SICEEP to ‘Blow Away’ MCEC

THE NSW Tourism Minister has declared the redeveloped Sydney Convention + Exhibition Centre (SCEC) will not just rival that of Victoria’s prime conference venue, but “blow Melbourne out of the water” when it opens by 2017. Speaking with BEN, George Souris - who is also the Minister for Major Events - referred to the size of the project as “humongous”, enabling Sydney to offer greater competition to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

“It’s going to be a long year, but we are building something twice the size of what we were initially planning,” Souris said. Facilities include what’s billed as Australia’s largest exhibition space, at 40,000sqm, and the country’s biggest convention hall capacity for 10,000 people over four different spaces. While the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition & Entertainment Precinct’s design is still to be finalised, the Minister confirmed the project was likely to result in events being turned away during the rebuild stage.

Questioned if the substitute Glebe Island facility - along with other alternative venues across the city - would result in conferences being hosted intrastate, Souris said “I’d say so.” “We’re hoping to make sure we cover the bases, but there will be events that will say ‘We’ll be back in a years time”. He said the SICEEP would take the better part of two years to construct, with the existing SCEC closing from Dec next year. Classed for all intents and purposes as a ‘pull down, start again’ project, Souris believes the SICEEP design will integrate some of the existing halls of the SCEC during its redevelopment.

Within the project is a brand new build hotel for Sydney, sitting just below the 5-star standard. Souris was unable to comment on which hotel group was linked to the project, but confirmed it would not compete against The Star’s ‘6-star’, The Darling. As detailed in the November update on the SICEEP website, a “hotel use” site is earmarked for the Northern Sector of the precinct near the water at the existing Convention Centre. 

Two groups of companies have submitted bids to design, plan and operate the new facilities, Destination Sydney and VeNuSW. Among VeNuSW’s partners (via a joint venture with Plenary Group) is Hilton Worldwide. Back in June, Hilton Worldwide announced plans to debut its DoubleTree by Hilton brand in the Australian market with a new build property in Karratha, WA, saying at the time the DoubleTree brand has potential growth prospects in Australasia.

(Source: Business Events News 5/12/12)

MEA Awards Open 25th National Conference Sydney

The MEA Industry Awards that recognise excellence and best business practice in the Meetings & Events Industry, are now open. The awards encourage industry professionals to excel in the achievement of their business and personal goals, and reward those who achieve outstanding results. Winners enjoy considerable profile within the meetings industry and with the general buying public.

In all but Individual Awards, members self-nominate for an Award by addressing a range of criteria that are relevant to the particular category or categories they are entering.

Candidates for MEA Individual Awards are nominated by a third party such as an employer, client, supplier or colleague who is responsible for completing the written application.

All Award submissions must be submitted on official award submission templates. The submissions are then judged by a panel of industry and independent judges. Short-listed candidates are interviewed by telephone to determine the category winner. Applications close 18 January 2013.

(Source: Business Events News, 7th November 2012)

BESydney to Manage Bookings for Glebe Island Expo and SICEEP

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) will take on broader responsibility and manage booking enquiries for the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP) and Glebe Island Expo until operators of the new facilities are appointed.

Glebe Island Expo is the interim facility that will house Sydney's major public exhibitions and trade shows during the development of the 20-hectare Darling Harbour site that will be home to SICEEP - a world-class meeting place for the future. 

Infrastructure NSW, which is delivering SICEEP for the NSW Government, will recommend the successful proponent in December 2012 and the operator for the interim facility is scheduled to be announced in March 2013.

Infrastructure NSW Project Director, Tim Parker commented, "BESydney's team has extensive knowledge of the events market and the expertise to oversee both the enquiry and booking process for both Glebe Island Expo and SICEEP. Our aim is to make the enquiry and booking processes as streamlined and user-friendly as possible. BESydney is already bidding on events for 2017 and beyond that will take place in the new facilities. The company is well placed to manage enquiries."

Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney comments, "The team is pleased to be taking on these new responsibilities. BESydney will be a one-stop shop for business events. Glebe Island Expo is part of the Sydney-wide interim solution that will enable Sydney to remain a vibrant hub for business events whilst SICEEP is constructed. The new facilities will deliver great opportunities for business events in the city, both now and in the future, and the team is looking forward to working closely with the industry to ensure their success."

