WE KNOW: Conferencing on Hamilton Island

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Sharon Levingston, Head of Events at The Events Authority recently returned from a hosted-visit with a number of events industry leaders to attend the opening of Hamilton Island’s new Beach Pavilion conference space.

The group was wined and dined on the lawns between the beach and the Beach Pavilion.

“It was a fabulous event under the stars on a balmy tropical Whitsunday evening, and a timely reminder of what a versatile destination the island is,” says Sharon.

“Recognising the importance of conference and incentive business to the island’s success, Hamilton has made significant investments in revamping its conference spaces. And with accommodation options to suit all styles of groups, Hamilton appeals to a broad base,” she added.

Sharon stayed at Reef View Hotel.

“The rooms are huge! They’re ideal for groups that need a twin share option and, with all rooms ocean facing, the views are fabulous. So fab, in fact, that the feathered locals often pop by to enjoy the views as well,” quips Sharon.

The island’s Conference Centre has been refurbished.

“Conference Centre is fresh, its colours are subtle, and there’s an on-site AV team that knows what can be done in this region,” says Sharon.

The island’s standout features according to Sharon?

  • Hamilton Island has matured and is a genuine stand-alone destination. With a choice of restaurants in all categories – and even now a huge IGA offering a selection of ready made meals, the island offers numerous options for longer stays.
  • Meeting space choices: Conference, beach-front, poolside, yacht club – a number of different venues that can keep any group surprised.
  • The accommodation selection: From Qualia, Yacht Club Villas, Beach Club, Reef View Hotel – the island can cater for any group.
  • The Whitsundays: Honestly, how lucky are we to have this destination right on our doorstep – the reef, Whitehaven Beach, Walking on the island, water activities – just WOW.

Hamilton Island Marina.

Fast Facts

  • Hamilton Island is home to 10 restaurants, 6 bars, 7 pools and over 20 specialty stores. Facilities include a chapel, IGA Supermarket, pharmacy, post office, bank, kids club, hairdresser and day spa.
  • There are 13 dedicated meeting rooms and over 10 unique function areas such as secluded sandy beaches and beachfront pavilions to provide a business event with a difference.

Come and check it out for yourself.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Done Right

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If you’re in the Events business—any part of it—you’ll know that meetings, events and incentives really can make an impact. Not just on your business bottom line, clients and staff, but also on the communities your event touches—and not always in a positive way.

“Any kind of enterprise needs social license to operate—effectively broad social approval from the local community and stakeholders to carry on your business at their ‘place’.”
Sharon Levingston, Head of Events at The Events Authority.

As such, social license is fluid, has to be earned and then maintained.

Community engagement through tree-planting in Myanmar. Credit: AsianTrails.

The global tourism industry is dealing with what happens, for example, when social license is withdrawn. Anti-visitor sentiment is festering in cities like Venice as over-tourism negatively impacts the lives of locals. Overstretched infrastructure, overcrowding from cruise ship day visitors, and short-term Airbnb rentals turning homes into guesthouses have put pressure on the city which has responded with turnstiles, day-tripper levies and other measures to regulate visitor access.

‘Tourists Go Home’ graffiti on a wall in Oviedo, northern Spain. Photo: EPA

An uneasy peace between the industry and locals is a fair indication that social license has been revoked or suspended. And once it’s gone, it’s hard to get back. If you’ve ever wondered what Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was all about or why it was important, well, there’s your lesson.

We know that the events we work on here and abroad have an impact on the communities they make contact with. So working with partners with great CSR ethics and local knowledge is important to us, particularly overseas. And so it should be for you when you’re planning your meetings, events and incentive programs.

A great example is our relationship with our supplier partner DMC in Asia, ‘Asian Trails’. Asian Trails operates in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, China, Indonesia and Malaysia, and has a considered, project and community-based approach to CSR that can be incorporated into team building programs.

Asian Trails’ projects are designed to spruce up cities, towns and villages, clean up the environment and build connections and understanding between people. For participants they provide a meaningful way to connect with communities and improve the local amenity. Depending on your program, you could be helping out at a Buffalo dairy in Laos, planting trees with local villagers in Myanmar, or transforming plastic into eco-bricks in Malaysia. It’s real, long-lasting and meaningful.

Making eco-bricks in Malaysia. Credit: AsianTrails.

We have partners like Asian Trails all over the world offering programs of a similar ilk and adding value through incredible, responsible, meaningful experiences in destination.

When you’re planning your incentive program, team building off-sites, meeting and conferences, ask about how your group might be able to interact with the locals and give back to the community that has granted you the social license to be there.

And do good.

Real good.

GREEN SCREEN ENVY? Video Production Services

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Video is so hot right now.

It’s a highly sought-after commodity when it comes to promotion, marketing or social sharing. After all, there’s that old adage that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words‘, right?

