cim january issue

Official Australian publication for the PCO Association CAB Audited Circulation 16,663 September 2012 – Readership 58,320 monthly Nielsen Media Research

Print Post Approved PP231335/00018

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Sustainability matters

The new standard explained

Adelaide Convention Centre

A different outlook

Positive thinking

Industry update

Plans revealed International Convention Centre Sydney

2 Convention & Incentive Marketing, January 2013 www.cimmagazine.com

c&i briefing

Gold Coast Tourism chief executive Martin Winter will continue to take a leading hand in the future direction of the global conventions industry, following his recent re-election to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Board of Directors. Winter will also continue on in his role as regional chairman for ICCA’s Asia-Pacific region, which represents 186 destinations, convention centres, government agencies and industry operators across 15 countries.

Having celebrated its arrival onto the world’s stage in December 2011 with the 20th World Petroleum Congress, the Qatar National Convention Centre has celebrated its first anniversary with the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP18/CMP8), Qatar’s largest conference to date.

For the first time the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau’s (MCVB) Melbourne Planners’ Guide, is available as an interactive e-book. As part of MCVB’s digital strategy, the online version of the Guide has been reworked into a format that can be easily accessed by event planners on their smartphone, tablet or computer. The new e-book also features video content and allows planners to zoom in, print and share selected pages via email or social media sites. The Melbourne Planners’ Guide 2012-13 is available from www.mcvb.com.au/plannersguide. Hard copies of the Guide are also available by emailing [email protected].

Business Events Australia and partners including Business Events Sydney, The Star, Melbourne Convention + Visitor Bureau, Adelaide Convention Centre, Arinex and Cairns Convention Centre travelled to Barcelona in November to attend global meetings and events exhibition EIBTM. “Key European markets are showing encouraging signs of growth despite the economic environment,” said Penny Lion, head of Business Events Australia.

“We have seen an 8 per cent increase in arrivals from the UK for instance, with close to 60,000 delegates coming to Australia for a business event in the year ending 30 September 2012.”

The Hong Kong Tourism Board, Virgin Atlantic Airways and Shangri-la Hotels and Resorts recently hosted a group of Australian PCOs in Hong Kong. During the group’s time in the city they enjoyed an itinerary of sightseeing, dining and cultural elements and participated in a cooking class at the Towngas Cooking Centre.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has won a Specialised Tourism Services award at the NSW Tourism Awards 2012. The Bureau also took silver for Business Tourism. The judges commended BESydney’s highly effective role in bringing large economic benefits to Sydney and New South Wales.

The Adelaide Convention Centre has been honoured by specialist employment service Barkuma for its commitment to employing people with a disability and for recognising an individual’s ability and the contribution they make to the workplace. The not for profit organisation has given the Centre honorary membership, only the sixth organisation to receive the honour in their 45-year history. The Centre has worked with Barkuma for eight years and provided employment opportunities for 12 of the organisation’s clients.

The inaugural Australian Gas Technology Conference and Exhibition has won the award for Best Trade Show Under 10,000sqm at the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia Awards for Excellence. “To be recognised as the best trade show of our size in our very first year is a terrific honour and a testament to the enormous efforts of our team to deliver a major new event focusing on Australia’s $200 billion liquefied natural gas industry,” said event director Bill Hare.

New South Wales’ Central Coast has hosted one of its largest incentive groups ever, with 700 Malaysian Amway distributors recently visiting adventure centre Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures to take part in a superhero-themed team building day as part of the company’s five-day leadership seminar in Sydney. “The success showcases the region’s ability to develop and package product to suit specific markets,” said Robyne Abernethy, Central Coast Tourism’s chief executive.

The South Australian Tourism Industry Council has named the Adelaide Convention Centre’s (ACC) Cellar Door Wine Festival the winner of the 2012 South Australian Tourism Award in the Festival and Events category. Managed by the ACC, the Festival is the largest consumer wine event in the country, attracting more than 6500 visitors in 2012. ACC chief executive Alec Gilbert said the award demonstrates the Centre’s capacity to create and stage high quality large scale consumer events.

After a nearly 20 year hiatus, the Brisbane Boat Show will return to its original home next year – the RNA Showgrounds – to take advantage of the new Royal International Convention Centre, which is due to open in March. RNA general manager of venue sales and marketing Sue Hocking confirmed the RICC was in its final stages of construction and excitement was building, having secured more than “a quarter of its projected bookings, including two major international conferences” already.

Krystle Mutton, corporate and membership sales manager at the AEG Ogden managed Allphones

Arena in Sydney has been awarded the Venue Management School’s AEG Ogden Scholarship. The scholarship will provide Mutton with an all expenses trip to Oglebay in Wheeling, in the US, next June where she will be enrolled in the International Association of Venue Managers’ Graduate Institute. She is the first AEG Ogden employee to win the scholarship whilst in the company’s employ.

Chiba City, Tokyo, has introduced a new subsidy system for international conferences. Conferences with less than 600 participants that were not able to apply for the Chiba Prefectures subsidy system will now be eligible to receive up to 3 million yen ($34,00) from Chiba City, which may then be matched by the Prefecture for a total of 6 million yen ($68,000). In addition, international conferences with more than 1200 participants can receive subsidies from both the Prefecture and the City, for a combined total of up to 20 million yen ($227,000).

The Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) celebrated its success in the business events sector at the recent Anak Sarawak Appreciation Award held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Malaysia. The Bureau has supported 215 convention bids representing 97,507 delegates since 2006, which contributed an estimated direct delegate expenditure of RM 222 million ($69 million) to Sarawak. “We’ve come a long way and all our team and industry members are committed to giving their full support to ensure our client’s meetings are a success,” said SCB managing director Mike Cannon.

Six professional conference organisers recently travelled to Hawaii to attend the Pacific Rim Incentives & Meetings Exchange, courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Oceania. After immersing themselves in a business exchange that ran over two days, the group enjoyed a famil to Kauai, where they experienced the beauty of the oldest Hawaiian island, including via helicopter with Island Helicopters.

Thirteen ambassadors from the Club Melbourne Ambassador Program were recognised recently for their success during 2012 in securing 14 international conferences for the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) at an exclusive cocktail reception, held at the venue. MCEC chief executive Peter King said the Centre was “honoured” to have the “unique group of individuals” as ambassadors. “The Club Melbourne Ambassador Program is such a valuable asset to Melbourne, delivering many international conferences, events and visitors to our doorstep,” he said.

www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, January 2013 3

Welcome to our first issue for 2013! I am glad we made it past the predicted apocalypse on

December 21 because we have a lot to do this year, kicking off with AIME. We’re very excited to be producing the AIME Daily this year, bringing show visitors all the most up-to-date news from the expo’s organisers and exhibitors. Each of the Dailies will be available in print and digital versions for the show.

To ensure you know where to find us if you have

Happy New Year any breaking news, we’ll have an office on our stand (Stand 2432) for anyone wishing to drop by. We look forward to seeing you there.

Alexandra Yeomans, Publisher

contents04 Industry news

06 New Zealand news

08 International news

10 Cover story — Adelaide Convention Centre

11 Talking point — Geoffrey Johnstone

12 In the air

13 Technology

14 Sydney

16 Townsville

18 Tropical North Queensland

20 Industry update

22 AIME preview

24 Sustainability

25 NSW North Coast

26 Venue update

28 PCO Association notes

30 Meeting people

31 Calendar

16

Townsville

Publisher’s word

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New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell announced last month that the Destination Sydney consortium, comprising of leading venue manager AEG Ogden, Lend Lease, Capella Capital and Spotless Facilities Services, has been selected as the preferred developer of the new integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct at Darling Harbour.

AEG Ogden will operate the convention and exhibition facility, which will be known as the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).

The $1 billion development, which will also see the upgrade of public facilities at Darling Harbour, has the working title “Darling Harbour Live”.

“Along with the development of Barangaroo, this project will transform the western fringe of Sydney’s central business district and is the most exciting change to Darling Harbour in 25 years,” said O’Farrell.

Welcoming the announcement, AEG Ogden chairman and chief executive Harvey Lister commended the NSW Government’s vision to create a world-class, integrated facility that will ensure Sydney is a leading player in the business and events industry well into the 21st century.

“AEG Ogden is privileged and excited by the opportunity to work with Government and industry in ensuring the venue is a key contributor to economic growth in Sydney,” said Lister.

The organisation’s director of convention centres, Geoff Donaghy, said the new venue, featuring waterfront facilities in a prime CBD location, would position Sydney as one of the world’s most desirable meeting destinations.

“Utilising our international operational and marketing experience and our global venue network, we plan on taking the meeting and events business to a new level through ICC Sydney,” he said.

Donaghy, who will also assume the role of chief executive of the new venue’s management company, said ICC Sydney would include convention facilities capable of holding four separate concurrent events of over 12,000 delegates; total exhibition capacity of 40,000sqm; an external event deck of 5000sqm featuring city views; a premier red carpet theatre with a capacity of 8000 suitable for international entertainment acts and major convention plenary sessions; a grand ballroom with banqueting space for more than 2000, and new ICC hotel complex with up to 900 rooms.

Destination Sydney will assume full responsibility for the project and site in December 2013 when construction of the new facility commences. The project is due for completion in December 2016.

For more on the International Convention Centre Sydney, see page 14.

Ogden wins Sydney contract

An artist’s impression of the International Convention Centre Sydney.

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industry news

Business Events Week announcedA designated Business Events Week will be held annually in Melbourne from 2013, to coincide with the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME).

Announced by Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher, at the opening of the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia’s (EEAA) annual conference in December, Business Events Week will be a week-long program of activities designed to showcase the value of business events, and will run from February 25 to March 1, 2013.

With business events injecting more than $1.2 billion annually into the Victorian economy, Asher said “it is fitting our city is taking the lead on driving this initiative which we hope will become a national event in the coming years”.

Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau chief executive Karen Bolinger said the move was “a major coup for our industry and we firmly believe it will assist us in communicating how valuable the industry is to the Australian economy”.

Prince Charles briefed on ACC expansionThe Adelaide Convention Centre hosted Prince Charles as part of his recent official Australian visit with the Duchess of Cornwall.

Adelaide Convention Centre chief executive Alec Gilbert was able to brief the Prince on the Centre’s $350 million expansion, which has been designed by Woods Bagot in association with London-based international

architect Larry Oltmanns.

The Prince also had a series of discussions at the Centre with a group of key South Australian business leaders before departing for an official reception at Government House.

Gilbert said it was a privilege to welcome the Prince to the Centre.

“He’s passionate about architecture and shared an interest in plans for the Centre and the Riverbank precinct redevelopment.”

Sydney to get conference boostThe City of Sydney will invest a further $1.5 million over the next three years in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) to promote Sydney as a world-class conference city.

BESydney chief executive Lyn Lewis-Smith said Sydney’s success as a leading destination for business events is “underpinned by a whole-of-city approach”.

“All levels of government, industry groups and the vast network of industry suppliers need to collaborate,” said Lewis-Smith. “The increased support that will now come from the City of Sydney is the final piece in the puzzle and we are very excited by the opportunities this partnership will bring.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore also welcomed the news, saying that business events were a vital part of the city’s economy.

“The international market for business events is increasingly competitive, with more cities than ever vying to secure these valuable

events, so it’s essential that we help promote Sydney to the world,” said Moore.

“All levels of government need to work in partnership to secure business events for Sydney and secure our city’s credentials as a world class events destination.”

NSW to target ChinaThe New South Wales Government has unveiled its plan to increase tourism, including business events, from China in order to double visitor expenditure to the State by 2020.

The China Tourism Strategy 2012-2020, which was developed by Destination NSW and has $15 million of funds allocated over the next four years, will target a number of high performing consumer segments, including the business events sector, extend marketing activities into four primary China source markets and support aviation and route development, as part of eight key areas it is focusing on to deliver growth.

“The NSW Government is committed to growing the China market and the China Tourism Strategy 2012-2020 will build on our unique tourism strengths and ensure that NSW is the premier destination for tourists from China into the next decade,” said Minister for Tourism, Major Events and Arts, George Souris.

EEAA Awards for Excellence announcedThe Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA) celebrated its 20th anniversary, along with some of the industry’s top performers, at the 2012 EEAA Awards for Excellence last month.

Held at the National Gallery of Victoria, the EEAA Awards recognise outstanding merit and leadership within the industry and provide an opportunity for members to showcase their finest work and people.

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC) has a big winner on the night, picking up four awards, including the Richard Geddes Young Achiever award, which went to event manager Jessica Calder.

“We invest a lot of time in mentoring our younger team members and Jessica is a great asset to the Centre,” said SCEC chief executive Ton van Amerongen.

Van Amerongen was also

presented with the EEAA Trevor Riddell President’s Award for his contribution to the exhibition industry during the 18 years he has been at the helm of the Centre.

“Ton has been an inspirational leader,” said EEAA president Matthew Pearce. “He has brought great professionalism, passion and style to all aspects of business partnerships in the exhibition and event sector. Under Ton’s stewardship, the centre has hosted grand events that will be part of the city and nation’s event history.”

The Best Australian Show Award went to Cellar Door Wine Festival – Adelaide, entered by the festival’s owners Adelaide Convention Centre, with the judges commenting “the future opportunities for this event are very exciting for the industry and it will definitely be ‘one to watch’ in 2013”.

The full list of winners can be found at www.eeaa.com.au.

Melbourne hosts major Indian incentive groupMelbourne has hosted more than 4000 delegates from India for the Amway India Leadership Seminar 2012, following a winning bid by Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) in partnership with Tourism Australia.

The group was the largest Indian incentive group ever to be hosted in Australia.

The group’s seven-day itinerary saw them attend a business session at the Melbourne

Prince Charles visits the Adelaide

Convention Centre.

SCEC chief executive Ton van Amerongen.


Convention and Exhibition Centre, enjoy exclusive access to Phillip Island Nature Parks, and participate in a cricket match at Melbourne Cricket Ground during a gala dinner.

“Winning the bid to host the Amway India Leadership Seminar in Melbourne was a major coup for MCVB and Victoria, and showcases that we are well and truly set up for this market,” said Karen Bolinger, MCVB’s chief executive.

“The Indian market is a long-term investment for us as we continue to maintain strong relationships and build new ones with key trade partners and corporate clients through regular in-market visits, familiarisation programs and other marketing channels in partnership with Tourism Australia and Tourism Victoria,” she said.

Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy said the scale and profile of the Indian delegation provides Australia with a real opportunity to demonstrate its expertise in staging world-class business events.

“India is a key market offering strong future potential for both business and leisure travel thanks to the nation’s rapid economic rise

through this Asian Century, and Tourism Australia has a robust strategic framework in place to steadily grow the market out to 2020,” he said.

During the year ending September 2012, 6450 Indian delegates visited Australia for a convention or conference and another 26,450 visited for business purposes.

Destination SA enters Hall of FameThe Adelaide Convention Bureau has won the “Best Tourism Marketing” award for its annual Destination SA famil and tradeshow event at the South Australia Tourism Awards.

