business events news30th May 2012business events news

30th May 2012

editor: Jill Varleyinfo@businesseventsnews.com.auwww.businesseventsnews.com.au

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IMEX Frankfurt to the Max THIS year marked the10th anniversary ofIMEX in Frankfurt. With over 3,500exhibitors, the showbrings the world ofevents into one gianthall. The scale of the eventwas almostoverwhelming. Exhibitors from across the globewere there to do business. Australia was well representedwith a major stand featuringrepresentatives from around thecountry. A constant flow of buyersattended the stand and it wasobvious that Australia was doingsome brisk business. It was fantastic to be able tomeet face to face with globalsuppliers, with whom, up untilnow, we have only had email andphone contact. Those personal interactionsmeant that, together, we couldgenerate new and innovativeideas for groups traveling tointernational destinations fromAustralia. Those ideas may not haveemerged without having hadthose meetings. While IMEX is traditionallydominated by destinationexhibitors, this year, more thanever, technology providers madetheir presence felt. The proliferation of conferenceapp developers meant that

delegates and buyers were ableto really get their teeth into thisrapidly emerging technology. From the buzz around theroom, it was obvious that appsare the way of the future for themeetings industry. For a relatively low entry price,an app can be created that allowsdelegates to log in to their ownpersonal schedule, see delegatelists, communicate with fellowdelegates, access detailedspeaker bios, receive constantupdates and interact at ameaningful level duringconference sessions. It was quite obvious from theenergy and enthusiasm in theroom, that the future of theglobal meeting and eventsindustry is bright and exciting,despite any threat of globaleconomic downturn. The clear message from theevent was to embrace changewith enthusiasm and creativity toprosper to the max. Rob Frank of Verve CreativeEvents attended IMEX courtesy ofMarriott.

Champagne winners CONGRATULATIONS to thethree lucky winners of a 750mlbottle of Veuve ClicquotChampagne that was offered inBusiness Events News by NewCaledonia Tourism last week. The lucky winners are CharlotteStasiukynas, Business EventsSydney; Jemima Clarke, CarnivalAustralia and Sophie Secombefrom Outrigger Hotels andResorts Australia.

Toga with benefits COMING off the back of thesuccess of Toga Hotel’s Eventswith Benefits initiative last year,the hotel group is once againcontinuing with a commitmentthat provides event bookers andcompanies with flexible,professional and economicalconferencing and functionsolutions with the added bonusof benefits for bookers andcompanies. This year Events with Benefitsoffers a wider range of incentiveswhen an event is held at one ofmore than 30 Toga Hotelsincluding: Medina ApartmentHotels, Adina Apartment Hotels,Travelodge Hotels and Vibe Hotels. Benefits for companies includethe 15th delegate free when$2,000 or more is spent at aTravelodge Hotel, or $3,000 ormore at a Medina ApartmentHotel, Adina Apartment Hotel orVibe Hotel. In addition, there is “Raid theMini Bar” and $500 rebateinitiatives. Benefits for the booker includesa $50 gift card of choice when$2,000 or more is spent at aTravelodge Hotel and a $75 giftcard of choice when $3,000 isspent at a Medina ApartmentHotel, Adina Apartment Hotel ora Vibe Hotel and a $150 gift cardwhen $6,000 is spent at a TogaHotel. There’s a $300 gift card when$10,000 is spent, and whenpurchasing $100,000 onconferencing within a 12-monthperiod, the company or eventbooker goes in the draw to win afree Ultimate End of Year Party. Kylie Gill, director of sales forToga Hotels, said: “The reactionto Events with Benefits was sopositive last year that we simplyhad to reinstate it again this year. “Only this time, we haveexpanded our offerings in responseto our clients’ feedback and weare sure we have provided abenefit to suit any conferencebudget and their requirements”. Details benefits@toga.com.au.

