DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: The Gold Coast

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Did you know that The Gold Coast boasts an annual average of 300 days of sunshine?

And with 70 kilometres of beaches and coast, that’s a fair recipe for successful events, conferences and corporate weekends away.

A thriving business tourism centre, The Gold Coast is home to fabulous water sports and boating, wildlife experiences, hiking, biking, rainforest adventures and theme parks are just the tip of the activities ice berg that can be incorporated into a conference or events program in the region.

FUN FACTS!

  • The Gold Coast hosts 47% of all delegates in Queensland, and attracts 14% more delegates than anywhere else in the Sunshine State.
  • There are 42,000 beds available on The Gold Coast!

At its centre sits the award-winning Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre. GCCEC can host meetings of 10 guests to events of 6000 in 22 versatile meeting, event and exhibition spaces, spread over two expansive floors and foyers.

Beyond the indoor spaces for indoor events which can accommodate up to 2000 people cocktail or 1640 banquet, GCCEC also boasts unique outdoor venues on its Southern Terrace and Northern Lawn.

HUNGRY?

With 15 hatted restaurants and an ever-growing list of lively cafes, bars and food markets, the Coast is a foodie lover’s hub with an expanding list of unique event spaces.

VENUES IN FOCUS

MIAMI MARKETTA is a laneway dining experience. With 25 food vendors of multiple nationalities in the one space, take your entree from Spain, your main from Thailand and sweets from France. And there’s seating for over 650 people!

BURLEIGH PAVILLION. For those looking for epic beachfront water views, the Pavilion Bar’s casual outdoor space is a place where you can step straight up from the sand.

YOT CLUB is the world’s first Super Yacht entertainment venue for up to 400 guests. A customisable seating plan, multi-function stage, two cocktail bars and divine views are just the beginning.

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: Where to find ‘OHANA’ in Hawaii

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Ohana is the Hawaiian term for ‘family’.

Not just your immediate kin, but your broader community and neighbours. It’s about more than blood-ties. It’s that sense that we’re all connected—that we’re all in this together.

Sharon Levingston, Head of Events at The Events Authority, recently visited Hawaii and reports that she found ohana streaming through her stays at Four Seasons hotels and resorts.

Image: Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.

“It had been some time since I last visited the beautiful islands of Hawaii,” says Sharon. So, when Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts invited Sharon back, she jumped at the chance. Sharon travelled as a guest of Four Seasons & Maui Jim.

Sharon’s visit included stays at Four Seasons Resort Lanai, and Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.

Image: Four Seasons Resort Lanai.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai overlooks Hulopoe Bay on the south-eastern coast of the pristine island of Lanai—the smallest publicly accessible inhabited island in Hawaii. The resort is just a 20-minute drive from Lanai City, a charming former plantation town with no traffic lights and a friendly, laid-back vibe.

Curiously, 98% of the island—including the Four Seasons Resort Lanai—is owned by tech billionaire Larry Ellison who spent an estimated $450 million to remodel the resort which reopened in April 2016 after a seven-month shutdown.

Image: Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Lanai is accessed from Honolulu by air (35 minutes), or from Maui by ferry. Ferry transfers take about an hour.

“Set by the sea amid spectacular scenery, sunsets and coastal walks, Four Seasons Resort Lanai is a true haven of tranquillity,” Sharon reports.

“The resort has really invested in quality. Every facet of the property and guest experience—including the gorgeous welcome gift in my room—was crafted, and exuded quality and luxury. The attention to detail is visible at every touchpoint,” she adds.

Sharon recommends the 213-room Four Seasons Resort Lanai to anyone looking to step out of the hustle of everyday and breathe.

“Significantly, the resort is the island’s largest single employer, so the sense of ohana here is palpable. Guests really are welcomed into the Lanai family when they stay here,” says Sharon.

For meetings and events, the resort offers nearly 3,500 sq. metres of total event space, with everything from the Hulopoe Ballroom that covers just over 700 sq. metres, to intimate garden terraces. Be sure to contact The Events Authority if Hawaii is on your conferencing radar.

The second stop on Sharon’s visit was Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina on the western shore of the island of Oahu, just 35 minutes from downtown Honolulu.

Located right by four lovely beach coves, known as the Ko Olina Lagoons, the resort is perfect for activities like swimming and outrigger canoeing in clear tropical waters.

