging.

“This can be due to many factors: attention span, a market flooded with content, people craving human interaction and interpersonal connections,” he says.

“The main thing to remember is not to make things too complicated.

“Our responsibility is to engage the attendee and utilise the best tools we can to keep them connected throughout the event.”

Blending live and virtual Sydney-based online event specialists Create Engage has successfully implemented hybrid technology for a variety of events over the past year, including the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in June 2021. ➤

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Technology

Create Engage director Tanya Brown says the pandemic and travel restrictions meant they could positively reinforce that location isn’t necessarily a boundary.

The event attracted more than 300 CEOs in the main in-room audience, a large online presence and multiple live crosses with key presenters and members of the community.

“These live crosses were seen both inroom and online and extended the reach and engagement tenfold,” says Brown.

As they’d done in past years, Create Engage worked with an in-room and online MC keeping audiences up to date on the Sleepout participants’ journeys through the night.

A live social media feed also helped achieve a trending hashtag for ultimate event exposure.

Fellow director at Create Engage Luke Hammonds added that when it comes to engagement, combining in-room and online audiences is key.

“The Create Engage Pro platform is great because the in-room audience is offered a URL to access via their smartphone that enables them to ask questions, answer polls and even chat with the in-room and online attendees,” he says.

“All this data can be sent to the presenter and the post-event report captures all that data without the need for multiple platforms.”

Keeping it simple Above all, Hammonds says speed is the key to success.

“For a hybrid event to be effective, there needs to be low latency and no roadblocks in the audience's way,” he says.

“Simple access to real-time engagement.

Everything else is just marketing.”

As hybrid events continue to evolve and grow, Jomablue is focussing on making its platform intuitive and easy to use.

18 Spice Spring 2021

“We are committed to making hybrid features quicker, simpler and more effective at achieving event goals,” says Haysom-McDowell.

Using an adaptable, intuitive hybrid event platform also gives planners the ability to scale up and be flexible.

“Having the flexibility to balance event format without compromising overall attendance, is a game changer,” says Haysom-McDowell.

“We are working with many clients at present who are scaling up the virtual attendance of upcoming events.

“By choosing a platform that supports virtual, hybrid and in-person delivery, they have the flexibility to open up in-person attendance or move to 100 per cent online if required.”

In-person events remain first choice While hybrid events may become the new normal, there’s still great benefit to traditional in-person events.

Brown says while virtual events serve a purpose and can offer high engagement when done well, clients are very aware of screen fatigue.

Certainly, offering an online option reduces barriers to entry when travel is restricted, but if a person can attend in person, she says, they generally will.

“By offering both options, the audience numbers can increase and you are opening the door to a whole new audience and extending consideration to accessibility and inclusion,”she says.

Understanding the ever-evolving landscape can be overwhelming but working alongside a trusted provider who understands the ‘new normal’ is always the best way forward.

“Try not to get caught up in the technology,” says Brown,“but rather what the technology can do for you and your event.

“The purpose of your event and your messaging should always be the main focus.” n

“Our responsibility is to engage the attendee and utilise the best tools we can to keep them connected throughout the event.”

– Brendan Day

Advertorial Contactless check-in makes for a seamless, safe event

3 reasons why contactless event check-in is your safest bet When it comes to delivering a COVID-safe event, the first place to start is registration.

A

s we navigate our way through a post-COVID world, one thing is certain: live events are an essential part of marketing communications for any business. As useful as they are, no amount of virtual conferences or online meetings can fully satisfy the need for humans to come together, in person, to connect with, learn from and inspire one another.

Delegates are eager to attend live events again and event organisers are all too keen to facilitate this in as safe a way as possible. For many, the safety considerations start with event registration. Here’s why a contactless event check-in system is your best bet.

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It’s COVID-safe

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It provides real-time data

A key benefit of this registration technology is its ability to capture live attendance data. Each scan at the kiosk live syncs back to the registration system, providing secure data as to who has arrived and when.

At any point in time, event organisers can check their event registration dashboard to see how many delegates are in attendance. This is particularly useful for adhering to venue capacity limits that might be in place.