Win, winIT started withFiji’s devastatingfloods and wenton to anoutpouringof love andgenerosityfrom the Aussies who holiday andhold conferences there. Increasingly at Business EventsNews we are receivingnotification of groups visiting thisPacific Island nation who haveeither gathered sizeabledonations, are supplying schoolswith computers, helping torebuild damaged schools andvillages or supplying stationery. Groups such as the ASOFIAconference who worked closelywith Operation Foundation andPacific Smiles to give the needyfood, clothing and bedding andthe generosity and goodwillreported by the InterContinentalFiji (page 2) from conferences heldthere in the past two months. In another story, the delegatesof a conference being held at theSofitel Fiji in June have beenadvised by their DMC Rosies thatthey have had to change schoolsas the one they were to visit hadcontributions from anothergenerous group and they nowhave all they need. They are now going to sharetheir gifts and time with anotherneedy school. ALSO in today’s issue Rob Frankfrom Verve Creative Events is atIMEX and he gives us the lowdown on what is coming out ofthe event - Jill.

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THE MINT OrganisationAustralia, based in Melbourne,has been acquired bySchoeneckers Inc, the owners ofBI WORLDWIDE, an “industryleader in the design and deliveryof channel, employee andconsumer performanceimprovement programs”. The purchase sees BIWORLDWIDE retaining theservices of Mint founder andmanaging director Nigel Gaunt inthe role of VP Global Business,with the Australian businessentity now assuming the global BIWORLDWIDE brand. In his role, Gaunt will focus ongrowing BI WORLDWIDE’s globalclient base and extending theservice offering in both existingand new locations to meet theneeds of an ever increasing globalaudience. In announcing the deal,president & chief operating

officer Larry Schoenecker said“taking full ownership of theAustralian business is anotherstep in our efforts to provide aglobal and local footprint for ourcustomers. “This is a strategic location forus in APAC and complements ourbusinesses in the US, Canada, UK,Germany, India and China”. BI WORLDWIDE’s vice presidentInternational, Jeffrey Beegle,agreed that “concluding theAustralian acquisition continuesto position BI WORLDWIDE as aleader in global solutions andfollows our strategy to supportour customers in the marketsthey wish to serve.”

Gaunt ‘s MINT acquired by BI WORLDWIDE

Luxuriating in the Whitsundays

TOURISM Queensland andBusiness Events Whitsundayshosted five incentive inboundtour operators last weekend toshowcase the regions amazingincentive options. Some of the experiencesincluded an overnight visit toDaydream Island Resort and Spawith exclusive dinner at the spa,

Groups hug Fiji INTERCONTINENTAL Fijimeetings team reports thatthrough the overwhelminggoodwill and generosity ofconference and events groups atthe hotel in the past two monthsthey have collectively donatedlaptops, educational materials,books, refurbished damagedproperty, re-painted classroomsand furniture, and raisedAU$35,750 in a fundraisingauction for villages and schools inthe local area. Immersing delegates in acommunity, they say, is the mostintimate way to appreciate adestination. Principle of Malomalo PrimarySchool, Master Farukh says thisinvolvement has broughtimmeasurable happiness tochildren, staff, schoolmanagement and parents. “We are honoured to connectcommunities in need with theseenthusiastic, community-mindedgroups”, says general managerScott Williams.

a “living reef” fish feeding, plus ahelicopter ride over White HavenBeach and Heart Reef. The group then enjoyed a nightat Hayman Island with a special‘chefs table’ dinner, highlightingthe luxury and relaxation of theWhitsundays, which is the perfectsetting for world class events andincentives.

Top SA hotel honour THE only South Australiandevelopment to receive an awardby the Australia’s propertyindustry, Hines Property’s CrownePlaza Adelaide, was honoured onSaturday night as the nation’sbest tourism and leisuredevelopment. Formally acknowledged at the2012 Property Council of AustraliaInnovation & Excellence Awards,Hines Property md James Hinessaid, “Since Crowne PlazaAdelaide opened two years ago, ithas welcomed more than 250,000guests & become a favourite amonglocal, interstate and int’l guests. “This award is a massiveaccolade and confirms CrownePlaza Adelaide as one ofAustralia’s premier hotels.” In 2010, Hines Property completedthe 20 Hindmarsh Squaredevelopment which included twounique towers, one being the15-level, 308-room Crowne PlazaAdelaide hotel and the other a14-level luxury residentialapartment tower.

