Sydney to host World Congress of Accountants 2018

Sydney has again outshone its competitors, winning the right to host 5,000 leading accounting professionals at the next World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) in 2018, an event worth $18 million to New South Wales (NSW).

Business Events Sydney (BESydney), the NSW Government and a powerful contingent of Australian representatives supported the bid led by Alex Malley from CPA Australia, and Lee White from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia, who together represent 200,000 business, finance and accounting professionals.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Troy Grant revealed the win was announced at the 2014 World Congress in Rome recently.

“This is the latest high-profile international event to be secured for the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney). It’s one of 18 international business events locked in for Sydney and NSW, representing a combined estimated economic impact of close to $150 million,” said Mr Grant.

“Sydney is recognised globally as an international finance hub and business centre. It’s home to Australia’s strongest corporate, finance and professional services sectors - 16 of the 25 top accounting firms call our Harbour City home. In fact, more than 45 per cent (by revenue) of the top 500 companies in Australia are located in NSW,” Mr Grant said.  

CEO of BESydney, Lyn Lewis-Smith said, “The last time Australia hosted this highly sought-after congress was 1972 in Sydney. To have it return to our shores some 40 years later is testament to the strength of our professional services industry and global reputation.”

“The majority of events already secured for ICC Sydney sit within the professional services sector and will play an important role in providing opportunities for global collaboration, trade and investment,” Ms Lewis-Smith said.

ICC Sydney CEO and AEG Ogden Group Director of Convention Centres, Geoff Donaghy said he was pleased the group’s global experience could provide an added degree of confidence when attracting events for ICC Sydney.

“Having successfully hosted the World Congress of Accountants in Kuala Lumpur in 2010, it is an honour to again be entrusted with this prestigious event. In 2018, we look forward to hosting a uniquely Sydney experience for Congress delegates in what is undoubtedly one of the most exciting convention venues to come to market.

“The NSW Government’s decision to invest in infrastructure across the city is certainly underlining Sydney as the destination of choice for international business event decision makers,” Mr Donaghy said.

The NSW Government has committed to significant investment in Sydney’s financial sector, including the A$6 billion development at Barangaroo to create a world-class base for international banks, financial and professional services companies. This major development was a key selling point in the bidding process, as were the brand new conference facilities, and will ensure Sydney continues to be one of the best places in the world to meet.

The quadrennial World Congress of Accountants aims to foster global unity and collegiality among professional accountants. Previous congresses have been held in Rome (2014), Kuala Lumpur (2010), Istanbul (2006), Hong Kong (2002), Paris (1997) and Washington DC (1992).

Source: http://www.incentivetravel.co.uk/news/australia/23545-sydney-to-host-world-congress-of-accountants-2018

October Long Weekend Labour Day

October Long Weekend in Sydney

Labour Day in NSW (Monday, 6th October) is celebrated on the first Monday of October. Make the most of the spring weather unwinding on Sydney's beaches or taking in stunning habour vistas on a coastal walk through one of Sydney's beautiful national parks.

The October long weekend offers a great opportunity to explore Sydney in springtime.

Take in stunning views of Sydney Harbour onboard a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. Relax on Manly Beach as you listen to the smooth sounds of Manly Jazz across the weekend with outstanding local and international musicians performing by the water.

Just a short walk from Manly, North Head lookout offers a spectacular panorama of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. It's also a great location to spot whales at this time year. Other excellent whale-watching vantage points can be found in national parks across Sydney including Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Kamay Botany Bay National Park and the heritage-listed Royal National Park.

Make the most of Sydney's springtime weather and explore the city's many vibrant outdoor weekend markets. Unearth vintage goods and discover up-and-coming designers at Bondi Markets, Glebe Markets, Rozelle Weekend Markets and Paddington Markets.

Immerse yourself in Sydney's arts and culture scene and catch the closing weekend of Strictly Ballroom the Musical on stage at the Capitol Theatre.