The kiosk technology can also be used in conjunction with attendee management or session tracking apps to give a clear picture of delegate movements in and around the venue in real-time. n

Freestanding event registration kiosks like those offered by event technology specialists Sprintr by AV1 are fitted with QR code scanners, allowing for a completely contactless check-in experience.

Delegates simply scan their unique QR code at the kiosk using their own mobile device and are immediately checked in whilst their name badge automatically prints in seconds.

This way, delegates avoid touching the kiosk and do not need to come into contact with any staff. The kiosks are also portable which means they can easily be set 1.5 metres apart, allowing delegates to socially distance at all times.

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It’s fast

While live events often intend to attract large numbers of delegates, it’s important in today’s climate that people are not encouraged to gather closely together in large crowds.

Traditional registration desks can create long queues as delegates arrive and wait to collect their name badge. Alternatively, the speed with which contactless check-in kiosks can print badges and process delegates means there are no long lines or crowds gathering in the registration area.

Sprintr by AV1’s freestanding event registration kiosks

Sprintr by AV1 offers all of these safe, fast and clever technologies through a suite of integrated platforms that can help event organisers achieve their objectives and get back to doing what they love.

Find out more at sprintrbyav1.com.

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Mega venues

GREAT ADAPTATIONS

In an industry which requires tough decisions to be made quickly more than ever, large events venues have adjusted and adapted the way they operate in order to continue providing successful events, safely, writes Lana Bogunovich.

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n a world where it seems uncertainty is the only certainty, managing an event looks very different today to how it did just a couple of years ago.

Venues in particular have had to shift their focus and undergo significant changes in order to comply with government-mandated health orders, which often seem to change at the last minute. While there’s only so much forward-planning that can be done, navigating the current climate with the ability to be flexible and adapt quickly has proven vital for major events venues.

Adaptability and flexibility are key

Above: Sydney Showground

Given the ever-evolving nature of government restrictions and social distancing regulations, large event venues have become more crucial for events planners than ever. The most obvious benefit is their sheer space and size, which offers more flexibility when it comes to accommodating last minute changes. At Sydney Showground, having more than 120,000 square metres of event space allows for an event’s footprint to expand should social distancing guidelines change at short notice, whilst also meeting the event’s specific requirements.

“This past year has been nothing but adaptations, from the utilisation of space for film shoots, to last-minute storage options, rehearsal space for music productions,

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and hosting additional games for AFL and non-GWS GIANTS teams – I think we’ve done it all,” Sydney Showground chief operating officer Darryl Jeffrey says.

Implementing various changes to day-to-day operations based on changing health advice in order to meet the needs for safe events, is something that has become the norm for Optus Stadium. Putting safety at the forefront of everything it does, the state-owned venue works in partnership with WA Police and the WA Government’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

“From enhanced cleaning regimes, playing games behind closed doors, the implementation of quarantine arrangements for travelling teams and the building of a training facility on one of our ovals - every aspect of our business has evolved rapidly,” Optus Stadium chief executive officer Mike McKenna says.

With the pandemic forcing almost all businesses to reevaluate the way they work, applying a flexible approach to partner and client relationships has also become a vital step in adapting to the industry’s challenges.

“We’ve also adapted the way we work with hirers,” McKenna says.“In our Meetings and Events businesses, we have adopted cancellation terms and refund policies to better support our clients and reflect the nature of the changeable environment we find ourselves in.” ➤

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Although we’re known for our roaring crowds, we are also home to unique event spaces, designed to inspire guests with exceptional views, world-class catering, and safe event spaces.

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With more than 20 state-of-the-art function spaces, and unique outdoor facilities in Stadium Park, it’s the perfect venue for events all year-round.

200 - 2,000

400 - 800 On the top level, this expandable event space is the perfect location for a sunset cocktail function with panoramic views across the peninsula.

Victory Lounge 24 - 250

The ultimate exclusive event setting with luxurious fixtures and finishes, sweeping views of the playing surface and access to a 24-seat private dining room.

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Take in spectacular river and city views with floor to ceiling glass windows and enjoy maximum flexibility, with the space able to be split into three rooms.