"We already have a dedicated Event Delivery department that assists clients with sourcing venue options for their events. BESydney has been working closely over the past months to re-home the conferences and congresses it secured for Sydney that will be affected by the SICEEP development. This team will be expanded and will have dedicated staff to take on the responsibilities of the Glebe Island Expo and SICEEP." 

Exhibitions that will be affected by the SICEEP development will have first right of refusal for bookings for the interim facility. It is anticipated there will also be scope for additional events to be secured for Glebe Island Expo.
BESydney's Event Delivery team will manage the bookings and Robyn Johnson, General Manager Event Delivery, comments, "Our first priorities will be making sure that planned exhibitions have a home and ensuring that event organisers know Sydney will continue to deliver a world-class event experience during the development period."
Expressions of interest for bookings can be submitted online at www.glebeislandexpo.com. All enquiries should be emailed to bookings@besydney.com.au or call 1300 141 583.  

Glebe Island Expo was announced yesterday by Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Brad Hazzard and Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, George Souris. Infrastructure NSW will soon issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to companies interested in designing, building, operating and then removing the interim facility. Detailed designs have yet to be developed, yet it is aimed Glebe Island Expo will provide:

• Pavilion-style exhibition space of 15,000 square metres in a high quality, air-conditioned, fully serviced interim facility
• An adjacent flat space of 10,000 square metres for exhibitors to temporarily expand the space for larger public exhibitions and trade shows
• A weather-proofed and climate controlled environment
• Flexible space that can create reception areas and meeting rooms
• Close proximity to the CBD and a unique location on Sydney Harbour
• Availability for the entire construction period
• Event-related food and beverage facilities, such as pop-up cafes and restaurants
• Full 'back of house' facilities, such as loading-dock, external storage and waste management facilities. 

For further information: 

Rebecca Mills, Marketing and Communications Manager
Business Events Sydney
rmills@besydney.com.au
Tel: +61 2 9332 5218
Mob: +61 420 960 108

ACTE's Australasia Education Conference - Sydney

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives’ (ACTE) is pleased to announce its 1st Australasia Educational Conference being held in
Sydney Australia, 5-6 December 2012.
 

We understand that the procurement and management of a travel program is not a simple task. Comprising many components, travel interacts with most areas of an organisation, has increasing duty of care responsibilities and is constantly under pressure to extract greater value.

ACTE’s much anticipated 1 ½ day educational conference will bring the region’s business travel community together to provide you with real strategies to tackle these challenges and assist you with running a reliable, streamlined and cost effective travel program that is well matched to your organisation’s culture, requirements and legislative responsibilities.

Conference Highlights Include:
»	Participate in education sessions focused on key business travel matters. Sessions posted shortly!
»	Listen to thought provoking speakers who will share their insights and ideas about the direction of business travel and how this can potentially assist your travel program objectives and its travellers.
»	Connect with professionals who share similar challenges and who too are trying to find solutions to their travel requirements.
»	Enjoy the exclusive après sessions which will maximize the delights of the host city’s beautiful Harbour during the warm daylight-saving December temperatures.

Steering Committee:

• Rebecca Bellamy, Senior Relationship Manager - Procurement PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Michelle Crutcher, Vice President - Strategic Sourcing and Category Management Citigroup 
• Simon Dodd, Manager Sales Strategy & Government QBT 
• Georgie Farmer, Global Service Delivery Manager Microsoft
• Elizabeth Ford, Director of Corporate Sales - Australia Accor
• Stuart Hunter, Director, Account Manager Egencia 
• Brian Jeffreys, Group Procurement Manager - ICT Boral
• Aileen London, Senior Manager Global Meeting Services APAC Oracle 
• Doug Marcotte, Global Lead - Travel & Corporate Card Macquarie Group
• Lachlan McEwen, Director Customer Value APAC ConTgo 
• Kenneth Phua, Business Development Manager Flightworld American Express 
• Phil Robinson, Head of Sales Diners Club Australia
• Michael Thorburn, Director of Sales & Marketing Serko  

Sydney Jewellery Fair Piquing Interest

Sydney International Jewellery Fair organiser Expertise Events is predicting a mixture of some returning old faces and exciting new initiatives will lead to a busy fair next week.

