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 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.

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.”

Australia is the Ultimate Incentive: Business Events Australia

With some 90-plus per cent of surveyed Americans saying they have always wanted to go to Australia, Business Events Australia is confident that Australia is in good stead to incentivize employees.

e-Travel Blackboard was on location at last week’s IMEX America in Las Vegas, where regional general manager Daryl Hudson shared findings of a recent study revealing that Australia is the number one desired incentive destination for Corporate End Users, after cash incentives.

The survey also saw American event organizers list Australia as a once in a lifetime experience for many delegates.

“We are thus in a good position to play an important role in incentivizing employees to achieve and to win that Australian trip,” Mr Hudson said.

With Australia’s diverse array of destination offerings, its ability to make conducting business a breeze and its strong aviation linkages to North America, Mr Hudson told e-Travel Blackboard he wwas pleased with the enquiries at the inaugural IMEX America, symptomatic of the country’s overall performance.

According to Mr Hudson, Australia had a great year for business events in 2010, a success that has been maintained into 2011.

“We saw an overall 19 percent increase of business in 2010 over 2009 from the United States.

“Up until June this year (which is the latest data we have available), we saw a three per cent increase in the convention and conference arrivals and a nine per cent increase in total business arrivals.”

The US is Australia’s second largest source market for business events after Commonwealth neighbor, New Zealand.

Next month Business Events Australia will host fifteen US delegates at Dreamtime, Tourism Australia’s premier incentive showcase.

(Source: eTravelblackboard.com)

Clooney to Share Success Secrets in Sydney

George Clooney and Martha Stewart will head to Australia later this year to share their ideas on success and communication at the inaugural Global Leadership Forum.

The one-day seminar, which will take place at the Sydney Convention Centre on December 12, will give businesses and employees the opportunity to discuss future trends, brand management, business strategy and growth, technology and how to inspire people.

Clooney, who will speak at the event, has in recent years attempted to use his celebrity status to highlight important global issues, particularly the plight of those living in southern Sudan.

"There is more attention on celebrity than ever before - and there is a use for that besides selling products," he said in a statement.

"My job is to amplify the voice of the guy who lives in Darfur and is worried about his wife and children being slaughtered."

Stewart will tell the forum how she has used her personal strengths to build one of the most visible, successful and admired brands in the US.

Other speakers at the forum will include Russell Simons, co-founder of hip-hop label Def Jam Records, Jeff Taylor of Monster.com, microcredit pioneer Muhammad Yunus and Michael Fertik, founder of Reputation.com.

(Source: ABC News, 5th October 2011)

Sydney's Convention Centre a Step Closer

The NSW Government last week called for Expressions of Interest from the private sector to build and operate the facilities at Darling Harbour.

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said Sydney was reclaiming its position on centre stage for hosting world-class events with the creation of the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment precinct.

“Developing these facilities so they match the best at home and abroad is part of the NSW Government’s single-minded determination to make NSW number one again,” Mr O’Farrell said.

For more information about the project and what it will include go to the new convention centre’s website

Sydney Aiming For ‘Record Year’

Sydney’s convention bureau, Business Events Sydney (BESydney) says it is well on its way to delivering 2011/12 results “above and beyond” the AU$186.5 million earned by the company the year before.

Just two months into the new fiscal year, BESydney has secured 34 events estimated to be worth AU$69 million to the New South Wales economy.

BESydney acting chief executive Lyn Lewis-Smith said the company’s strategies were “definitely paying off”.

“Aligning our bid focus to the NSW Government’s priority growth sectors and increasing our efforts within the Asian market have seen Sydney enjoy a very strong start to the financial year,” Ms Lewis-Smith commented.

As well as highlighting the economic benefits events brought to NSW, the acting BESydney boss pointed to the “opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking, and trade and investment” successful tenders produced.

“Business events bring like-minded professionals, often at the pinnacle of their field, to our doorstep and help to raise awareness of Australia’s intellectual capital,” she said.

“Beyond the tally of tourism receipts, business events deliver far-reaching legacies across sectors that will help to grow NSW’s future prosperity.”