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Mega venues

Optus Stadium, Perth

“Our collective passion for events drives us, not to mention the privilege to work in such a unique industry” – Darryl Jeffrey

Thankfully, this is paying off for big venues and their clients, with Optus Stadium attracting a significant number of events recently, thanks to the variety of its function facilities and its COVID-19 management.

“Clients that would have previously chosen to hold events at hotels in the Perth CBD, are instead choosing our venue because of our outstanding food offering, our ability to be flexible with arrangements, and because we are a trusted venue from a COVID-19 management perspective.”

Changes and challenges Moving forward, Jeffrey adds that venues will have to operate leaner, more efficiently and with increased flexibility, including risk sharing.

“We will need greater flexibility regarding payment terms and cancellation policies, and we need to work closer with event organisers if we expect them to take a risk. I think we’ll also need to foster new events and entering into true partnerships where the venue shares the risk with the organisers,” Jeffrey says.

However, other challenges remain for the time being, most of which are to do with staffing.

“It is very difficult to recruit and retain casual event day staff with the hospitality sector impacted by staff shortages,”McKenna says.

“Attracting and retaining chefs so we can continue to provide food of the high standard we do is always a challenge, but not something we will ever let slip, so this is a major focus for us.”

Optus Stadium, which McKenna says was designed with a focus on sustainability, will also continue working in partnership with Oz Harvest to uphold its commitment to minimising waste.

22 Spice Spring 2021

“We are proud of our ability to minimise wastage and redirect our food to those who need it,” McKenna says.“Our relationship with OzHarvest since the stadium opened in 2016, has really come to the fore with several lastminute cancellations of crowds at major events.”

Looking forward While the industry continues to grapple with and adapt to the challenges of COVID-19, it remains firmly focused on the future, with both venues having plenty to look forward to over the coming 18 months.

“Our events calendar for late 2021 and throughout 2022 is extremely strong, which is very promising” Jeffrey says.

McKenna says Optus Stadium has also developed a new strategic vision for the stadium and surrounding Stadium Park Precinct, which has brought events such as the Telethon Family Festival to Perth and is looking forward to a busy summer of cricket.

“We are looking very busy across our special events side of the business,” he says.

“We also have some exciting new events and opportunities for Stadium Park and in January, we will host the fifth Ashes Test, the first ever at the Stadium, which is set to be a historic event.”

“The pandemic and lockdowns have been extremely tough on the events industry, particularly the staff,” Jeffrey says.“However, I think our collective passion for events drives us, not to mention the privilege to work in such a unique industry.”

“It’s clear that organisers are chomping at the bit to get up and running again and we are excited to get cracking as soon as it is safe to do so.” n

All Stars showcase dinner at Headricks Lane, styled by Lilly & Lotus

Destination

Expect the unexpected

As a first-time visitor to Rockhampton, it’s best to leave your assumptions at the gate lounge because, as a group of business events planners recently discovered, the city will deliver the unexpected at every turn. By Brittney Levinson.

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here’s a few things that often spring to mind when you think of Rockhampton, the unofficial capital of Central Queensland. While ‘beef and barra’ are certainly a large part of its identity, Rockhampton, home of the Darumbal people, is coming into its own as a creative, forward-thinking region with loads of event expertise.

On the recent business events famil organised by Advance Rockhampton, a select group of organsiers were given the chance to experience the region first-hand and see the possibilities on offer for events. As one of the locals told the group, Rockhampton “punches above its weight”, and after spending just three days in the region, the entire group could attest to the fact that Rockhampton delivers beyond expectations, on many fronts.

Views over the city from Mount Archer

A traditional welcome from the Darumbal Dancers

A collaborative approach to events The region showcases its event capabilities with a calendar of major public and business events throughout the year. Most notably, the cattle industry’s national exhibition Beef Australia, or Beef Week, takes over the city every three years, transforming event venues and blank canvas spaces into a week-long program of events. The event sees venue operators and suppliers across the city come together in collaboration, as some 100,000 people pass through the gates throughout the week.