JAA International Jewellery Fair (IJF) organiser Gary Fitz-Roy said he’s a little surprised at the level of interest in the year’s fair. “Given that most people are saying that retail trading conditions are tough at the moment, we are seeing a noticeable increase in first-time visitors or people who have not attended [the Sydney fair] for three or four years.”

Fitz-Roy said that there has been an increase in the number of phone and email enquiries but also, “We are seeing an increase this year in visitors who have not attended for a few years. We can say that because they [visitors] must renew their photo ID badge every three years for security reasons so our staff have been more busy this year renewing old ID cards.”

Fitz-Roy was confident of a good turn out this year even if retail trading was tough and said visitors could expect some new sights and initiatives at the fair. “Maybe it’s because things are tough that people are saying I need to get proactive and get out there and look for new and interesting things.

“We've got a whole new look foyer and registration area, we've upgraded the graphics and look and feel of the fair when you come in,” he said. “I felt that it needed to happen. When times are tough you need to be putting it out there that you're still relevant, and show you're investing in the product because you believe in it,” Fitz-Roy

He added that another reason for the increased interest could be due to there being 60 new exhibitors.

Fitz-Roy explained that there is a new registration option this year. Retailers who missed the deadline for online preregistration can now preregister in-person on Saturday afternoon from 2:30 to 5:30pm at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Retailers can come in, register and get cards on Saturday, and that means on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday they'll have automatic access,” Fitz-Roy said.

Buying Groups
 
Nationwide Jewellers managing director Colin Pocklington reports that he’s expecting to at least equal last year’s numbers. “We already have 130 stores registered, and at this stage we expect to equal last year’s figures. In 2011, we registered over 500 people from 203 stores. However another 60 members who had buyer cards, and had not registered via us also attended” he said.

“In anticipation of a similar turnout we have enlarged our seminar room for this year,” Pocklington added.

Leading Edge Jewellers director Josh Zarb also said there had been a “good response” from Leading Edge members.

“Most attendees from our annual conference [which runs from this Thursday until Saturday in Sydney] will stay on and go to the fair,” Zarb said. “We’re expecting about 75 members to be at the fair. It’s slightly down on last year, but I think that’s due to a combination of things, not necessarily a downturn. Some of our members just have other things on.”

Associations
Jeweller has reported extensively on the slew of new products and services that will be launched at the fair, but some of the trade associations also have exciting offerings for visitors.

The Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA) has put together a group of expert business consultants to provide members with free advice and answer questions and concerns. Patrick Ferguson from Goldrick Farrell Mullan will be available to discuss legal topics, including company registration and shareholder agreements, partnership agreements, consumer complaints, debt recovery and more.

Leasing Information Services will be offering demonstrations of its online platform and answering questions about retail leasing, while Finance for Life will be present to discuss superannuation, investments, business and personal loans. RISQ and OzForex will also be on hand to discuss risk insurance and foreign exchange services with members.

The National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV) plans to make education a focal point at its stand too. National education officer Graham Easy told Jeweller he would be at the fair to provide advice to visitors interested in jewellery valuation and support for current members.

"We go to the trade fair to assist members that come with questions, problems, or procedural matters, and people having problems with valuations,” he said. “We are also there to promote the principles of valuing, and talk about the educational process with people interested in becoming valuers.”

Easy said the NCJV was getting close to finalising a new government accredited course, the Diploma of Applied Gemmology (Valuation), which has been in development for several years. He said he would be available to take any questions potential students had about it, while the stand would also provide short courses for valuers, helping them learn about new industry issues.

“We run a small educational section at the stand,” Easy explained. “It’s something there for valuers, a five-minute education, it’s a mini class. In the past we’ve discussed fake watches and led-filled rubies. To be a valuer, you have to do so many update points a year, this helps gain some of those points very quickly.”