BESydney head of bidding Virginia Loyola said the team was working towards “a record year”, calling the early results “really inspiring”.

“Hard work, coupled with a strong, clear vision, has resulted in good wins to date and there are more to come,” Ms Loyola remarked.

“Whether it’s securing international conferences, national conventions and symposiums, or incentive travel from the Asian market, Sydney is competing strongly as a global city and a leading business events destination.”

(Source: Source : e-Travel Blackboard)

Business Events Sydney - Bid Announcments

Business Events Sydney have announced the following Bid Announcments:

Health Informatics Society of Australia National Conference (HIC)

Date: 2012
Delegates: 1,000 over 5 days
Estimated value: $3.3 million

The Health Informatics Society of Australia (HISA) aims to improve health through health informatics.

The conference is one of the Australian industry's leading communication vehicles for new e-health technologies and applications. The event brings together an influential audience of Australian healthcare decision makers and influencers to discuss health informatics research, developments and innovations that can transform healthcare in Australia.

E-health is a focus for the New South Wales Government with the 2006-2011 ICT Strategy and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) project.

Joint COMADEM Congress and Exhibition and Conference on Asset and Maintenance Management

Date: 2014
Delegates: 400 over 5 days
Estimated value: $2.3 million

The annual COMADEM congress covers all aspects of asset and maintenance management and is an essential event for industries, communities and governments with a focus on risk, reliability, safety and sustainability.

The Conference on Asset and Maintenance Management (CAMM) has only been held in Queensland to date.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) worked with the client to prepare and submit an Expression of Interest to the International Director of COMADEM. BESydney is also assisting with delegate boosting.

Society of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology (SBN) Annual Meeting

Date: 2014
Delegates: 300 over 4 days
Estimated value: $947,800

SBN is an interdisciplinary scientific organisation dedicated to the study of hormonal processes and neuroendocrine systems that regulate behaviour. This has helped in the treatment of insomnia, the link between testosterone and aggression and how stress can affect the human body.

This meeting will be held in conjunction with the International Congress of Neuroendocrinology (ICN) in 2014 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. This will be the first time the congress has been held outside Europe or North America.

IEEE Multi-Conference on Systems and Control (MSC)

Date: 2015
Delegates: 400 over 3 days
Estimated value: $883,656

The IEEE Control Systems Society (CSS) is dedicated to advancing research, development, and practice in automation and control systems.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) first met with the client in 2009 to discuss the bid.

In 2010 BESydney was asked by CSS to submit a bid document for consideration. Argentina also submitted a bid. The client presented Sydney's proposal and the decision was made in July at the 2011 conference.

Mapúa World

Date: 2015
Delegates: 350 over 3 days
Estimated value: $691,446

The International Association of Mapúa Alumni is a non-profit organisation that aims to share information and ideas among former students and graduates of Mapúa Institute of Technology in Manila.

Held biennially, this event was developed by the International Association of Mapúa Alumni, Ontario (IAMAO) as a way to stay connected and build international relationships.

In early July, Business Events Sydney (BESydney) received confirmation that Sydney had been selected as the host city for 2015.

The association provided feedback on BESydney's presentation stating that it was extremely professional and raised the standard the association now expects.

Business Events Sydney - Bid Win Announcments

The following have just been announced as bid wins for Business Events Sydney

Meeting of the International Society for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Research (ISSTDR) combined with the General Assembly and Congress of the International Union Against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI)

Date: September 2015
Delegates: 1,500 over 4 days with 32 exhibition booths
Estimated value: $5 million

The 2015 conference in Sydney will be the first time it will be held outside of North America and Europe. It will also combine with the 2015 General Assembly and Congress of the International Union Against Sexually Transmitted Infections, which will be held in Melbourne in 2012.

Held biennially, these scientific meetings have emerged as the world's premier scientific conference on STDs and their health consequences for populations around the globe. The meetings attract scientists, trainees and students from academia and public health.

The bid document, prepared by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) reflected the strong industry and government support for the conference to be held in Sydney. Atlanta also bid for the events.

Next steps

Dates have been confirmed at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Australasian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM) will manage the conference and BESydney is providing support with marketing and PR opportunities.