The famil group saw the city’s collaborative nature in action at the annual Pop-Up Polo, a day of entertainment, hospitality and sporting. The event was a testament to the region’s creative and highly professional suppliers who come together to deliver events, covering everything from styling through to audio visual.

Another prime example of this was during Advance Rockhampton’s All Stars dinner held at Headricks Lane, a sophisticated brewery, restaurant and event venue in the CBD. With its dramatic arched windows and exposed brick walls, the upstairs event space was transformed into a progressive dinner showcasing three caterers, Headricks Lane, Olive Catering and ➤ spicenews.com.au 23

Destination Riverston Tearooms, and three expert stylists Lilly & Lotus, Vintage Hire and CQ Party Hire, who each brought their own flair and flavour to the experience.

Surprises at every turn For the duration of the famil, the centrally located Empire Apartment Hotel was the home base for delegates, offering spacious, contemporary accommodation. The hotel has an impressive focus on sustainability, with eco-friendly solutions throughout the entire property and no single-use plastic in sight. At 120 rooms, the Empire Apartment Hotel is Rockhampton’s leading 4.5-star property and offers 24-hour reception, on-site dining options and a conference space.

In a prime location on the Fitzroy River, waterfront restaurant Boathouse is a fine example of the premium hospitality Rockhampton delivers. Here, delegates enjoyed a fresh, share-style brunch and were greeted with a traditional Welcome to Country by Darumbal dancers and elders. Meaningful indigenous experiences can be incorporated into group programs in various ways, such as on-country tours and bush tucker workshops with elders.

Rockhampton's focus on warm, local hospitality extends through to its vibrant range of bars, cafés and restaurants, many of which double as event spaces too. Dingles Café Bar is renowned for its country hospitality and focus on local food producers, and also boasts a private dining space tucked away from the main dining area. For an afternoon networking or team-building event, groups can head CocoBrew, Rockhampton’s very own whiskey lounge, with more than 75 drams on offer. The venue also has a dedicated conference room and a sophisticated boardroom perfect for meetings or private dinners.

Blank canvas spaces invite creativity While the city is without a major purpose-built convention centre, it offers a number of large, flexible spaces that can be transformed for events. The Rockhampton Showgrounds’ 2,000 square metre pavilion is a fantastic blank canvas for exhibitions and large gatherings, while the iconic Pilbeam Theatre is an artistic backdrop for seminars and conferences for groups of more than 900 delegates.

Developments are underway throughout the region to further upgrade and enhance the visitor experience. Most notably, the Rockhampton Museum of Art is currently under construction, with the three-level contemporary gallery expected to open at the end of the year. There will be a number of creative spaces for business events, with almost 5,000 square metres of the venue available for events, think long-table dinners among the art.

For an all-encompassing business and conference centre, Korte’s Resort features six function spaces including a purpose-built conference room and the Lake Deck for outdoor events. Or give your program a quintessentially ‘Rocky’ experience with a venue takeover at the Great Western Hotel, home to Professional Bull Riding Australia with its very own arena. The hotel can be used for rodeo events, concerts and large banquet dinners for a distinct Aussie touch.

Rocky delivers above and beyond what you might expect from a Central Queensland town. While it has that local, country hospitality you would hope to find, there’s also a refined side to the city that continues to draw business events to the region. But most importantly, the city is full of creative, forward-thinking venue operators and suppliers who are eager to create unforgettable events. n

Must-do Rocky experiences

In the treetops

Cruising along the river

Mount Archer’s Nurim Circuit, a 500-metre elevated boardwalk, is a great vantage point for taking in views across the city and the Fitzroy River. Up here, local Darumbal elders can host workshops and on-country experiences for groups.

The Fitzroy River Cruise is a great way to start a program, giving delegates an opportunity to cruise past Quay Street and get a feel for the city. River Cruises CQ can even provide morning or afternoon tea on board.

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Destination

Exploring ancient caves

Garden dining

Rockhampton’s oldest playground, the Capricorn Caves, takes visitors inside a breathtaking cave system 390 million years in the making. The Cathedral Cave is a stunning backdrop for performances and events.