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SittingPretty

Welcome to Sitting Pretty,our regular review ofexperiences up the front ofthe plane.

Emirates EK412Dubai - Sydney route

The Emirates A380 aircraft operates twicedaily between Dubai and Sydney, departingat both ends of the Sydney Airport dailycurfew. Business Events News recentlyexperienced the business class cabinbetween Dubai and Sydney returning froma Dubai Tourism familiarisation.

The aircraftThe Airbus A380 has revolutionised the air travel offering and has seenmany positive and negative headlines involving the five carriers thatcurrently operate this massive bird across the world. It is a staggeringfeat of aviation engineering, and difficult to believe such a machine canfly as it does. The superjumbo quietly & efficiently handles the 14-hourflight between Dubai and Sydney.

The cabinBusiness-class in general reached new heights of luxury and comfortwith the introduction of the lie-flat bed capability of the high-end seat.The 76 seats are spaciously configured in a staggered 1-2-1 layout, witheach having aisle access. An impressive feature is the full-service stand-

up bar and lounge area at the back ofthe Business Class cabin providingample room to stretch and have a bitof a walk around without pacing theaisles. Mood lighting & illuminatedstars on the roof of the cabin duringthe night section of the flight greatlyassisted the dozing-off process.

ServiceEmirates prides itself on the quality of

its international flight crew. Onboard BEN’s flight, no less than 15languages were capably spoken by at least one member of the crew, inaddition to a friendly and helpful demeanour. A high-quality amenitieskit, socks and eye-shades were provided along with a soft, warm blanketfor during the night.

The seatAll the comforts of home are at yourfingertips in the Emirates Business-Class seat. A noticably larger personalTV screen compared to Economy is rightin front of you, complete with handheldcontrol, and featuring EK’s award-winning ICE system, which consists of1,200 channels of movies, TV shows anddocumentaries from around the world, in English, Arabic and a range ofother languages, along with a separate screen offering satellitenavigation of the flight. A personal mini-bar is stocked with soft drinks,water and juices and adds to an overall hassle-free flight. For thosepreferring to work, each seat carries a universal 110v powerpoint, andEmirates also offers in-flight internet access for a fee.

Food and BeverageThe personal table unfolds from the side in Business Class and is nicelyshaded a mahogany wood colour. Prior to takeoff, crew membersprovide a copy of the menu with a selection of delectable goodiesoffered, and devoured with real metal cutlery. Premium teas andcoffees are available to close off each fine high-flying dining experience.

At the airportAs with most airlines, separate check-in desks are provided for Businessclass guests, with lounge access also provided. The only fault with BEN’sEmirates experience came here, as “priority” bag tags promising quickunloading of luggage did not eventuate, however this was a minor detail.

Pre-book new Adina NORWESTBusiness Park atBaulkham Hills, a 45minute drive fromSydney’s CBD, is towelcome a newhotel, the AdinaApartment HotelNorwest. The 106apartment propertywhich will include conferencefacilities, an onsite café, fitnesscentre, swimming pool and carparking facilities, is accepting pre-bookings prior to its opening inAugust. Rachel Argaman, ceo of TogaHotels, said: “We are delighted tooffer guests the chance to pre-book their first stay at the brandnew Adina Apartment HotelNorwest. “We are thrilled to introduceour known and loved AdinaApartment Hotel brand to an area

with high corporate and leisuredemand. “Toga has embraced the growthof the Norwest Business Park andan ongoing partnership withCapital Corporation.” Steve Grant, director of CapitalCorporation, said: “We arepleased to be able to expand ourportfolio by developing Norwest’sfirst serviced apartments and areexcited to be working with AdinaApartment Hotels on thisventure.” See adinahotels.com.au.