Image: Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.

“Two absolute highlights of my visit were a morning outrigger canoe and snorkelling excursion, and evening stargazing in the dark night sky and observing stunning moon craters and other heavenly sights,” says Sharon.

For meetings and events, Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina offers some 2,600 sq. metres of events space across a range of ballrooms, meeting spaces and outdoor events venues.

Image: Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.

A final tip from Sharon: If you’re staying at a Four Seasons resort, be sure to download the Four Seasons App. It’s a fabulously efficient way to connect to resort management and services via the app’s ‘chat’ function, to ask where the hairdryer is, request more coat hangers, replace a misplaced room key—anything, really.

One thing that became clear to Sharon from both resort visits is that, at Four Seasons resorts, “The little things are the big things. None more so than the genuine feeling of ohana on arrival. It’s a welcome I won’t forget in a hurry.”

Sharon travelled as a guest of Four Seasons & Maui Jim.

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: Successful Teams

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In this short article, Sharon Levingston – Head of Events at The Events Authority, reflects on a thing or two she knows about success in business.

I was asked recently by someone visiting our team—and inspecting our trophy cabinet and its most recent addition of the 2019 National Travel Industry Best Business Events Agency Award—why I thought our last few years in business had been so successful.

Instinctively I responded with, “Team. We have shaped a great team.”

And this made me ponder –

What makes a great team?
And, specifically, what is it about ours that drives our success?

I’ve had some time to consider those questions on a recent trip, and here’s what I think.

  • Teams like ours are successful not because they contain a checklist of skill-sets. Our success is driven by the right attitude-set. We come from different backgrounds, we’re an eclectic range of ages and experience levels, but there’s a collective self-awareness at the team level that brings cohesion.
  • That cohesion drives effective communication, chemistry and an awareness of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We step up and step away individually as required to ensure we deliver the most potent version of our collective selves.
  • With cohesion comes a focus on goals and results, and that drives great service and relationships with each other, our clients and suppliers.
  • Ninety per cent of the events we work on involve travel. As a team, we understand that the journey is just as important as the event.
  • We look after each other and understand the importance of having a laugh every now and then.

I’m so proud of this dynamic, emotionally intelligent little team of ours.

We’re going places.

Sharon

PAN PACIFIC & PARKROYAL Conference Packages for 2020

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We’re delighted to have received these fabulous offers from our friends at Pan Pacific and PARKROYAL hotels.

“Pan Pacific and PARKROYAL Hotels offer terrific value, great facilities and service to the meetings and conferencing sector,” said Sharon Levingston, Head of Events at The Events Authority.

“With properties in Sydney, Perth & Melbourne, and great value bonuses, they’re a terrific option for conferences and events from coast-to-coast,” added Sharon.

So, what’s the deal? The ‘from’ rates shown below include catering and Wi-Fi.

PAN PACIFIC MELBOURNE

2020 Meeting Package

  • Full Day from $85.00 per person
  • Half Day from $75.00 per person

2020 From Room Rate

  • $289.00 including breakfast for 1

BONUS! Lolly buffet and Barista coffee included at all breaks PLUS 5 VIP accommodation rooms upgraded to include Pacific Club Lounge access.

PAN PACIFIC PERTH

2020 Meeting Package

  • Full Day from $69.00 per person
  • Half Day from $59.00 per person

2020 From Room Rate

  • $170.00 Room Only

BONUS! For bookings from 01 June to 31 August 2020 – Complimentary themed coffee breaks for conferences of more than 80 delegates and $2000 credit towards Encore audio visual for conferences more than 200 delegates.

PARKROYAL PARRAMATTA

2020 Meeting Package

  • Full Day from $78.00 per person
  • Half Day from $68.00 per person

2020 From Room Rate

  • $190.00 including breakfast for 1

PARKROYAL DARLING HARBOUR, SYDNEY

2020 Meeting Package

  • Full Day from $82.00 per person
  • Half Day from $75.00 per person

2020 From Room Rate

  • $270.00 including breakfast for 1

BONUS! 2 complimentary valet parking places.

PARKROYAL MELBOURNE AIRPORT

2020 Meeting Package

  • Full Day from $89.00 Per Person
  • Half Day from $79.00 Per Person

2020 From Room Rate

  • $245.00 including breakfast for 1

BONUS! Choose from complimentary Barista coffee upgrade or 2 free car parks for the duration of the conference or event.

