Spice Summer 2019-2020

Issue 87 – Summer – 2019

GEELONG & THE BELLARINE

Victoria’s best-kept secret

THE A-Z OF ENTERTAINMENT All the inspiration you need for a show-stopping event HOT SPOTS Las Vegas, Tropical North Queensland and Coffs Harbour

INCENTIVES

The biggest trends in the incentive space right now

WHERE

BUSINESS GOALS, FUN & MOTIVATION MEET.

Singapore is the perfect place to combine business and leisure for meetings and incentive travel. Its cutting-edge facilities, unique venues and wide range of entertainment options enable forwardthinking leaders to engage and empower their staff with innovative ways of working, thinking and bonding. It’s where your passion for growth – of your organisation and your employees – is made possible.

Take your team and business further – plan your next event at Visitsingapore.com/mice.

WHERE

BUSINESS GOALS, FUN AND MOTIVATION MEET.

Mix business and pleasure in Singapore, with over 60 unique complimentary experiences to enhance your business event. Qualified groups can choose to enjoy dining and social networking experiences, thematic tours, attraction visits and team-building activities.

Beachfront Dining on Sentosa Island

S.E.A. Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa

Create unforgettable memories by dining along the waterfront at Palawan Beach

Explore the aquatic realm at S.E.A. Aquarium, home to more than 100,000 marine animals

Gardens by the Bay

Sunset Cruise

Floating Donut in Marina Bay

Be entertained by a private after-hours Garden Rhapsody show, complete with unrivalled night views of the city

Set sail on a relaxing getaway and take a scenic sunset tour around Singapore’s Southern Islands

Enjoy an innovative dining experience in a floating “donut” at Marina Bay

Coffee Appreciation Workshop with a Cause

Immersive Tour of Chinatown

Enjoy kopi or specialty coffee masterclasses at social enterprise Bettr Barista, paired with kueh tasting and hands-on latte art

Dragon Boating Challenge each other in an exhilarating dragon boat race at Sentosa island

Join Mr Tan Ah Huat, a Chinese immigrant, as he retells the story of 1920s Singapore on an immersive walking tour

Register your interest and sign up by 31 March 2021 to qualify for this offer. Groups must complete travel by 31st December 2021, have 20 or more foreign attendees, and stay in Singapore for 3 or or more days. Send in your applications to Meliana_HALIM@stb.gov.sg. For more information, please visit https://www.visitsingapore.com/mice/en/inspire Terms & conditions apply.

Scan QR code to find out more

42 Summer 2019

10 Cover story Uncover Geelong and The Bellarine’s thriving culinary and event scene

15 Rooftop venues Ten of the best rooftop venues to take your event to new heights

19 Entertainment The A-Z guide of everything fun and inspiring in event entertainment

10

27

27 Coworking spaces Discover the untapped event spaces inside Australia’s coworking hubs

29 Incentives Spice’s annual incentives feature delves into trends, hot destinations and more

12 29

42 Hot spot: Las Vegas There’s more to the entertainment capital of the world than meets the eye

46 Hot spot: Coffs Harbour Friendly locals and stunning landscapes are just the beginning in this NSW North Coast gem

50 Hot seat: Trent Weekes Spice talks Tina Turner, event mishaps and island takeovers with event pro Trent Weekes 4 Spice Summer 2019

15

46

Editor’s letter

Fresh inspiration

A

Brittney Levinson Editor Managing Director Simon Grover Publisher Craig Hawtin-Butcher Editor Brittney Levinson blevinson@intermedia.com.au National Sales Team

s I write this editor’s letter, we’re approaching the final weeks of 2019. This time of year brings with it an opportunity to reflect on the year that’s been, while preparing for another huge calendar of events in 2020.

Packed with inspiration and ideas for the year ahead, the Summer edition of Spice Magazine covers everything from the hottest rooftop venues (page 15) to the untapped event spaces hiding within Australia’s coworking venues (page 27).

In our annual incentives feature, I sit down with three directors from CWT Meetings & Events to discuss the biggest trends impacting incentive travel now and into 2020 (page 29). Encore Event Technologies gives us a behind-the-scenes look at a recent event they produced for 6000 incentive guests (page 34) and we discuss the importance of cultural experiences in incentives on page 38.

Our entertainment feature is back again, this year with an unexpected twist. Flick to page 19 to find out what it is. On page 26, Musicland’s Chad Davis shares his thoughts on why entertainment should be a top priority, not an afterthought.

A 2019 highlight for me was attending IMEX America along with some 13,000 other industry professionals in Las Vegas.

It was my first visit to The Entertainment Capital of the World and it certainly lived up to its name. But the trip wasn’t all bright lights and poolside parties; I discovered a more sophisticated side to Vegas in its brilliant culinary scene and world-class event venues. Read all about it on page 42.

Closer to home, this edition also explores the latest news from Tropical North Queensland (page 40) and the regional appeal that lies within Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast (page 46). Don’t miss our cover star, Geelong and The Bellarine, whose waterside location, food and wine scene and impressive venues will leave you wanting more (page 10).

As we set about preparing for 2020, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the magazine and any topics or destinations you’d like to see more of in upcoming editions. Get in touch with me at blevinson@intermedia.com.au – I look forward to hearing from you.

Katherine Ross, Charlotte Marshall Acting Circulations Manager Troy Brookes subscriptions@intermedia.com.au Production Manager Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au Production Assistant Natasha Jara njara@intermedia.com.au Graphic Designer Alyssa Coundouris Prepress

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

Tony Willson 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 The 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

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DISCLAIMER This publication is published by The Intermedia Group 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 © 2019 - Food and Beverage Media Pty Ltd.

www.spicenews.com.au 5

Sustainability Everybody’s talking about it and we need to really think about the impact we have on the environment. What can be reused post event? Is plastic necessary? Do we need to print collateral? How can we reduce waste?

Restaurant collabs and chef-curated menus Food collaborations and pop-ups, such as the month-long Restaurant Orana takeover in Sydney, keep the consumer experience new and exciting, and coming back for more!

Neon signs

AR and VR

Simple yet effective and

Takes guests from everyday

oh so bright! We used neon

life to another world and

signs to create impact at the

engage the client’s brand

Moët 150-year celebration.

with new experiences.

Going up, going down

By Event Planet

Plastic Flower walls

Help Mother Nature out!

Hayfever alert! Work with your

Useless giveaways

florists to think of other amazing

Yet another thing to throw away! Think about

floral opportunities.

the target audience and what they would value. Are they really going to wear that cap? How many reusable coffee cups does one person really need?

Queues Honestly, who likes to line up? Think about your guests’ movement throughout the event space and ensure

Swing photo moments

you have enough staff and provisions for

So 2018! Look to everyday surrounds for inspiration

smooth service and delivery.

– think bus stops, taxis and playgrounds.

6 Spice Summer 2019

Small changes such as paper or bamboo straws, reusable glassware and digital collateral can make a world of difference.

Spice loves

What’s on AIME Asia Pacific Incentives Meetings Event promises to be even bigger and better in 2020, with organisers looking to grow the show by 30 per cent.

17–19 February 2020 • Melbourne aime.com.au

THE BUSINESS OF EVENTS

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

Top 5 most clicked spicenews.com.au Winners revealed: Hot 100 Services and Suppliers

Atlantic Group addresses Central Pier closure

With more than 2000 votes from our readers, this year’s Spice Hot 100 was a hotly contested list.

Speaking out about the Melbourne venue’s closure, the group said customers and staff were its first priority.

Taronga Zoo unveils luxury eco retreat

Event in the spotlight: VIP dinner at Optus Stadium

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga offers 62 luxury guest rooms with views of the zoo and Sydney Harbour.

Perth’s Optus Stadium hosted 20 VIP guests for the first ever dinner on the venue’s field of play.

Where we’ve been

Australian Event Awards winners announced Winners included Invictus Games Sydney, Brisbane Truck Show and Byron Bay Bluesfest.

The business events industry conference is back for its second year, with education and networking to help improve your future events.

19 March 2020 • Sydney thebusinessofevents.com.au

CINZ MEETINGS Conventions and Incentives New Zealand’s annual business events trade exhibition will move to an earlier date in 2020.

22–23 April 2020 • Auckland meetings.co.nz

MEA EVOLVE The three-day conference is heading to the Hunter Valley, with more than 700 event professionals expected to attend.

3–5 May 2020 • Hunter Valley evolve2020.com.au

@spicenewsmag

Coffs Harbour, NSW

Park MGM, Las Vegas

Holey Moley, Sydney

www.spicenews.com.au 7

Openings

Rooftop views revealed at FV by Peppers Brisbane has scored itself a brand new apartment hotel, complete with a stunning rooftop pool, with the opening of FV by Peppers’ third and final tower.

Known as No.1, the hotel tower completes the $600 million development and offers apartment-style rooms, each with full kitchens, a laundry and separate lounge and dining areas.

Guests have access to the level 31 rooftop pool, two lightfilled executive boardrooms, two intimate meeting rooms and a private dining room.

Adelaide Oval unveils new accommodation Adelaide Oval has revealed a first look into its brand new accommodation offering, to be known as Oval Hotel.

The boutique hotel will offer 138 modern guest rooms when it opens in September 2020.

Designed to wrap around the eastern façade of the stadium, the hotel will seamlessly blend with the existing structure making it an ideal option for those attending events at Adelaide Oval.

8 Spice Summer 2019

Midnight Hotel opens in Canberra Marriott International has opened its very first Canberra hotel, with the launch of the 199-room Midnight Hotel.

Owned and operated by Iconic Hotels, the boutique hotel features an event space, The Conservatory, for groups of up to 120, two private boardrooms and a business lounge.