The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) will also be promoting express learning with its new online courses. The GAA, in collaboration with the JAA, is offering a collection of short, web-only courses aimed at newcomers to the jewellery industry. The course list includes ‘Introduction to retail jewellery sales’, ‘Introduction to daily jewellery retail business’, and ‘Introduction to coloured gemstones’.

Terry Coldham, chairman Gem-Ed, a sub-committee of the GAA, will be at the fair and said early feedback about the courses was positive. “We're getting some excellent reviews on them,” he said. “At the fair we will use a computer setup to show visitors how they work.”

Coldham said he would also be giving a talk to Nationwide members on coloured gemstones, in an effort to ”instil some interest and excitement in working and selling coloured gemstones in jewellery”.

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Wins International Award For Showcase Event

The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre’s creativity and innovation in event delivery has again been recognised internationally, with the venue winning a prestigious International Special Events Society (ISES) Esprit Award.

Announced in Dallas in the United States on the weekend (August 4), the Best Event Design and Decor award acknowledges the Centre’s achievement in staging a spectacular Unconventional Evening in November 2011. 

The Unconventional Evening demonstrated the Centre’s talents and creative flair to more than 80 identities from the arts, media, wine and food industries.  The event was inspired by a painting from the Centre’s Australian art collection, the fiery nine-metre landscape, Point to Point, by renowned artist Tim Storrier. 

With Storrier in attendance as guest of honour, the Centre’s Executive Chef Uwe Habermehl added fire to ice to deliver a succession of theatrical dishes highlighting the finest local produce. 

Meanwhile, the Centre’s production team transformed the cityview Bayside Terrace into a shimmering interpretation of the evening’s theme, with hundreds of tiered candles and a massive projection of another Storrier painting, Landscape which spectacularly morphed into Point to Point.

Centre Chief Executive Ton van Amerongen said the venue was thrilled to win such a prestigious international accolade.

“The Centre is about to celebrate 25 years of delivering great events so it is wonderful to win an award of this calibre as we approach a landmark anniversary in 2013,” Mr van Amerongen.

“This award is not just about the Centre’s skill in delivering a seamless event, it’s also about the creativity and passion which our teams have demonstrated since our doors first opened. I congratulate them all for their world-class performance.”

Sydney's Event Showcase - Promises A Sensory Special Event

With less than three weeks until opening, the team behind Sydney's Event Showcase 2012 released numerous new show features today, as they ramp up their strategy to engage event buyers to the show floor.


Event Director Rowan Marchingo has tapped into his event production expertise to design and deliver an exhibition experience that will stimulate the five senses.  


"Sydney's Event Showcase 2012 will become what it promotes, a special event that delivers serious business returns for all involved. 


"We've ramped up the on-the-show floor experiences this year to showcase the best ideas and inspiration for those who manage, buy and deliver events of all shapes and sizes. 


"This year's Showcase will be an exhibition like no other," said Mr Marchingo. 
Visitor's taste buds will take delight in the brand new feature - Interactive Kitchen - where team building gurus Cheeky Food Group, Taste Food Tours and many others will lead a communal cooking class, whilst the best caterers in town will share samples of their food creations via the roving Bite Tastings. 


Visitors will be encouraged to touch and feel all the new products at the 180 exhibitor stands, and get up close and personal with industry influencers at the Party After Dark - the networking night of nights, this year to be held at Cargo Bar. For the first time ever, visitors will be able to purchase tickets to attend the event industry networking event of the year. 


The Entertainment Showcase has completely transformed the corporate entertainment on show at the exhibition. With famous Australian headliners on the bill, visitors will hear and see the ultimate in event entertainment. Additional entertainers will be also roving the isles adding an element of surprise to the Showcase. 


An interactive and informative smart phone app will be available for exhibitors and visitors to the show. Provided by ShowGizmo, it will include the full details of all the exhibitors on board, and calendarise all events occurring at the show. 


Visitors will hear from international keynote speakers Andrea Michaels and Corbin Ball at the all new, exciting program: Australia's Event Master Class Seminars, which will bring a whole host of domestic and international industry leaders together for the first time. 


Central - the heartbeat of the Showcase is still 'the place to be'. Keynote speakers from Australia's Event Master Class Seminars will congregate here to talk one-on-one with those wanting more insights into their knowledge and skills. 