The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens offers open-air spaces, including an option to dine under the 150-year-old canopy of Banyan fig trees. Within the gardens, the Rockhampton Zoo is a great experience for a post-conference tour.

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Destination

A DESTINATION

WITH IT ALL Above: Kayaking on Lake Hume

On the banks of the majestic Murray River, Albury combines natural landscapes, rich culture and an emerging food scene to create an inviting destination for business events. By Brittney Levinson.

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here’s a real beauty about arriving in a regional destination – it’s where the laid-back, friendly Aussie lifestyle really shines. In Albury, the New South Wales border town that runs along the Murray River on Wiradjuri country, the beauty of regional Australia is everywhere you look. It’s in the welcoming locals, the vast open spaces, the freshly sourced produce and the deep culture that lies within it. For business events, all these elements come together to offer an immersive destination, well-suited to hosting groups looking for a change of scenery and some fresh inspiration.

Level One Wine Bar

Celebrating the region through food With so much incredible produce on offer in the region, Albury does an exceptional job of showcasing it to visitors through a plethora of food and beverage venues. Blacksmith Provedore is a newcomer to the city and somewhat of a hidden gem considering its location inside the new flagship Harris Farm Markets – which in itself is worth stopping by. The trendy wine bar highlights local ingredients through its menu of wood-fired oven pizzas, cheese boards and wine.

In the heart of the city, Level One Wine Bar is another favourite among locals and a great option for group dining. The husband and wife duo behind the restaurant are passionate about providing an exceptional hospitality experience for locals and visitors, and they deliver on it. The puffed pastry baked camembert is a must-try.

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Cocktails at Atura Albury

Destination Canvas Eatery is another highlight of the Albury food scene, where share-style dishes are served up inside a welcoming space, full of natural light. The venue is a central and contemporary setting for private functions, while the culinary team can also cater for off-site events.

Meanwhile, just out of the CBD, The River Deck Café boasts a prime spot overlooking the Murray River – the perfect space for a brunch or dinner event to welcome delegates into the region.

History and culture comes alive With its vast natural landscape and enviable position on the Murray River, Albury really shines when it comes to group experiences and team-building activities. A highlight for the region is the Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, a five-kilometre trail dotted with sculptures and artworks created by local Albury makes up one Aboriginal artists. Groups can walk the trail or hire a bike half of the Albury-Wodonga from a local business such as Cycle Station and cruise community that meets at the along the path at a leisurely pace, stopping along the NSW and Victoria border. Together, way to learn the stories and significance of the region’s the two cities form a vibrant Aboriginal history. destination in an easily accessible It is encouraging to see many local businesses embracing location between Melbourne, and showcasing the region’s indigenous culture, such as Sydney and Canberra.

Quest Albury on Townsend, which displays a collection of high-profile indigenous artworks in its mezzanine. The lightfilled space can be used for private functions, while the 104-room hotel also offers a dedicated conference room for small groups. ➤

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Destination

Don’t miss For corporate groups in the agriculture sector, take a trip to the family owned Wolki Farm for a private tour of the regenerative property. The uber-passionate Jacob Wolki shares his vision of bringing sustainable and ethical farming practices to the region.

A 30-minute drive over the border to Rutherglen, the historic De Bortoli cellar door is a stunning off-site venue complete with a cafe, restaurant, accommodation and dedicated conference facility. The cellar door is also home to a gallery featuring indigenous art.

Get your groups out of their comfort zones with the energetic team at Flying Fruit Fly Circus. Some of Australia’s leading circus performers bring teams together to build camaraderie and learn some new tricks along the way.

Murray Art Museum Albury

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Albury Entertainment Centre

Another major drawcard for the region is the Murray Art Museum Albury, more commonly known as MAMA. Stepping into the venue, you could be entering a contemporary art museum in any of Australia’s capital cities – the venue boasts large artistic spaces that rotate with leading international exhibitions. The venue can be worked into programs in a number of ways, from utilising gallery spaces for functions, through to hands-on art workshops for team-building activities.