On-site restaurant Braddon Merchant is a bright, deli-style eatery with a European feel, while Midnight Bar is a more dark and moody venue that can also be hired for events.

meetla.com

Game changers welcome

Los Angeles is reimagining the event experience with unique venues that offer connectivity and flexibility. Your next event will be a winning one with our dedicated team that’s here for the assist.

SoFi Stadium

Cover story

Hidden secrets Those in the know have been keeping tight-lipped about the hidden gems that lie just beyond Victoria’s capital city. But the secret is out; Geelong is in.

T

he notion of ‘surprise and delight’ has never been more apparent than it is in Geelong and The Bellarine.

At every turn there’s a restaurant, venue or attraction that exceeds expectations and draws you in with its charm. Spice Magazine recently travelled through the region to scope out the best places to stay, eat and meet.

Thriving food and wine scene While Melbourne’s food and wine scene is often the talk of the town, Geelong is shaking up the conversation with a venue for every occasion, whether it’s a team dinner or a quick nightcap. For the latter, a visit to 18th Amendment is a must. The Prohibition-style bar is well-known for classic cocktails with a twist – think tipples hidden in treasure chests and served in tea cups. Take in the Geelong’s prime waterfront location at Wah Wah Gee, a 10 Spice Summer 2019

casual Asian-inspired restaurant at the end of Cunningham Pier, which hosts events of up to 200 guests, or 30 people in the private dining room. Follow the neon signs upstairs and you’ll find sister venue Wah Bah, a prime spot for post-event cocktails.

Some of Geelong’s best kept secrets lie just outside the CBD, including Jack Rabbit Vineyard, pouring cool climate wines in a stunning location overlooking the bay. The Jack Rabbit Restaurant is a sophisticated space for intimate lunches through to large cocktail events, complete with an expansive deck to take in the view. Scotchmans Hill is another popular destination for wine lovers and has been leading the local wine scene for more than Geelong Library and Heritage Centre

Wah Bah at Cunningham Pier

30 years. The winery’s newly renovated event space, the Main House, boasts original French provincial design with open fireplaces, arched ceilings and red brick floors.

For the perfect end to a day of wine tasting, pay a visit to The Whiskery, the cosy cellar door at Bellarine Distillery. The Whiskery is still fairly new, so you’ll have to wait until 2021 to try their whisky, but in the meantime they’ve produced a range of craft gin to enjoy by the fire or out on the lawn. In the company of distiller Russ Watson, who personally greets guests as they walk in the door, and the distillery’s resident hounds Teddy and Billy, your corporate groups will never want to leave.

Spectacular venues A variety of venues are on offer for corporate groups in Geelong, catering to small meetings through to large, multi-day conferences. For a quintessential Geelong experience, The Pier offers a stunning waterfront space with ample natural light, on-site parking and a convenient location.

The purpose-built venue can be utilised as one space for up to 740 guests for a banquet or up to 1000 people in cocktail format. The Pier

DON’T MISS See the region from above

There’s no better way to see Geelong than from above with Geelong Helicopters. The experienced company offer a range of scenic flights as well as tailored tours between Geelong CBD and the surrounding wineries.

Host an event in The Dome Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, more commonly known as The Dome, is a prime spot for events in the heart of the city. The bold, orangecoloured event space on level five hosts up to 280 guests and opens out to a large balcony with views over the bay.

Tee off with your team Looking for a team-building activity in Geelong?

Curlewis Golf Club has you covered with a hightech driving range, X-Golf simulator and mini golf on offer. The venue’s conference room is suitable for cocktail events of up to 300 guests and is fitted with AV equipment.

updated and can host up to 230 delegates on one level, which offers ample natural light and impressive waterfront views. Further enhancements will be made to the conferencing floor in 2020, with an additional five meeting rooms to be revealed in March.

Meanwhile, Rydges Geelong is in the midst of a major refurbishment to bring the property up to a new modern standard. As part of the works, the hotel will unveil a fresh lobby, two new-look event spaces, a private dining room and brand new restaurant and bar concept. The adjoining Geelong Events Centre Top: Novotel Geelong can also be divided into two spaces for concurrent offers five multipurpose event spaces including the Above: Fresh menus conference sessions with no noise disruption.

Events Centre for up to 600 guests. at The Pier One of Geelong’s newest event venues is the For groups looking for an exclusive retreat, Waurn recently transformed Higher Mark, at GMHBA Ponds Estate at Deakin University is the perfect Stadium, home of the Geelong Cats. With 32 destination. With 60 contemporary rooms, eight event spaces and capacity for up to 2450 light-filled conference rooms and plenty of guests, there are endless possibilities for outdoor spaces for breakouts, the property planners – even the football field can be offers a private hideaway for your utilised. For groups of up to 400, the delegates to call their own. Waurn If you consider accessibility a barrier to exclusive Captains’ Room is an easy Ponds Estate prides itself on serving regional conferencing, rest assured Geelong choice, offering a private entrance, “non-conference food” using is within easy reach. Interstate travellers can fly in bar facilities and views over the ingredients harvested from the onon the many daily services to Avalon Airport, while stadium and super screen, which site kitchen garden.

Melbourne locals can hop on board Port Phillip Ferries can be programmed with videos or With its local charm, spectacular and arrive into Portarlington in a little over one hour. Port company logos during your event. waterfront and premier food and Phillip Ferries is launching a new service in December wine experiences, Geelong and 2019, travelling directly to Geelong on a new 400-seat Modern accommodation The Bellarine is full of hidden vessel. International travellers can reach Avalon Airport through direct flights with AirAsia and soon Groups are well catered to with a variety secrets waiting to be explored by on Vietjet, making Geelong an attractive of accommodation options available corporate groups. incentive destination for Asia. throughout the city. Novotel Geelong has recently undergone a $3.8 million To find out more about hosting your next refurbishment of its 109 guest rooms and public event in the region, contact Business Events spaces. The hotel’s five event spaces have also been Geelong at info@BEgeelong.com.au n

Getting there:

www.spicenews.com.au 11

Industry update Delegates get creative at IMEX America 2019

The ninth edition of IMEX America recently took place in Las Vegas, where ideas were shared, industry firsts were launched and Australia shone, all under the theme, the Power of Imagination. Spice Magazine was there to cover all the action.

IMEX AMERICA IN NUMBERS 13,500 total participants 4,226 total buyers

Imagine that W

alking around the show floor among the more than 3500 exhibitors at IMEX America, it was clear the Power of Imagination was the key theme, or Talking Point, for 2019.

From 10-12 September, every corner of the Sands Expo Convention Center was bursting with creativity and every stand offered something unique to draw attendees in.

Two-storey exhibition booths, stilt walkers, spin-the-wheel activations and even live tattooing were all on offer. In his closing address to media, IMEX chairman Ray Bloom said the show was the most imaginative yet.

“We’ve seen some spectacular booths and activations this year and are delighted to see so many exhibitors aligning with our annual Talking Point and using it so innovatively each year,” he said.

“Their level of investment and commitment to business is remarkable.”

Also remarkable in 2019 was the final show numbers, which revealed a total 13,500 participants took part in the event, including 4226 hosted and non-hosted buyers. A whopping 76,000 appointments took place over three days, including individual meetings and group presentations.

12 Spice Summer 2019

The Power of Imagination was also woven throughout Smart Monday, a full day of education for attendees. Participants took part in mindfulness sessions, digital portrait painting and professional development workshops, as well as the first-ever She Means Business conference, which addressed gender equality and women in business.

Another show highlight included the signing by multiple partners of the Events Industry Sexual Harassment Task Force Pledge, led by the Association for Women in Events with a goal to eradicate sexual harassment in the events industry.

Meanwhile, sustainability was also a key theme, with the announcement of the industry’s involvement in accelerating the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Australia on show Among the Australian contingent at IMEX America 2019 were 30 exhibitors, including Business Events Sydney, Brisbane Marketing, Darwin Convention Centre, Luna Park Sydney and Perth Convention Bureau just to name a few.

ICC Sydney was also at the show, spreading its legacy message and sharing

76,000 appointments 3,500+ exhibiting companies from 155 countries

its ‘More Than a Venue’ campaign with international buyers.

ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy said the show was a great opportunity to build on the already strong interest in the venue.

“We’ve been at IMEX right from the very beginning of our pre-opening period, but now what we’re doing is ramping up our involvement,” he said.

“As we’re approaching the end of our third year, we’re reinforcing the fact that we’re an international standard, worldclass venue, but really emphasising our message that we’re more than a venue.”

IMEX goes bigger and bolder With the 2019 show all wrapped up, Bloom invited attendees to return to IMEX America in 2020 to celebrate the show’s 10th anniversary. He also announced the IMEX Talking Point for 2020 and 2021.

“It’s a big, timely, important topic, one we can all relate to and one that warrants our full attention; that Talking Point will be ‘Nature’,” he said.

“We’ll be exploring what nature can do for us, and what we can do for nature and we’ll be running this theme over two years to give it the traction it deserves.” n

Advertorial

Explore the Seven Seasons

Darwin Convention Centre has developed a new menu celebrating Australia’s indigenous culture.

“The menu is not only about the taste, smell and look of the food, it is about understanding the local land and how Aboriginal people have used the ingredients available to them.”

Toby Beaton

F

or the Larrakia people, the traditional owners of the Darwin region, the year is divided into seven seasons. There is no beginning and no end but a constant change that can be felt. Each season has distinctive patterns of weather changes and plant and animal activity, each with their own special purpose.

Darwin Convention Centre’s Seven Seasons menu is a culinary journey inspired by the Gulumoerrgin (Larrakia) seasons. Available for events with 10 to 1500 delegates, the Seven Seasons menu provides the opportunity to experience the dramatic changes of the Gulumoerrgin seasons and the corresponding impact these changes have on the sights, sounds, landscape and natural habitat.

Executive chef Toby Beaton has developed a menu that combines local fresh produce and traditional indigenous food.