A full schedule of events is available at the website
Registration is free; however it is strongly advised to register online before the Expo to avoid the queues at the door.
Catch the latest news and details at the events social media sites Facebook & Twitter

See the Events Connect site for additonal Info

BESydney expands the 2012 ABEE Hosted Buyer Program

Australia’s leading convention bureau, Business Events Sydney (BESydney), in conjunction with the Australian Business Event Expo (ABEE) and airline partner Qantas, has expanded the ABEE Hosted Buyer Program to include both Hosted and Semi-hosted Buyer Programs that will run from 14–16 August 2012.

Last year’s Hosted Buyer Program catered for a qualified number of fully hosted buyers. This year, expanding the program to two streams will introduce more local buyers to the show floor and enhance the quality and quantity of appointments for exhibitors.

“The expansion of the ABEE Hosted Buyer Program is a strategic decision to ensure ABEE’s show floor continues to be a dynamic platform for supplier and client connection, networking and business,” comments Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney.

“The two distinct programs ensure that both the hosted and semi-hosted buyer experience is productive, as well as educational, and really delivers on the modern day buyer’s needs. We’ve acted on feedback provided by previous participants and have made supplier appointments, key site inspections and networking the priorities in both programs.”

Jodie Richmond, CEO of Exhibition and Trade Fairs (the owner of ABEE) adds, “It is fantastic to work alongside Business Events Sydney and airline partner Qantas to grow the already successful ABEE Hosted Buyer Program. Our combined understanding of the business event market, paired with a savvy, concise format, will see the Program deliver enhanced results to both our Buyers and our Exhibitors this year.

Hosted buyers will receive complimentary Qantas return travel to Sydney and 2 nights' accommodation in a leading Sydney hotel. This program includes participation in the educational program that is punctuated with fantastic speaking talent, scheduled appointments, the Destination Site Inspection Tour, gala events and all ground logistics.

Semi-hosted buyers will have the opportunity to schedule appointments with suppliers, listen to selected speakers on the educational program and enjoy the ABEE Hosted Buyer Dinner. They will also have the option of participating in a full-day Destination Site Inspection Tour.

The Australian Business Events Expo runs from 15–16 August 2012 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and is the ultimate marketplace for business events in Australia.

Sydney’s Event Showcase

15 - 16 August 2012, from 10am - 5pm at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre

The best way to build successful events time and time again is to work with reliable and experienced suppliers.

Sydney's Event Showcase provides EAs and PAs with unparalleled access to the best Australian event suppliers. Over two days, the entire industry gathers to inspire event ideas, launch new products, reveal the 'must-know' trends and present the latest venues.

Sydney's Event Showcase is home to the Australian Event Master Class Seminars and will this year feature internationally renowned USA based event producer Andrea Michaels and event technology expert Corbin Ball. There are also seminars specifically designed for PA's, EA's and Event Coordinators; providing essential insights into event planning.

This year's Showcase welcomes international headliners to the Entertainment Stage. Corporate entertainment specialists Apples and Pears will feature well known artists, providing visitors with firsthand access to who could be on offer for their next event.

For more information log on to : http://www.rsvpevent.com.au/

If you are an exhibitor or delegate and are looking for accommodation then try these affordable quality properties:-

Metro Hotel on Pitt, Sydney www.metrohotelonpitt.com

Metro Hotel Sydney Central www.metrohotelsydneycentral.com

Aspire Hotel Sydney www.aspirehotel.com

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour www.metroapartmentssydney.com

Metro Hotels Appoints Business Development Manager - MICE

Metro Hotels has appointed Mr. Div Grover to the role of Business Development Manager – MICE for Metro Hospitality Group in Australia.

In this newly created role, Mr. Grover is responsible for building and maintaining the small meetings, incentives, conferences and events business for Metro Hospitality Group’s network of properties Australia-wide.

The position reports to Metro Hotel’s National Sales and Marketing Manager Gary Long, who today welcomed Mr Grover’s appointment.

“Div brings to this role significant experience in the hospitality industry gained over the past 9 years, Mr Long said.  