Source: http://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/public-holidays/october-long-weekend-labour-day/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social


Coming to Sydney for the long weekend?

Book one of Metro's Sydney hotels or apartments - conveniently located close to public transport, restaurants and major attractions:

• Metro Hotel Sydney Central
• Metro Hotel on Pitt
• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
• Aspire Hotel Sydney

Sydney Fashion Shows: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival, Vogue Fashion’s Night Out

Some 10,000 guests and 50 designers will see out the most fashion-focussed September in recent memory.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney (MBFFS) will cap a month-long fashion celebration in the city when it runs from September 24 - 27.

MBFFS will follow Vogue Fashion’s Night Out and The City’s Fashion in the Villages weekend event earlier in September.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the consumer-driven event promotes Australia’s fashion, retail and tourism sectors in Sydney, while stimulating economic activity for many local businesses.

“Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney is all about showcasing Sydney as the fashion hub of Australia and promoting the wonderful talents of Australian designers,” she said.

“It generates excitement and a buzz for fashion followers and drives consumers eager to view spring and summer styles and fashion-related businesses into the CBD and our villages.

“We know that industry-led events supported by government encourage increased foot traffic in key shopping precincts, which is good for business.

“The Sydney is Fashion initiative has grown significantly to develop a wider audience reach and increased participation by retailers.”

Leading designers including Alex Perry, Camilla, Dion Lee and We Are Handsome will showcase their collections on the runway at Town Hall.

The parades will coincide with their new looks are landing in store.

Event organiser IMG Fashion confirmed demand for show packages had been stronger than ever this year.

IMG Fashion director of brand and strategy Elle Turner said this extended to premium seating.

“Our front row experience is almost sold out,” she said.

“Sydney has long been home to Australia’s biggest designers and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney celebrates all that is unique and exciting about Australian fashion in a runway extravaganza that excites and entertains.”
 
Supporting local fashion designers and business is part of The City of Sydney’s Retail Action Plan.

For more: www.sydneyisfashion.com.au

Source: http://www.ragtrader.com.au/news/sydney-s-big-september

Sydney's Largest Floating Venue Hosts Major Events

Pavilion in Darling Harbour is well and truly open for business. Dockside Group’s newest venue has hosted an elite caliber of events in the first few weeks of opening.

With a capacity of up to 1440 guests seated and 2000 standing, Sydney’s newest venue has seen a diverse mix of important ‘first’ events commencing with the gateway to the Sydney International Boat Show, a private function produced by leading Australian Event Stylist & Designer Phillip Carr, the Sydney launch of Mercedes Benz’s next-generation C-Class Series, the Project Futures Stella Fella Charity Black Tie Ball and The Australian Beauty Awards.

Dockside Group Managing Director, Christopher Drivas, said Dockside Pavilion will add a great deal of value to the Darling Harbour precinct.

“We’ve had a great response from our clients and we’re tracking well with strong bookings to date. In particular, many of our corporate clients have secured the venue for multiple year event bookings.

“We want people to be wowed by the magnitude of this venue and understand that it’s a spectacular blank canvas which can be used for virtually any type of event,” said Mr Drivas.

The Pavilion structure was designed by Warwick Bell from Fabric Structure Systems in Auckland, who famously created The Cloud for the New Zealand Rugby World Cup.

The Dockside Pavilion is a temporary venue owned and operated by Dockside Group and will remain in Darling Harbour until the completion of the new International Convention Centre. For more information about Dockside Group visit www.docksidegroup.com.au

Source: http://www.impactpub.com.au/micebtn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16985:sydneys-largest-floating-venue-hosts-major-events&catid=16:mice-news&Itemid=49

Latest Reviews on TripAdvisor.com about Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - August 2014

“FANTASTIC!!!!”