“When developing the menu, we didn’t just look at the ingredients,” he said.

“We looked at the history of the food, how it was gathered, how it was prepared and how it was cooked.”

Currently available as a seven-course degustation or three-course banquet, the menu allows guests to be part of a journey that has been evolving for over thousands of years.

“The menu is not only about the taste, smell and look of the food, it is about understanding the local land and how Aboriginal people have used the ingredients available to them,” said Beaton.

Some of the local ingredients include mud crab, Kakadu plums, wattleseed, barramundi and, of course, mango.

In a convention centre first, the Seven Seasons journey goes beyond food; it also includes a visual and sound experience, creating a full sensory culture immersion.

Audio and visual packages accompany each course giving delegates a deeper experience and understanding of the Gulumoerrgin seasons.

“We wanted to provide our clients the opportunity to integrate the Seven Seasons menu into their event on varying levels,” said Darwin Convention Centre general manager Peter Savoff.

“Event planners can chose just the menu, or add on the production elements to give a deeper experience to their delegates.

“We can even assist them with including local performers to give a full culture evening. The menu works perfectly with an awards night or gala dinner.”

To find out more about incorporating the Seven Seasons menu into your next event, contact the team at Darwin Convention Centre: sales@darwinconvention.com.au n www.spicenews.com.au 13

Industry update

Back to basics Preparation is well underway for the Asia Pacific Incentives Meetings Event (AIME), with organisers Talk2 Media & Events promising a renewed focus on human connection for the 2020 event.

H

uman connection is the foundation of events and the heart of the business events industry as a whole. But in an age where technology leads the discussion, the value of face-to-face interaction can often be forgotten.

When the business events industry gathers in Melbourne for AIME 2020, they can expect ample opportunity to foster industry connections and build meaningful partnerships. In particular, the Knowledge Exchange will offer a full day of conference sessions and workshops under the theme, ‘Power of Human Connections’.

The sessions will provide growth opportunities for delegates not only in a business capacity, but also personally, says AIME event director Jay Martens.

“No matter what your role, whether you’re a buyer, exhibitor or media, without human connection your business objectives would ultimately be a dead end,” he says.

“We want to strip it back to the basics of human interaction, building strong and meaningful connections through immersive, exciting and educational experiences.”

The Knowledge Exchange will be led by Holly Ransom, CEO of marketing consultancy firm Emergent and the Victorian winner of the 2019 Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership.

Joining her on the speaker program is leadership expert Don Rapley, entrepreneur and author Christopher Kai, game designer Kate Raynes-Goldie and many more.

14 Spice Summer 2019

AIME 2020 will also see the return of the Leadership Forum, as well as a new event designed specifically for associations.

“There was tremendous feedback from industry leaders of the value of the Leadership Forum and a hunger to learn more from one another, so we are very excited to be rolling it out again,” says Martens.

“We are currently fine tuning the last details for a special association event to be held as part of the Knowledge Exchange. We will be sharing further details about this in the near future.”

Ahead of the show, Martens says the team is determined to build on the 2019 event’s success in order to deliver profitable and measurable returns on investment for all attending AIME 2020.

“2020 is not a revolution of our 2019 event, but rather an evolution,” he says.

“We are evolving and building on all aspects of the event, keeping at the forefront by ensuring that we are delivering an inspiring and challenging experience to all who attend.”

AIME will be held on 17-19 February 2020 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. aime.com.au n

Delegates interacting at AIME 2019

Rooftop venues

10

The Gili Rooftop With sweeping harbour views by day and

of the

best

shimmering skyline views by night, The Gili Rooftop is an incredible setting for any occasion. Set amongst the lush surrounds of Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, this versatile space is available to hire exclusively for cocktail events as well as seated functions.

Cocktail capacity: 150 Location: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW

rooftop venues The arrival of summer calls for afternoon cocktails, fresh food and rooftop soirées.

The Rooftop at Quarryman’s Hotel This Palm Springs-inspired rooftop is a hidden gem, located atop The Quarryman’s Hotel in Sydney’s Pyrmont. With a focus on pastels, cacti, cocktails and good tunes, it’s the perfect summer destination for a relaxed, cocktail event.

Cocktail capacity: 100 Location: 214-216 Harris St, Pyrmont NSW www.spicenews.com.au 15

Rooftop venues

The Gallery Located in Adelaide CBD, The Gallery combines heritage charm with modern sophistication. The level three rooftop can be hired exclusively on Sundays and Mondays, offering an open-plan layout and amazing city views.

Cocktail capacity: 180 Location: 30 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA

Elixir Rooftop Bar Nestled above Brisbane’s busy Ann Street, Elixir Rooftop Bar offers a hidden oasis perfect for any occasion. The rooftop’s fresh wooden decor, lush plants, fairy lights and day bed seating allows for a relaxed and chic event.

Cocktail capacity: 150 Location: 646 Ann St, Brisbane City QLD

Soleil Pool Bar Soleil Pool Bar takes its name from the French word for sun, and it’s no secret that this venue shines brightly. Located within Rydges South Bank Brisbane, the venue offers premium food and drinks, attentive service and a glamorous poolside setting to ensure any event is a stand-out.

Cocktail capacity: 250 Location: 9 Glenelg St, South Brisbane QLD

The Glenmore Hotel Established in 1921, The Glenmore Hotel is a Sydney icon and favourite among event planners.

The rooftop boasts stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, and can be hired exclusively or partially to give groups privacy in a buzzing rooftop atmosphere.

Cocktail capacity: 150 Location: 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 16 Spice Summer 2019

Aurora Rooftop Bar Located at the heights of the Melbourne Hotel, Aurora Rooftop Bar is a hidden jewel of Perth CBD. It offers stunning skyline views and a variety of unique cocktails, the bar even distills its own gin.

Cocktail capacity: 150 Location: 33 Milligan St, Perth WA

Provincial Hotel Perched above Brunswick Street, Provincial Hotel is an iconic pub and rooftop bar set in the bustling hub of Fitzroy. With eclectic dĂŠcor and a laid-back vibe, the Provincial Hotel is the perfect spot for a relaxed corporate gathering during the warmer months.

Cocktail capacity: 180 Location: 299 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC

HOLIDAY ON US WIN flights and accommodation to stay at the newly launched The Barracks Sentosa by Far East Hotels.

Book your 2020 meeting with TFE Hotels across Australia or New Zealand* and go into the draw to win a Singapore trip.

BONUS: Receive a two night accommodation voucher for bookings valued at $15,000 or more* at the hotel booked.

To find out more visit TFEhotels.com/earlybird

*Terms & conditions apply.

www.spicenews.com.au  17

Rooftop venues Above 319 One of Sydney’s newest rooftop venues, Above 319 Restaurant & Bar is an intimate garden hideaway atop the brand new Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour. Shared plates, seasonal produce and sunsets are on the menu, while the expert team is on hand to ensure your event is a success.

Cocktail capacity: 80 Location: 319-325 Sussex St, Sydney NSW

The Aviary With the city skyline setting the backdrop, soak in the views with a cocktail in hand at Perth’s iconic open-air rooftop The Aviary. Host your event among the rooftop oasis, with timber decking, lush trees and plants, coupled with great eats, chilled brews and live music.

Cocktail capacity: 320 Location: 140 William St, Perth WA

18 Spice Summer 2019

A-Z

of entertainment Dive into the world of entertainment, where creativity is limitless and inspiration abounds.

www.spicenews.com.au  19

Ball pit

We might not want to admit it, but adults love ball pits just as much as kids do. Add an adultsize ball pit to your event and watch your delegates dive in.

Entertainment

B

Entertain your guests from above with a captivating aerial performer. Customise the performance to suit your event with on-theme costuming, lights and music.

Aerialist

A

E

Build your own escape room for your event and let guests work in teams to escape. Why not set up an escape room at the entrance to your event, giving delegates a code to crack in order to enter the venue.

Escape room

F

Give your guests a glimpse into their future with a fortune teller or tarot card reader. This style of entertainment is perfect for themed events and adds an interactive element to any function.

Fortune teller

Spice  Summer 2019

C D

Roving performers come in all shapes and sizes, including in the form of a walking disco ball. These disco ball-wearing performers dance among guests and make for the perfect photo opportunity.

Disco dancers

Perfect for circus-themed events, a contortionist will have your guests watching on in awe as the flexible performers bend and twist into impressive shapes.

Contortionist Graffiti artist

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Bring some street style into your event with a live graffiti artist. Work with the artist to design a piece that incorporates your brand or message in a creative way.

G Holograms

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Illusionists and magicians are a sure-fire way to entertain a crowd, whether it be an intimate cocktail gathering or a large gala dinner.

Illusionist

Image credit: NW Group

Holographic technology is making its way into events. Now, your keynote speaker, MC or performer can appear at your event via a hologram, like the Premier of South Australia did at the Adelaide Convention Centre East opening.

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Don’t think of karaoke as just a late-night tradition, it can be a hit at corporate events too. Bring in a live band for the occasion and let your guests take centre stage.

Karaoke

Entertainment

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A sophisticated event calls for sophisticated entertainment, just like the soothing sounds of jazz.

Hire a solo jazz singer for small cocktail events or go big with the full band for maximum impact.

Jazz band

Neon body paint Hosting an event in a dark space? Why not use neon body or face paint to make your performers stand out from the crowd, or have a neon face paint station for your guests to enjoy.

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For large-scale events like awards nights or charity balls, an orchestra can add an element of surprise and wow-factor to ensure your event is a memorable one.

Orchestra

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Image credit: Onstage Entertainment

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Get creative with your media wall by using props, green screens or interactive elements. This media wall by Onstage Entertainment doubled as dessert station, offering sweet treats to event guests.