The third consecutive win (the Bureau has previously won for its re-brand campaign in 2010 and Conventions Adelaide Program in 2011) for the Bureau, it now enters the South Australia Tourism Industry Council’s Hall of Fame.

Destination SA, now in its ninth year, brings around 50 convention and incentive buyers and media from interstate, New Zealand and South East Asia to Adelaide to experience some of the best experiences and locations South Australia has to offer, as well as

network and form relationships with local businesses with an interest in business events. Destination SA delegates are invited to participate in a tradeshow, featuring a full day of carefully matched one-on-one meetings with local businesses; attend a series of social networking events in some of Adelaide’s most iconic locations, and participate in a famil program, showcasing the best of Adelaide and regional South Australia.

The event delivers around $30 million of business each year into

South Australia and offers an impressive 300 to one return on investment for Bureau members.

“This third straight win for the Bureau is exceptional and I applaud our team who work tirelessly on events such as Destination SA,” said Adelaide Convention Bureau CEO Damien Kitto. “It is a pleasure to showcase our magnificent State to these interstate and international visitors and we never tire of hearing the hosted buyer accolades afterwards for South Australia and for Destination SA itself.”

The welcome reception at last year’s Destination SA.

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Auckland powers onnz news

Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) has helped secure a powerboat industry conference for Auckland that will bring in more than 200 leading figures in the global powerboat industry and is set to inject around NZ$800,000 ($642,000) into the local economy.

The 86th Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) General Assembly will be held in Auckland in October, 2013, with the winning bid led by the New Zealand Powerboat Federation and secured with the assistance of ACB and Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme.

ACB Manager Anna Hayward said that Auckland’s marine industry was “internationally recognised for its skilled professionals and innovation”, making it a “huge opportunity to not only share knowledge, but for potential investment and business ventures”.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to support the bid for the conference knowing that the resulting business collaboration will help to drive economic growth in what is a key sector for Auckland,” she said.

Rotorua to host brass bands championshipsRotorua has won the rights to host the National Brass Band Championships in 2015, heading off strong competition from Auckland’s North Shore.

The competition will take place in July, 2015 at the Rotorua Convention Centre. It is expected to bring around 2000 visitors to the city.

President of Waikato/Bay of Plenty Brass Bands Association, Stephen Clayton, presented the bid to the executive of the New Zealand Brass Bands Association in Wellington with assistance from Destination Rotorua Marketing.

Conference and incentives manager Denise Siviter said it was exciting to receive confirmation that their bid had been successful.

New team building option for QueenstownQueenstown conference, incentive and events specialists HQ New Zealand has launched a new team building program.

The “Be Bold Challenge” provides

a daring and exciting challenge whereby guests are encouraged to push their boundaries in a series of individual and team-based challenges. Teams must strategise and pick challenges that allow them to get the most points in the set time frame, and bonus points are awarded to the team with the biggest variety of challenges.

Group challenges include ice skating in a conga line, busking in Queenstown mall, and riding segways through an obstacle course, while individual challenges include teaching an aerobics class, breaking a board with a karate instructor and “fear factor” food tasting while blindfolded.

Toitu Otago Settlers Museum relaunchesToitu Otago Settlers Museum, formerly known as the Otago Settlers Museum, reopened last month.

The opening is the culmination of a four year, $NZ37.4 million ($30 million) redevelopment project, which includes the launch of new event spaces and facilities.

The museum’s new entrance area, known as the Josephine Foyer, has a seated capacity of 280, which can also be combined with the Museum’s gallery space to take up to 670 people. Smaller spaces are also available such as the Museum’s 130 seat auditorium.

Auckland maintains global rankingAuckland has maintained its position as the world’s third most liveable city in the 2012 Mercer Quality of Living survey, after Vienna and Zurich, ranked by factors such as culture and environment, political stability, safety and ease of doing business.

The highest ranked city in the Asia-Pacific region, Auckland beat Sydney (ranked number 10), Wellington at 13, Melbourne at 17, and Perth at 21.

New Zealand’s best expo namedFine Food New Zealand has won the title of “Best New Zealand Show” at the Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia’s 2012 Awards for Excellence, announced in Melbourne last month.

The show, which was submitted by North Port Events, “offered a consistently high level of product development and a strong

understanding of the market needs”, according to the judges, who added that “the event fulfilled its objectives of attracting increased numbers of switched-on exhibitors and high quality ready-to-buy visitors”.

Sofitel announces hotel for WellingtonSofitel Luxury Hotels has announced the development of the city’s first internationally-branded luxury hotel in over two decades with the Sofitel Wellington, scheduled to open in 2014.

The NZ$35 million ($28 million), 130-room hotel will be the third Sofitel in New Zealand and the first in the nation’s capital.

The hotel will feature extensive function and meeting rooms including a 120 square metre conference room and two smaller meeting rooms.

“The development of the Sofitel will play a major role in further elevating Wellington’s international profile,” said Wouter de Graaf, area general manager Sofitel New Zealand. “It is a long time since a hotel development of this status and quality has been announced in the national capital and it will help attract significant increases in tourism, business travel and conferences to the city.”

Global competition to find solutions for Christchurch The inclusion of Christchurch in a global solution-finding competition will ensure the very best minds in the world contribute to the regeneration of the city, says Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) chief executive Roger Sutton.

Christchurch is one of 21 cities taking part in the Living Labs Global Awards – Cities Pilot The Future programme this year.

The competition invites groups and industries from around the world to come up with a solution to a particular challenge each city has. The cities then choose a winner and that solution is put into action.

Christchurch has identified lighting in the CBD as the challenge it wants addressed.

A panel selected by the Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) will choose the winning entry in May 2013 and the city will fund the logistical requirements to get the pilot scheme up and running.

“This is a great opportunity for the experts to sit down and figure out what this city needs as it grows and changes,” said Sutton.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that 23 companies, including international interests, have expressed interest


in building Christchurch’s new convention centre after CERA called for expressions of interest for the flagship project.

Shotover Jet offers take home packsNew technology on board Shotover Jet’s Big Red boats means conference and incentive groups can relive the thrills of their high-speed adrenalin trip as soon as they’re back on dry land.

Following an upgrade to its systems, the Queenstown-based tourism operator can now deliver a take home DVD “Jet-Cam” pack to delegates in the time it takes them to walk from the boat to the base building.

New recording equipment captures five separate trip segments, recording the “best bits” as delegates experience everything from narrow rock-lined canyons to high-speed spins, and shots showing a wider perspective of each group in their boat.

“Shotover Jet has always had a commitment to being at the cutting-edge of innovation,” said Shotover Jet general manager Clark Scott.

“We see this new camera technology as an exciting way to maintain innovation but also to provide our customers with a lasting memory of their entire experience on Shotover Jet.”

Shotover Jet has worked with local company Magic Memories to tailor-make the new camera technology to suit Shotover Jet’s requirements.

100% Middle-earth campaign ‘world’s best’Tourism New Zealand’s 100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand campaign has taken out the award for “World’s Leading Destination Marketing Campaign” in the World Travel Awards 2012 Grand Final.

The award winners were decided by tourism professionals in over 171 countries across the globe including travel agencies, tour and

TrANS-TASMAN TAlk By Alan Trotter, CEO of Conventions and Incentives New Zealand

There has been some misinformed and mischievous commentary around New Zealand’s brand positional statement “100% Pure” by those in marketing academia who say that the country shouldn’t use this tag line as it is in fact “not 100% Pure”. This criticism, which has been widely reported in our major markets of the UK and US, has been described as “economic terrorism” by our government and I have to say I agree.

If we look at branding of other countries, states and cities, there are always going to be claims that cannot be substantiated 100 per cent. There are numerous

examples, such as Los Angeles, the “City of Angels” – if that were the case the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) wouldn’t feature in all the television series they do, as obviously angels don’t need to be arrested. Paris is known as the “City of Light” but every night it gets dark. Queensland used to call itself the Sunshine State, and indeed it normally is, but it actually rains too, so therefore, should Queensland have embarked on that branding?

Obviously, these are tongue in cheek examples but it

demonstrates that some people need to lighten up and accept that when branding a destination, a certain amount of latitude needs to be taken. If somebody tries to prove unequivocally that the statement is true, then the world will be poorer for it.

The 100% Pure campaign is recognised as one of the best tourism marketing campaigns in the world and is looked upon with envy by many other countries. Without focusing on Australia too much, the destination has had its challenges in arriving at a mutually

agreed branding positioning statement, and I know for a fact that they look upon our 100% Pure branding with some jealousy. From a business perspective, we are able to leverage the brand very well and this is demonstrated by the way we brand our stand at the AIME Exhibition in Melbourne each February. New Zealand is not 100% Pure all the time, but it is probably as close to it as any country, and therefore, we should just ignore the academic commentators who should know better than to wash dirty linen on the global stage.

100% Pure New Zealand – most of the time

transport companies and tourism organisations.

“It is a huge honour to win this category, recognising the strength and effectiveness of our new 100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand campaign,” said Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler.

“We believe that we have

identified a valuable opportunity to enhance the country’s international profile through its association with the filming of The Hobbit trilogy.

“Through our new 100% Pure New Zealand campaign we aim to leverage the attention that New Zealand will receive by starring in these movies, and convert that attention into travel.”


South Africa positions itself for growth

international news

South Africa is set to boost its global and regional competitiveness with a number of new initiatives outlined by the chief executive of South Africa Tourism, Thulani Nzima, during European business events expo EIBTM in November.

“It’s our collective ambition to grow business event arrivals to South Africa by 50 per cent in the next five years,” said Nzima. “This will mean an additional US$344 million for the South African economy and an additional 31,000 jobs.

“South African has one intention: to show the world, in word and deed, that South Africa is stepping up to boost its global and regional competitiveness and unlock the significant potential of the business event market for South Africa and the rest of the continent.”

Strategic developments that have already taken place over the past year include the launch of the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) which is charged with sharpening the destination’s competitiveness to put South Africa in the top global rankings of the world’s preferred business event destinations.

“The growth potential of the destination and region is enormous,” Nzima added. “South Africa is going after that potential with a strategically coordinated plan.”

The new initiatives will include the international benchmarking of the South African bidding process led by the recently formed Business Events Coordinating Council (BECC), a body that represents the country’s convention bureaux and provinces. The BECC has already laid a firm foundation for South Africa’s bidding strategy by agreeing on and implementing lead sharing strategies, conduct of bid offs and bidding protocols.

“Streamlined bidding benefits everyone,” said Nzima. “We are confident that it’s going to boost our success rates. The new processes, combined with the recent appointment of a customer relationship management system give us a centralised database for fantastic lead generation and extremely competitive bidding.”

Nzima also announced that Meetings Africa, South Africa’s annual business events expo, will expand its exhibitor base from 2013 to include representatives from the wider African continent.

Taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from February 18-20, this year’s event will see a number of new exhibitors

including Zimbabwe and Kenya.

For the SANCB the strategic objectives are to make Meetings Africa a truly African showcase, to grow the capacity of the collective African business events industry and to transform regional Africa into one of the world’s business event powerhouses.

Meetings Africa 2013 will also see a number of new initiatives including the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) holding its Africa Chapter meeting during the event.

“To unlock Africa’s potential in business events demands partnership and collaboration,” Nzima said. “It’s our medium-to-long-term ambition to build a pan-African Meetings Africa. This will foster an environment in which more regional and global conventions are held in South Africa to deliver a lasting and beneficial impact on the continent, the country and the people who work – and who have ambition to work – in tourism.

“Our theme at Meetings Africa 2013 is Advancing Africa Together. Meetings Africa 2013 will give best and seamless access to the African service offering in business events and to a regional and continental industry that’s capable and that’s ready to do business.”

Nzima believes “South Africa has still only scratched the surface when it comes to growing its share of the global meetings and business events market”.

“Of the nearly 10,000 international standard meetings rotated worldwide in 2010, of which 3000 meetings are pure international and the other 6000 regional meetings, South Africa secured 86 and the African continent 304,” he said. “The potential for growth is enormous.”

Thailand sets its sights on exhibitionsThailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has announced a three-year strategic roadmap (for 2013-2015) to make Thailand the centre of the exhibition industry for the ASEAN economic community and a plan to promote strong network of exhibition business operators across the region. To achieve this goal, TCEB will target

industries with high production and export potential.

The plan is hoped to boost the Thai exhibition industry by 30 per cent.

“The country is in a strategic location in the heart of ASEAN,” said Thongchai Sridama, acting president of TCEB. “We have continuous growth in infrastructure and international-standard convention centers as well as facilities nationwide, including international-standard convention centers in Pattaya which is the largest center outside Bangkok, and Chiang Mai which will be opened in April 2013.

“In addition, being the production and export hub for many industries, Thailand offers greater business opportunities for exhibition operators and business owners. With these supporting actors, there is a high potential to upgrade Thailand as the major exhibition platform for the region.

“With the three-year strategic development plan, TCEB will be [moving] in the right direction to help Thai exhibition business operators improving their capability to handle large-scale exhibitions through state-of-the-art technology and innovation implementation.”

Under the strategic road map, TCEB’s exhibition unit will focus its activities in branding, marketing communications, marketing promotion and mega event promotion and development.

Economic crisis effect revealedThe UK-based Hotel Booking Agents Association (HBAA) has surveyed its members to gauge the impact of the European economy on the meetings and events sector.

The survey found that after the 2009-2010 economic crises, agent members experienced a dip in overseas venue finding enquiries, but have seen an upsurge of 60 per cent in the number of international briefs in the last two years. The increase is characterised however by shortened lead-in times, smaller events and an overall reduction in spend, which reflects the prevailing local market conditions and caution on the part of meeting planners.

“We are seeing fewer large meetings, and an

Bureau asks: what is ‘Gangnam style’?

Watch the video in the CIM iPad app.

Following the international success of Korean pop star Psy’s “Gangnam Style”, Seoul Tourism Organisation (STO) has released a new video on its facebook page, www.facebook.com/miceseoul, explaining just what Gangnam Style is.

The video highlights the popular attractions and meetings infra-structure of Gangnam, a major business and tourism district of Southern Seoul.

“During our recent trip to IMEX America, we were constantly bombarded with questions such as ‘What is Gangnam like? Is it really like Beverly Hills?’,” says STO Seoul Convention Bureau vice-president Maureen O’Crowley.

“Our video will dive into the most popular

areas of Gangnam to explore its famous attractions and interview actual Gangnam residents and visitors. Viewers will get a closer look at the trendy and exciting life of Gangnam, and may also be surprised to learn that Gangnam has long been Seoul’s powerhouse for international business and meetings.”

Gangnam is home to Coex, the city’s largest convention venue, along with many of Seoul’s major business hotels.

High-profile meetings held there in recent years include the 2010 G20 Seoul summit and the 2012. Seoul Nuclear Security Summit.


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increased number of smaller meetings, which are being booked with shorter lead times,” said Chris Parnham, managing director of Zibrant and vice chair of the HBAA. “About 75 per cent of small meetings are now being booked within two weeks of the delivery date.”

Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands remain key destinations; however, Greece and Portugal have seen notable declines.

reed announces IBTM IndiaReed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), organiser of the world’s leading portfolio of incentives, business travel and meetings industry events, has announced that it will launch IBTM India.