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

We’d love to hear from you.

FULLERTON SYDNEY Launch Meetings Offer

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The eagerly anticipated Fullerton Hotel Sydney opens its doors on 18 October 2019, and we can help you be among the first to experience an elevated stay in the heart of Sydney’s financial and fashion district through a special Fullerton Group Package.

“We’re thrilled to see the Fullerton brand land in Sydney, and very much look forward to working closely with the Fullerton Events team in the years to come,” said Sharon Levingston, Head of Events at The Events Authority.

To mark the hotel’s official opening, we’re delighted to offer this fabulous ‘Your Choice’ Group Package.

Your Choice

Book your group for stays between 18 October 2019 and 30 June 2020, and receive the following privileges:

  • DOUBLE I Prefer Planner Points and 10 percent off three- or five-hour dinner packages and
    conference delegate package.

PLUS, choose up to three of the following benefits:

  • Complimentary 30-minute post-meeting reception or 30-minute pre-dinner reception.
  • Complimentary alternate drop main course menu.
  • Premium Room Upgrade (Entitled to one room upgrade to a Premium Room for every paying
    20 rooms per night).
  • Suite Upgrade (Entitled to one upgrade to a Suite for each 50 paying rooms per night).

Scroll down for terms and conditions.

Location

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is housed in Sydney’s former General Post Office building, a historic landmark that has been at the centre of Sydney’s development since 1866. Centrally located in the heart of Sydney’s Central Business District, it is located steps away from the city’s most noteworthy restaurants, fashion brands and theatres, as well as iconic attractions.

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.

Terms and Conditions
This promotion is valid for enquiries received after 1 October 2019 and contracted by 31 December 2019 for a minimum of 50 rooms per night and 50 delegates per day. Discount is off retail pricing and blackout dates apply. Not valid for confirmed groups or proposals currently under negotiation. Other terms and conditions apply.

SPOTLIGHT ON: The Table Bay, Cape Town

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If you’re looking for a holiday or events venue with a difference, consider The Table Bay hotel, Cape Town.

Set on Cape Town’s historic waterfront, The Table Bay sets its own standards in international service, cuisine and luxury, and has been voted The Best Address in Cape Town

The contemporary 5-star hotel straddles the city’s breakwater, and enjoys secure and direct access to Cape Town’s renowned retail destination—the Victoria & Alfred Shopping Centre.

Each of the hotel’s 329 rooms overlooks either the bay to Robben Island Prison—home of South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela for much of his 27 years of political incarceration, or across the harbour and the city to Table Mountain itself.

The Table Bay hotel is one of Cape Town’s premier conference centres, and has a stellar record as an event venue for international and local corporations.

Event and Entertainment Venues

Five versatile, beautifully appointed function rooms are available and offer conference facilities for groups of up to 300 cinema style

Venue Capacities

Whether you’re staying on holiday of for a conference, try this 3-Day conferencing itinerary on for size.

Day 1: Explore Cape Town – The Mother City

Explore the city’s treasures. Visit the colourful Bo-Kaap, stroll through the historic Company Gardens, and enjoy a breath-taking visit to the top of Table Mountain. Make the most of your day out by including an afternoon trip to Robben Island by ferry.

Day 2: Discover the Cape Peninsula

Visit the mythical meeting place of two of the world’s great oceans—the Atlantic and the Indian—and experience the ‘fairest cape of all’.

Day 3: Taste the Cape Winelands

Take a thrilling journey through the winelands of the Cape. Drink in the beautiful landscapes dotted with historical buildings, learn to identify and appreciate South African wines, and enjoy a glass or two on the Franschhoek Tram.

Optional add-ons include: A marine life kayak tour at Mouille Point; tandem paragliding; hot air ballooning; sunset champagne cruises; jazz safaris, graffiti tours 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.

WILDLIFE RETREAT at Taronga Zoo

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Already home to some terrific function venues and experiences, Sydney’s iconic Taronga Zoo has recently revealed its latest premium offering—Wildlife Retreat.

Just 12-minutes by ferry from Circular Quay—even faster by water taxi—Taronga Zoo’s venues can hold intimate boardroom events for 15 people, right up to lavish affairs in Taronga’s grounds. Wildlife retreat adds another dimension to the zoo’s events offering.