“While many hotels only cater for large events, it is often difficult to find venues for small meetings and seminars.  Metro Hotels is increasing its focus on the small meetings and functions market.  We see Div’s strong background in building and maintaining business relationships as instrumental in developing this niche market to drive business and further enhance the reputation and patronage of Metro Hotel’s network of properties,” he said.

Read on at Metro Hotels Press Releases

Read other Metro Hotels News

Sydney To Get Its Own Contemporary Art Fair

These vast supermarkets for selling art are ever more popular: the past two months alone have seen the inaugural New York edition of the London-based Frieze in May; Art HK in Hong Kong just two weeks later; and Art Basel in Switzerland, the grandest modern and contemporary fair of them all, earlier this month. Galleries that took part in all three describe the gruelling sequence as a “marathon”.

For galleries wanting to tap into the growing Australian market, the marathon is about to get even longer. The first edition of the biennial Sydney Contemporary will take place next year, from April 12-14. It will start modestly, according to British founder Tim Etchells, who runs an event management company in Australia. He expects about 70 galleries, mostly from Australia and New Zealand, with a sprinkling of international ones from countries such as Indonesia and Singapore.

“We’d like to get some of the high-end galleries in Sydney like Roslyn Oxley [whose programme focuses on artists from the Asia-Pacific region] and Anna Schwartz [who represents British artists Antony Gormley and Yinka Shonibare, among others] – so far we’ve had a pretty positive response,” says Etchells.

But the goal is to develop the event to attract more international galleries and collectors within a few years. “We’ll try and make it really fun with lots of ancillary programming,” says Etchells. He adds that interest in contemporary art is growing in the city.

“The opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art’s new wing in March was a huge event, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales [which opened new galleries last year to show the contemporary collection of textile magnate John Kaldor] is very successful.”

Etchells has form when it comes to launching art fairs in new markets, with his biggest success to date being in Hong Kong. In 2007 he started Art HK after a chance meeting with an art dealer friend in Sydney. Four years later he sold a 60 per cent stake in the fair to Messe Schweiz, the Swiss company that runs Art Basel and its sister fair in Miami Beach. Messe Schweiz’s annual report for 2011 reveals that the price paid to Etchell and his partners was CHF6.6m.

World Class Entertainment on the Bill at Sydney’s Event Showcase

Visitors at Sydney’s Event Showcase will come face to face with some of Australia’s hottest talent this year due to Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF) naming Apples & Pears Entertainment the official entertainment partner of the show.

With ‘sourcing quality corporate entertainment’ named as one of the top three reasons people attend the show, this exciting new development represents a complete overhaul of the Showcase’s Entertainment program. It has been designed to go right to the heart of providing the ultimate solution for busy event organisers needing to source quality entertainment.

In a very exciting ‘first’ for the show, the revitalised entertainment program produced by Apples & Pears will be presenting daily surprise performances by major Australian talent. They will also showcase a wide range of professional performers complete with full stage production for maximum effect.   

Jodie Richmond, CEO and General Manager of ETF, said the new partnership is a fundamental change in the quality of entertainment presented at the Showcase.
“Our market research revealed that corporate entertainment is one of the most vital and memorable facets to event planning and management.

“Our partnership with Apples & Pears provides the answer to event businesses wanting to find and experience firsthand the best corporate entertainment available today. The new and improved Entertainment Showcase will provide an unparalleled level of access to an extremely diverse and high quality bill of corporate entertainment,” said Ms Richmond.
 
Apples & Pears combines the experience and musical knowledge gained from having run a successful independent record company, production studio and managing a talent roster of the finest names in entertainment to produce corporate entertainment successfully across Australia.

Over 10 years, Harris Meitanis, Managing Director of Apples & Pears Entertainment has produced entertainment for in excess of 1000 events.

“Artists of the highest calibre are no longer out of reach for corporate event planners through experienced agencies like Apples & Pears Entertainment.

“We are very excited and proud to cement our position as leaders in the events industry by becoming the official entertainment partner for Sydney’s Event Showcase for 2012.