The expo will take place at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai from September 12-14, 2013, and joins six other events in the RTE portfolio on five continents including the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne.

The inaugural event will feature 100 business events and business travel suppliers from international and Indian hotels and venues, national/state tourism boards, travel and destination management companies and airlines, along with other suppliers including technology and event management companies.

“India holds enormous potential for the MICE industry with a projected GDP growth of over 8 per cent in the next five years,” said Craig Moyes, portfolio director, IBTM Meetings and Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

“The world’s third largest economy is also showing an increase in outbound business, estimated in 2010 to be worth some US$600 million for the sector, with projections of a 13 per cent increase in the coming years.

“There is also a strategic plan of commitment from the India Ministry of Tourism for the development of new convention centres and a significant number of global hotel chains are now focusing on new facilities and venues to support the MICE industry.”

Meanwhile, sister expo, Europe’s EIBTM, has confirmed that it will remain in Barcelona until 2016 and will continue to be hosted in the Fira Gran Via.

“EIBTM has become synonymous with Barcelona since we brought the show here in 2004,” said Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions, EIBTM exhibition director.

“As one of the world’s leading tourist centres with influences in commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, the arts and sport, Barcelona is the ideal city for meetings, events, conferences and in our case, EIBTM”.

New convention spaces for Hong kong Leading exhibition, convention and events venue AsiaWorld-Expo has debuted a number of new convention spaces in Hong Kong, Runway 11 and accompanying Runway Suites (pictured).

The venue hopes the new spaces will help attract even more international conferences and

events to Hong Kong, building on the already strong growth that the local business events industry is enjoying.

The new Runway Suites comprise of 10 rooms, each capable of seating between 80 and 200 people in a theatre set-up. All rooms offer excellent sound-proofing as well as a full range of audio-visual technologies.

They are expected to attract events from all industries, especially those with content-rich programs that require multiple meeting spaces of various sizes.

“We are pleased that our Runway 11 and Runway Suites series have provided new major convention spaces for Hong Kong and are very much welcomed by the MICE industry with a view to attracting more international conferences and events to Hong Kong,” said Allen Ha, chief executive of AsiaWorld-Expo Management Limited.

“Hong Kong’s MICE industry is a major engine of economic growth, and this has been reflected in the business performance of AsiaWorld-Expo. In the financial year of 2011-2012, the number of large-scale ‘expotainment’ events hosted at the venue and the total metreage sold increased by over 20 per cent.”


cover story

With work on Stage One of Adelaide Convention Centre’s (ACC) highly anticipated expansion well underway, the team at the Centre is turning its attention to how the Centre contributes to the future development of Adelaide, at a time when the city is undergoing an unprecedented period of urban renewal.

Along with the $350 million investment in the Centre, the South Australian Government is investing more than $3 billion in projects along the River Torrens in the Riverbank Precinct including the new Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australian Health and Medical Research and Institute (SAHMRI) and Adelaide Oval redevelopment, which is set to transform the area into a vibrant business, sporting, cultural and social hub. A footbridge will link the CBD and ACC to the northernside of the river and the Oval.

Not only is it expected that the new Riverbank Precinct will promote the city’s attractiveness to business events, but it will see the area around the Centre become a meeting place for the people of Adelaide as well as delegates.

Centre chief executive Alec

Gilbert believes the Riverbank redevelopment will attract thousands more people into the precinct for work, social and sporting events, conferences and business meetings, and create a hub that will help revitalise the city.

“The $350 million expansion of the Centre now underway takes full advantage of its position overlooking the River Torrens,” he says.

“The Adelaide Centre is already leading the way in the revitalisation of the Riverbank precinct by having developed the new Regattas Bistro + Bar and the Panorama Suite – a new meeting and function space with sweeping views over the River.”

Opened early in 2012 the Panorama Suite caters for boardroom-style events of up to 60 people and banquets for up to 120. Regattas Bistro + Bar offers an outdoor function space and live music on Friday nights.

“Convention centres can be viewed as ‘that place where only delegates go’,” says Gilbert. “We don’t want that perception. We are having $350 million of taxpayer’s money being invested on us, [and] we want to be seen as a symbol of

community pride – a meeting point for the whole community. In the space of a few months we have, or will be, hosting the Santa’s Fun Run, a Christmas dinner open to the public for nearly 3000 people, the Cellar Door Wine Festival, Fringe theatre events, live music and an outdoor New Year’s party overlooking the river.”

A key part of the Centre’s strategy has been the launch of the Cellar Door Wine Festival Adelaide.

The Festival, which is owned, managed and hosted by the Centre, is now in its third year. Taking place from February 22-24, 2013, it will see around 170 South Australian wineries from 12 iconic wine regions come together under one roof. The three-day event not only offers visitors the opportunity to taste some of South Australia’s best wines, but also participate in master classes, visit the Tastes of SA Demonstration Stage and check out local produce in a dedicated food producer’s area.

Gilbert says the centre never intended to manage the show and initially looked for a partner. Although the search was unsuccessful, he says “we felt so strongly about the potential of the

With Stage One of the Adelaide Convention Centre’s expansion set to open in 2014, the Centre is helping create a new vibrant riverside destination for delegates and Adelaide locals alike.

A different outlookconcept both as a crowd puller and a way of filling a hole in the diary that we decided to proceded anyway”.

The Festival has recently won three major awards, including two national awards at the Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA) 2012 Awards for Excellence in December, taking home the gongs for “Best Consumer Show under 10,000sqm” and “Best Australian Show”.

The 2012 Festival, which attracted more than 6500 visitors, also recently won the South Australian Tourism Industry Council’s 2012 South Australian Tourism Award in the Festival and Events category.

Supporting the community that supports it is also important for the Centre which has a strong corporate social responsibility program, working with organisations such as Barkuma_Inc, which places people with a disability in open employment, and donating spare meals from events to food rescue organisation OzHarvest Adelaide.

Gilbert says the Centre takes its social and environmental responsibilities very seriously and has worked hard to create a culture that supports their efforts.

“This has led us to working with partners like OzHarvest Adelaide and Barkuma and others who share our values and are making a real difference to the lives of people in South Australia,” he says.

“The Centre’s clients and other stakeholders appreciate the work we’re doing in this area and this provides highly valued recognition and support.”

View slideshow in the CIM iPad app.


talking point

Former senior vice president, hotel operations of Rendezvous Hospitality Group (RHG), Geoffrey Johnstone, who retired at the end of 2012, says that he has witnessed some radical changes in the hotel industry over the decades, namely the rise of social media, rising commissions from third party booking agents and an increase in the standard of product available.

The recent signing of a memoranda of understanding between the Straits Trading Company, which includes RHG, and the Far East Organisation Group looks set to benefit both parties as they look to expand upon their joint hotel accommodation interests across Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific.

“The partnership makes good sense to both companies,” says Johnstone. “The alliance with Far East Trading Organisation is very positive for us, because our hotel group [RHG], which has 13 hotels across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Shanghai, now has increasing exposure to what is effectively Singapore’s largest hospitality management team.”

The move follows an ongoing strategy by RHG to refurbish and rebrand Rendezvous Hotels and Marque Hotels into one Rendezvous brand, and is part of a global trend of consolidation and increasing

standards in the hotel sector.

“The big thing the hotel sector is getting right is the ever increasing quality of the product they are putting onto the market place,” he says. “I go back in hospitality to 1990 and it was a different market then. They were a couple of Sheratons, a couple of Hiltons and a couple of Hyatts, but now the market has a myriad of brands. Just as the aviation market has developed over that time, the accommodation industry is keeping pace, with not only hotel rooms, but serviced apartments and bed and breakfasts.

“We need to be constantly changing because if we don’t we become stagnant and people lose trust in you. That’s why hotels are constantly renovating and refurbishing. Every five years you’re looking to do over your rooms again and every 10 years you take a hard renovation approach, and that’s a good thing. We don’t just sit on our profits; we are constantly spending money in our properties because that’s what the market demands and rightly so.”

Australia’s proximity to the Asia Pacific region and its expansion into the South East Asian and Chinese markets has sheltered it so far from the worst of the global economic headwinds, he says.

“We are starting to dip our toe into the Chinese market and I’m amazed

how welcome we were made the first time around and we are starting to see progress in that sector.”

The rise of the internet over the last decade has impacted the hotel industry in several ways, namely the power of social media and its ability to offer instant feedback, and the increase in third party companies looking to bring cheaper room prices for those guests willing to book with short lead times.

“I think the predators that are coming onto the market [that are calling for more price flexibility] are just taking advantage of the trend in the industry, and that is not the right way to go,” he says.

“Pretty soon, the cost of commissions is going up, with major companies demanding up to 20 per cent commission, and there has to be a time when hotels are going to say we can’t make money on that.

“It’s all very well for the other side to say the rooms are going to go empty anyway, but quite frankly wear and tear on rooms is something we are constantly aware of and are monitoring. We can’t afford to operate at 90-100 per cent [occupancy] all the time, as much as we would like to make the money, as you still need time to keep the rooms to the standards the guests demand,” he says.

“Hotels have to maintain their brand integrity and make sure they

are attracting the type of customer their brand is aiming for.”

Johnstone says that the commission structure is getting “a little out of hand” and calls on the industry to speak in a unified voice and decide how it deals with that.

“I’d like to see the industry bodies that represent us to government like Tourism Accommodation Australia and AAA Tourism come together as one because I think they are saying the same things in different ways.”

As for social media and its increasing impact on a hotel’s brand reputation, “we are not going to be able to stop it so why not embrace it,” says Johnstone.

“I have always adopted a policy since I first became a general manager in 2000 that any complaints you have must be acted on immediately. First of all a lot of people don’t expect it and are complimented by the fact you’ve taken the time to act upon it immediately, which gets them in a better frame of mind to discuss any issues that they have had.

“The likes of Facebook, where we have to closely monitor it as it is so immediate, enhances our ability respond, so quite often we can nip that issue in the bud, and that is why social media is a good thing.”

With 35 years of experience in the hotel and hospitality industry, including five years in senior management at RHG, Geoffrey Johnstone has strong views on what is right and wrong with the industry, its future, and what hoteliers need to do to survive in the current economic climate, discovers Sheridan Randall.

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in the air

An Air New Zealand Boeing 777-300 aircraft has been turned into a flying billboard for the newly released Peter Jackson movie, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

It took six days and nearly 400 man-hours to install the 830sqm graphic and is the largest ever graphic to be

applied to an aircraft. The aircraft was unveiled at the end of 2012 to a group of more than 100 VIPs and invited guests in Auckland.

Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe said the plane was going to excite passengers and fans of Jackson’s award-winning movies.

“New Zealand is the home of Middle-earth and The Hobbit movies will be hugely important to New Zealand’s tourism industry in the next couple of years as international tourists are inspired to come and see and experience for themselves the landscapes which have shaped the movies,” he said.

“We are thrilled to see so many international visitors booked to travel to Wellington for the world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey; we want them to experience the magic of Middle-earth as soon as they set foot on this aircraft.”

Air NZ commits to Sunshine CoastAir New Zealand and alliance partner Virgin Australia have signed up to an extended season of flights between Auckland and Sunshine Coast Airport in 2013. Flights will re-commence on June 18 and will run until October 13, five weeks longer than the 2012 season.

Two flights a week to and from Auckland will commence on a seasonal service, connecting seamlessly with the airlines’ extensive domestic and international networks, in particular to North America. Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd CEO Steve Cooper said it was a “real boost of confidence for our region and the tourism industry”.

“The return of this direct service with an extended season in 2013 demonstrates the undeniable demand for Kiwis to visit the Sunshine Coast,” said Cooper. “New Zealand is the number one international market for the Sunshine Coast with 76,000 Kiwis travelling to the region last financial year.”

Melbourne Airport to get third runwayMelbourne Airport will introduce a third runway as part of its 2013 draft Master Plan which outlines plans to grow the airport over the next decade. Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) chief executive Dianne Smith welcomed the news, saying “any move that helps to facilitate international and domestic arrivals into Melbourne is great news for Victoria’s tourism industry”.

“Melbourne Airport’s 2013 draft Master Plan outlines a considered approach to the growing demand for air services in Victoria and will strongly support Australia’s embracing of the Asian century

as a key global investment opportunity,” she said.

The value of spending by interstate and international visitors who travel through Melbourne Airport is expected to grow from $8.3 billion in 2012 to $18.5 billion in 2033.

Hawaiian’s new service between Brisbane and Honolulu Hawaiian Airlines has commenced nonstop flights between Brisbane and Honolulu, flying three times weekly to Hawaii, making it the only US airline to operate flights to the Queensland capital.

“Our Brisbane services will add more than 41,000 seats annually between Australia and Hawaii and increase our total capacity from Australia by 38 per cent,” said Mark Dunkerley, president and chief executive of Hawaiian Airlines.

Qantas drops wi-fiQantas has scrapped its plans to provide wireless internet access on flights, citing a lack of interest from customers during a trial.

The trial ran for nine months and allowed passengers to access the internet on six of the airline’s A380 superjumbos on long-haul flights to London and across the Pacific to Los Angeles. Qantas charged between $12.90 and $39.90 for its data packages on board, with the average take up of the service less than 5 per cent, according to the airline.

Tiger announces new Sydney to Coffs Harbor serviceFour weekly return flights between Sydney and Coffs Harbour will commence from February 15, 2013, providing over 1400 visitor seats weekly through Sydney and Coffs Harbour airports, departing Sydney and returning from Coffs Harbour airport in the early afternoon. From late March, an additional fifth weekly service will increase the number of weekly seats to 1800 weekly through both airports.

“Tiger will be the only low fare operator on the Sydney – Coffs Harbour route and we’re confident our services will prove popular, stimulating demand and providing significant tourism and economic benefits to both markets,” said Tiger Airways Australia commercial director, Carly Brear.

Air New Zealand’s Hobbit inspired 777

Watch the video in the CIM iPad app.


technology

The business events website for Cairns & Great Barrier Reef has won a Queensland Multi Media Award for “Best Website with more than 51 pages”.

Rosie Douglas, director of business events, Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, said the award reflected the careful work which had gone into the site’s redesign.

“The key features of www.businesseventscairns.org.au are enhanced product search functions, improved destination information and a comprehensive resource centre with an online version of the region’s Meeting Planner Guide, image library and case studies,” she said.

Since relaunching the website has recorded more than a 100 per cent increase in unique site visits.

Royal International Convention Centre to have appBrisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre (RICC), which is set to open in March 2013, has entered into a partnership with New Zealand-based SmartShow Limited, the creator of event app Showgizmo, to offer a branded mobile event app to event organisers using the new venue. The RICC will include use of the app as part of its standard offer to event organisers.

“With the mobile revolution in full swing and ‘app culture’ changing how people everywhere connect and transact, we wanted to make sure we encompass the full range of services that will enable our clients to stage events that resonate in this digital era,” says Sue Hocking, general manager venue sales and marketing.

“Being able to use a reliable product that has been pre-screened and test-driven by the venue team will save [organisers] time and money.”