Reviewed 6 August 2014 by Bayholiday NEW

Girls weekend away and had a wonderful time the 1 bedroom loft apartment is spacious, clean, comfortable and had everything we required. The view is brilliant and so are the staff very helpful even carried bags down the stairs for us. The apartments are in easy walking to Darling Harbour, Paddys Markets, The Rocks & Circular Quay. Had a fantastic time!!! :)

• Stayed August 2014, travelled with friends
• Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g255060-d256600-r219942268-Metro_Apartments_On_Darling_Harbour-Sydney_New_South_Wale.html#UR219942268

Book your next stay at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour/hot-deals/
Location: 132-136 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia (close to Wynyard station)
Phone: 02 9199 - 2517

The fastest way to fitness: running

Photo: istock

Running is simply the best medicine, writes Clive Hopkins.

CITY2SURF EVENT GUIDE: www.city2surf.com.au

'Humans really are born to run," says Sydney-based personal trainer Mike Moore. "It's a very simple form of exercise - it's low cost, and you can do it anywhere, anytime."

Moore's clients range from complete novices, right up to the kind of elite athletes who will run The Sun-Herald City 2 Surf presented by Westpac in under an hour.

Moore believes that when people start running training, they notice an improvement in their fitness very quickly, more quickly than they would in other forms of exercise. "Your body already knows how to do it, which is the opposite of something like swimming."

And while there are techniques involved in running, it's not necessary to go down the technical path to get something from the activity.

For anyone taking up running for the first time, Moore advises getting some correct footwear (which doesn't have to cost $300), before setting achievable goals for yourself.

"I'm big on getting a sense of achievement from exercise. For the first time ever, this might just be running from one lamp post to the next lamp post."

The rule of thumb for those starting out is that you should be able to talk while jogging. "You should be comfortable, so that at the end of a run, you feel you could have done a bit more."

Even those who resist the idea of running can get a lot out of it.

Moore recalls one client saying to him, 'if you ever make me run, I'll leave'.

"She'd been made to run at school, and got no enjoyment out of it. Now, though, she's done several 10-kilometre races."

For Moore, one of the most striking benefits of running is the potential for weight loss. "I'll stick my neck out and say that, in my experience, if someone starts running two or three times a week, their body will change for the better."

Moore's reluctant runner client lost an incredible 20 kilograms, essentially, he believes, just from running.

"In contrast to something like cycling, running is a whole-body exercise that uses upper and lower body muscles," says Dr Rhonda Orr, senior lecturer in exercise and sports science at The University of Sydney.

"The changes [adaptations] brought about by aerobic exercise like running are very beneficial."

What lay people refer to as an increased fitness or aerobic capacity, health professionals refer to as an improved VO2 max score.

Orr says there are two components to VO2 max - an essential component to do with your heart, and a peripheral component to do with capillary (small blood vessel) density and mitochondria (the "energy storehouses" of the body), and associated enzyme action.

"If we look at the heart, running training over time will lead to a decrease in the resting heart rate, as well as a decrease in the sub-maximal heart rate for any activity," says Orr. "This is good adaptation.

"There is also an increase in the heart's 'stroke volume', that is, how much blood is ejected from the heart during every cardiac cycle. The heart is pumping more effectively, leading to improved circulation."

Aside from the benefits to the heart, running requires the whole body to work together in unison, to deliver more oxygen to the working muscle. Increased mitochondria and enzyme action leads to improved fat mobilisation.

"The increased capacity to transport fats leads to an improved fat utilisation during exercise," says Orr. "By doing this, you spare your glucose or your glycogen stores, which your body uses for short bursts of energy.
"When you train well, you're not only training your muscles and endurance - you're training your body to use optimal energy stores."

It's this better fat utilisation that can result in weight loss.

Running training can also lead to better blood glucose control.

"This is also good for our general health," says Orr.

"If we improve our glucose kinetics, we can help retard, not just the onset of type-2 diabetes, but potentially also the onset of metabolic syndrome. This is a cluster of conditions: high blood pressure, high glucose, high cholesterol, and excess body fat around the waist, which are all connected with cardio-vascular disease."