Media walls with a difference

Quiz master

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Trivia nights are a popular choice for events and the perfect ice-breaker for corporate teams. Hire a quiz master for your event and watch your groups get ultra-competitive.

Live portrait drawing is a great ice-breaker for corporate events. There’s a variety of artists to choose from, including caricature artists, sketching artists and painters.

Live portraits

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Image credit: Funktionality Events and Experiences

Roving performers add an element of surprise and interaction to events.

Entertainment experts Funktionality Events and Experiences offer a wide variety of roving acts, including circus performers, magicians, dancers and themed greeters.

Roving performers

Photo booths have evolved from a static box to interactive, high-tech experiences for guests. Think selfies in the back of a kombi van or 360-degree cameras to capture your guests in a fun, engaging way.

Photo booth

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way to bring your event theme to life. Think colourful costumes, fire performers or even musicians on stilts.

Stilt walkers are a great

Stilt walkers

Entertainment

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Leave your mark on guests by offering a temporary tattoo station that fits with your event theme. Think glittery styles for a festival-themed event or henna art for a Bollywood event.

Temporary tattoo station

W Water show

Go big for your next event with extra-large board games and activities for your guests. Life-size chess, Jenga and Connect Four are all popular choices.

XL games

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If a swimming pool or lake is part of your event venue, make the most of it by incorporating entertainment on the water like synchronised swimmers or jetpack performers.

Spice Summer 2019

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Hosting a low-key event that needs a relaxed style of entertainment?

The acoustic sounds of a ukulele performer are perfect for summer gatherings or events by the sea.

Ukulele performer

Yoga

Virtual reality has taken the event world by storm in recent years.

From swimming with sharks and rollercoasters rides to playing your favourite sport on the world stage, the opportunities are endless when it comes to VR.

VR experiences

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and goat yoga (that’s no joke) are all making waves across the world.

Yoga might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking entertainment, but there are so many fun ways to incorporate it into an event. Beer yoga, laughter yoga

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There’s nothing more exciting (or terrifying!) than seeing real-life zoo animals roaming amongst guests at an event. Hosting an event in a wildlife park allows your guests to get up close with the furry residents, while some zoos will bring the animals to you.

Zoo animals

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Opinion

“Entertainment has a value that should be held in as high a regard as your menu selections and keynote speakers.”

Putting entertainment

back on top

We all know entertainment can make or break an event, so why is it so often an afterthought? Musicland director Chad Davis explains why entertainment is the foundation for a successful event.

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’ve looked out onto a lot of heaving dancefloors over the years and thought to myself, ‘Does it get any better than this?’ That buzz you get when you tease an audience and then drop into a track at exactly the right time to send them into a frenzy is bliss! The power of a single beat shared in unison with an entire audience can elevate your event to legendary status. In that moment, everyone is equal. There are no bosses on the dancefloor.

Why is it then that my team and I get contacted by producers in the closing stages of their planning process to book a band or DJ? The venue is locked in, the menu finalised and even the table centrepieces are arranged, but entertainment often remains an afterthought. A component with that much power to make or break an event should be the question asked after ‘Who is the audience?’

Entertainment has a value that should be held in as high a regard as your menu selections and keynote speakers. The musicians, DJs and artists you book have spent years practicing and perfecting their art and deserve recognition of that dedication.

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From my perspective, it appears the Australian event industry is stuck in an endless loop driven by fear. Fear of change, fear of failing and fear of being truly innovative at the risk of a bad event or unhappy client. These are the soul-destroying missiles that I know you as event professionals are hit with daily.

But there is hope! I’ve been able to effect change in clients by making them take small, incremental steps. Each time they try something different, the line is redrawn in the sand. Every event after that is a step further away from ‘same as it ever was’.

My most significant cathartic moment happened when I realised that a client is not the person approving the budget; the client is the audience, the delegates and the guests at your event. For me, the concept of entertainment has evolved into one of engagement. That new lens has changed my approach completely making the risk-averse hierarchy no longer a factor in the equation.

Know your audience, trust your instincts, chip away at the decision makers and the change you want will come. n

Coworking spaces

Untapped potential

Inside Australia’s coworking spaces lie creative meeting and event spaces waiting to be discovered.

By Brittney Levinson.

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oworking spaces have redefined the traditional office model, replacing uniform, lock-in contract offices with flexible options for small businesses and freelancers. According to the 2019 Global Coworking Survey by Deskmag, the number of coworking venues worldwide is estimated to grow to more than 26,000 in 2020.

Step inside these creative hubs and you’ll find colourful, open-plan spaces teaming with solo workers as well as semi-private offices occupied by the likes of tech companies, start-ups and small businesses.

They’re also full of creative meeting and event spaces – and you don’t have to be a tenant to use them.

Coworking provider WOTSO has 18 locations currently operating or under construction across Australia and Asia, offering more than 30,000 square metres of coworking space. According to chief operating officer Tom Aitchison, office and desk rental make up the core of the business, but venue hire is a growing revenue stream that currently accounts for about 5 per cent.

“We have multiple meeting rooms with varying sizes,” he says. These include 20-person meeting rooms through to signature ‘amphitheatre’ spaces for 80 people or more.“There’s a lot of untapped potential,” says Aitchison.

Not-for-profit provider Fishburners is another big player in the coworking space, offering shared space for tech start-ups in Brisbane, Sydney and Shanghai.

Event space hire makes up roughly 10 per cent of the business, says CEO Nicole O'Brien.

TOP: The Amphitheatre at WOTSO Pyrmont ABOVE: Coworking space at WOTSO Fortitude Valley

www.spicenews.com.au 27

Coworking spaces

Inspiring spaces for your next event

“It’s just a novel, unique environment to be in and to get into somewhere completely different.”

Nicole O’Brien

WOTSO Fortitude Valley Located in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, this coworking hub is bursting with creativity. Event planners can choose from the 16-seat Corporate Cave, the 12-seat Ping Pong Room or the Picnic Room for larger groups of 45 delegates.

Fishburners Sydney Fishburners Sydney, located at York Street in the CBD, offers the Ideas Space, which can host up to 250 guests for a standing function or 100 theatrestyle, and the Event Space, which caters for up to 300 guests or can be divided for smaller groups.

“Both Sydney and Brisbane have really fantastic venues for events,” she says. ”We've been able to create facilities that we can provide to the broader community on a fee-forservice basis and being a not-forprofit, that allows us to have another source of revenue generation that we can invest back in the start-up communities that we support.”

So what are the benefits of choosing a coworking event space over a traditional meeting room? According to O’Brien, the coworking environment is simply an inspiring place to be.

“We call them our creative events and ideas spaces because I suppose they're always designed with that in mind,” she says.“That's why people like them; they're not your average hotel conference room, and they've got lots of really large windows and natural light, which is such a rare thing to find in CBD properties.”

Aitchison says while coworking spaces differ from traditional meeting spaces, all the basics are provided, often for an affordable price.

“We don't set them up to have a fivestar hotel conference facilities as such, but we've got AV, internet, catering, everything ready to go,”he says.

WOTSO coworking spaces are mostly located outside of major CBDs in an effort to be easily accessible for members. Aitchison says the locality is another drawcard for corporate groups.

“There's [now] event spaces in areas where there aren't hotels or function centres,” he says.

Whether it's a workshop, team brainstorming day or general business meeting, corporate groups looking for something a little out of the ordinary will find a wealth of creative event spaces inside coworking hubs. It’s why businesses such as Lendlease, ING, VISA and Atlassian have all held events at Fishburners, says O’Brien.

“It's just a novel, unique environment to be in and to get into somewhere completely different,” she says.“You would hope that stimulates some new ideas and innovation.” n

There are also two private boardrooms on offer.

WOTSO Pyrmont WOTSO’s Pyrmont location in Sydney offers four event spaces, including the Nook for up to six people or the Room of Requirement for up to 10.

The Green Room is a relaxed boardroom space for up to 20 people, while the Ampitheatre can host up to 80 guests.

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Fishburners Sydney

Incentives

The new incentive

Australian incentive groups are travelling further to destinations like Rio de Janeiro

Brittney Levinson sits down with the experts to find out what’s trending in incentives, from emerging destinations to sustainable practices.

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orporate incentive programs have continually evolved in recent years, steering away from what may once have been labelled a ‘junket’ to offer a more educational and memorable experience for delegates, albeit still with the ultimate goal to reward employees.

CWT Meetings & Events, a division of global travel management company Carlson Wagonlit Travel, has a front-row seat in the incentives market, delivering thousands of global programs every year and gaining first-hand insight into what’s trending in the space.

Here, senior vice president and global managing director Derek Sharp, director of Australia and New Zealand Michelle Sargent and senior director of Asia Pacific Sam Lay share the latest on incentive trends and reveal their predictions of what’s to come in 2020.

Travelling further afield While easy-to-reach destinations such as Fiji, Indonesia and Thailand remain popular among Australian incentive programs, many groups are now looking beyond Asia Pacific for the chance to experience something new.

“People are now willing to look a little bit further afield to get something that is considered a bit exotic,” says Sargent.

“We have had some amazing events over the past 18 months where we've gone as far as South America, [such as] Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires. We have also done Egypt in the past year, as well as Lisbon and Marrakech.”

Given the distance Australian groups are required to travel for these destination, the programs are also becoming longer in duration and include more free time for delegates. www.spicenews.com.au 29

Incentives “What would usually be a jampacked, three-day program is now a five- or seven-day program where they're given two or three free days to explore the destination,” says Sargent.

“Aussies are good travellers, they never complain about a long-haul flight, which is terrific. But they are obviously extending that stay if they're going that far afield.”

She says incentive groups are also considering destinations they wouldn’t usually choose to visit as a solo traveller. “[For example], places such as Egypt and Rio, which do have a slight danger factor to them in regards to security,” she explains.“People feel much more comfortable travelling [to these destinations] within a group and in an organised environment.”