In addition to a digital event guide, the app will enable attendees to navigate around the event, see the list of attendees

and exhibitors, view exhibitor and sponsor profiles, request meetings with exhibitors, rate and review programme sessions, collect brochures and receive live alerts and notifications about what’s going on. Organisers will be able to access statistics and analytical data regarding the event features people have found valuable and rated highly.

“In the first instance, we will be sponsoring the cost of providing the app and its use by our clients as part of our commitment to making RICC the preferred venue for event organisers and their delegates,” says Hocking.

“This offers a ‘value add’ worth up to $5K depending on the size of the event.”

Health program goes onlineThe Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has launched a new online program to provide key work health and safety information to its clients.

Under the new system, organisers, exhibitors and contractors will be able to complete a simple online health and safety induction at www.inductee.com.au/scec/, with the Centre maintaining a record of compliance for all future events.

The first online modules for organisers, exhibitors and performers as well as Centre contractors were introduced in November, 2012, with the Centre launching a further two modules for agency staff and event-engaged contractors in December.

Centre chief executive Ton van Amerongen said the new system would enable information to be shared with all parties to ensure events were delivered in the safest possible environment.

“By bringing the induction online, we’re aiming to save our clients and contractors a lot of time and improve efficiency all round,” van Amerongen said.

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sydney

Sydney’s plan comes together

Infrastructure NSW and Business Event Sydney (BESydney) have held a briefing on Sydney’s new integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct at Darling Harbour for the business events industry. The event, held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, attracted around 150 people who were able to view artist’s representations and a scale model of the proposed design.

The briefing was held the day after New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell announced that the Destination Sydney consortium, consisting of leading venue manager AEG Ogden, Lend Lease, Capella Capital and Spotless Facilities Services, is the preferred developer of the project, which has the working title of “Darling Harbour Live”.

The project consists of a new convention and exhibition facility, which will be known as the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) and operated by AEG Ogden; Sydney’s largest red carpet entertainment venue, suitable for international entertainment acts and major convention plenary sessions; a hotel complex of up to 900 rooms, plus new community and

recreational facilities.

Opening in late 2016, the new facilities are aimed at ensuring Sydney remains the first choice in Australia and Asia Pacific for the competitive – and highly lucrative – business events industry. It is expected that they will generate $200 million per year in economic benefit, or $5 billion, over the 25 year concession period for operating the facilities.

Speakers at the briefing included NSW Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner, the minister responsible for the project; Tim Parker, project director at Infrastructure NSW; Richard Breslin, senior principal at design firm Populous; Harvey Lister, chairman and chief executive of AEG Ogden; Geoff Donaghy, director of convention centres, AEG Ogden and chief executive of ICC Sydney, and Lyn Lewis-Smith, chief executive of BESydney.

Stoner told attendees that the project represents a “once in a lifetime opportunity to redevelop a 20 hectare site in the heart of the city, and to connect educational, cultural and multicultural precincts”.

“Sydney is already a leading global player when it comes to business events,” he said. “Our venues, including the convention centre we’re in today, skilled employees and our ability to connect, inspire and most importantly, deliver, are world-class. However, to continue to cater for events well into the future, we need to provide a more flexible facility.

“I’m told that over the last five years Sydney has missed out on 47 international events, and something like 127 national events, because we didn’t have the flexibility to take those events on. That has cost our state economy about $150 million, so there was a pretty pressing reason for us to move forward with this project.”

Speaking on behalf of AEG Ogden, Lister said the company was “privileged and excited” to be working with government and industry to create a world-class facility, which will be a welcome addition to the Ogden family of venues.

“We think the ICC Sydney will become the premium meetings facility in the whole of the country,” he said. “We’ve put together a very robust marketing plan and part of that is

With the preferred developer of the new International Convention Centre Sydney finally revealed last month, Sydney’s business events industry was keen to hear the details of the plan, writes Ylla Wright.

View the video and slideshow in the CIM iPad app.


repositioning the name and branding of the facility to something very different to anything else in this country, so we can compete very aggressively against competitors internationally.”

Wrapping up the briefing, Lewis-Smith congratulated the Destination Sydney consortium on their win and innovative design, saying that there was “no doubt it will cement Sydney as a leading business event destination”.

“Sydney needs an iconic, contemporary and versatile meetings precinct befitting of Australia’s global city,” she said.

“This innovation hub in the heart of Sydney will create opportunities to host more international events that help to drive our knowledge economy.

The precinct will also be a hive of residential and retail, leisure spaces and more. It will connect our educational, creative and multicultural precincts. Above all, it will have the character, dynamism and energy that Sydney is renowned for.

“The development of this state-of-the-art precinct will ensure Sydney maintains its leading position as Australia’s premier business events destination, driving value for both NSW visitor and knowledge economies.”

Lewis-Smith confirmed that interest in the new facilities is high, with some clients committing to hosting their events in the new facility in 2017 and beyond, without seeing any designs or floor plans. The International Bar Association has recently confirmed their annual conference for 4000 delegates in 2017.

While the proposed design was largely met with approval from attendees at the Sydney briefing, concerns were raised by the exhibition industry regarding the size of the proposed exhibition space and configuration over two floors.

Welcoming the news of Destination Sydney’s win, who she says “bring a wealth of experience to the table”, Joyce DiMascio, general manager of the Exhibition and Event Association of Australia (EEAA) said, “Ogden and Lend Lease

have already reached out to us with a view to discussing maximising the usage of the site. Now, it’s going to be up to them, and us, to put the facts on the table and try to influence the details of the design”.

Members of the audience also raised concerns about the name, suggesting that the emphasis on the word “international” may discourage domestic associations from holding events in the new Centre, and querying what percentage of business targeted would be international.

Acknowledging the concerns, Lister and Donaghy were quick to reassure the room that Ogden was committed to getting the “balance right between domestic and international events”.

Further industry consultation, along with additional information briefings, will be held over the months to come, with members of the panel saying they look forward to keeping the industry informed.

The consortium will now enter into detailed negotiations with Infrastructure NSW, with a view to finalising the contract in the first half of 2013.

The existing Centre will close in December 2013, when Destination Sydney will assume full responsibility of the project and site.

• Around 35,000sqm of dedicated exhibition space over two levels, with a further 5000sqm of flexible space.

• The biggest total meeting room space in Australia at 8000sqm across 40 rooms, linked to both convention and exhibition areas.

• Plenary space to accommodate more than 12,000 people in four different areas, allowing multiple events to take place at the same time.

• A grand ballroom, with banqueting space for 2000.

• A 5000sqm event deck with city views, ideal for entertainment linked to exhibitions or conventions, as additional space for exhibitions or for special events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations.

• A red carpet entertainment facility with a

capacity of 8000 people for concert-style events and 6000 plenary. Sporting events can also be accommodated.

• Up to 900 hotel rooms in a hotel complex at the northern end of the precinct, with a mix of 3.5 and 4.5 star accommodation.

• Renewed and upgraded public space including an outdoor event space for up to 25,000 people at an expanded Tumbalong Park.

• A new neighbourhood at the southern end of the precinct, called The Haymarket, which will feature a mix of high-tech businesses, apartments, student accommodation, shops, cafes and restaurants.

• Improved pedestrian connections drawing people between Central, Chinatown and Cockle Bay Wharf as well as east-west between Ultimo/Pyrmont and the city.

Features of the new developmentAn artist’s impression of the

International Convention Centre Sydney.


townsville

With a population of around 200,000, Townsville, in North Queensland, is considered by many to be the State’s second capital. Ease of accessibility, with 25,000 airline seats into the city weekly from key ports, over 3200 accommodation rooms available and a diverse range of meeting and conference facilities for both large and small gatherings makes Townsville an event organiser’s dream destination.

Home to Australia’s largest defence base, Lavarack Barracks, Townsville is also a major hub for tropical science and applied research, at the James Cook University and the Australian Tropical Science and Innovation Precinct. The redevelopment of Townsville Hospital, which is the main teaching hospital for the university, also bodes well for increased research and conferencing opportunities.

Another redevelopment set to add further conferencing options is Townsville’s new $85 million cruise ship terminal, which is due to be completed later in the year. The redevelopment includes an upgrade of the port’s number 10 berth to accommodate larger vessels of up to 270m long, which is hoped will result in an increase in the number

of cruise ships that visit Townsville. With major cruise companies such as P&O Cruises and RCI Cruises looking to expand their conferencing and incentive offerings in Australia, Townsville looks set to capitalise on a growing trend.

For a group of professional conference organisers on a recent famil to Townsville, the throb of building activity was a world away from the tropical setting of their welcome lunch at Mercure Townsville. The group relaxed in the resort’s Celsius Restaurant, set in 4.5 hectares of tropical gardens on the shores of Lake Curralea. Offering 144 accommodation rooms and a wide range of conference facilities including green and carbon neutral conferencing, Mercure Townsville caters for meetings and events up to 300 theatre-style in its Bali Room.

Located on the seafront, Seagulls Resort Townsville is set amongst 1.2 hectares of lush tropical landscaped gardens. Offering motel-style accommodation and two bedroom self-contained apartments, the resort has a range of meeting spaces, with the largest, the Conference Room – Rowes Bay, located on the seafront and catering up to 100 people theatre-style. The resort has also recently

added a new conference space, the Lagoon Room, which caters for up to 50 theatre-style and 70 cocktail-style. Overlooking the lagoon swimming pools and tropical gardens the room boasts plenty of natural light and free wi-fi for all conference delegates.

Water viewsMagnetic Island is only 20 minutes from the mainland by ferry, but offers a real sense of seclusion. The island’s two premier properties, Peppers Blue on Blue and Grand Mercure Magnetic Island are just a short stroll from the Nelly Bay ferry terminal, with both properties offering absolute waterfront views.

Peppers Blue on Blue offers three Indigo meeting spaces, suitable for groups up to 110 theatre-style in the largest. At sunset the group received a Welcome to Country by the Cultural Centre Townsville Performers, before sitting down to a waterfront dinner at the resort’s Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar. The restaurant won Best Food and Beverage outlet at the 2012 Mantra Group Awards, testament to the high standard on offer. Peppers Blue on Blue can also offer conference groups a trip to some of the food producers that head chef

Rodney Smith utilises, or partner with celebrated wine critic Nick Stock, who is an “ambassador” of sorts for the program, to host a wine dinner.

Back on the mainland, Jupiters Townsville Hotel and Casino also takes advantage of its unfettered views of the Coral Sea from its location on the Breakwater Marina. Jupiters boasts the largest and most diverse conference and convention space of any hotel in Townsville, with its Grand Ballroom catering up to 700 theatre-style or 400 banquet-style. The renovated poolside lawn and terrace area can cater up to 2000 cocktail-style and has increased vehicle access and a new 10m x 7m purpose-built stage complete with shade cover and lighting. A landscaping of the lawn area has opened up the space enabling a 55m x 20m marquee to be placed on the lawn area. The hotel has also recently opened its new restaurant, Kõbe, which offers uninterrupted sea views to Magnetic Island and complements the hotel’s three other restaurants.

Adjacent to Jupiters and just minutes away from the central business district and Strand precinct, Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre’s flexible Auditorium provides 1500sqm of

Bucking the trendWith some major new infrastructure underway, Townsville is riding a wave of investment that is set to pay dividends in the future.

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Troy Dunn Invitational Bull Ride Event at TECC.


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column free floor space, and can be configured into numerous modes to cater from 500 to 5200, making it suitable for concerts, sporting events, gala dinners, conferences and exhibitions. There are also four breakout rooms around the Auditorium. The Convention Centre has enjoyed strong business over 2012 despite a drop in government business following last year’s budget cuts by the State Government. This year is also looking healthy thanks to the diverse base of industries in the region, according to general manager Tim Pow, who is hoping that a long awaited refurbishment of the centre will be green-lighted later this year.

The RSL Stadium Townsville is the city’s newest multi-purpose sporting venue, with a variety of versatile meeting spaces on offer including an arena with a capacity for over 2000, which can be carpeted to provide an ideal space for expos, dinners and conferences.

Life aquaticThe Reef HQ Aquarium has just passed its one year milestone for its meetings space, which has been underpinned by a number of sustainable initiatives including carpeting made from recycled plastic bottles, non-toxic Ecolour paint, which is certified carbon neutral, and LED lighting. The room seats 90 theatre-style, while the aquarium is also available for cocktail and dinner functions, as well as pre and post touring and special events.

Another venue that encapsulates the seafaring nature of region is the Museum of Topical Queensland, which offers five function spaces. The largest space, the Great Gallery, provides a memorable backdrop for special events and dinners, with its replica of the HMS Pandora. The museum partners with Roux Blond Creative Catering to offer everything from morning

teas through to gala dinners. The Gallery can hold functions up to 140 banquet-style and 250 cocktail-style, while the museum’s two outside function areas, the Riverside Deck and Balcony, are perfect for welcome functions and cater up to 100 and 40 cocktail-style respectively. The 21 seat Boardroom has views of both the river and city, while the Theatre is suitable for workshops and caters for up to 50.

The Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre offers organisers a backdrop of indigenous art displays for events, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island dance and music performances. Located in the heart of the CBD, the Cultural Centre is ideal for welcome receptions, cocktail parties and networking functions. The Cultural Centre’s Riverside Deck overlooks the harbour with the capacity to host 150 people seated or 200 cocktail-style, while the Performance Area is an indoor venue equipped with a stage and seating for 100 people or up to 200 for performances. With a commercial kitchen onsite, organisers have the option of arranging self-catering or bringing in outside caters, while the Cultural Centre can also provide a selection of traditional bush tucker foods prepared with native Australian ingredients.

Gourmet delightPalmer Street is Townsville’s main dining strip, as well as being home to a range of accommodation properties. The 118-room Hotel IBIS Townsville offers two meeting rooms for up to 80 delegates, as well as its Sugatrain Lounge Bar and Café. The nearby Rydges Southbank Townsville incorporates the Southbank Convention Centre and offers state of the art audio visual facilities and new banquet

chairs and tables, with its largest space, the Grand Ballroom, catering up to 360 banquet-style. Smaller boardrooms are also available, while the Convention Centre’s grand entrance opens up into a pre-function bar and foyer, ideal for cocktails or conference lunches. The property’s Southbank Bar & Grill has just undergone a revamp to showcase the Rydges brand-wide “Rise Breakfast” concept for buffet breakfasts, while its accommodation rooms have also been spruced up with a soft refurbishment.

The 106-room Grand Hotel Townsville offers modern one bedroom apartments and king hotel rooms, with full kitchenettes and laundrettes.

Opposite the Grand Hotel is Jam Corner, with owner Matt Merrin and his team showcasing the regions gourmet produce and wines in delightful surroundings. The restaurant also has two meeting spaces, with the intimate Luxe Room seating 18 downstairs, and the upstairs Function Room catering to 100 cocktail-style or 50 seated, with city and river views from its balcony. Jam Corner also partners with Grand Hotel, allowing guests to charge any meals back to their room.