For those who already have type-2 diabetes, running is a good adjunct to their medication, and running can also help reduce blood pressure in mildly hypertensive patients.

Moore, though, believes that running is good for you in ways that go far beyond the physical. "I feel it's also a great benefit for mental health - something you can enjoy by being by yourself, or as part of a group.

"The great attraction of running is being able to do it anywhere, whether it's a city or the Sinai desert," he says.

"I've actually used running to explore New York City. You see people and places you wouldn't see if you were in a car, because you're amongst it."

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/athletics/the-fastest-way-to-fitness-20140723-3cf2b.html

ISBI 2014 Pre-Congress Workshop Sydney

Theme: Caring for the Burn-Injured Patient – Beyond 48 Hours
Date: Sunday 12 October 2014
Location: Sydney Hilton (Room to be confirmed)
Time: 0900 – 1700
Fee: Registration is free and open to all members of the Burn Care Team (lunch and breaks provided)

Course Description

The course aims to provide fundamentals of burn care beyond the first 48 hours from injury and is intended for those who care for burn-injured patients in developing countries.

Course Format

Morning didactic sessions will provide the fundamental principles of burn care across the continuum of care for the multidisciplinary burn team.  Topics include nursing, rehabilitation, respiratory care, pain management, and nutrition.

Afternoon hands-on sessions will provide opportunities to demonstrate and practice splinting, patient positioning, dressing application, and mobility/exercise.  Participants may choose to attend any or all of these sessions.

Course Content:  The course is in the developmental stage and we welcome any suggestions for content that you feel should be included. Please contact Gretchen Carrougher (carrough@uw.edu); Michael Serghiou (mserghiou@shrinenet.org) or Elisabeth Greenfield (lizals@tgti.net).

Didactic Sessions:

1. Burn wound assessment across the care continuum
   a)  Assessment for size (extent) and depth of injury
   b)  Wound assessments: healing, donor sites, infection, contractures
2. Basic wound care principles and techniques
   a)  Wound healing processes
   b)  Excision and autografting
   c)  Basic wound care
   d)  Infection control practices
3. Scar  contracture prevention
4. Pain and anxiety management
5. Nutrition
6. Respiratory system
7. Scar management (pressure therapy, inserts, massage, modalities)
8. Patient and family education

Hands-on Sessions:

1. Practice assessment for TBSA calculations using Rule of Nines and Palmar method
2. Demonstrate correct positioning techniques for the recumbent and sitting patient to prevent  scar contracture formation, improve lung function, decrease dependent edema formation
3. Demonstrate and discuss splint fabrication  techniques in developing countries utilizing locally available materials
4. Demonstrate and discuss various pressure therapy techniques in developing countries (use of country available resources in maximizing scar management)
5. Discuss case studies (demonstrates application of learned knowledge)

View the Official ISBI 2014 Website

Metro Hotel on Pitt offers nearby Conference and Event Accommodation on Pitt St Sydney 

Sydney Conventions and Exhibits

Sydney has many major national and international conventions and exhibits taking place annually and as special events, Sydney has excellent convention and exhibition venues and hotels to accommodation large events, two major event venues are the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC) and the Sydney Exhibition Centre on Glebe Island.

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC)

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC)

The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is now closed to make way for a major redevelopment of the venue, due for completion in late 2016.

Sydney’s Darling Harbour is undergoing a major urban transformation and will become the home of a new state-of-the-art fully integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct. This 20-hectare development will be Australia’s largest convention and exhibition facility. For further information on the development, please go to www.iccsydney.com

Major Exhibition’s and Conventions are now instead being hosted at the Sydney Convention Centre on Glebe Island.

Sydney Exhibition Centre (Glebe Island)

Sydney Exhibition Centre

Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island is the new home for Sydney’s major trade and consumer exhibitions during the development of the world class Sydney international convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct at Darling Harbour.