We’re thrilled to be able to offer a complete suite of cost-effective video and studio production services in Sydney through our network of supplier partners, to take your events and conferences to another level.

Here’s a snapshot of the flexible, full-service offering available through The Events Authority at what we believe is the best green screen studio in Sydney’s Metro area:

  • Use the in-house crew or yours
  • Studio is available for two hours, half or full days
  • Comes with dedicated make-up and lighting area + full kitchen
  • Pricing tailored to your project

EXCLUSIVE BONUS! We Know Enhancement – As a client of The Travel Authority Group, you’ll receive one hour of complimentary video editing.

The studio is great for corporate videos, presentations and commercials, web content, model and product photography, music videos and more.

What might you use it for?

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

WE KNOW: The Value of Planning

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We are great planners and ‘details’ people, and we know both are fundamental ingredients in our success.

And it’s a good thing, as ours is pretty much the planning industry.

Importantly, we don’t just plan for clients, we like to turn the focus inwards and take a good, hard look at ourselves as we embark on each new year together—applying our own planning processes on ourselves.

As a business, we recently sat down together off-site to reflect on 2019, and shine a light on what we can do differently in 2020.

From that gathering came some fresh thinking in three key areas:

Technology

Specifically, deeper engagement with technology, communications and tech-led on-site experiences.

The Social Space

Making smarter use of social platforms to showcase our experience and knowledge.

We Know Experience

Enhancing the customer service experience for both our clients and supplier partners.

We’ve jumped into January with enthusiasm and a solid set of team goals, and look forward to working with everyone in 2020.

Let’s do this.

AVALON WATERWAYS Conference & Incentive Cruises

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We’re always seeking conferencing, event and incentive opportunities with a difference, and we’re thrilled to see Avalon Waterways present precisely that kind of experience.

Not sure what the Avalon Waterways experience is like? Take a look at the short video below.

The Avalon Waterways Difference

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Avalon Waterways offers European river cruise itineraries from 3 to 12 nights on all-suite ships.
  • Charter groups up to 128 (6 vessels) or 166 (7 vessels) passengers can be accommodated.
  • Larger groups can take advantage of tandem, multi-ship cruises.
  • Pricing is in Australian dollars—fixed costs for groups—and include meals and beverage packages.
  • Itineraries can be tailored.
  • There are branding opportunities for the entire ship.

On-board conferencing set-up.

Avalon operates one of the youngest fleets on European waterways offering the largest staterooms, most innovative technologies, inspired designs and remarkable service possible.

Panorama Suites

Avalon ships boast the renowned Avalon Panorama Suites which are 30% larger than the industry standard, and river cruising’s only open-air balcony suites.

Beds face the view with the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising.

On Shore

From the Eiffel Tower to Vienna’s Belvedere Palace and stunning castles, Avalon Waterways’ on-shore conferencing and event options are equally extensive and exceptional.

The new “Gustave Eiffel Reception Room” at the Eiffel Tower seats up to 130 guests.

Contact us now to discuss and quote for your 2021 incentive or conference itineraries.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

WE KNOW Celebrations

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2019 was another big year for The Travel Authority Group. One worth celebrating. And celebrate we did from coast to coast.

Read more

GET TO KNOW: Holly Goder

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A relative newby to The Events Authority, the Events & Travel Coordinator is immersed in a team blessed with experience and expertise.

“Holly brings her enthusiasm and passion to the Events Authority team and is the embodiment of service with a smile. As you might imagine, Holly is learning a lot. Quickly. Significantly, she’s lapping it up,” says Sharon Levingston, Head of Events at The Events Authority.

As the business leader, Sharon describes a couple of key principles that drive The Events Authority’s success:

“We’re world champion jugglers. We’re always working on multiple things at any one moment. And when it comes to problem solving, the answer is always Yes—and then we go about determining and executing the solution. Holly has taken to those principles like a duck to water.” 

Sharon Levingston, Head of Events at The Events Authority.

So, what has it been like for Holly?

“I’ve already learnt so much. From the beginning to end, working on event is exciting as well as challenging. All the hard behind-the-scenes work that goes into the preparation and delivery of an event is eye-opening. And being on site as an event unfolds is non-stop, exhilarating and amazing,” says Holly.

“Working with The Events Authority team is such a privilege. Every member of the team is passionate about what they do. It’s such a positive environment both in the office and on site.

“I can’t wait to absorb and learn more from the team with every event we put together,” she adds.

The Events Authority team lives the following mantra:

We are down to earth, and creative.
We are flexible and adaptable.
We are hungry to make life eventful.

Little wonder Holly is excited about her future in the business.

For more information about Holly and The Events Authority team, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

SUSTAINABILITY Challenges in the Events Industry

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Sharon Levingston, Head of Events at The Events Authority, recently attended a travel industry leadership forum that had an eye firmly on the future and a tourism strategy for 2030.