Another boutique function space

is the Townsville Brewery and the Banquet Centre, housed in the historic Post Office building. The restaurant and boutique brewery are on the ground floor, while the upstairs dedicated function space offers decadent decoration blending with the original features of this 1886 building. The room can cater to 250 cocktail-style and has its own dedicated bar and dance floor area.

For a region that is associated so strongly with its cattle farming roots, it seemed more than appropriate that the group’s farewell night was spent watching the Troy Dunn Invitational Bull Ride Event, held annually at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre. Following a backstage tour to witness the logistics of such an epic event, the group then sat with the sold out crowd to witness the thrilling feats of bravery by the cowboys who battle it out in one of the toughest competitions in Australia.

Like the laconic bull riders witnessed that night, Townsville shrugs off any adversity with a smile, and always seems to land on its feet. With so much on offer for event organisers and a hub for so many industries, the city is set to build on its continuing success.

● Alex Yeomans was hosted by the Townsville Enterprise Convention Bureau.

Townsville’s iconic Castle Hill.


tnq

For the 60,000 people that descended on Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland to view a total eclipse of the sun late last year, it couldn’t have gone better. Moments before the big event, as if being given silent instruction from an invisible stagehand, the clouds parted and the eclipse was seen in all its glory. The event was also a triumph for the diverse range of properties and event facilities, which showcased the region’s ability to effortlessly handle such a large influx of visitors in such a short space of time.

“To have 60,000 visitors arrive, disperse and depart without incident is a testament to the way our region works together,” says Rosie Douglas, director of business events at Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. “It demonstrates to conference or incentive groups considering the region that we can handle large numbers professionally and effectively.”

Cairns’ geographic proximity to Asia, and good airline access, is aiding increased growth in Asian delegate numbers for international events held at the Cairns Convention Centre, according to

Douglas. This has been supported by direct flights from China with both China Eastern Airlines, which has extended its trial service from Shanghai until September this year, and China Southern Airlines, which commenced flights from Guangzhou this month.

New bloodAlong with increased air access, there has been significant new product in the region’s hotel and activity offering, with QT Port Douglas bringing a fresh new look to the area, Accor bringing properties both in Cairns and Port Douglas under the Pullman umbrella, the new Mossman Gorge Centre and the highly anticipated redevelopment of the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, all of which “is a reflection of the level of investor confidence”.

Natalie Johnson, sales manager for business, events and leisure at Flames of the Forest and chair of Port Douglas Incentives, has been promoting the region for over a decade, and says that things picked up in 2012 following a dip post GFC, “with a lot of short lead business that we weren’t expecting”.

Cairns is a popular destination for the association and government

business sector, while Port Douglas attracts more incentive and corporate business, according to Johnson. Port Douglas handles groups between 250-450 well, she says, adding that it “doesn’t mean it can’t do larger conferences”.

“The largest event we held at Flames of the Forest was for 850, with the infrastructure to do that across two different hotels.”

Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas’ Glade Pavilion caters up to 500 banquet-style and 850 theatre-style, while QT Port Douglas can cater up to 350 theatre-style, with the two properties having previously worked together to host a conference of 650 delegates. Following the recent investment in the region, Johnson says “there will be a huge resurgence of conference and incentive business into this region”.

“I’ve certainly got a lot of quotes from the US and we are seeing these groups coming back to Australia, particularly from North America,” she says. “It’s almost to the point where it is on their bucket list and even though the Australian dollar is still high they still want to come anyway. There is also a lot of interest still coming out the UK and South Africa.”

Tracking well for business events since opening in May last year, QT Port Douglas primarily targets the domestic conference and incentive market, but also has an eye on the international market as well, according to Caroline Faber, director of sales at QT Port Douglas.

“We do target international business from a MICE perspective, with New Zealand our main market internationally,” says Faber. “I’m not sure of the impact [of direct flights from China] on a MICE perspective. We did have a group out on a corporate MICE famil recently and destination awareness is definitely an issue. They have yet to learn all the different offerings in Australia.”

Indigenous engagementSet in the world heritage-listed rainforest, Rainforestation Nature Park has been offering Indigenous-themed activities for around 20 years, with its Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and Dreamtime Walk.

“We were one of the first performance based Indigenous products in the region,” says Shauna Lep, sales manager programme development and incentives at Rainforestation parent

Eclipse of the heartThe recent solar eclipse gave TNQ global attention that money just can’t buy, and showcased the region’s ability to handle big numbers without putting a foot wrong, writes Sheridan Randall.

C A I R N S C O N V E N T I O N C E N T R E

Visit www.cairnsconvention.com.auSerious Business in Australia’s Most Stunning Location

Consider Cairns for your next meeting…


company Capta Group.

“We have worked quite hard with Tourism Queensland to be thought about as a destination that has a cultural element to it because people often come to TNQ for the reef and the rainforest and they will pick Kakadu or Central Australia for the Indigenous experience,” Lep says.

The Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience takes around one hour and includes the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Show held in the Rainforest Amphitheatre, which seats up to 400 under its all-weather canopy.

“We do three shows a day at our amphitheatre and after each show there is a Dreamtime Walk, which includes boomerang throwing, spear throwing demos and didgeridoo lessons,” she says. “We can add bush tucker, face painting or a canvas art activity under the instruction of one of our Pamagirri performers.”

With the capacity to host events up to 2000, Rainforestation works closely with Cairns Convention Centre to attract larger corporate and conference events.

“[We] host it like a festival,” she says. “Pamagirri performances are lit up and scheduled throughout the night, there are food stalls throughout the park rather than sitting every one down. You can roam, do the cultural experience, do the show, hop on an Army Duck vehicle, and have pre-dinner drinks in the wildlife park mingling the koalas, crocodiles and pythons.”

Mossman Gorge Centre is a new attraction in Port Douglas that has been 20 years in the making. The dream of Kuku Yalanji community leader Roy Gibson, the $20 million centre takes visitors into the heart of the rainforest with Ngadiku Dreamtime guides conducting walks and offering an insight into the traditional way of life and the natural world that sustained it. The Centre also has a bush tucker café, art gallery, gift shop and

cultural displays.

“It started as a way to manage the traffic in Mossman Gorge and try and make them aware of the country and the Yalanji people,” says Gisbon. The Centre has now seen 109,000 people pass through its doors since opening in early 2012.

“We are putting together packages for business events [market] for people to sit down at the waterfront and have a smoking welcome and do art classes and things like that,” says Gibson. “The key thing we work with is the Dreamtime Walk, which we are marketing to the incentive market. It is proving popular and the word is starting to get out there, as it is a very easy half-day activity for groups that are staying at Port Douglas.”

Another pioneer in promoting the region’s Indigenous culture is Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which was established 25 years ago. Tjapukai is set to undergo a $10 million redevelopment in April, 2013, which will include a new theatre, and is set for a soft opening of November, 2013.

Set on 10 hectares, Tjapukai can cater for open air events up to 2000 under a marquee, as well offering various indoor meeting facilities in its range of theatres, event spaces, and Boomerang Restaurant.

International appealThe recent rebranding of a number of Accor properties in the region, including the Pullman Sea Temple Resort & Spas in Port Douglas and Palm Cove and the Pullman Cairns International is a sign of the growing confidence in the region.

“We believe the region is rebuilding its image both in the domestic and international markets, and this will be further enhanced by the start of international services by China Eastern,” says Simon McGrath, chief operating officer of Accor Pacific.

international branding for key MICE hotels can only help promote TNQ’s profile as a premium MICE destination,” he says. “We will be working very closely with Tourism Tropical North Queensland in helping win business for the region, and by having over 10 hotels in the region covering the luxury, mid-market and economy sectors, we’re able to focus on major conference and event pitches and support with a range of accommodation options.”

With China high on the radar, the two Pullmans in Cairns are already accredited under Accor’s Optimum Service Standards for Chinese tourists.

“In addition, the hotels have implemented training for all staff on Chinese cultural practices in association with local community groups, so that they can better understand the specific needs and requirements of these travellers,” he says.

The planets are aligning once again for TNQ, and with its collaborative approach, ongoing investment and increased air access, it seems the clouds are parting to reveal the region in all its glory.

“We see China as a crucial growth market for TNQ. Pullman is the fastest growing 5-star brand in China, so we are confident that this will help build business to the TNQ region.”

Describing TNQ as “one of the most dynamic destinations for quality meetings and incentives”, McGrath says that Accor will be “concentrating more on the delivery of product and services, with the two Sea Temples already offering “outstanding products”.

“Increasingly this market is international in nature, so

The global media await the eclipse on Palm Cove Beach.


Industry update

Penny Lion, general manager of Business Events Australia, has briefed industry suppliers around the country on the state of the industry as part of Tourism Australia’s recent five city road show.

The Industry Briefing and Business Events Workshops, which wrapped up in Sydney in late November, saw Lion join a line-up of speakers including Andrew McEvoy, managing director of Tourism Australia; Nick Dowie, general manager tourism policy branch, Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, and Ken Corbett, chairman of the Tourism Industry Council New South Wales.

While acknowledging that conditions have been challenging over the last few years, Lion said that “it’s also been incredibly positive” with the “sector showing strong growth across all regions”. Not only are arrival statistics up 14 per cent overall, but the business events sector is well on its way to achieving the goal set in 2009 as part of the Tourism 2020 plan of doubling overnight delegate expenditure to $16 billion by 2020, with the local results showing that overnight delegate expenditure is currently $12.5 billion.

While much has been made of the potential of Asian markets, and particularly China, for Australia, Lion said that traditional markets such as the US, UK, Europe and New Zealand remain a strong focus for Business Events Australia’s marketing activities.

As part of their marketing efforts, Business Events Australia recently travelled to the IMEX America expo in Las Vegas with 20 key industry partners to showcase the country’s business meetings, incentive travel, and conference and events sectors.

Up from 16 stand partners in 2011, Australia’s presence at IMEX America reflected “strong interest” from the US in Australia as a luxury incentive and large conferences destination. Following a significant increase in visitor numbers from the US to Australia, the country is now the second largest source market for business events visitors after New Zealand.

“We’re seeing a really positive shift out of the US,” said Lion. “The numbers there are up 30 per cent for the year ending September.

“At IMEX America we had 20 stand partners and we were non-stop for those three days. People weren’t only getting lead opportunities out of it; they were converting business on the stand, which is unusual.”

There is still work to be done however in challenging perceptions about Australia in the US market, particularly surrounding how long it takes to get here and how easy it is to combine more than one experience.

Despite challenging conditions, the Australian business events industry is looking “incredibly positive”, according to Penny Lion, general manager of Business Events Australia, writes Ylla Wright.

State of the industry

The World Congress of the Transplantation Society 2008.

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Business Events Australia also attended leading global event for meetings, incentives and business events EIBTM, held in Barcelona in November, with a delegation of leading Australian operators including Business Events Sydney, The Star, Melbourne Convention + Visitor Bureau, Adelaide Convention Centre, Arinex and Cairns Convention Centre.

The group showcased significant developments in infrastructure and services taking place throughout the country, including the planned 20-hectare International Convention Centre Sydney; $150 million upgrade to Sydney’s Royal Randwick racecourse, which will include a 1000 seat ballroom and 4-star, 170-room hotel with conference facilities; $350 million expansion of the Adelaide Convention Centre, and new direct flights from China to Cairns which provides international delegates with additional options when travelling from Europe to Cairns, complementing existing European routes via Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka and Auckland.

Closer to home, the New Zealand market is doing exceptionally well for Australia in terms of volume, and will continue to do so, according to Lion; however there is a degree of complacency amongst buyers as the “New Zealand market feel they know Australia incredibly well”.

“We need to challenge that perception and share new experiences with them,” said Lion.

In Asia, the number of business events arrivals from the mature markets of Malaysia and Singapore are up 22 per cent and 11 per cent respectively, mostly within the incentive space, while the number of Chinese arrivals is up 27 per cent year on year.

“Business events arrivals are up 61 per cent for the three months to September alone, which proves how fast that market is growing,” said Lion.

A key focus for Business Events Australia over the next few years will be India.

“When you look at the numbers coming out of that region, they’re tremendous,” said Lion. “There are predictions of 50 million travellers coming from India by the year 2020, but from a business events perspective we have a lot of work to do. The interest is there but awareness is low. The question is, how do we get the information in front of them about what’s on offer in Australia as far as incentive product goes? I think we can do some good things there but they also need to have direct air access into Australia. Our team at Tourism Australia is working on that.”

Australia’s proximity to Asia is also a selling point for many association events, as they increasingly seek to boost delegate numbers out of that region.

“There are some very powerful numbers to


and what this new research helps us to do is identify our real strengths and fine-tune how we promote Australia in different overseas markets,” Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy told conference delegates.

“The findings suggest we’re already doing a lot right, in terms of where we are prioritising

The Business Events Australia stand at last year’s EIBTM, held in Barcelona in November.

Market differences

• Australia rated most highly as a destination with China, especially on value for money and world class nature.

• The highest levels of intention to visit were amongst Chinese and Indian respondents.

• Travellers from China and India prefer to travel during the second half of the year, whilst New Zealanders and Europeans are more interested in visiting during their winter, with Queensland their top preference.

• Perceptions of Australia’s food and wine

offering vary – ranking lowly with Korea, Indonesia, Germany and the US and most highly with the UK, India, New Zealand and China.

• Australia rates number one for safety in the world amongst those who have visited, people’s actual experiences scoring much higher than perceptions of those who haven’t visited, particularly from India, Indonesia and South Korea.

• Australia’s world class nature is highly regarded by all markets.

Tourism Australia research reveals there are some key differences amongst Australia’s most important inbound markets.

tap into and we’re well positioned to do that,” said Lion.

Making the job easier for the business events industry across the board is that visiting Australia is on many people’s “bucket list”.

In November Tourism Australia unveiled the findings of a major international tourism research project into how global consumers view Australia and the demand “triggers” most motivating them to visit, at the Australian Tourism Directions Conference in Canberra.

The research, commissioned by Tourism Australia and carried out by BDA Marketing Planning in 11 of Australia’s key international markets, found that Australia’s biggest strengths are its world class nature, safety and food and wine offerings. The survey also found that aspiration and intention to visit is very high across the board.

Tourism Australia plans to use the findings of the research to further evolve its future marketing and identify opportunities to make Australia more attractive to overseas visitors, across both the leisure and business events sectors, and ultimately reach its Tourism 2020 goal of achieving $115-140 billion in overnight spend by 2020.

These opportunities include focusing on the country’s greatest drivers of international interest – its coastal, aquatic and wildlife experiences – and better marketing of the country’s quality food and wine.

“Destination marketing is not one size fits all

our resources and marketing activities. It’s encouraging, for example, that the highest levels of intention to visit are amongst Chinese and Indians, two of the markets we are most aggressively targeting.

“Equally, the survey has also identified some areas where the industry can up its game, including better promotion of our consistently high quality food and wine offerings, where significant opportunities exist to strengthen what locals know to be a core strength.”

Earlier research into the Chinese corporate meetings and incentives market, commissioned by Tourism Australia and the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux in 2011, found that “Australia’s strengths include our innovative team-building activities, superior venue capacity, climate and vast landscapes with abundant attractions”.