Exploring secondary cities Along with a move towards more distant destinations, incentive groups are also opting to travel to secondary cities, or tier-two cities. According to Lay, cities such as Da Nang in Vietnam and Sanya in China are becoming more popular as people seek more authentic travel experiences.

“Tier-one cities offer excellent infrastructure, they're very mature in their offering but we hear that people want [a more] local feel,” he explains.

“Once you venture into the tiertwo cities, you get a lot more of that authentic experience.”

Sustainable venues are high on the priority list

“Tier-one cities offer excellent infrastructure, they’re very mature in their offerings but we hear that people want [a more] local feel.”

Sam Lay

But taking groups to secondary cities doesn’t come without challenges.

Logistics is one of the biggest factors to consider in the early planning stages, says Sargent.

“I'm thinking about how many flights are going into that destination each day and I'm also considering the client’s travel policy,” she says.

“We work with some clients who can only have 10 or 20 people on each flight, so we have to be super mindful of that.

Logistically, if it's going to take me two and a half days to get everyone over there, it's not necessarily the best idea.”

Safety and security are also high on the priority list, she says.

“In this day and age people are super mindful of it, whether it be something environmental like a volcano or from a terrorism side.”

Sharp agrees, saying often there’s a lot of emphasis on getting groups safely to and from a destination, but what happens in between is equally as important.

“It's about educating our customers around what's available, anything from basic information around health and safety—if somebody falls and breaks an arm, how do you get to the right hospital—to if there is a major event, how do you manage communications?” he says. “It used to be a nice-to-have, now it's a must-have.”

Meaningful experiences Free time is important for delegates to explore the destination

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While incentives are still largely about rewarding employees and driving business success, groups are now more than ever seeking meaningful

DO BUSINESS. NETWORK. LEARN.

I N S P I R E Y O U R E V E N T C R E AT I V I T Y A N D K I C K O F F Y O U R Y E A R B Y J O I N I N G U S AT A I M E .

R E G I S T E R N O W AT: A I M E .C O M . A U

Incentives “So we actually tied in a CSR program where the local children were able to plant fruit and vegetables three months prior to our group arriving, and then [together] do a cooking class.

“You're getting that cultural side of it, learning about the country itself, learning about its issues and also giving back.”

Sustainability

Meaningful CSR components are becoming a must-have

“[Sustainability is] front of mind for some people, it’s on the list for others, but it's absolutely part of the discussion.”

Derek Sharp

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travel experiences. If groups are willing to travel significant distances for a program, it’s important to ensure they take away a valuable experience and positive memory of the destination.

“There needs to be a cultural element to it otherwise it is as though you could have been in any city in the world,” says Sargent.“If you are in a hotel in beautiful Singapore as opposed to being in a hotel in Sydney it can be very similar unless you're bringing in that traditional element of some kind.”

Engaging with local tourism or convention bureaus is a great way to find meaningful experiences or CSR activities to suit your incentive group.

Sargent says when considering a CSR program, it’s crucial to seek advice on what activities will have a genuine impact on the community.

“We found out on our last trip to Fiji that there’s a massive issue in regards to childhood obesity,” she says.

Like in most areas of the business events industry, incentive programs today are putting more of a focus on sustainability. Lay, Sargent and Sharp agree, sustainability is an important factor for incentive planners when choosing destinations, suppliers and especially venues.

“For hotel chains like Accor, Marriott and Hilton, it's almost impossible for them not to have a sustainable program in place because the clients are asking for it,” says Lay. Sargent echoes this sentiment, saying genuine sustainable practices are a must-have for venues looking to secure corporate incentive groups.

“Especially in new-build hotels, I don't think it's going to be acceptable in five years’ time to be staying at a hotel that has not got some sustainable structure around it, whether it be filtration of water in rooms, recycled water or solar power,” she says.

Sharp says customers are looking for meaningful sustainability programs over those done purely for marketing purposes.

“I think that will continue more and more going forward, people want to make sure that it's real, and not just something that can be put in a brochure,” he says.

“In every RFP we get now, [sustainability] is part of the equation.

It's front of mind for some people, it's on the list for others, but it's absolutely part of the discussion.”

There’s a lot to consider as an incentive organiser, from the destination choice right down to CSR components and safety procedures.

Above all, incentive programs continue to focus on improving business sales, fostering a positive workplace and building high-achieving employees.

But with an added focus on local activities, community outreach and sustainability, incentive programs today are providing life-changing experiences in inspiring destinations. n

There’s more to see and do in Western Australia...

Meet the friendliest animal on the planet and star in your own “quokka selfie”

Swim in pristine waters alongside gentle whale sharks at the World Heritage-listed site of Ningaloo Reef

Visit the oldest Wine Region in WA, Swan Valley, located only 25 minutes outside of Perth

For further information about hosting your next business event in Western Australia contact: Perth Convention Bureau Phone: +61 (0)8 9218 2900 Email: info@pcb.com.au BACKGROUND IMAGE: VALLEY OF THE GIANTS TREETOP WALK, CREDIT - FRANCIS ANDRIJICH THUMBNAIL IMAGES: COPYRIGHT TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Take in the magnificent Horizontal Falls in the Kimberly region, described

by David Attenborough as “Australia's most unusual natural wonder"

Case study

The final curtain

Tasked with producing a show-stopping gala event for 6000 international incentive guests, Encore Event Technologies had their work cut out for them—and they delivered.

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he final moments of an incentive program has the ability to make or break an event. It demands creativity and innovation in order to leave a lasting impression on delegates.

Event services company Encore Event Technologies recently produced the final gala dinner for a month-long incentive, overcoming creative and logistic challenges to end the program on a high.

The brief Each year, health and beauty multi-level marketing company Amway China rewards its sales force with a once-in-a-lifetime incentive program, often in distant, beautiful destinations. So it’s no surprise Cairns, Tropical North Queensland was the chosen destination for 2019.

34 Spice Summer 2019

The brief was simple: put on a show worthy of the employees’ hard work and inspire them to keep achieving. The chosen production partner was to deliver both the business sessions in the morning and a spectacular closing gala dinner in the evening for nearly 900 guests, seven times over.

The execution Encore’s winning creative concept, Rainforest to Reef, paid homage to Tropical North Queensland’s renowned landscape, following the flow of water from the skies to the ocean. The challenge was designing a never-before-seen experience for a well-travelled client that has seen almost everything.

Amway China chose the Australian Artillery and Armoury Museum (AAAM) as the venue to add an unexpected element to the program.

As the largest privately owned collection of military vehicles in the Southern Hemisphere, it offered guests a rare tank show experience.

At moer than 4200 square metres, the venue was also large enough to accommodate the production equipment for both the gala and business sessions, catering and other suppliers.

The Rainforest to Reef theme allowed Encore to design four distinct experiences: rainforest, beach, reef and river. Each environment was themed using a 270-degree screen that wrapped around the venue walls, customised soundscapes, roaming performers and reef-inspired table styling which incorporated lighting design. A key performance brought each environment to life and were each enhanced with creative technical production.

The ‘rainforest’ environment included a thunder and lightning performance by the Million Volt Man, one of the most extreme live performers who uses highvoltage Tesla coil in his stunts. For the ‘river’ component, Encore created a custom Fish Medley act which included singing and dancing animated fish on computercontrolled robotic LED screens that moved with the music.

The ‘beach’ environment included an artistic Fabric Ballet performance featuring 18 DMX controlled fans with choreographed dancing, while ‘reef’ featured a game simulation of an underwater treasure hunt made possible using a range of AV techniques. The journey saw a live performer participate in the underwater adventure using layered multimedia with a holographic mesh screen, LEDs and choreographed robotics show.

The challenges The AAAM was the perfect venue to host the event, however given the building wasn’t yet Fast facts complete, there were several challenges and Who: Amway China unknowns Encore had to account for, such Where: Tropical North as rigging capacity, final wall and door Queensland placements, thickness of the floor slab and When: 21 March – 15 April 2019 more. A mere 46 days before show day the Numbers: 6000 attendees in building construction was completed and it seven waves was all hands on deck to get it event-ready.

The venue came without rated rigging points, three-phase power, guest Wi-Fi facilities nor airconditioning, all of which Encore worked with the engineers and builders to install. The benefit of such a blank canvas, however, was the opportunity to completely design it to suit Encore’s requirements, from the rigging points, generator farms for airconditioning to service corridors for behind the scenes and catering.

Despite a close working relationship between Encore and the venue builders, on the day before install the venue revealed several sky lights which Andrew MacColl drastically impacted the lighting and projection. The Encore team quickly designed and installed makeshift The result ceiling shades to overcome the lighting imbalance.

The end result was a memorable gala dinner that Safety was also a huge factor with an event ended the international incentive on a high. Encore of such a large size and such complex technical show producer Andrew MacColl said guests were production elements. As a result, Encore designed blown away by the 270-degree multimedia projection, the stage set four times to accommodate for the holographic projection and synchronised robotics.

Million Volt Man performance to also include a safe “The creative event design was matched with zone from the live current. cutting-edge use of technology to create an amazing A key creative challenge for overcoming the venue experience for guests,” he said. size was giving each guest the same experience no “Working in such a unique venue had its matter where they were positioned. The vast venue challenges, but also many benefits in that it allowed walls were leveraged by installing 26 projectors to our team the opportunity to maximise their enable 270-degree projection around the entire creativity to bring to life a blank canvas. venue and building satellite stages and additional “Special event director John Schryver designed a screens to ensure everyone had the same experience. truly unique and immersive experience which will The 270-degree projection allowed Encore to undoubtedly be remembered long after the event. seamlessly switch between the themed environments “The team brought his design to life and delivered and let the content do the heavy lifting. the series of events flawlessly.” n

“Working in such a unique venue had its challenges, but also many benefits in that it allowed our team the opportunity to maximise their creativity to bring to life a blank canvas.”