“The program we’re producing will not only excite visitors with an entertainment experience never-before-seen on the tradeshow floor, but also provide them with a taste of quality performances they can have at their next event. Our aim is to completely blow the socks off all the visitors to the show. We are really looking forward to revealing to the industry the extent of what we can do,” said Mr Meitanis.

Performances by major Australian talent will be announced closer to the Showcase date.  Seats at the Entertainment Showcase will fill up quickly across the two days. Attendees are encouraged to visit the Show’s website or Facebook page to keep an eye on the release of acts, program line ups, and show times.

Sydney’s Event Showcase, 15 – 16 August 2012 is co-located with Australian Business Events Expo at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. 
Registration is free and strongly encouraged before the show dates to avoid queues at the door.

Sydney's Mega-Events Migrating to Sydney Olympic Park

With the upcoming closure of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC), many of Sydney’s larger events have already announced their re-location to Sydney Olympic Park.

This week two major events, the 2014 and 2016 Sydney-based Australian International Motor Show and the 2014 Rotary International Convention have releases statements about the relocation.

Yesterday (18 June) Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, announced that Rotary International has confirmed its 2014 Rotary International Convention event will remain in Sydney, and will re-locate to Sydney Olympic Park.

After winning the initial bid in 2006, Sydney was required to resubmit an extensive proposal showcasing Sydney Olympic Park as the host venue, due to the closure of SCEC from the end of this year for an extensive three- year expansion and redevelopment of the Sydney International Convention and Exhibition Precinct (SICEEP).

The 2014 Rotary International Convention will be held in June and is expected to attract up to 18,000 delegates who will spend 72,000 delegate days in Sydney and deliver an economic impact of $60.5 million to the state.

“This is a great example of NSW’s flexibility and agility when it comes to hosting world-class events. Government and the private sector have rallied together to make sure that the promised Rotary 2014 event will be delivered seamlessly, despite the required venue change,” said Souris.

“This is a spectacular result for our visitor economy, with the event delivering an estimated economic impact of $60.5 million. It is also a strong demonstration that Sydney is well and truly open for business – even during the SICEEP development period.”

Business Events Sydney’s (BESydney) CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said, “We are thrilled to hear that the international Rotary delegation will still be coming to Sydney in 2014. Such a mega-event is an amazing opportunity to demonstrate the skill and adaptability of our industry.”

“BESydney worked hand in hand with the NSW Government and Sydney Olympic Park Authority on venue options. We showcased the flexibility, diversity and passion that ‘Team Sydney’ had to offer the Rotary event in 2014. This has delivered a fantastic outcome for Sydney, NSW and Australia’s global reputation,” she added.

The 2012 Australian International Motor Show in October will remain at SCEC.

“Whilst the SCEC has been our home for twenty three shows, we are very much looking forward to the opportunities presented to us and exhibitors alike at Sydney Showground,” said Australian International Motor Show, event director, Russ Tyrie.

“The Sydney Olympic Park venue will enable the Motor Show to grow and become a more diverse event, with the expansive outdoor areas giving exhibitors more room and the chance to host both on and off stand activities – the possibilities are practically endless.”

“SCEC has been a wonderful venue for Motor Shows in Sydney over the years, hosting hundreds of model reveals with almost five million visitors streaming through its doors to see the best that the Australian automotive industry has to offer,” said Tyrie.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how the plans shape up for its redevelopment; but rest assured, the 2012 Australian International Motor Show at SCEC promises to be a fantastic send-off to a great venue.”

Welcome Mat for Rotary International - Rotary Convention

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, today announced that Rotary International has confirmed its 2014 Rotary International Convention event will remain in Australia’s global city, and will re-locate from Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC) to Sydney Olympic Park.

After winning the initial bid in 2006, Sydney was required to resubmit an extensive proposal showcasing Sydney Olympic Park as the host venue, due to the closure of SCEC for the Sydney International Convention and Exhibition Precinct (SICEEP) development.

The 2014 Rotary International Convention will be held in June and is expected to attract up to 18,000 delegates who will spend 72,000 delegate days in Sydney and deliver an economic impact of $60.5 million to the state.

“This is a great example of NSW’s flexibility and agility when it comes to hosting world-class events.

Government and the private sector have rallied together to make sure that the promised Rotary 2014 event will be delivered seamlessly, despite the required venue change,” said Mr Souris.