Speaking at the recent Industry Briefing, McEvoy said that 90 per cent of Tourism Australia’s time was spent building demand for Australia.

“Our campaign, ‘There’s nothing like Australia’, was built on two very basic insights. One, the world travels to experience difference, so make sure you accentuate what’s different, what’s interesting, sexy, fashionable – what’s happening now.

“The second insight is a very old one: word of mouth is the best marketing tool, but the difference in the modern day is that word of mouth has gone viral – it’s word of mouse. The ability for other people to advocate online on behalf of our experiences and products is all powerful.”

Lion believes that key to creating strong awareness of Australia is for the business events industry to work in partnership and speak in “one voice”.

“Our job is to keep the chatter going, making sure that people aren’t just thinking about coming to Australia, but getting them to come,” she said.


aime

What’s new at AIME in 2013Now in its 21st year, the 2013 Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, which kicks off at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre next month, promises to be even bigger and better than ever before.

After the success of last year’s 20th anniversary Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), which attracted more than 780 exhibitors, 515 Hosted Buyers and around 3400 visitors in total, Australia’s leading business events expo is on again next month, with a whole host of new features for 2013.

According to Sally de Swart, Reed Travel Exhibitions’ (RTE) event director for AIME, this year’s show promises to be bigger and better with a raft of new features and an expanded education program.

“Each year we strive to deliver a world class event and meet the objectives of our attendees, this year is no different,” she said. “Every year AIME hopes to surpass the success of the last event and we are always challenging ourselves to introduce new initiatives to continue to be relevant for our industry.”

After listening to feedback from those who attended last year’s AIME, de Swart says this year’s event will cater to the needs of a greater range of events organisers.

“Each visitor has a different need and

objective and we have tried to cater for those this year, so whether you are planning a major international incentive trip or the office Christmas party you will have the opportunity to meet with relevant suppliers,” she said. “I hope that visitors will also benefit from AIME Knowledge, our expanded education program delivered in partnership with our industry associations.”

Expanded pre-touring options Hosted Buyers have even more ways to experience the best of what Victoria has to offer with the addition of five new pre-touring options. Joining popular options such as Phillip Island, Yarra Valley and Ballarat are tours to Daylesford and Macedon Ranges; Mildura; Wangaratta; Gippsland, and the iconic Great Ocean Road.

According to Karen Bolinger, chief executive of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau, the pre-tours provide the perfect opportunity to experience Melbourne and regional Victoria first-hand.

“We appreciate that many of our buyers travel

When: February 26-27, 2013

Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Who: Approximately 800 exhibitors from over 50 countries and more than 3500 Hosted Buyers and visitors representing incentive houses, associations, event management companies and professional conference organisers.

How much: Entry is free for visitors who register before the show or $25 at the door.

Website: www.aime.com.au

Fast facts

to Melbourne for AIME from overseas and interstate, so we endeavour to provide them with unforgettable experiences and most importantly, valuable opportunities, showcasing not only Melbourne but regional Victoria’s business events capabilities within a 90 minute radius of the city,” she said. “We have no doubt the pre-tour program for 2013 will showcase why the state of Victoria should be at the top of the destination list when booking conventions, meetings and incentive trips.”

International post-touring program launchedInternational post-touring itineraries are being offered to Hosted Buyers for the first time, with opportunities for them to travel to New Zealand or Singapore.

Auckland Convention Bureau, Air New Zealand and partners will offer a four-day post tour program to Auckland, with Auckland Convention Bureau manager Anna Hayward saying they were looking forward “to welcoming buyers from around the world”.

“Auckland is full of surprises – it’s a dynamic city set in a natural paradise with a lifestyle rated among the world’s very best,” Hayward said.

A four-day itinerary of Singapore is also on offer to Hosted Buyers who are interested in discovering first-hand the city’s cultural


One of AIME’s most popular features, the Saxton Ultimate Event Experience, is on again in 2013. Scheduled for 7.45-10am on Tuesday, February 26, the event offers a unique opportunity to witness 10 cutting edge presenters and entertainers in a whirlwind two hour session packed with action, wisdom and fantastic content.

This year’s event features some of the most recognisable names from the worlds of business (Mark Bouris and Ian Stephens), entrepreneurship (Megan Quinn and Nic Frances), music (James Morrison), sport and motivation (Layne Beachley and Rob Hamill), illusion (Anthony Laye), and event hosts Tripod, famous around the world for their hilarious comedic and musical antics.

A highlight of the show will be Darren Percival, the runner-up on last year’s The Voice Australia (pictured), and his big band take on the magic of Ray Charles.

Entry to the Saxton Ultimate Event Experience

is free, and attendees will also receive complimentary access to AIME.

precincts, unexpected tracts of greenery throughout the island, the integrated resorts, and latest attractions such as the River Safari.

“While Singapore is often acknowledged as a leading business city, it still surprises visitors with its ever-evolving landscape and new experiences,” said Jeannie Lim, executive director for Conventions and Meetings at the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau.

Dedicated Hosted Buyer seminarHosted Buyers can also take advantage of the opportunity to attend a dedicated “The Spirit of Entrepreneurship” buyer seminar, part of AIME’s education program, taking place on Wednesday February 27.

New focus on business travel With almost 50 per cent of Hosted Buyers

Must-see event

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2013TIME EVENT 15.00-17.00 ICCA Business Exchange

19.00-22.00 Official AIME Welcome Reception (South Wharf Promenade)

7.45-10.00 Saxton Ultimate Event Experience

10.30-11.30 AIME Knowledge Seminar – ‘Let’s Face It - Nothing Beats Face to Face Real Life Experience’

10.30-11.30 AIME Knowledge Seminar – ‘Where Savings Meet Success’

11.45-12.45 AIME Knowledge Seminar – ‘Projecting Value: A Media Perspective’

11.45-12.45 AIME Knowledge Seminar – ‘Duty of Care - Can You and Your Organisation Afford to Take Chances?’

14.15-15.15 AIME Knowledge Seminar – ‘Effective Communication: Real Connection = Real Results!’

14.15-15.15 AIME Knowledge Seminar – ‘Business Travel and Carbon Pricing’

15.30-16.30 AIME Knowledge Seminar – ‘PCO Business Models - The Real Cost of Events’

16.30-18.00 AIME Networking Hour (Show Floor)

21.30-Late Club Night Club 23 (Crown Entertainment Complex)

8.45-9.45 AIME Knowledge Seminar – ‘The Spirit of Entrepreneurship’

8.45-9.45 AIME Knowledge Seminar – ‘What is the Bureau’

10.30-11.30 AIME Knowledge Seminar – ‘Incentive Travel – 1 Part Logistics, 2 Parts Behavioural Understanding’

10.30-11.30 AIME Knowledge Seminar – ‘Potentiability and a Life of Fulfillment’

11.45-12.45 AIME Knowledge Seminar – ‘Negotiation Skills – For Business and Life’

11.45-12.45 AIME Knowledge Seminar – ‘Outsourcing’

14.30-16.30 AIME Knowledge Seminar – ‘Association Events in Context’

Program highlights

responsible for organising business travel, this year’s AIME will have a bigger focus on exhibitors from the business travel industry than in previous years, adding airlines, hotel chains and corporate travel agencies to the mix of business events focused exhibitors.

Say g’day to the USA American exhibitors will have a dedicated US Pavilion for the first time in 2013, which will act as a hub for buyers keen to explore the destination ranked as the second most popular destination to place business by Australian buyers. Exhibitors include San Francisco Travel and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.

Open for businessWith buyers organising events of all sizes, AIME, along with venue listing guide A LIST Guide, has introduced a new exhibition concept, A LIST Open House. In this dedicated area of the show floor, visitors to AIME can meet with niche event suppliers, venues and corporate activity companies to gain inspiration for special events and functions.

Looking to the futureEvent management technology is changing at a startling pace, but there’s no need to be left behind with AIME’s new Future Events Experience, a dedicated section of the show floor where the latest event technologies and innovations will be presented. The area will also provide a forum to discuss the latest trends and challenges of the industry, as well as demonstrate emerging products and technologies.


sustainability

The new standardFollowing a two year process, the Australian events industry officially adopted the international standard ISO 20121: Event Sustainability Management Systems in June last year. The new standard can be adopted by event organisers, venues, a single event, or even the supply chain such as caterers and waste companies, and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability.

Giselle Radulovic, Sydney International Convention Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct project manager, was involved in the push to get the standard adopted in Australia in her role as an Australian committee member.

“Australia has always been quite open to improving its sustainability performance,” Radulovic says. “I think we have gone after a lot of the low hanging fruit, and the adoption of ISO 20121 helps affect a mindset change in how we do business.

“Certain parts of the industry have been really looking forward to it and have been doing things for quite a while already. The business events sector definitely needs to improve their operational practices, but they have probably been overwhelmed with information telling them how to be sustainable.”

Describing it as a “guidance document” that aids in identifying and managing sustainability issues when running an event, she says that the first thing needed is “commitment from the organisation”.

“You don’t have to adopt everything straight away,” she says. “Rather it means you would determine your sustainable development principles you want to be guided by and set a vision and a policy for your organisation.”

Meegan Jones, managing director operations

at Greenshoot Pacific and president of the Sustainable Event Alliance, was also involved with the Australian committee, and says that by implementing the standard it takes the issue of sustainability to “the next level” from what was previously “ad-hoc or reactionary issues management”.

“What’s really important is that it imbeds the knowledge into the team,” Jones says. “Before it was only personal knowledge that people were drawing on to make sustainability related decisions and sometimes that may not be the best thing. It formalises and articulates that requirement and really pushes up to the front the importance of having the correct information to make available to the team to be able to make the right decisions.”

Jones says that the standard recognises that top management must be committed and “put their money where their mouth is”, which for PCOs could be the client.

The new standard is set to complement the well-established venue-based sustainability benchmarking program EarthCheck Certification, which has been adopted by around three quarters of Australia’s convention centres.

“[EarthCheck] is a great gauge… as to whether that venue has things in place… [but] is only one small piece in the event industry puzzle,” says Jones.

“What the venue industry is going to see is a lot more savvy, more detailed and more informed event organisers requesting things off them based on the ISO 20121. It would be in venues interest to understand what that means and what they are likely to be asked.”

Going globalCurrently dealing with 1300 business in over 70 countries, EarthCheck is a benchmarking, certification and environmental management program used by the travel and tourism industry. Established in 1987 by the Australian Government, it has since grown to be a leading international benchmarking organisation with 85 per cent of its business now outside of Australia.

Having international recognition is becoming increasingly important, for as André Russ, vice-president sales at EarthCheck, says “you can have the best national program on earth but the reality is that a lot of our clients are wanting an international program that crosses borders and is recognised as much in Chile as it is in Shanghai”.

“Everyone is well intentioned and I can see a shift in the last five years in terms of interest but it’s still hard to get people to reach their hand in their pocket,” Russ says. “The challenge for us is really showing where the value is and where the return is.”

Russ maintains EarthCheck’s appeal to its clients is based on “science and research”, saying the organisation is not a “brand”.

“We are able to provide our clients a narrative, we give them the data and credibility,” he says.

“EarthCheck is not going to solve a venue’s problems it’s going to be part of a solution. You need to involve your event organisers, and that is why we support the new ISO standard.”

Russ says that he is “not a fan of rating based programs because it just becomes very murky”.

“There are consultancies coming out offering ways to get a rating without actually having to change anything fundamentally. We are the only program in the world that recognises progress over time. You are either doing it or you’re not.”

The key to real change is looking at things “from a more holistic approach”. Adelaide Convention Centre, set to be the first convention centre in Australia to get gold certification at the end of the year, has a raft of initiatives in place.

“The reward for Adelaide is about commitment,” he says. “All their meeting packages are sustainable at no extra cost and it creates that environment for clients to feel as though they are all doing the right thing.”

With 73 per cent of buyers saying they would avoid a destination that has a poor record in environmental issues, according to Russ, Australia also needs to start thinking about a “destination approach”.

“We are working with the Mexican, Thai, Chinese and Macanese governments, [who] are all at destination level identifying specific tourism destinations that will also drive MICE,” he says. “If you think it’s getting competitive now, you haven’t seen anything yet. Australia is well based as a destination, but I think it is going to become a really hot topic.”

Going for goldAdelaide Convention Centre (ACC) has been awarded EarthCheck Certified Silver for a fourth year in a row, achieving a 16 per cent annual reduction in energy consumption, 26 per cent reduction in water use and 90 per cent of the Centre’s waste being recycled, reused or composted.

A worm farm which processes up to 5500 kilograms of organic waste each year, BioBin composter and water sensor taps that save more than three Olympic size swimming pools of water every year are among the measures adopted by the Centre to reduce its environmental impact.

There has been a groundswell of support from both venues and PCOs for a more sustainable way to run business events, but the introduction of new event sustainability standard ISO 20121 looks set to push the bar higher again, writes Sheridan Randall.

The Centre also runs a world-leading carbon offset program backed by an on-line carbon calculator which allows conference organisers to accurately measure their emissions and offset them through a partnership with Trees for Life.

“The EarthCheck certification sends a powerful message and allows us to demonstrate to clients that we’re serious about the environment by being audited and benchmarked against world best practice,” says ACC chief executive Alec Gilbert.

Useful websites

www.greenshootpacific.com/resources

www.iso.org/iso/home/news_index/news_archive/news.htm?refid=Ref1598


nsw north coast

ballinabeachresort.com.auemail us [email protected] or call (02) 6686 8888

For your next meeting on the NSW North Coast... try mixing a little business with pleasure4star resort accommodation and full delegate packages available with a choice of meeting venues

Northern Rivers Tourism has merged with the Mid North Regional Tourism to become a new body known as the North Coast Destination Network (NCDN), which aims to give local industry bodies, stretching from Port Stephens to Tweed Heads and as far west as Bellingen and Kyogle, greater leverage in attracting State Government funding.

Alan Chamberlain, director of hotels and resorts at Ballina Beach Resort and Conference Centre, says some parts of the region will continue to market as separate destinations following the merger, as “Yamba, Byron Bay and Tweed have very strong individual identities”, but adds that from a conference and incentive view point the region has “more of a

cohesive positioning”.

With Ballina Beach Resort’s conference and events business split between government and regional-based businesses, Chamberlain says that the resort is well positioned to cater for the typical local government footprint, which stretches from Tweed to Port Macquarie.

“Ballina works really well because of the drive times,” he says. “They can cover Tweed, the Western hinterland, Ballina and Yamba with less travel time than everyone going south to Coffs Harbour.”

With Byron Bay well recognised for its incentive offering, the rest of the region doesn’t have a “sufficient quantum of accommodation close to the incentive tourism

attractions” to meet the demand, according to Chamberlain. The solution he says is “to bundle with accommodation partners”, which is “something we need to continue building awareness about”.

Rydges Port Macquarie has seen strong growth in the events sector following the full refurbishment of its meeting facilities in 2011, which doubled its capacity, with corporate business the property’s “bread and butter”, according to Rydges Port Macquarie sales and marketing manager Kate Wood-Foye. Rydges is also “getting more success in the three hour drive market with government and association business”.