ACER (Australian Centre for Education Research) Research Conference

Date: August 2012
Delegates: 1,000 over 3 days
Estimated value: $1.8 million

ACER is an independent research body and a leader in the provision of quality educational research, both within Australia and internationally.

The conference is attended by school principles, school leaders, academics - education departments in universities and government departments - policy makers.

The conference hasn't been held in Sydney since 1998. Competing cities were Melbourne and Brisbane.

The client advised that assistance from Business Events Sydney (BESydney) was instrumental in securing the conference for Sydney.

Next steps

The conference which is managed in-house, will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. Accommodation options are managed by Ultimate Conferences.

12th International Conference on Thai Studies

Date: 2014
Delegates: 300 over 4 days
Estimated value: $790,224

This conference is held every three years and is a well-established forum for researchers across disciplines to share knowledge and perspectives on Thailand and Thai culture.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) prepared the bid document focusing on the strength of research in the field, venues, social functions, destination appeal and letters of support. Japan was also being considered as host for this event.

Next steps

The conference will be held at the University of Sydney. AccessNSW will assist with sourcing social function venues and accommodation blocks.

International Choice Modelling Conference (ICMC)

Date: 2013
Delegates: 300 over 4 days
Estimated value: $790,000

Choice modelling attempts to replicate and predict the decision making process of an individual or market segment. The ICMC is a biennial event that has been running since 2009. The first two conferences were held in the United Kingdom.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) assisted the local clients by developing a targeted proposal that addressed the key bidding criteria. This event will be timed to coincide with the 9th World Congress on Health Economics in 2013, also a BESydney bid win, to maximise delegate numbers.

Next steps

BESydney will work with the clients to select a university as the venue. AccessNSW will assist with the selection of social function venues.

International Engineering Alliance (IEA) Workshop

Date: 2012
Delegates: 100 over 4 days
Estimated value: $263,408

The International Alliance was formed to provide an agreement governing mutual recognition of engineering qualifications and professional competence.

The annual IEA Workshop aims to identify and discuss key issues in the industry and formulate recommendations for the Biennial General Meetings of the IEA. Delegates who attend this workshop are senior engineering decision makers.

BESydney assisted with preparation of a bid document and sourced venue proposals for the client. Attendees at the 2011 workshop in Taipei voted on the 2012 destination. Sydney was the successful destination.

Next steps

Engineers Australia will use the services of AccessNSW to secure a venue for this workshop.

$12 Million in Incentive Business Comes to Sydney

The Following Conference Events are scheduled to take place in Sydney in the next year or so:

AIA Thailand Annual Convention 2012

Date: 2012
Delegates: 2,000 over 4 days
Estimated value: $7.9 million

Business events Sydney (BESydney) has been building a relationship with the AIA Convention organisers since 2008.

In 2011 BESydney was asked to put forward a proposal for the convention and developed a presentation that showcased the harbour city as the perfect destination, giving new ideas for gala events and sharing some past experiences.

Melbourne also pitched for this annual convention.

Sydney has been selected as the successful destination.

Fubon Life Insurance Overseas Incentive 2011

Date: September 2011
Delegates: 600 over 5 days
Estimated value: $2.9 million

Fubon Life Insurance covers banking, insurance, asset management, real estate and telecommunications sectors. Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has built a strong relationship with Fubon's key senior management team, working with them since 2004.

Australia is a popular incentive destination for Taiwanese companies and BESydney successfully communicates how the new developments and activities in Sydney can inspire staff.

Fubon has two incentive groups, both of which are coming to Sydney in 2011. Final numbers, destinations and program itineraries will be announced in August.

The proposed itinerary includes a night in the Blue Mountains, day tours to the Hunter Valley, and Sydney touring.

The groups will travel in waves of 50 people per group.

Orient Fans India Incentive 2011

Date: September 2011
Delegates: 350 over 5 days
Estimated value: $1.7 million

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) first made contact with the client's travel agent at ATE in 2011.

Orient Fans and the selected travel agent visited Sydney for a site inspection in July 2011.

For Sydney Conference Accommodation, choose Metro Hotels