Venues and developments For large conferences and exhibitions, the Albury Entertainment Centre is the city's major venue on offer to business events planners. Dating back to 1972, the established centre is poised for redevelopment, having last been upgraded in 1993. The proposed development will better meet the needs of the modern business events market and will include an expansion of the convention wing to double seating capacity to 2,000 attendees. The plans also include the development of a plaza at the entrance to the venue, which will help facilitate larger conferences.

The city’s event spaces are supported by a range of accommodation to suit all budget levels and delegate needs.

The Atura Albury offers a youthful, quirky vibe, with 140 rooms, naturally lit event spaces and a buzzing public bar and restaurant. For corporate retreats and team building, Lake Hume Resort offers cabin-style accommodation, private function spaces and an array of group activities, such as kayaking on the expansive lake.

Meanwhile, the Mantra Albury offers 146 premium, spacious rooms and suites alongside five meetings rooms. The on-site restaurant, District Dining Bar and Grill, is a favourite among locals, while the exclusive Sky Lounge is a haven for guests looking for a quiet space to meet or work.

To really appreciate Albury and its surrounding regions, spend some time pre- or post-event in the destination, exploring its stunning natural assets, the booming food and wine scene and all of the hidden gems along the way. n

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Experience warm country hospitality combined with modern conference facilities, delicious regional produce and fine wines. With ample space and various options on offer, after hours onsite activities are also plentiful. Think wine tastings and art gallery tours in our cellar door, relax with some quiet drinks in the wine bar, a quick game of tennis, the choice is yours.

UNIQUE RURAL DESTINATION

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Albury/Wodonga Beechworth Bright

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13 Drummond Street Rutherglen VIC 3685 02 6033 6100 tuileries_info@debortoli.com.au www.debortoli.com.au

Destination

A country escape

Lake House Daylesford lagoon foreshore

A cruisy 80-minute drive from Melbourne, Daylesford is home to stunning rural countryside and one of Australia’s most highly lauded gourmet retreats, writes Brittney Levinson.

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ou might have seen Lake House on television, inside a glossy magazine or perhaps heard about it through a friend. But it’s not until you experience the property for yourself that you truly understand the vision behind this sprawling, family run property. Lake House is the brainchild of husband and wife duo Allan and Alla Wolf-Tasker, who purchased the land – an ex-mine site – in 1979. Alla, an acclaimed chef, and Allan, a landscape artist, embarked on Alla’s dream project of creating a destination restaurant to put Daylesford, in rural Victoria, on the map.

Today, the six-acre property, located on Dja Dja Wurrung country, welcomes visitors to its award-winning Lake House restaurant and 33 elegant studios and suites. Four decades on, the property is still operated by the family, including Alla and Allan’s daughter Larissa, who takes pride in sharing her family’s story with guests as they arrive.

“For us, our goal has always been to create a truly hospitable experience,” she explains.

“The environment and surrounds need to be beautiful and interesting, of course, but our point of difference has always been our team and the provision of a very special hospitality experience.”

The love and care behind the resort is clear from the very moment you enter the reception and lounge area, which has been 30 Spice Spring 2021

expertly styled to achieve that effortlessly stylish, homey look. The warm hospitality continues into the restaurant, where welcoming, attentive waitstaff happily guide diners through the menu. Under Alla’s direction, the culinary team presents an array of dishes that hero homegrown produce and rotate with the seasons. Dinner at Lake House is every bit as memorable and exceptional as the awards and accolades deem it to be.

Corporate getaway For corporate groups, private dinners can be held in the intimate cellar for up to 16 guests, surrounded by 10,000 wine bottles. For larger group dinners, conferences and meetings, the Terrace Room can accommodate groups of up to 168 delegates theatre-style or can be divided into three smaller rooms.

Aside from meetings and conferences, the sprawling Lake House grounds have so much potential for team workshops and retreat activities. Groups can take private yoga classes by the lake, take part in cooking workshops with the Lake House chefs, indulge in personalised spa experiences or enjoy pre-dinner drinks with Allan in his working art studio. The team are well-versed in accommodating corporate groups and have previously hosted drive days, product launches, fashion shows, live music events, training days and incentive retreats.