With a maximum capacity for meetings and events of around 350 theatre-style, with 150 the

most comfortable fit, Rydges often partners with Port Macquarie’s purpose-built conference space, The Glasshouse, when bidding to bring larger events to the region.

“The Glasshouse will often get the three-day 300 delegate conferences and we will do their gala dinners, breakouts, board meetings and secretariats,” she says.

Wood-Foye says that the awareness of the area as a conference and incentive destination “is getting better”, with a “massive food and wine culture that is just starting to be recognised by the media”.

“We are drawing on the natural attributes of the area, with plenty of water activities such as whale watching and cocktail cruises,” she says. “There are eight wineries and two beautiful boutique brewers here as well, so the food and wine angle has cranked up over the last five years.”

Russell Mills, who works for the NCDN promoting the region to overseas markets, says that the region’s main international markets are the UK, US, Scandinavia, Germany and New Zealand. However, a marketing memorandum of understanding with low cost Singapore airline Scoot and a close working partnership with Air Asia, who fly into the Gold Coast and Sydney, are helping promote the North Coast of NSW, particularly Byron Bay, as a destination for the emerging Asian markets.

“Where we might have promoted surfing and beaches to Western markets, Asian visitors generally aren’t as confident in the water and are not coming here for the water sports,” says Mills. “It’s more on interactive food experiences, tasting and fruit picking and soft adventure such as interaction with native wildlife which is fun but doesn’t take people out of their comfort zones.”

No greater incentiveThe merger of two Northern NSW tourism bodies is promising to bring a greater focus to the region and capitalise on growing interest from the business events market, writes Sheridan Randall.


venue update

Sheraton opens in Bali

The conference facilities and restaurant

at the new Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort.

The Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort on Kuta Beach has opened, making it the inaugural Sheraton hotel in Bali, and parent group Starwood’s fifth hotel on the island. Set on 5.2 hectares, the hotel is part of Sahid Kuta Lifestyle Resort, which includes beachwalk – a luxurious shopping destination, with over 200 retail outlets in an open-air style.

The resort introduces 203 guest rooms and suites and offers nine flexible event spaces – including a 700sqm ballroom that is divisible and supported with an underground secure parking facility capable of hosting over 2000 vehicles. In addition the meeting spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including broadband or wireless high-speed internet access.

“Bali is a perfect fit for the Sheraton brand, being an international holiday destination that is well known globally – Bali is one of the world’s gathering places,” said Hoyt Harper, global brand leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts.

Ridges World Square expands conference facilities The 452-room Rydges World Square Sydney has commenced an expansion of its conference and event facilities, which is set to double its capacity to 600 delegates.

Due to be completed in late February, the new facilities will have 500sqm of flexible floor space, three new function areas and natural lighting.

New waterfront venue for HobartA new event space with the capacity to cater for up to 1000 people is set to open on March 13, 2013, in the heart of Hobart’s waterfront.

Macquarie Wharf No.2 Cruise Terminal will feature a waterside wharf apron extending the length of the building which can be used as an additional events space.

Emporium Hotel goes silverBrisbane’s Emporium Hotel has achieved Silver Certification with EarthCheck, following a three year commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

Emporium Hotel general manager Peter Savoff said it was “one of the most important achievements for both our team, and the hotel’s guests”.

“We now have a valuable management and reporting tool for use in advancing both environmental and business performance, allowing us to monitor sustainable work practices and achieve cost reductions within EarthCheck’s important parameters,” Savoff said.

Old Woolstore Hotel wins Business Tourism awardHobart’s Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel took out the Business Tourism category at the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania’s annual Tourism Awards late last year. This is the fourth time the property has won the award since opening its meeting and event facilities in 2001.

The Old Woolstore will now go on to compete against winners from all Australian states and territories at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which are to be held in Hobart in February, 2013.

The hotel’s managing director Jon Lister said it was “an amazing result” and was “recognition of our constant endeavour to provide

genuine, friendly customer service while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and quality product in tourism and hospitality”.

New meeting space at Bel Air on Broadbeach Bel Air on Broadbeach, on the Gold Coast, Queensland, has opened its new meeting room and lounge.

The room caters for up to 14 delegates in a boardroom setting and features free wi-fi, flat screen TV, desktop computers, a lounge area and easy access to the BBQs. The room is suitable for small groups, meetings and events with complementary bookings for guests of Bel Air on Broadbeach. In conjunction with the new meeting space, the property has opened the Blue Air Café, which serves coffee, muffins, newspapers and a “breakfast box” with everything delegates need to prepare a continental breakfast.

Sheraton Mirage Resort Gold Coast completes refurbSheraton Mirage Resort & Spa Gold Coast in Queensland has unveiled its Mirage Grand Ballroom, marking the completion of the hotel’s $26 million refurbishment.

Incorporating the latest in audio visual technology, digital signage and with easy access for large equipment or vehicles, the Ballroom is suitable for events, product launches, gala dinners or conferences up to 1500 theatre-style.

Expansion for Bunbury gets underwayThe $12.4 million expansion of Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre

commenced late last year, with the redevelopment expected to take 12 months from the start of construction.

The expansion will feature a multi-function conference centre catering for up to 600 delegates and a commercial kitchen.

Revamp for Hydro MajesticThe Hydro Majestic Hotel in the Blue Mountains, NSW, is set to commence a $55 million redevelopment early this year. After four years of planning, the Hydro is scheduled to open in two stages with all public areas accessible late 2013 in the first stage, and two new accommodation wings and a spa complex scheduled for completion two years later for stage two.

Upon completion of both stages, the Hydro will offer 140 deluxe view suites, large conference spaces, a range of hydrotherapy spa treatments and fine-dining culinary experiences.

Stage one will include the revitalisation of the majority of the existing buildings, including the Casino Building, The Wintergarden, The Majestic Ballroom, The Billiard Room and Cat’s Alley, The Delmonte Building and conference rooms.

Raffles opens in ManilaRaffles Hotels & Resorts has expanded its portfolio with the opening of Raffles Makati in Metro Manila, in the Philippines, late last year, making it the first luxury hotel to open in Metro Manila in 18 years. The grand opening of the hotel in February, 2013, will bring the company to nine hotels and resorts, with plans for further openings in Istanbul, Jakarta and China over the next 18 months.

The hotel will offer state-of-the-art spaces for events and meetings, as well as a 24-hour business centre,


CIM is now available as an iPad app, offering even more industry news and destination information.

This exciting free app is packed with bonus extras including interviews, video footage and more photos.

Updated monthly, the CIM iPad app is available for download at the iTunes app store.

MOrE THAN MEETINg ExPECTATIONS

all with a personalised business concierge service. President of Raffles Hotels & Resorts John Johnston, said there was no better time for Raffles to be opening in the Philippines.

“The country is full of a new-found optimism as the economy expands, with a modern infrastructure and an international presence,” he said. “We bring with us 125 years of heritage and experience in luxury service and a portfolio that includes some of Asia’s greatest hotels. I believe this puts both parties in a very favourable situation, where Raffles is the right hotel company, at the right time, to be opening in Manila.”

New executive lounge at Hilton Sydney Hilton Sydney has recently unveiled a completely restyled Executive Lounge as part of a $7 million upgrade. The new lounge has been increased by 60 per cent and now seats up to 120 guests with the introduction of communal and private alcoves and redesigned boardroom.

The use of two communal tables has been introduced into the space to encourage interaction and allows for groups to mingle together without disturbing other guests. The lounge’s boardroom has been increased and seats up to 12 delegates and features sweeping views across Sydney and built-in audio-visual.

Revamp for Rendezvous Grand Hotel SingaporeRendezvous Grand Hotel Singapore has completed a S$25 million (AUD$19.6 million) refurbishment which included architectural and interior design of hotel’s 298 accommodation rooms, ballroom, corporate meeting venues, reception, hotel driveway, concierge

conference and incentive market into TNQ, as well as growing domestic leisure and international business into the region.”

Capital donation pledgeCanberra-based Capital Hotel Group has pledged to donate $1 per delegate from every conference held across its properties throughout 2013 to a selection of Canberra-based charities including, Canberra Hospital

Foundation, Diabetes ACT, MS Australia ACT and Cancer Council ACT.

The group’s three properties in Canberra are Clifton Suites on Northbourne, Aria Hotel Canberra and Pavilion on Northbourne, which has commenced a major upgrade to its conference facilities, including new AV featuring inbuilt sound systems, dividable walls in the main plenary room, and fresh paint and curtains, which will be completed in February, 2013.

The Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa.

The lobby at Rendezvous Grand Hotel Singapore.

pavilion, palong bar, lobby and the new Rendezvous Gallery.

“Other than working on the hardware, we are also retraining our staff to realise the importance of customer service so that our guests will come back again and again,” said Kellvin Ong, general manager of Rendezvous Grand Hotel Singapore.

5-star leaders after Pullman rebrandingAccor’s Pullman brand is Australia’s largest 5-star hotel brand following the re-branding of Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa in Tropical North Queensland, bringing it in line with sister property Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa. Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa can host up to 220 delegates in its meeting facilities.

“It is fitting that two such high-quality resorts should establish Pullman as Australia’s leading 5-star brand,” said Simon McGrath, chief operating officer of Accor Pacific.

“We will be looking to grow the


By 2015 hybrid events and exhibitions are projected to be worth $18 billion. Virtual conferences, such as Cisco’s Annual Global Sales Meeting, certainly proved it was possible to hold an entirely virtual global conference from 89 countries and 600 Cisco conference rooms, spanning 24 time zones.

So will the rise of virtual conferences take dollars, and interest, away from real-life conferences? Or are hybrid conferences the answer?

BBC News recently reported a recent survey by ON24 showing 87 per cent of executives were ready to go down the virtual path.

“It is still an evangelical market, but the recession has helped businesses see the value of virtual environments,” ON24 founder Sharat Sharan was quoted as saying.

“Think about all those savings from hotel rooms to airfares for attendees to meals and conference space. One of our biggest technology clients had a sales meeting earlier this year where they generally spend $5 million. They spent a tenth of

that by holding a virtual conference.”

And the benefits are not just wrapped up in the savings that the organisers make. Hybrid events allow conversations between exhibitors, participants and speakers to continue well past the end of the conference, adding value to everyone involved.

What exactly is a hybrid event? Put simply, a hybrid event is a conference, exhibition, seminar, workshop or other meeting that blends a “live” in-person event with a “virtual” online component.

Generally, the virtual component involves an online representation of the live event. For example, online participants might have access to:

• live audio or video streaming of keynote speakers or workshops alongside their presentation material (for example, via Ustream, Livestream, Eventials, Sonic Foundry);

• online presentations (ranging from webcasts to sharing of content via SlideShare);

pco association

For more information, visit www.pco.asn.au

PCO ASSOCIATION NEWS

Are hybrid meetings the way of the future?For many, the future of the business events industry is in “hybrid meetings”. Craig Rispin explains what you need to know.

PCO 2012 National ConferenceOver 300 registered delegates and 60 trade exhibitors converged on Jupiters Hotel & Casino on the Gold Coast to participate in the 5th Annual PCO National Conference. More than 30 speakers presented a jam-packed program over the three days, and coupled with a busy social program, this year’s conference delivered great value for money and valuable professional development for all delegates.

Thank you again to all conference sponsors and trade exhibitors whose participation enables the Association to again provide an affordable conference program.

We have included articles from several speakers in this issue of CIM Magazine, and due to popular demand, we will also be conducting workshops with Craig Rispin during January (see below).

Workshops – Hybrid Conferences & EventsThe PCO Association will be conducting a series of workshops on the topic “Hybrid Conferences & Events for PCOs” in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in late January, 2013. Presenter Craig Rispin is a business futurist and innovation expert, and his session at the 2012 PCO National Conference resulted in a huge

demand for a follow-up workshop on this topic. The workshops promise to be hands-on, where participants will actually plug in all the gear and stream an event.

Workshops are open to PCO Members and non-members – anyone who wants to add a hybrid element to their events, or new revenue stream or sponsorship opportunity.

Full details are available from www.pco.asn.au.

PCO Association partners with AIME

The PCO Association has once again partnered with the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) to hold an education session as part of AIME’s AIME Knowledge program next month.

The “PCO business models – the real cost of events session” will explore the various business models used by PCOs in calculating and presenting management fees, and features speakers Barry Neame, director at Consec Conference Management, Francis Child, managing director at Conference Action, and Paula Leishman, managing director at Leishman Associates.

Sessions cost $55, with tickets available from the AIME website, www.aime.com.au.

This year’s AIME will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 26-27, 2013.

New councillor appointed in WAAlison Petrie, managing director of EECW, has been appointed to the PCO National Council. Alison’s association with the professional conference and event management sector stretches back 25 years, having previously established and grown successful businesses in the PCO space. She has also held senior management and leadership roles with the Starwood Hotel Group and Globetrotter Corporate Travel.

We welcome Alison’s appointment, and thanks and best wishes go to Debbie-Anne Scott who has resigned her position on the National Council.

Conference and event insuranceOne of the most popular trade exhibitors at the 2012 PCO National Conference was the H2 Conference & Exhibitions Insurance Solutions’ stand. Jason Holmes and Nicholas Jobling were kept busy discussing event insurance with delegates. The company also ran a competition, providing the chance for one lucky delegate to win $25,000. While Jane Carter from Conference Logistics unfortunately didn’t select the winning envelope, she did walk away with $250. Congratulations Jane!

PCOnline WineDon’t forget to check out the PCOnline Wine Club specials on the PCO website in the “Services” section.


• creation of a live commentary or transcript of proceedings (for example, through Wthashtag or CoverItLive);

• online chat or discussion forum facilities (for example, through Pathable or moreconference);

• event photographs (for example, via Flickr) and video (for example, via YouTube, Vimeo or Qik), and

• integration of other social media tools such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Leaders in the virtual marketplace such as ON24 (www.on24.com), along with Unisfair (www.unisfare.com), are forging ahead in developing virtual-meetings services aimed at recreating the real tradeshow or conference experience.

Attendees check in and get their “goody bag” of virtual goods and brochures that they can look at anytime. There are show booths to attend where participants can download company information, watch demonstrations or chat online to sales reps.

Conference goers can also attend keynote sessions, submit questions live for real-time answers; listen to lectures on podcast and view PowerPoint presentations all without packing a suitcase or breaking a sweat to catch a flight.

There are also facilities for virtual networking.

Another benefit, say the companies, is the ability to know exactly who has come to your booth, how long they stayed, what products interested them and what questions they asked. This data makes follow up conversations more productive.

What are the other benefits of a hybrid event?• Measurable ROI.

• Reduction of the carbon footprint of an event.

• Enables people who might be unable to physically attend due to travel or time zone constraints or physical disability to participate.

• Integrates between social media and networkings, giving participants the ability to share and discuss content easily and quickly.

• Indepth analytics track conversations, contact information exchanges, presentations attended, content accessed, and downloaded and individual space visits.