“The Zoo already boasts a high quality events offering in an iconic setting, and the new Wildlife Retreat will take it to another level”, says Sharon Levingston, Head of Events at The Events Authority.

Wildlife Retreat features five environmentally-sensitive, sustainably-designed lodges built into the property’s native bushland setting, with 62 elegant rooms and suites that overlook the wildlife habitat, many of them with wonderful views of Sydney Harbour.

Integral to the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga experience is its dining, featuring uniquely Australian menus with a strong focus on fresh local produce and native ingredients.

Owned and operated by Taronga Conservation Society Australia, the Wildlife Retreat will contribute essential funding towards the care of Taronga’s animals and broader conservation and education programs in Australia and around the world.

The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga opens to guests from Thursday 10 October 2019.

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: Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa

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Jennifer Waters, Events & Travel Manager at The Events Authority, recently returned from an exciting familiarisation trip to Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa.

In-destination experiences and activities were arranged by two of Fiji’s premier Destination Management Companies (DMCs), Rosie’s and Pacific Destinations.

Once on the ground in Fiji, the journey started with a minibus arrival transfer operated by Rosie’s. Notably, the bus boasted a complimentary WiFi connection for passengers, a great service for those keen to remain connected and share their Fiji experience on their ‘socials’.

DAY ONE: Site inspection of Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa

Overlooking the island of Viti Levu’s idyllic Coral Coast on one side, and its own private beach and lagoon on the other, the resort offers a private Fiji island experience.

Jennifer inspected this iconic resort’s three accommodation wings—the Yanuca Lagoon Wing, Reef Wing and Ocean Wing.

“The Reef Wing is an adults-only affair with its own private pool as well as adults-only dining and cocktail hour”, advises Jennifer.

Reef Wing.

“Yanuca Lagoon Wing is ideal for families as it’s closest to the water sports facilities, and the Ocean Wing sits between Reef and Yanuca Lagoon Wings”, she says.

The resort boasts four restaurants:

  • Beach Bar & Grill
  • Golden Cowrie Coastal Italian Restaurant
  • Lagoon Terrace Restaurant
  • Takali Asian Kitchen

Takali Asian Kitchen.

In addition, there’s the popular Bilo Bar, and the Black Marlin Tropical Bar.

In the afternoon and early evening, Rosies took Jennifer and companions to the north end of Natadola Beach (owned by Shangri-La) for a swim and beach fun including some team building activities, games and beach volleyball.

That was followed by a delicious BBQ dinner organised on-site by the resort’s fabulous chef.

MEETING & CONFERENCES
Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa is home to the largest single MICE facility in Fiji, and includes the Ratu Makutu Events Centre, Davui Hall and the Pavilion.

Ratu Makutu Events Centre banquet set-up.

“The resort’s nautral light-filled meeting and conference spaces are great. Rosie’s did a super job arranging a performance by VOU—Fiji’s internationally renowned Dance Company. It was great demonstration of Rosie’s MICE credentials, and a great experience for us”, says Jennifer.

With more than 109 acres of land and a range of flexible facilities for contemporary, stylised Fijian events, the incentive, meeting and event opportunities are significant.

DAY TWO: Off-site activities provided by Pacific Destinations.

This was a day filled with adventure, culture and cuisine.

The group travelled by convoy of quad-bikes from Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa along unsealed back-roads to a local village.

“We shared kava with the friendly villagers, enjoyed performances by the gorgeous local children, and shopped for pottery items hand-made by the women of the village”, says Jennifer.

After the village visit, the group stopped off at Tavuni Hill Fort, a historical landmark for a lovely picnic lunch, once again prepared by the Shangri-La’s chef.

Jennifer’s trip concluded with a sumptuous farewell dinner at the resort’s Golden Cowrie Coastal Italian Restaurant.

THE FINAL WORD

Whether you’re seeking an exclusive, adults-only getaway, family holiday or a convenient, high quality overseas venue for events and conferences, you’ll find Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa flexible, professional and committed to service excellence.

With three pools, the coral reef, and a private sandy beach on a deep lagoon that’s swimmable any time of day, there’s always somewhere to dip your toes right across the island.