TOP LEFT: Live performers stole the show BOTTOM LEFT: A night to remember ABOVE: Roving performers interacted with guests

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Advertorial

10

1

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of the best experiences in

Singapore

From the heart-pumping adventure on Sentosa Island, to the luxury dining and accommodation on the mainland, Singapore offers endless experiences to impress your incentive groups.

1/ Sentosa Island 2/ Goodwood Park Hotel 3/ The Outpost Hotel Sentosa 4/ Wildlife Reserves Singapore 5/ Idlewild at InterContinental Singapore 6/ One Faber Group’s Singapore Cable Car

36 Spice Summer 2019

Discover the State of Fun

A hotel for every group

A popular island-in-the-city that attracts some 19 million visitors annually, Sentosa is the perfect destination for unconventional experiences. Apart from its excellent turnkey capabilities in hosting highstature events at short notice, Sentosa is also known for its array of leisure offerings, such as 30 themed attractions, some 200 food and beverage and retail outlets, 15 hotels and two premier golf courses.

Park Hotel Group, a leading hospitality company in Asia Pacific, provides a choice of six distinct hotels in Singapore across three brands: the luxury Grand Park, upscale Park Hotel and midscale Destination. The portfolio of more than 2000 guest rooms and 12 quality restaurants and bars all in central locations makes hosting groups in Singapore a breeze.

Indulge in luxury accommodation

Experience 5-star heritage

Exclusive and private with keen attention to detail, The Outpost Hotel Sentosa is a trendy getaway for adults and groups. The 193-key upscale hotel is a stylish interpretation of black and white design with crisp lines and a contrasting palette. Room amenities include toiletries by Appelles Apothecary & Lab, pillow mist for turndown service and customised minibar with compliments from the hotel.

Built in 1900, Goodwood Park Hotel is a distinguished heritage hotel, with its Grand Tower being declared a national monument in 1989. The hotel features 233 elegant rooms, two swimming pools, five restaurants, a bar and meeting spaces to suit every occasion. The property has become a hot spot for discerning travellers with its castle-like structure and old-world colonial charm.

Stay amongst all the action

Travel the world (in one spot)

Spanning 49 hectares, Resorts World Sentosa is Asia’s premium lifestyle destination resort and home to world-class attractions including Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, the Maritime Experiential Museum, Dolphin Island and Adventure Cove Waterpark. The precinct also boasts six luxury hotels, the Resorts World Convention Centre, a casino and many celebrity chef restaurants.

Impress your guests with a brunch meeting or cocktail event at Singapore’s hottest cocktail bar, Idlewild, located at InterContinental Singapore.

Inspired by the golden age of air travel, the cocktail menu references the key cities along the Transatlantic Route. Guests can also enjoy a tasting flight of rare spirits curated from around the world or experience a masterclass on whisky, rum or cocktails.

Feel the adrenaline Experience the rush of being a Formula 1 driver with a go-karting session organised by Buffalo Tours.

Whether it’s a corporate event or a team-building activity, put the pedal to the metal and add a day on the race track to your next incentive in Singapore. Get your adrenaline pumping during practice and qualifying rounds before embracing your competitive side in the final round.

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Take in the views Take flight with Singapore Cable Car for an extraordinary team experience. One Faber Group’s Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass covers both Mount Faber and Sentosa lines, offering unparalleled aerial views 100 metres above the sea. Once you arrive at Faber Peak, enjoy a tranquil garden dining experience at Arbora or end the night with a multimedia night show at Arbora Garden.

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Get lost amongst the flowers Whether it’s the stunning displays in Flower Dome, the exotic plants in Cloud Forest or the awe-inspiring Supertrees, Gardens by the Bay has something for everyone. New event space, Floral Fantasy, offers an exclusive venue for cocktail receptions, combining flowers, artistry and technology. Extend your event to the adjacent SG50 Lattice to complete the magical event experience you are looking for.

Spend an evening in the wild

5 6

In a night of pure luxury and indulgence, enjoy a unique dining experience with Wildlife Reserves Singapore at the Night Safari. Begin your Evening in the Wild with a cocktail reception before boarding a private tram with your personal host. Enjoy upclose animal encounters, then prepare to feast in an air-conditioned tipi, set against the spectacular view of Seletar Reservoir.

For more information about hosting an event in Singapore, contact: Meliana Halim Singapore Tourism Board 02 9290 2888 meliana_halim@stb.gov.sg visitsingapore.com/mice

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Incentives

Lasting impressions While cocktails and dinners by the beach are sure to impress, when the incentive trip is over, what do your delegates take away?

Brittney Levinson finds out.

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nternational incentive trips provide an invaluable opportunity for employees to explore new destinations, develop stronger connections with peers and, above all, they encourage hard work.

While sight-seeing, parties and relaxing by a pool might be on the itinerary, it’s important to ensure your group leaves with a positive, memorable experience that is unique to the destination they’re in.

Incentive programs present a prime opportunity to immerse delegates into a new culture, where they can learn first-hand about the region’s history and traditions. At Grand Wailea, a luxury resort on the Hawaiian island of Maui, cultural experiences are an important aspect of the hotel and what they offer groups.

“Cultural experiences are what define us, what set us apart and what ground us in this place, in this island of Hawaii,” explains Grand Wailea’s cultural ambassador Kainoa Horcajo.

“When you come here to our home, we want to make sure you know where you are and, by extension, where you are not. We want you to connect with this place, its people and with the indigenous culture of these islands.”

Horjaco’s role as cultural ambassador involves creating experiences that connect visitors to the host culture and the islands. For him, it’s an opportunity to share the stories of his home island.

“We all come from somewhere,” he says.“We all have native blood running through our veins.

“We all have a heritage we connect with and it’s those familial connections that connect us all as humanity to each other, no matter the nation, island or continent we hail from.”

Cultural experiences are a chance to connect different cultures and find similarities between them, says Horjaco.

“Usually these experiences involve all the senses, something physical like making a lei or paddling a canoe, but they also tap into universal values that have no boundaries or borders,” he says.

“Values like industriousness, unity of purpose and responsibility are told through a Hawaiian lens in our experiences but anyone can see how they relate to their life and their home culture.”

38 Spice Summer 2019

One experience offered by Grand Wailea is the Kaulana Ke Kino journey, which taps into the ancestral and elemental forces of the islands. It begins with a movement class where participants learn Hawaiian traditions like hula and lua (the Hawaiian martial art).

Next, they enjoy a lomi lomi massage treatment with botanicals gathered from the on-site gardens, before dinner under the stars. Each element of the experience is founded in principles of the Kaulana Mahina, the traditional Hawaiian moon calendar system.

“The significance of the experience and the timing within a lunar month is that it is not arbitrary,” says Horjaco.

“It is composed and timed to allow yourself to come into alignment with your own mind-bodyspirit, these islands and the universe in a very Hawaiian world view.”

Cultural activities, according to Horjaco, leave guests with a profound experience that sticks with them “longer than their day at the beach or the last cocktail they had”.

“There is the recognition that even though we are this small island chain in the middle of the largest ocean on earth we have more in common than we do different,” he says.

“And one of the best pieces of feedback I get is when people do a cultural experience here and it gives them more pride in where they came from and encourages them to go back and improve their community, as they have helped ours.” n

Groups can take part in cultural experiences at Grand Wailea in Hawaii

Your event (like you) should stand out from the crowd!

Riley, living in the moment

Flynn, the wild child

Bailey, the thoughtful, arty one

From intimate gatherings, to corporate conventions and social soirĂŠes, our Crystalbrook Collection meeting spaces in Cairns leave you spoiled for choice!

Take your pick from our sustainable, personality-led hotels and resorts.

To book, contact sales@crystalbrookcollection.com

crystalbrookcollection.com

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A new era

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With an influx of new-build hotels, enhanced attractions and a major convention centre expansion about to begin, Tropical North Queensland is booming.

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he first thing you’ll notice if you haven’t been to Cairns in a while is the influx of new hotels rising up around the city. Emerging hotel group Crystalbrook Collection has a lot to do with the changing skyline, bringing a portfolio of three five-star hotels to the region. The first, a 311-room hotel named Riley, opened in late 2018 and has since become a hot spot for events, offering venues for up to 400 guests.

“Riley had a fantastic launch into the business events market with our first large conference which took place in January,”says Trixie Scully, area director Cairns, sales and distribution at Crystalbrook Collection.

“Since then, Riley has hosted a mix of conferences, incentive groups, weddings, VIP and social soirées.”

Riley’s three restaurants, Rocco, Paper Crane and Greenfields, have been well received by locals and travellers alike, bringing sophisticated dining and event spaces to the city. Bailey was the next hotel to open on 2 November 2019, featuring 217 rooms, meeting spaces for up to 150 people and five restaurant and bar options.

1/ Poolside at Riley 2/ The newly opened Bailey 3/ Rocco restaurant and rooftop bar at Riley 4/ New guest rooms at Bailey

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The 303-room Flynn will compete the hotel trio when it opens in early 2020. Scully says construction of the third hotel is coming along well.

“When Flynn opens in early 2020, we’ll have the wonderful opportunity to host events across all three properties in Cairns, including 877 rooms and suites for delegates to enjoy,” she says.

Another major development for the region is the expansion of the Cairns Convention Centre, which is expected to begin in May 2020. When complete in early 2022, the $176 million project will add 3000 square metres of meeting, banquet and exhibition space overlooking Trinity Inlet.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland general manager Rosie Douglas says the new infrastructure allows the city to host larger conference and incentive groups.

“The expansion of the convention centre combined with over 800 new hotel rooms from the Crystalbrook Collection will provide the catalyst for the city to host simultaneous conferences for over 400 people, as well as attract larger conferences that we have not had the capacity to host previously,” she says.