WITH China’s appetite forbusiness events booming,Business Events Australia (BEA)and the Association of AustralianConvention Bureaux (AACB)commissioned researcher TNS todevelop a clear picture ofthe opportunity China representsto the Australian meetings,incentives, conferences andevents industry. Head of Business Events AustraliaPenny Lion said the TNS researchalso imed to deliver insights toassist Australia to bettercapitalise on future businessopportunities for the sector fromChina. “The research shows that longdistance destinations - Europe,USA and Australia - are becomingincreasingly more popular forChinese business event decisionmakers,” said Lion. “To help the Australian industrydouble expenditure frombusiness events visitors by 2020we must gain a greater, more in-depth understanding of ourcustomer and the markets in

Capitalising on Chinawhich they operate”. Chair of the AACB MarketingGroup, Annabel Sullivan, said theresearch would assist individualbusinesses to fine tune theirstrategy when handling businessfrom China. “Not only does the researchgive clear insights into therequirements of the Chinesebusiness events market, it alsoprovides our industry withknowledge that will be useful whenthey are refining their approachto the growing Chinese market,”said Sullivan. The Tourism 2020 strategy is theAustralian Government’s rallyingcall to the industry andgovernments to increase theovernight expenditure generatedby tourism to as much as $140billion in 2020. China is expected to be a keymarket to deliver future growthfor the business events sector. Lion said the new researchwould help to support the plansfor industry growth as outlined inthe Tourism 2020 strategy.

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crumbs!crumbs!crumbs!crumbs!crumbs!McLeod’s home open

AFTER a major refurbishmentprogram, Kingsford Homestead,the setting for the long runningtelevision series, McLeod’sDaughters will open for guestsfrom 01 July. The luxury seven-suite property,set on the banks of the NorthPara River in 225 hectares ofrolling farmland, is less than50km from Adelaide. Kingsford’s secluded locationand 360 degree view of thesurrounding hills, dates back to1856 and was built from Scottishsandstone transported toAustralia as ship ballast. Today, at the helm of thisproperty with its contemporaryFrench country interior design,are Pat and Sally Kent whopreviously managed both ArkabaHomestead in the Flinders Rangesand Portee Station in theRiverland. With a passion and enthusiasmfor hospitality and for SouthAustralia, the Kents say they can’twait to welcome guests for aminimum two-night stay withdinner, bed and breakfast and allbeer, wine and soft drinksincluded. Facilities will include being ableto dine in the convertedunderground cellar, a spa roomwhile an all-weather pool houseis to be completed at stage 2 ofthe project and a commercialkitchen run by culinary partnersand gourmet catering companyHand Made, to be known as HandMade for Kingsford Homestead,who will whip up culinary delights. A number of additionalexperiences are being plannedsuch as private picnics on thebanks of the North Para River,learning how to work with sheepdogs, Barossa winemaker events,family friendly short breaks andthemed McLeod’s Daughtersweekends.

NT - do you qualify? A new concept for the NorthernTerritory, the staging of theinaugural Alice Stampede mega-familiarisation event in AliceSprings from 12-15 July, is invitingPCOs, incentive buyers and eventplanners from corporate,association and Governmentsectors to participate. A jointinitiative ofthe AliceSpringsConvention Centre and theNorthern Territory ConventionBureau (NTCB), this event willenable business event planners tovisit the heart of Central Australiaand gain first-hand experience ofthe world-class facilities, venues,accommodation and services thatare now on offer. A highlight of the Thursday toSunday event will be a day at theraces ‘Alice Springs-style’, a cameltrek through the outback, a tasteof indigenous culture as well asAlice’s own quirky pop culture,and experiences at Alice Spring’struly unique venues. In addition, there will be theopportunity to network with localbusiness event professionals, aBusiness Forum to learn moreabout local companies andorganisations of relevance to theBT sector, plus infrastructure andaccommodation site inspections. Scott Lovett, the director ofBusiness Tourism with the NTCBsaid “We’re sure that participantson the inaugural Alice Stampedewill have their eyes openedregarding the appeal of AliceSprings and especially so, whenthey realise just how positively anexotic destination like Alice canimpact on their bottom line byattracting record attendance.” Qualified Alice Stampedeparticipants receive flights fromthe nearest capital city,accommodation, special eventsand experiences, and all meals. There are 25-30 spacesavailable and potentialparticipants are encouraged toregister their interest on theNTCB website, ntconventions.comby no later than Thu 15 June.