Destination A new arrival

Homegrown produce is the hero at the Lake House restaurant

In the region

The telling sign of the Lake House’s strong hospitality offering is the fact that 25 per cent of its guests are return visitors. Larissa says this loyal customer base is what drives the team to constantly evolve. One of the latest arrivals to the business is Dairy Flat Farm, located 10 minutes from Lake House on 40 acres of regenerative farming land. The Wolf-Tasker family opened the property in 2020, originally to act as a productive farm to supply the Lake House kitchens.

“The fact that it also had an established olive grove, vineyard, ornamental gardens and a semi-underground cellar – perfect for slow-ferment baking – was just another opportunity,”says Larissa.

The property also features six luxurious lodges, each decorated with exquisite furnishings and art. But Dairy

Flat Farm is not a hotel, Larissa clarifies, rather, it’s a private, serviced country lodge where groups can wake to smell of fresh bread baking below, roam the farm and reconnect amongst the tranquil surroundings.

“We saw the desire from guests wanting to immerse themselves in the experience of growing, farming, cultivating and we also saw more and more people wanting to take time out as a group – whether it be for a private get together or corporate retreat,” she says.

Corporate stays can be tailored to each group with inclusions such as helicopter arrivals, beekeeping experiences, watercolour masterclasses, fishing and garden tours. Whether your goal is to reward, reconnect or rejuvenate your delegates, Lake House Daylesford should be high on every planner’s bucket list. n

Daylesford Cider Leave your opinions on cider at the gate because the English-style brews at Daylesford Cider are likely to convert anyone. Bordered by lush green hedges and rows of apple orchards, this venue is the perfect backdrop for team-building days, workshops or private functions.

Convent Gallery Once a crumbling 19th century building, Convent Gallery is a thriving three-level art and event space made unique with quirky interiors and salvaged furniture. Owner Tina Banitska spent years restoring the venue, which now hosts conferences and events inside its historic walls.

Studio room overlooking the resort pool

Lavandula You could easily mistake Lavandula for the European countryside with its 1860s original homestead and sprawling lavender fields. For events, La Trattoria is an indooroutdoor venue fit for a long lunch, while Lavandula’s handmade aromatherapy products make great delegate gifts.

Hepburn Springs A trip to Daylesford isn’t complete without a visit to one of the many mineral spas on offer in the nearby town of Hepburn Springs. Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa offers private bathing packages for groups to unwind in the mineral-rich waters sourced directly from the natural springs below.

Dairy Flat Lodge kitchen area

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Destination

A breath of fresh air With new developments and more luxury product than ever before, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef is the perfect tropical setting to reinvigorate and reconnect teams.

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airns and the Great Barrier Reef, located on Yirrganydji and Yidinji country, is a region that continues to surprise and delight, no matter how many times you visit. Over the last few years, new developments and major updates across Cairns have revived the city to offer even more opportunities than before for business events.

In May this year, a group of business events planners were invited to see for themselves the reinvigorated region, at Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier

Reef’s annual educational famil. The newly rebranded BE Immersed program saw delegates discover and engage with venues and suppliers spanning from Cairns up to Port Douglas.

The development that has everyone in the region talking is the $176 million refurbishment and expansion of Cairns Convention Centre, which is now into the second and final phase. Delegates were given the very first look at the refurbishment of the existing centre, including new-look arena and auditorium spaces, upgraded audio

Fitzroy Island Resort

OFF-SITE VENUES

One of the region’s greatest drawcards is the off-site venues that showcase what Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef are all about: world-renowned natural surroundings.

Freshwater Cane Farm Immerse your delegates among a working sugar cane farm to give them the ultimate Cairns experience, complemented by delicious catering by a local business such as the renowned Nu Nu Restaurant. The vast, open space can cater to varying event sizes and styles, from casual cocktails through to elaborate banquets.

Tanks Arts Centre If a unique off-site venue is the brief, it doesn’t get much more impressive than Tanks Art Centre. Located in the Cairns Botanic Gardens, the innovative arts and events spaces are housed inside three converted World War II oil storage tanks, set within a lush rainforest.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Journey through the Daintree Rainforest by cable car with Skyrail for an engaging experience of the World Heritage-listed natural attraction. The Skyrail experience can be tailored to suit a range of requirements including pre- and post-touring, private events and team-building activities.