The investment throughout the region is just another reason why international and domestic incentive groups are looking to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

“The most consistent feedback we get from event planners is that it’s a very easy region to work in and that delegates leave energised because of the sheer natural beauty and experiences the region offers,” says Douglas.

“New bars and restaurants, an upgraded waterfront and a city that really values business events are all contributing to this new era of the city.”n

Hot spot

What’s new in TNQ Walk across a gorge

New host for dance festival

Uncover the street culture

Cobbold Gorge can now be enjoyed from above and below with the opening of a glass bridge spanning its sheer sandstone walls. The 19-metre-high bridge provides visitors with 360-degree views of the gorge. Tours can also take place in an electric boat, on a stand-up paddle board, by helicopter or hiking.

The Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation will host the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival in 2020, which will be held on a traditional bora ground near Laura’s collection of rock art sites. People from more than 20 Indigenous communities across Cape York Peninsula will gather to celebrate with music, dance and singing.

Funky laneway art, hidden bars, a vintage record store and cafes with a conscience have sprung up in the Cairns CBD. Explore the city as the locals do on the Hipster and Street Art Tour with Cairns Urban Walking Tours. The company also offers foodie tours of Rusty’s Markets and a Cairns history tour.

CAIRNS Inspiring landscapes and experiences Perfect for incentives of any size Read about how Cairns & Great Barrier Reef delivered for Amway China recently at businesseventscairns.org.au

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Hot spot

Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

The Entertainment Capital of the World certainly lives up to its name, but as Brittney Levinson discovers, beyond the bright lights and late nights, there’s more to Las Vegas than you might think.

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here’s no denying Las Vegas is a bucket-list destination for many; the endless calendar of worldclass entertainment, abundance of luxury shops and high-end resorts is enough to entice most travellers to the US city.

But beyond the gaming and nightlife, the city is becoming a hot spot for business events groups, who are drawn in by the large-scale venues, thriving restaurant and bar scene and endless attractions beyond The Strip.

Foodie haven While it’s not something you hear about often, Las Vegas’ culinary scene is world-class. At every turn, a new celebrity restaurant or bar has cropped up, serving cuisines from all over the globe with a Vegas twist.

The Venetian Resort, centrally located on The Strip, offers a huge variety of dining options, all located within walking distance of the accommodation and adjoining Sands Expo Convention Centre. The newly rebranded Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano offers Italian fare in a casual, yet refined atmosphere, while Chica explores the flavours of Latin American cuisine in a vibrant all-daydining setting.

If Asian fusion is more your vibe, the new Mott 32 restaurant and bar at The Venetian is a must-try. The menu takes inspiration from Cantonese, Szechuan and Beijing cooking, while 42 Spice Summer 2019

the space itself blends New York industrialism with classic Chinese elements in a sophisticated way. The venue doubles as an event venue, with multiple sections that can be utilised for intimate dinners or more extravagant cocktail parties.

For authentic American dining, Smith & Wollensky offers its famed steakhouse experience over two levels in The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes. The venue is complete with an impressive wine wall, butcher room, a private dining room overlooking the promenade and event spaces for 400 guests.

True foodies will have heard the buzz about chef Roy Choi’s Vegas restaurant, Best Friend, which opened at Park MGM in early 2019. The establishment certainly lives up to the hype, drawing you in instantly with a neon-clad bar that Choi refers to as the Liquor Store. Serving up cocktails and Best Friend merch, the bar leads into the main dining room, where the menu is a delicious mash-up of Korean and Los Angeles-style cuisine.

Think Korean tacos, kimchi fried rice and lobster Kung Pao. Another star in the culinary line-up at Park MGM is Primrose, a Frenchinspired restaurant serving up brunch through to dinner. The indooroutdoor venue can also be booked for functions of up to 500 guests, while its private dining room is an intimate space for 32.

Kaos Dayclub at The Palms

Asian fusion dining at Best Friend, Park MGM

Mott 32 at The Venetian Resort

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Did you know?

Australians are among some of the biggest lovers of Las Vegas, despite there being no direct flights between the two destinations. In 2018, more than 370,000 Aussies visited Las Vegas, making Australia one of the top 10 visitor markets.

Undoubtedly, the best way to experience as much of the Las Vegas dining scene in a limited amount of time is on a guided foodie tour. Lip Smacking Foodie Tours is the city’s leading operator, taking groups on a series of different food and drink explorations every day. Their Savors of the Strip tour takes groups to four popular restaurants, including the likes of Bardot Brasserie, Julian Serrano Tapas, Estiatorio Milos and Cucina

by Wolfgang Puck, trying a signature dish at each stop, paired with a cocktail. The experience is not only a great way to explore the city’s dining culture, but a fun way for groups to connect and meet in a relaxed environment.

Venues for every group Large-scale conferences and meetings are destined for Las Vegas. Sprawling convention centres and outdoor venues aplenty make hosting major events a breeze.

The Sands Expo Convention Center, which recently hosted IMEX America 2019, is among the largest event centres in Las Vegas. Event planners can choose from five large exhibition halls, four stunning ballrooms and meeting rooms of all sizes. At almost 8000 square metres, the Venetian Ballroom is one of the largest obstruction-free ballrooms in the world.

To really capitalise on the vibrant atmosphere Las Vegas is known for, the city offers large outdoor venues that can be hired exclusively for events.

Reinventing Vegas Las Vegas is in the midst of a large development period, with some US$15 billion worth of new projects and redevelopments underway, according to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority vice president of global sales Chris Meyer.

One of the most significant projects is the expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center (pictured), which will see 130,000 square metres of new event space added by December 2020. The existing centre will also be renovated, with the entire works expected to be completed in 2024.

There’s another development underway that’s hard to miss when entering Las Vegas and that’s the US$2 billion Allegiant Stadium, which will be home to NFL team the Oakland

Raiders. The 65,000-seat stadium won’t be limited to sporting events when it opens in July 2020, it’s also set to become a venue for business events.

“They are designing the stadium not only to be a pitch for football, cricket and soccer, they're also setting it up to host meetings as well,” says Meyer. “[It will have] specialised catering operations that can handle sit-down banquets, breakout meetings and things like that.”

Meyer says the developments are all part of delivering an experience that goes beyond the casino floor.

“A lot of folks, when they hear Las Vegas they automatically think of gaming, which is fine, but we’re so much more than that,” he says.

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Hot spot The famous Drai’s Beachclub and Nightclub at The Cromwell redefines corporate events, with capacity to host groups of up to 4000 across its indoor and outdoor spaces. Inside, large LED screens allow brands to make the space their own, while the outdoor pool deck offers the ultimate Vegas experience with two full-service bars and poolside cabanas.

Kaos Nightclub and Dayclub offers a similar experience at The Palms, with leading audio, video and lighting technology to deliver corporate events with impact. After undergoing a major two-year refurbishment, The Palms also offers theatre spaces, ballrooms, penthouse suites and a private rooftop space for events.

Moving groups around town and between events is made easy thanks to a number of transport companies available in Las Vegas.

Trusted supplier Bell Limousine is perfect for VIP groups with its fleet of luxury cars and limousines, as well as larger vehicles for group airport transfers.

A place to rest your head The Venetian Resort The Venetian Resort offers the luxurious hotel experience travellers have come to know and love about Las Vegas. Between its two towers, The Venetian and The Palazzo, there are more than 7000 suites, making it one of the largest hotels in the US. The Italian-inspired suites are some of the

most spacious on offer on The Strip complete with separate living areas and oversized bathrooms.

Beyond the luxe suites, the wider resort boasts more than 210,000 square metres of event space, more than 90,000 square metres of retail space and more than 30 restaurants.

Reward delegates Once the business is over, Las Vegas is a playground full of attractions, shopping and experiences to reward delegates. Arguably one of the best places to take in the bright lights of The Strip is from above. Maverick Helicopters offer various tours over Las Vegas and to the Grand Canyon, perfect for rewarding delegates post-conference.

Explore Las Vegas as the locals do and take your groups downtown to see where it all began. Groups can learn about the city’s mob history at The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, aka The Mob Museum. The interactive museum is housed in the former federal courthouse and United States Post Office and features an underground bar, which can be hired for events.

Thrill-seekers can experience Downtown Las Vegas from above at the SlotZilla Zipline, part of the Fremont Street Experience. Take off from a 12-storey slot machine-themed tower and soar along either the 260-metre zipline or 530-metre ‘zoomline’ while watching all the action below.

Those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground can look up and enjoy the Viva Vision light show, which spans the length of the mall and is made up of 12.5 million LED lamps.

Las Vegas certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted, the round-the-clock nature of the destination is unlike anywhere else in the world. But there’s a lot to love about the city and it’s easy to see why so many groups are flocking to experience it. Because beyond the casino floor, there’s an abundance of activities, restaurants, bars and venues to entice business events to fabulous Las Vegas. n 44 Spice Summer 2019

Luxury suite at The Venetian

Park MGM Park MGM officially opened in May 2018, taking over the former Monte Carlo hotel with a fresh, new hotel experience. Park MGM is a sophisticated take on Las Vegas accommodation, offering 2700 guestrooms and suites with a modern European design. Styled to feel like a homely apartment, each room features antique-inspired

pieces, unique artworks and framed photographs.

The hotel’s dedicated Stay Well floor features a series of wellness-focused initiatives, such as energising lighting, dawn simulator alarm clocks and air purification. For the ultimate luxury stay, the property’s top four floors are home to the 292-room NoMad hotel, which offers an elevated experience for VIP guests.

Park MGM king room

MEET FOR FREE AT CROWNE PLAZA TERRIGAL PACIFIC

Discover newly refurbished meeting and event spaces.

When you need your meeting or conference to go well, trust the regional conferencing experts at Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific.