Parkroyal’s refurb PARKROYAL Darling HarbourSydney announced yesterday thatit will be embarking on a multi-million dollar refurbishment to“capture the spirit of Sydney”. The refurbishment which hasnow kicked off and will befinished late September, willinclude the hotel's guest rooms aswell as the club lounge and lobby. The refreshed concepts andfeatures are supported throughguest feedback and research.

DID you ever get that sinkingfeeling? Give a thought then to the 180-tonne Boeing 747 on display atthe Qantas Founders Museum inLongreach, central-westQueensland - a repair job isunderway to stabilise it fromsinking into the ground. Such is the problem that themuseum has been off-limits fortourists since March. Museum spokesman TonyMartin says there were a fewtricky moments duringyesterday’s effort when the planewas raised, with straps under itsbelly to support it. “The soil was too poor for us toput concrete into it,” he said. A team of experts is on-site,together with a 50-tonne crane tolift the plane. Work is expected tocompleted over the next twoweeks.

Keystone to Newtown THE Keystone Group haveannounced plans to develop theformer Newtown Hotel. Bringing Keystone’s signaturetouch of frivolity and fun inhospitality to Sydney’s inner-west, it is located in the heart ofNewtown’s bustling King Street. The newly revamped pub,eatery and live entertainmentvenue is expected to launch inthe third quarter of 2012. This latest instalment from theGroup will continue to focus oneffortlessly cool diningexperiences, entertainment andrepartee and marks a departurefrom Newtown’s ubiquitousgastro pub and wine bars. Keystone is renowned for theirmany unique venues acrossSydney’s CBD and north side,including Manly Wine.

EEAA appointments THE Exhibition and EventAssociation of Australia haselected a new member to itsboard, after the departure ofoutgoing director Jo AnneKellaway from InfoSalon. Jim Delahunty, managingdirector of ExpoNet has joinedthe board, joining DomenicGenua of the NSW BoatingIndustry Association. Also on the board is Bob Mooreof Agility; Peter King, MelbourneConvention and ExhibitionCentre; and Peter Thorpe, SydneyShowground, Royal AgriculturalSociety. The other seven board memberswere not up for re-election. President Matthew Pearce saidEEAA was continuing to expandits sphere of influence followinglast year’s appointment of JoyceDiMascio as general manager.

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Conference Organisersget a taste of sunshine

BUSINESS Events Sunshine Coast (BESC) hosted their second‘Sunshine Safari’ for 12 of Australia’s top professional conference andincentive organisers. The group spent three days familiarisingthemselves with the region on a tour specifically developed to showcasethe Sunshine Coast’s business events capability. Business Events Manager, Pippa McCreery, said she was extremely happy with the quality of the famil participants this year. ”The professional conference organisers attending this year are among the best in Australia, with many managing well in excess of ten events peryear. The challenge with the business events sector is ensuring the individuals selected to attend our programs, have a strong influence on wherean event will be held. This year we have definitely got the right people, who have the capacity to bring a lot of business to our region,” she said.

business events news30th May 2012

RIGHT: The group enjoyed a dinner on the Maroochydore foreshore.

LEFT: Sally Schmidt & NeilNewman at Yaldina Station.

REST OF PAGE: All the fun ofthe fair at Aussie World withits colourful clowns, traditionalrides and knock ’em downgames. The networking event sawPCOs mingle with SunshineCoast hotel and eventoperators and the region’ssuppliers.