Fitzroy Island Resort

Great Barrier Reef Drive between Cairns and Port Douglas.

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A cruisey 45 minutes from Cairns onboard The Fitzroy Flyer, this island paradise is a pictureperfect setting for conferences, meetings and executive retreats. The 99-room resort offers iconic reef experiences as well as private group tours of its Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Destination visual systems and refreshed public areas. Part two is now underway, which will see the centre expanded towards the Trinity Inlet with more than 10,000 square metres of new-build meeting and exhibition space.

Another major development getting underway is the refurbishment of Pullman Cairns International.

The first stage of the renovation will see $10 million invested into transforming levels three to 11 of the hotel’s guest rooms. The new room designs are a sophisticated, contemporary representation of the tropical surroundings and will elevate the hotel to a luxury standard. The hotel’s meeting and event spaces are also undergoing a million-dollar renovation, which will be complete in October 2021.

The new-look property will join a suite of premium hotels drawing visitors to the region. The three Crystalbrook Collection properties are now up and running, with the final hotel, Flynn, opening its doors earlier this year after some delays due to the pandemic. The tropical resort offers 311 spacious, modern guest rooms, three meeting spaces and a trio of trendy food and beverage outlets. The hotel joins Crystalbrook’s existing Cairns properties, Riley and Bailey, elevating the city’s accommodation

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Pullman Cairns International’s new look

offering for business events groups. Other hotels across the city are upgrading their product too, with properties such as Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort and Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns having undergone recent refurbishments in recent years.

While there’s a plethora of new and exciting developments unfolding across the region, some things about Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef never change; the unbeatable natural landscapes, the laid-back lifestyle and the passionate people that will bring groups back time and time again. n

Image credits: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

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Destination

Port Douglas The perfect location for a post-conference visit, Port Douglas is teeming with stunning resorts and off-site experiences right along the breathtaking coastline.

Mossman Gorge Centre An absolute must-do experience, Mossman Gorge Centre’s Dreamtime Walks have operated since 1987, when Roy Gibson began sharing the stories and culture of the local indigenous community, the Kuku Yalanji people. The two-hour, immersive tour will leave delegates with a fond appreciation for the local community and the cultural significance of the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest.

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort

Thala Beach Nature Reserve

With its own secluded beachfront and a lagoon-style pool, Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa was designed with relaxation and tropical luxury in mind.

Of the 123 rooms on offer, the stand-out accommodation option is the deluxe twobedroom apartments, complete with a private rooftop to take in the views across the entire resort.

Located just south of Port Douglas, the family owned Thala Beach Nature Reserve boasts 83 newly refurbished bungalows perched among natural forest to offer a secluded private retreat. Osprey’s Restaurant and Curlews Lounge are a stunning setting for conferences and workshops with views over the Coral Sea, or for ultimate exclusivity, a full buyout can also be arranged.

Hemingway's Brewery

Sheraton Mirage Resort

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Hemingway's Brewery Port Douglas is the first of the brand's brewpubs, located on the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, and is joined by its sister venue in Cairns. The Port Douglas venue is a relaxed setting for sundowners or a welcome event, while the upstairs function rooms can cater to seated or cocktail events with capacity for up to 350 guests.

The picture-perfect Sheraton Mirage Resort, Port Douglas is exactly what this region is all about: palm trees, resort lagoons and spectacular service. The fivestar property is still in top condition after its $40 million refurbishment five years ago and continues to welcome large corporate groups for conferences and events across its 18 indoor and outdoor venues.

There’s nothing more Aussie than an event set amongst the backdrop of iconic wildlife.

The venue has vast experience hosting custom event programs, whether it be highlevel corporate dinners, award ceremonies or cocktail events. Groups can enjoy breakfast with koalas or take a private cruise along the lagoon and watch the crocodiles jump out of the water for their daily feed.

34 Spice Spring 2021

www.pullmancairnsinternational.com

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