“This is a spectacular result for our visitor economy, with the event delivering an estimated economic impact of $60.5 million. It is also a strong demonstration that Sydney is well and truly open for business – even during the SICEEP development period.”

Business Events Sydney’s (BESydney) CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said, “We are thrilled to hear that the international Rotary delegation will still be coming to Sydney in 2014. Such a mega-event is an amazing opportunity to demonstrate the skill and adaptability of our industry,” comments Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney.

“BESydney worked hand in hand with the NSW Government and Sydney Olympic Park Authority on venue options. We showcased the flexibility, diversity and passion that ‘Team Sydney’ had to offer the Rotary event in 2014. This has delivered a fantastic outcome for Sydney, NSW and Australia’s global reputation.”

Chair of the local organising committee, Barry Thompson commented, “There were certainly serious discussions in the wake of the SICEEP development announcement. But Sydney’s resubmission has proven to the Rotary International team that even without the planned venue, the harbour city will deliver an outstanding 2014 convention.”

“Rotary International was very impressed by the efforts of the NSW Government, BESydney, Sydney Olympic Park and other involved parties to accommodate our event.”

If you are seeking Nearby Accommodation for this Convention for one or many, contact Metro Hotels Corporate Sales Contact:

• Richard Amour
• Business Development Manager
• Phone: 02 92880108
• Email: RAmour@metrohg.com

Events strong, vibrant: EEAA

The exhibition and events industry remains ‘strong and vibrant’, according to new results unveiled yesterday by the Exhibition & Event Association.

As part of the Group’s inaugural Market Monitor, the non-for-profit organisation found close to one million visitors attended events organising by the EEAA, incorporating 11,278 exhibitors and employing 8000 staff and more than 2000 contractors.

EEAA general manger Joyce DiMascio said despite industry success, there was a need for the NSW Government to take a more holistic view to what was happening in regards to EEAA’s Sydney campaign.

“In contrast to Melbourne, Sydney’s competition is far more global,” she said.

Business continuity was another major component in the key to a healthy and successful exhibition industry.

“There are suppliers in our community, utterly dependent upon our success. We want to minimise the negative impacts on business development,” she added.

The market monitor also revealed 49 percent of all trade events in the second half of 2011 had a paid conference or seminar program attached.

“We need this renewal of opportunities and commercial commitment,” she said.

"The challenge remains in the way exhibitors deliver their product and understanding what’s driving customers to events.”

Safety and professionalism are prevalent priorities occupying EEAA’s focus, with the Group working closely with venues to “continue to build a culture that is centred on safety and safety procedures”.

The EEAA expects the next Market Monitor to be unveiled in six months time.

(Source: etravelblackboard.com)

BESydney’s New Strategy to Trap MICE

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has unveiled a new strategies and corporate restructure that will see the company target NSW MICE opportunities.

Announced yesterday, the company said among the key changes would be the appointment of a Mumbai-based representative to drive more Indian business as well as the launch of a new corporate structure that will see company’s resources grow.

Kicking off from July 2012, BESydney chief executive Lyn Lewis-Smith said the organisation would also be divided into four teams focused on growing, securing, delivering and sustaining.

“The new structure will better support clients throughout the event lifecycle, and combined with other initiatives – such as our new Future Leaders program – will help to give us the edge on understanding and delivering meetings for the coming generations,” Ms Lewis-Smith said.

“We are refocused, re-energised and realigned for the future.”

As well, the company said it would look to recruit a new general manager of business development while from 1 June Hannah Jamieson will step into the new role of general manager of strategic marketing.

Robyn Johnson will also join the team under the role of general manager event delivery as Sonya Stewart remains in her role a chief financial officer.

“The team is excited,” she added.  

“We will streamline processes, deepen and expand international and domestic collaborative relationships with the private and public sectors, and increase our flexibility and agility to respond to emerging market trends.

“This year BESydney has already achieved a record number of bid wins, and there are a number of weeks to go before we close the books.

“Yet, achievement doesn’t mean we can be complacent. It is time to challenge the status quo!”

(Source: eTravelblackboard.com)