Combine the newly refurbished meeting spaces and upgraded audio visual technology with the same great, award-winning service the team at Terrigal are known for, and you know you’ll enjoy a seamless event designed to impress.

Plus, we’ll give you a complimentary meeting room and Triple IHG Rewards Club Points when you book 10 guest rooms or more per night.* Book your next meeting at Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific today. Call our Crowne Meetings Team on (02) 4384 9286, email meetings.terrigal@ihg.com or visit terrigalpacific.crowneplaza.com *Terms and conditions apply. Book by February 1, 2020 for group stays, meetings or events consumed by December 31, 2020.

Hot spot Escape the big city and find out why Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast is making a name for itself as a must-visit regional event destination. By Brittney Levinson.

Coastal charm Y

ou don’t need to be in Coffs Harbour for long

to discover its charm; the air is clean, the vibe relaxed and sprawling white-sand beaches are never far away. But its greatest asset isn’t the stunning natural landscapes — it’s the locals. From hotel staff to small business owners, everyone is proud to call Coffs home and is eager to share their slice of the coast with visitors.

The welcoming attitude extends to business events groups too, with local venue operators and suppliers keen to bring more meetings and events to the region.

Coffs Harbour is also a convenient destination for groups, located just an hour flight from Sydney.

With so much to discover in Coffs Harbour, these are just a handful of the highlights and must-dos when hosting an event in the region:

Play

Stay

Jetty Dive

Pacific Bay Resort

Run by a husband and wife team, Jetty Dive specialises in scuba diving and snorkelling experiences, whale watching and boat tours. Between July and October, groups can jump on board with Jetty Dive for the opportunity to watch the migrating Humpback Whales swim in the shallow waters off Coffs Harbour.

The company recently introduced a whale swim experience, which sees groups get into the water for the chance to snorkel alongside the majestic creatures.

Pacific Bay Resort has recently emerged from an extensive rebrand and refurbishment. The 100-acre property boasts 260 guest rooms, which are part of an ongoing refurbishment program to bring them up to a modern standard. Located just steps from Charlesworth Bay Beach, the resort offers nine conference spaces ideal for board meetings through to cocktail events for 1000 people. Guests can also enjoy restaurants, swimming pools, a nine-hole golf course and tennis courts.

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Eat

Stay

Meet

Two Tails Winery

Opal Cove Resort

Bonville Golf Course

Located in the heart of the Orara Valley in the small inland village of Nana Glen, Two Tails Winery is a surprising find. The familyrun winery showcases uncommon grape varieties such as Villard Blanc, Chambourcin and Jaquez. The award-winning Velvets

Situated on absolute beachfront, Opal Cove Resort offers stunning views of Korora Bay. The resort’s 135 hotel rooms are undergoing a refurbishment, which is set to be revealed in mid-2020. Guests also have a choice of two- and three-

Rated as one of the most beautiful golf courses in Australia, Bonville Golf Resort is an impressive landmark on the Coffs Coast. Not only is it a bucket-list destination for keen golfers, the 18-hole course is a stunning location for events.

Restaurant is run by Jodie Thornber, whose extensive background includes many years as Russell Crowe’s head chef. The menu has a proud local focus – what isn’t grown on property is sourced from nearby producers, giving diners an authentic farmto-table experience.

bedroom villas as well as four-bedroom apartments. Opal Cove Resort is a popular destination for events, giving planners nine spaces to choose from, including a 700 pax ballroom. The friendly hotel team are known throughout the community for their warm hospitality.

On-site conference facilities cater for theatre-style events of up to 200 guests and open out onto the surrounding veranda with views over the course.

Larger groups can host events on the course, with marquee options available for up to 1000 guests.

DON’T MISS Scenic helicopter flight Take off in style with Precision Helicopters’ range of scenic charter flights. The Coastal Experience heads north for spectacular views along the coastline, while the Hinterland tour offers views of the Great Dividing Range, coastline and hinterland.

Play Dolphin Marine Conservation Park Learn about the local conservation work in an interactive environment at Dolphin Marine Conservation Park. The facility opened in 1970 as a rescue and rehabilitation centre for native marine animals and continues that work today.

Groups can learn about the park’s conservation efforts, while enjoying a day out with the beautiful creatures. There’s photo opportunities with the resident seals and you can even steal a kiss from a dolphin. Work has also begun on building an on-site hospital to rehabilitate injured wildlife and release them back to their environment.

Say cheese at Big Banana You might not expect to find cheese at the iconic Big Banana, but The Cheesemaking Workshop & Deli offers exactly that. Owned by a mother-daughter team, the business sells the biggest selection of cheeses between Sydney and Brisbane and runs workshops perfect for team building.

Mindful meetings at Aanuka Groups who want to add a wellness spin to their meeting can incorporate yoga and stretch sessions or fitness circuits to their program at BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort. Food and beverage can also be tailored to suit your group, with interactive options like ‘build your own wellness bowl’ on offer.

Learn Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience One of Coffs Habour’s greatest assets is its deep Indigineous history which is celebrated and shared with visitors. Local not-for-profit organisation Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation runs a series of cultural experiences for groups, which supports their work with Aboriginal youth. The Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience takes place at an important cultural site of the Gumbaynggirr people, Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout). The experience invites visitors to immerse themselves in and learn about Gumbaynggirr culture through stories, songs, language and native plants. www.spicenews.com.au 47

Social 1–3: Meetings & Events Australia sets sail aboard Sydney Princess Cruises for their recent ClubMEA networking event.

Image credit: Oneill Photographics 4–7: Highlights from HB Girls Night In at Hyatt Regency Sydney, organised by Daniela Divic and Trina Butler from HelmsBriscoe to raise money for Cancer Council.

Image credit: Camera Creations

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UNLOCK THE IMPACT

19 MARCH 2020 LUNA PARK, SYDNEY Are your event strategies and ideas evolving to reflect current and future trends?

Are you an event professional, with your sights set on creating more powerful and memorable experiences?

What if we told you that speakers from George P Johnson, Salesforce, Nine Entertainment, Adobe, Xero, Merivale, Salesforce, Melbourne International Arts Festival and more will share their secrets of success?

Jonathan Holloway Artistic Director and Co-CEO Melbourne International Arts Festival

The Business of Events 2020 is the ONLY industry conference in Australia focusing on the strategic planning and commercial side of the events business. Speakers will take you behind the scenes to achieve more innovative, measurable, creative and engaging events.

Stuart Frank Director Strategic Events Asia Pacific - Salesforce

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Paul Boustani General Manager made by Merivale

Simon Latchford CEO Visit Sunshine Coast

Hands down, one of the best conferences I’ve attended in a while! I’d definitely recommend all those working in events to attend next year’s conference!

Claire Cahill Head of Experience Marketing Asia Pacific - Adobe

Meagan Ketkas Partnership Marketing Consultant at Cbus Super Fund

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www.thebusinessofevents.com.au

Hot seat What inspired you to work in events?

The earliest influence in my life setting me on a course to events and entertainment was attending my first event with my parents. It was 1993, I was 10 and it was Tina Turner and her What’s Love Got To Do With It tour. I was mesmerised by the Tina Turner machine, a hydraulic stage that she rode out over the audience, and I have forever been obsessed by the wonder of engineering experiences!

Where did you start your career?

I joined EB Games in 2000 as a Christmas casual, then became an assistant buyer helping create a PowerPoint for the company conference and later took on more event duties until I was promoted to event manager in 2009.

What has been your career highlight?

In 2017, I produced my first rock concert with Aussie band Regurgitator. Their Unit album shared the same 20-year anniversary as EB Games and together we developed the show as a gift to our staff and customers at EB Expo 2017.

The show featured a fully decked out concert stage and set with large LED screens, pyro techniques and a light show.

We worked with developers to create a never-before-seen holographic effect, where the band wore trackers on their head enabling us to project animated holograms over their heads as they played. It was insane working together in such a collaborative way!

Have you had any major event disasters?

While attending his first concert at age 10, Trent Weekes fell in love with events—and Tina Turner.

Today, he leads the creative vision for projects at event management company Solution Entertainment, as well as producing and managing events.

Trent Weekes Account & creative director, Solution Entertainment 50 Spice Summer 2019

We used turnstile gates at EB Expo to manage guest entry and it had been working fine for years. In 2015 with about 5000 eager gamers ready to get into the show, the system failed and would not let any guests inside when tickets were scanned. Thinking on my feet and thanks to our ticket design, all available event staff set up a temporary ticket check and all they needed to look for was the bright blue color and the guests were granted entry. In future years we switched to this process as we felt it was friendlier to greet guests at the gate.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt during your career?

In 2012, we took over an entire island for a conference and spent hours trying to perfect every detail. Due to the need to build a temporary theatre structure on the island, the level of additional production became unachievable and a lot of the ideas has to be compromised in order to finish the event. While at the time I felt like I had failed the creative vision, it was the highest rated event I had created to date. I learned less really is more; even if you produce 20 magical moments at an event, guests are likely to only remember a few. Therefore, it’s better to ideate then refine and focus on the ideas that will create the most memorable impression.

This process is invaluable for events with limited budgets.

What is your ultimate bucket-list event?

Nothing would make me happier than the chance to produce an Olympic Games Opening Ceremony for Australia. Over the years I’ve chased projects that are unique and out of the box to prepare myself to dream of a vision that would be worthy. While it may feel like a pipe dream, I feel confident that it’s a potential career aspiration. n

Canopy Tours, Rotorua

businessevents.newzealand.com

Boost delegate morale, clip them onto a zipline and gently push them out of their comfort zone.

New Zealand offers a huge variety of exhilarating activities set in stunning natural landscapes all within easy reach of world class accommodation and venues. Inspiration is right on your doorstep.

Book your next conference in New Zealand.

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