If you’re planning a conference, event or an offshore meeting, be sure to contact Jennifer and the team at The Events Authority.

We’d love to hear from you!

WE KNOW: The Westin Brisbane & Event Venues

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Jackelyn Barbuto, Events & Travel Manager at The Events Authority recently travelled to Brisbane to get to know the wonderful Westin hotel that opened in November 2018. It was a great opportunity, too, to inspect the venues at Brisbane’s exciting Howard Smith Wharves.

From the moment of arrival, the Westin experience was heavenly with cool, scented towels offered along with a spritz from a nice lavender & white tea essential oil spray.

The Westin Brisbane’s Club Lounge.

Jackelyn enjoyed lunch in the Club Lounge overlooking the hotel’s lovely outdoor pool, followed by treatments in the Heavenly Spa by Westin.

“This was a highlight for me”, says Jackelyn.

“The beautiful spa facility up on level 3 was so relaxing and the one-hour full body massage was a real treat”, she adds.

Rejuvenated, Jackelyn headed to the nearby Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane hotel for a site inspection and nibblies in the hotel’s Sazerac Bar—the highest bar in Brisbane, no less.

Sazerac Bar at Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane hotel—The highest bar in the city.

Returning to the Westin, Jackelyn also undertook a site inspection of this impressive hotel property.

A King Westin Guest Room.

“The Westin still feels new and fresh”, she says.

“The guest rooms are modern and stylish, and the event and function venues range from boardrooms to impressive ballrooms including the Westin Ballroom, the hotel’s largest indoor event space that can accommodate up to 450 attendees”, adds Jackelyn.

The hotel boasts six event rooms encompassing a total event space of 960 square metres. All spaces feature natural light and state-of-the-art audiovisual technology.

Then it was back to sampling the hotel’s fare with some fresh seafood by the pool bar, followed by a beautiful dinner at Eden’s Table, The Westin Brisbane’s signature restaurant. Eden’s Table is located on Level 1 at the hotel, and features a menu that celebrates locally sourced produce paired with an extensive wine list.

Eden’s Table restaurant at The Westin Brisbane.

After a restful night at the property, Jackelyn joined a guided morning run organised by the hotel.

“We ran over the Story Bridge to South Bank. It was such a beautiful morning, and got to see some really amazing parts of the city. The Westin’s run instructor provided interesting commentary about the area’s we ran through. It’s a fantastic way to tick the fitness box and explore the city. And it’s free for guests of the hotel”, notes Jackelyn.

Later, Jackelyn walked along the Eagle Street wharf and over to Brisbane’s new Howard Smith Wharves precinct located beneath the Story Bridge. Howard Smith Wharves is home to Felons Brewing Co, Mr Percival’s Overwater Bar, GRECA Greek Taverna, ARC Dining and Wine Bar, green spaces and picnic areas, two unique indoor event spaces, and a brand-new Art-Series hotel—‘The Fantauzzo’.

“The riverfront event spaces here are very impressive and, just a 10-minute walk from Brisbane’s CBD, they come with wonderful, sweeping city views”, says Jackelyn.

If you’re considering hosting an event in Brisbane, be sure to contact us. We know.

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.

W SINGAPORE – Sentosa Cove Groups Offer

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Our friends at W Hotels have extended this brilliant offer from W Singapore Sentosa Cove to clients of The Events Authority.

ON SALE until 31 December 2019
VALID for events until 31 December 2020

If you’re looking for a way to amplify your meetings and conferences in a sunny island paradise, then be sure to take advantage of this exclusive offer for the Australian market.

W Singapore – Sentosa Cove boasts 19,558 square feet of event space, including eight naturally lit meeting venues. Situated on the second floor of the property, the meeting venues overlook the lush resort grounds with views of the South China Sea.

And if you’re looking for fresh air, the picturesque Garden Terrace offers a captivating outdoor pre- or post-function space.

Make your meeting or conference booking with The Events Authority and you’ll enjoy three exclusive perks.
Choose from:

  • Complimentary one-hour drinks reception [up to 150 pax]
  • Complimentary room for every 30 paid rooms
  • Complimentary room upgrade [to the next-higher room category] for every 30 paid rooms
  • Complimentary meeting package for every 30 fully-paid delegates per day

Terms and conditions apply, so be sure to contact us for full details.

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.