A number of concepts were tossed around at the forum—tech disruption, regional tourism development, and the future of business events, for example. And overlaid across every topic was, perhaps not surprisingly given the zeitgeist, a filter of ‘sustainability’.

“Sustainability’s tendrils are everywhere. And rightly so,” said Sharon.

“But it really got me thinking: What does this mean to me, and to our business?”, she added.

The way Sharon sees it, it’s imperative to break everything The Events Authority does down and ask three simple questions:

  • Is it good for the planet?
  • Is it good for the community? – Clients and the community an event operates in.
  • Is it good for the family? Both at-home and at-work families, and teams.

“Every choice we make has to consider the answers to these questions. And we have to ask them ourselves, because we can be sure our clients are considering the very same things as part of their corporate social (and environmental) responsibility frameworks.

“Outwardly, too, we are going to have to ask more sustainability questions of our clients and partners in our supply chain to ensure we’re making good, ethical business decisions,” Sharon noted.

It’s fair to say that the generation of young professionals joining the Events industry now has a laser-focus on sustainability. This is a space they inhabit naturally, and they’re influencing the pivot taking place across the events industry.

“This is the generation that’s holding us all to account,” says Sharon.

“The changes we need to make needn’t up-end the entire industry. As my daughter reminds me regularly, ‘a million people making one change is more effective than one person making a million changes’”, she adds.

So, Sharon is challenging herself, and those around her, to make one permanent sustainability change each month—a single change that becomes a habit.

“I’ll be checking in each month to drive our little movement of lots of small changes,” advises Sharon.

First up? No coffee or drinks in single use packaging.

“Cheeky disclaimer: Wine bottles are recyclable. So they’re OK, right? As I said, one change at a time, not a million,” quips Sharon.

What do your sustainability efforts look like?

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

WE KNOW: Spicers Guesthouse, Pokolbin

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Spicers Guesthouse sits in wine country in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, and The Events Authority’s Jen Waters visited recently.

“The stunning Spicers Guesthouse is located in Pokolbin, in the heart of Hunter Valley, just two hours north of Sydney—perfect for weekends away, functions and events, even business off-sites,” said Jen.

Spicers boasts 49 accommodations—45 rooms and suites, and a four-bedroom cottage—and is set on 40 acres of grounds overlooking the surrounding ranges and neighbouring vineyards.

“The attention to detail is flawless,” noted Jen.

The property’s on-site restaurant, Éremo, serves modern Italian cuisine.

“Éremo’s menu features delicious, contemporary Italian dishes made with locally sourced produce. And, as you might expect, there’s an extensive cellar of local wines to compliment the cuisine,” said Jen.

A stunning private dining room caters for up to 14 guests, offering a unique experience for small special occasions while the variety of larger spaces are ideal for weddings and conferences.

Spicers Guesthouse offers five contemporary venue spaces with a total capacity of 120. The main room – Tallawanta – accommodates up to 80 in cabaret style.

The Hunter Valley is home to many fabulous experiences. Jen enjoyed a wine tasting at the nearby Keith Tulloch winery in Pokolbin.

“This is a great venue for an offsite lunch or dinner, offering a perfect relaxed setting, amazing cuisine and fabulous wines,” said Jen.

Back at Spicers, guests can take part in a Wine Wall sampling ‘tour’—a one-hour grazing and tasting session guided by one of the resident wine experts. There are also cycling options, private picnics, hot air ballooning experiences and more.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

ICC SYDNEY 2020 Menus Focus on Local Produce

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International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has launched its 2020 Menu Collection.

The collection brings together current culinary trends, and feature an extensive range of options to cater to all delegate preferences alongside popular ICC Sydney dishes.

Maintaining a focus on locally-sourced produce, and supporting farmers across New South Wales, ICC Sydney’s 2020 Menu Collection will be paired with a new wine list made up of 100% New South Wales-based suppliers with an emphasis on organic and bio-dynamic wines.

The 2020 menus feature more plant-based dishes, native ingredients and superfoods. They’re designed for the flexibility required in events these days, from Pop-Up Experiences and grazing tables to build-your-own menus and Indian Jain options.


ICC Sydney Executive Chef, Tony Panetta, said in addition to the new items, the 2020 Menu Collection has retained a number of signature dishes known as ICC Sydney Icons.

“With one in ten Australians now eating all or almost all vegetarian food, and plant-based eating on the rise globally, we’ve interlaced the menu with new plant-based dishes to serve all preferences,” said Panetta.

“We’ve also ensured that our 10 most popular dishes, have remained available – including the ever-favourite duck ravioli, torched Hiramasa kingfish and the much-loved Neapolitan dessert,” he added.

In 2018/19, the venue invested more than A$12.2 million in direct local food and beverage spend into NSW, and supported more than 129 local producers through its supply chain.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.