Now open, Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island is a high-quality venue specifically constructed for Sydney’s exhibitions and tradeshows on the city’s beautiful harbour foreshore.

Over at Darling Harbour, the new International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), which includes a convention and exhibition centre plus a theatre, is scheduled to open in late 2016. For the latest updates on this exciting transformation project visit Darling Harbour Live.

See the original Post http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/aspire-hotel-sydney/nearby-attractions/sydney-conventions-exhibitions

International Jewellery Fair 2014 - Sydney

The Sydney International Jewellery Fair moves into its 23rd year with a fresh new look and a fabulous new home.

We are excited about the fair being held at Sydney’ s newest, premier CBD location for exhibitions and events, Sydney Exhibition Cent re @ Glebe Island.

And getting to the fair is as easy as ever with complimentary, dedicated transport options available.

Located on Sydney’s magnificent harbour foreshore near the ANZAC Bridge, this fresh new venue will offer contemporary pop-up eating spaces, captivating views of Sydney’s harbour and icons, and scheduled special event transport on show days.

Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island will be just minutes from all the excitement and attractions of Darling Harbour. Catch a theatre performance, dine by the water, visit the aquarium or stay in your favourite harbourside hotel after the show!

FOR VISITORS

Explore, compare and purchase the latest products and services, all under one roof. See the hottest trends, network with peers, stay ahead of the competition.

FOR EXHIBITORS

The largest qualified audience of Australia’s Jewellery retailers, all in one place and at one time. Meet your market face to face and increase sales.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

The Fair is exclusively open to trade buyers of jewellery products, purchasing in trade volumes. All visitors must meet minimum registration criteria and we recommend pre-registering to visit the Fair. Click here for more information on visitor registration.

The Fair welcomes the following visitors:

Jewellery retailer
Department store buyer
Watch or clock retailer
Jewellers
Duty free retailer
Jewellery manufacturer
Jewellery designer
Gemmologist
Watch maker/repairer
Gift store retailer with jewellery stock
Gift retailer with jewellery stock
Fashion retailer with jewellery stock
Student (in a jewellery related course)

LOCATION

Sydney Exhibition Centre, Glebe Island

Click here for Visitor Registration Information

Events Choosing Sydney Despite Convention Centre Closure

Sydney, Australia is hitting the publicity trail with positive stories on the city despite not having a convention centre.

“Sydney expects 2014 to be a strong year for business events with close to 53,000 delegates spending more than 230,000 days in the city and delivering an economic impact (EI) of close to A$200 million to the New South Wales (NSW) economy.”

Lyn Lewis-Smith, ceo BESydney said: “New South Wales welcomes around 50 per cent of the 890,000 international business visitors to Australia each year. And of these total arrivals, conference and convention arrivals account for about 20 per cent of visitors."

“This year, Sydney is open for business even though we won’t have a convention centre for the next three years. The pipeline of secured events is strong and we are still seeing bid wins for short term Asian business that will continue to grow the event pool. The benefits from all of these meetings, incentives and conferences will be great.

“You only have to look at the events of all sizes that we are hosting this year - from 18,000 people to just a few hundred - to see that our venues are continuing to accommodate conferences, meetings and incentives in Sydney’s usual, exceptional manner.

"--Some 2014 highlight events secured by BESydney include: The 105th Rotary International Convention for 18,000 delegates with an EI of almost A$64 million; Pro-Health China Annual Conference for 4,500 delegates with an EI of A$22 million; International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) World Parks Congress for 3,000 delegates with an EI of A$24 million and the LG Group Long Service Staff Reward for 1,400 delegates with an EI of A$7 million.

“Rotary is one of the world’s largest annual international business events and will inject close to A$64 million into the local economy during the four official convention days in June, making it one of the largest business events ever mounted in Australia,” said Lewis-Smith.