What makes a hybrid event “hybrid”?Provision of internet access, usually via free wi-fi, is normal at hybrid events. As well as allowing a physical event to reach a wider audience, these online tools also provide a means for physical attendees to interact with each other, with the event organisers and with online participants, and for online participants to interact with each other. Some events have featured “TwitterWalls” (created using applications such as Twitterfall) where Twitter comments about the event are shared with physical attendees.

Event content can also be recorded and made available online to foster further discussions after the event has ended, build out a knowledge portal for event participants, and help market the next year’s event by sharing highlights from the current year.

● Craig Rispin is a business futurist and innovation expert and presenter at the 2012 PCO National Conference.

but need someone in IT to help them connect to the database documents are saved in, not to mention the email network. With cloud-based technology its simple to add another user to the cloud service, instantly giving them access to all the appropriate information, documents, plans, drawings and schedules they need. Once the project is complete the contractor can simply be removed from the cloud computing account.

When you use cloud technology, not only does your business become more flexible and agile, you can really lower the amount of money you spend on IT. In-house IT departments no longer need to focus on maintaining on servers and installing software updates. Even without an IT department businesses no longer need to buy expensive software licenses or for everyone to have a desktop for the office and a laptop for when they are on the road. Staff can access their vital work information from any device they have, at any time.

By far the most useful benefits we have discovered at Jomablue have been the huge reduction of internal email we previously sent to each other and the ability for us all to be up-to-date with project plans. When we want to share a file with a colleague we simply send them a “link” to the most recent copy stored in the cloud, ensuring only one copy of the file is ever stored in the cloud, rather than several floating around in various forwarded emails.

Saving files directly to the cloud allows anyone working on a project/event – clients, vendors, designers and the whole project team – to work on the same document, track versions of the document and ensure no one is left with an outdated version.

If you have ever uploaded photos to Facebook, used Dropbox, Office365 or Google Docs then you are already using cloud technologies. It has taken a little while for them to sharpen their offerings and to get it right but there are now several different companies offering robust, secure and reliable solutions “in the cloud” for you to make the move.

● Matt Hnatojko is project manager at Jomablue and a consultant to the PCO Association.

In the cloudSwitching to cloud computing makes sounds business sense, writes Matt Hnatojko.

People talk about the risks of cloud computing but at Jomablue (www.jomablue.com) we use it to completely run our business and have found the benefits far outweigh any risks. So, what is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is simply a matter of replacing the combination of programs installed on your computer and the hardware maintained in your office, such as desktop computers connected to a server, with online services. It is using the internet to access email, work documents, address book, spreadsheets, customer databases and anything else you use each day from anywhere, on any device, at any time.

With cloud computing all that is needed is an internet connection; it’s possible to organise an event or manage a business from anywhere. By implementing a complete cloud solution you ensure the computing experience you have out of the office, whether working at home or onsite, is exactly as it would be in the office.

Not only that, with cloud computing documents are saved automatically to the cloud, so that if equipment such as a laptop sustains damage, all that is needed is a new one and you are back up and running again.

Bringing business records, processes and vital information in one place and allowing them to work together is where cloud based computing excels. Cloud computing tools tend to centralise everything together. Contacts and files and tasks aren’t spread across multiple desktops or servers anymore; they are in one place, always, and accessible by exactly and only the people you allow.

A key benefit of this centralisation is the ability for businesses to react more quickly to changes in staff levels. Most cloud systems are a pay-per-user arrangement with the service provider and this allows businesses to scale-up and back down again when they need to.

Now, imagine you have a large conference coming up. You are a month out and dealing with ever increasing requests from a client. You need help and hire a contractor to help you through the project. They have a laptop


the appointment of John Fitzgerald as their new chief executive officer. He brings to the role 13 years experience in senior management in Australia’s tourism industry, including chief of Tourism NT. He replaces Tony Mayell who is returning to Alice Springs.

Destination Queenstown has appointed Tracey McLaren to step into the role of convention bureau manager for

a one year maternity leave cover. She previously held positions on Destination Queenstown’s board of directors and was conference and incentive manager and general manager operations Queenstown for Real Journeys.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has appointed Leah Matters as general manager of Outrigger Twin Towers in Coolangatta and Tweed Heads. Prior to this, she held roles at a number of major hotels on the Gold Coast. In her new role she will focus on building the resort’s occupancy and yield figures as well as finding new source markets.

Meghann Salmon (pictured) has recently been appointed business events manager for Mackay Convention

Bureau. She has a background in events, marketing and communications and will be working with local Mackay organisations to secure conventions and events. Lucy Biehl joins her to complete the business events team; she has been with Mackay Convention Bureau since January and has strong industry knowledge with a background in tourism.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley has appointed Allison Rosemond as the new meetings director; she will oversee the resort’s meeting, wedding and catering business as well as strengthening the resort’s team-building experiences for meetings and conferences. She brings to the position 12 years experience in the industry. She has most recently been senior Crowne meetings planner for the property, responsible for some of the resort’s largest corporate events.

advertising agencies in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Most recently, he was general manager at Ogilvy Wellington.

Jacqui Spice has been appointed general manager of Touch of Spice Exclusive Events. Her experience in the hospitality industry will help her lead the team of event specialists. She will replace Liam Taylor who has been general manager of the company since February, 2012.

Rebecca Middleton has been appointed director of sales and marketing for Novotel Twin Waters Resort. She has more

than eight years experience in the tourism and hospitality industry with a strong background in the conference and corporate markets industry. Most recently she was director of sales and marketing at Mercure Kooindah Waters.

Accor has recently appointed Simon Brown as general manager of Novotel Twin Waters Resort Sunshine Coast. He brings to the role extensive experience in the tourism and hospitality industry including six years working for Mirvac. During this time he was Mirvac’s regional general manager Queensland for 10 properties and general manager of Sea Temple Surfers Paradise and Quay West Resort and Spa Magenta Shores.

Scott Boyes, regional general manager of Accor NSW and ACT, has been elected to the Business Events

Sydney’s (BESydney) Board of Directors. He is an experienced hotelier, having worked for Accor Asia-Pacific since 1994 and brings to the board a wealth of industry knowledge.

Business Events Australia has recently had a number of new appointments. Charlie Thompson has been appointed marketing manager. Prior to this she was part of the T-QUAL team at Tourism Australia. Giovanna Lever steps into the role of marketing and communications manager while Pip Cocks is on maternity leave. Also

meeting people

Alison Petrie has been appointed managing director of Event Edge & Congress West. Prior to this position she was chief

executive at the Institute of Public Administration Australia (WA). She has more than 25 years experience in the professional conference and event management industry, having held management and leadership roles with Starwood Hotel Group and Globetrotter Corporate Travel.

Sofitel has recently appointed Andrew Hartley to the position of director of sales and marketing for Sofitel Melbourne on Collins and regional director of sales and marketing for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. He comes to the role with 18 years experience in hotels across the globe including Oman, Scotland, London and Bangkok. His most recent position was director of sales and marketing for the InterContinental in Shanghai. He replaces Blair Weir who will be taking on a new role at Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom.

Staging Connections has appointed Lynne O’Brien as business development manager. She joins the team in Canberra to help build

awareness on the benefits of combining digital event services and events. Prior to this position she held senior sales, business development and management roles with Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, City of Sydney, Staging Connections Sydney and The Star. She has more the 20 years experience in event sales, production and management.

The Orange Group has announced the appointment of Tony Gardner to the position of chief executive. In this newly created role he

will lead the experiential marketing, hospitality and events agency as they develop the digital side of the business. He brings more than 15 years experience in marketing and

going on maternity leave is Cate Reed, leaving Dee Prendergast to take on the role of trades program manager, following her role as sales manager at the Four Seasons.

Gary Daly (pictured) has been appointed the new managing director for Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF), taking

over from Jodie Richmond. As managing director he will lead the ETF business into its next phase of operation. He brings to the role an extensive background in business, media and advertising and a strong understanding of the meetings and events industry. Most recently he held the position of general manager of sales at Luna Park Sydney.

Hilton Sydney has appointed Jayson Heron director of sales; he will be responsible for leading the sales team and developing sales

strategies across all market segments for the hotel. Prior to this role, he was associate director, conference, incentive and group sales at Crown Melbourne. He has 18 years experience in the hospitality industry in roles including banquet operations, corporate and MICE sales.

Brian Rooney has been appointed general manager of Pepper’s Guest House in the Hunter Valley. Previously,

he was operations manager at the Mantra in Chatswood.

Destination Wollongong has appointed a new general manager, Mark Sleigh, who will replace Greg Binskin. He brings to the role a strong tourism and hospitality background including operations manager for four major Sydney hotels and chief operating officer for Base Tourism Group. His new role will involve helping reinvent the city as a major lifestyle, tourism and event destination.

Tourism Tasmania has announced


KEY: L, Local; N, National; I, International; C, Conference; E, Exhibition; B, Both. Figures are of expected attendance. Contact details are included where available.

February 2013

1-2 UK Venue Show, NE 20,000, London; www.ukvenueshow.co.uk

1-3 India Automation Technology Fair, IE 20,000, Mumbai; www.iatf.in

2-4 Melbourne Jewellery Fair, LE, MCEC, Melbourne; www.autumnjewelleryfair.com.au

3-6 Australian Neuroscience Society, NC, Melbourne; www.ans.org.au

3-6 ISPO Munich, IE 80,000, Munich; www.ispo.com

5-6 Event Production Show, IE 4000, London; www.eventproductionshow.co.uk

5-20 Gourmet Abu Dhabi, IE, Abu Dhabi; www.gourmetabudhabi.ae

6-8 Australian International Furniture Fair, IE, SCEC, Sydney; www.aiff.net.au

6-8 Decorations & Design, LE, SCEC, Sydney; www.decorationdesign.com.au

6-8 Tokyo Int. Gift Show, IE, Tokyo; www.giftshow.co.jp

8-10 Travel and Tourism Fair, IE 186,000, Mumbai; www.ttfotm.com

8-10 Hospitality India, NE, India; www.thehospitalityindia.com

10-12 Aust Library and Information Assoc, NC, Brisbane; www.newlibrarianssymposium.com

10-12 Pure London, NE, London; www.purelondon.com

18-21 SES London, IE, London; www.sesconference.com

18-21 Drug Discovery and Therapy,

IC, Dubai; www.icddt.com

18-21 Meetings Africa, IE, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg; www.meetingsafrica.co.za

18-22 Global Resistance Challenge, NC, Perth; www.ahri.uwa.edu.au

19-22 Japan Foodservice Equipment, IE 50,000, Tokyo; www.jma.or.jp

20-21 Green Universities Conference, NC, Melbourne; www.informa.com.au/conferences

20-22 Australasian Oil and Gas Conference, IC, PCEC, Perth; www.aogexpo.com.au

20-22 Subsea Australasia Conference, IC 600, Perth; www.aogexpo.com.au

20-22 National Screenwriters Conference, NC, Mornington Peninsula; www.awg.com.au/ns

22-24 Cellar Door Wine Festival Adelaide, LE, Adelaide; www.cellar- doorwinefestivaladelaide.com.au

23-26 Australian Gift and Homeware Association, IE, Sydney; www.agha.com.au

26-27 greenmeetings and events Conference, IC, Darmstadt; www.germany-meetings.com

26-27 Asia Pacific Incentives & Meeting Expo, IE, MCEC, Melbourne; www.aime.com.au

March 2013

1-17 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, LE, Melbourne; www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au

3-6 Share Point Technology Conference, NC, San Francisco;

www.sptechcon.com

4-5 Road Safety International Conference, IC, SCEC, Sydney; www.roadsafety-4conference.com

4-6 Excellence in Oil and Gas, NB 600, Sydney; www.excellenceoilgas.com

4-7 Women’s Mental Health Congress, IC 800, Peru; www.iawmh2013.com

6-10 International Tourism Board Berlin, IE 172,000, Berlin; www.itb-berlin.de

7-9 National Environmental Law Assoc. Conference, NC; www.nelaconference.com.au

9-10 Holiday and Travel Show, LE, Sydney; www.travelxpo.com.au/holidayandtravelshow

10-13 Asia Pacific Cycle Congress, IC, Gold Coast; www.cyclecongress.com

12-14 NatStats, NC, BCEC, Brisbane; www.nss.gov.au

12-13 Ad Tech, LC, Sydney; www.adtechaustralia.com

14-16 TELDAP International Conference, IC, Taiwan; www.collab.teldap.tw/teldap2013

15-17 Franchising Expo, LE, SCEC, Sydney; www.franchisingexpo.com.au

16-23 Virtual Reality, IB, Orlando; www.ieeevr.org/2013/

17-20 Australian Pain Society Annual Meeting, NC, Canberra; www.apsoc.org.au

17-21 PittCon, IB, Philadelphia; www.pittcon.org

20-22 ICF Coaching Conference, NC,

Sydney; www.icfacoaching- conference2013.com

20-24 International Flower and Garden Show, IE, Melbourne; www.melbflowershow.com.au

21 TradeTech, NC, Sydney; www.wbresearch.com/tradetechaustralia

24-29 International Conference on Networking, IC, Portugal; www.iaria.org

25-27 Content Strategy Conference, IC, London; www.confabevents.com

25-29 Game Developers Conference, NC 19,000, San Francisco; www.gdconf.com

27-29 Data Quality Congress, IC, Sydney; www.dqasiapacific.com

April 2013

1-3 Hotelex + Design & Deco, IE 100,000, Shanghai; www.hddshow.com

4-7 Melbourne Home Show, LE, Melbourne; www.hiahomeshow.com.au

7-9 Organic Food Industry Expo, IE, Beijing; www.gnfexpo.com.cn

9-12 Australian Institute of Training & Development, NC, Melbourne; www.aitd.com.au

10-11 Water Industry Operations, NC, Canberra; www.wioa.org.au

11-13 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, NE, Sydney; www.aftermarketexpo.com.au

12-14 International Conference on Herbal Medicine, IC, Melbourne; www.nhaa.org.au

13-16 Urological Society of Australia & New Zealand, IC, Melbourne; www.usanz2013.com

14-15 Salon Melbourne, LE, MCEC, Melbourne; www.salonmelbourne.com.au

14-16 Fine Food WA, LE, PCEC, Perth; www.finefoodwesternaustralia.com.au

16-18 Sustainability Live, IE, Birmingham; www.sustainabilitylive.com

17-19 Incentive Travel & Conventions Meetings China, IE, Shanghai; www.itcmchina.com

17-19 ANZA Workshop, IC 500, BCEC, Brisbane; www.icef.com/workshops

20-28 Caravan, Camping, RV and Holiday Show, LE, Sydney; www.supershow.com.au

21-29 Auto Shanghai, IE, Shanghai; www.autoshanghai.auto-fairs.com

30-May 2 Waste Conference 2013, NC, Coffs Harbour; www.impactenviro.com.au/waste2013

30-May 2 Africa Mining Conference, IC, Perth; www.africamining.com.au

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Journalist Sheridan Randall

sales & Marketing Manager Jo Robinson

account Manager Sofia Alexander, Sharon Davidson

design/Production Bin Zhou

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Meetings Africa will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, in February.

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