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)

Packed event schedule highlights Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre's Success

The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre will next year welcome more than a million people through its doors in one of its biggest periods for conferences, incentives and exhibitions in recent years.

More than 120 events are already confirmed in 2013, including international conferences like the World Congress on Lung Cancer for 5000 delegates in October, the World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for 1500 delegates in October, the International Red Cross General Assembly for 1300 delegates in November and the Congress of the International Liver Transplant Society for 1000 delegates in June.

Major corporate and incentive bookings next year include a 3500-delegate event for the Perfect China direct-sell group in July.

The Centre will also become part of public celebrations across Sydney Harbour when it hosts the Pacific2013 International Maritime Exposition and Seapower naval conference for 1000 delegates in October, coinciding with the spectacle of an international fleet review to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy’s first arrival in Sydney.

Centre Chief Executive Ton van Amerongen said it was fitting for Sydney to host a packed calendar of events at a time when it was preparing for a redevelopment of its convention and entertainment precinct at Darling Harbour.

“The success of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has brought us to the point where we now look to bigger and more advanced facilities, and nothing demonstrates our achievements more than the busy schedule of events we have in 2013,” Mr van Amerongen said. “Sydney undoubtedly has a new impetus behind its events sector and the Centre is dedicating more energy than ever to the success of our upcoming events.”

Mr van Amerongen said it was encouraging to welcome corporate events like the US-based Teradata software company which will bring 800 delegates to Sydney in February, indicating a renewed confidence from the US corporate market.  At the same time, large Asian delegations like the Perfect China event pointed to Sydney’s ongoing appeal as an incentive destination.

The New South Wales Government has announced a A$1 billion redevelopment of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and neighbouring Sydney Entertainment Centre, creating the largest and most advanced facilities in Australia.

Packed event schedule highlights Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre's Success

More Top Speakers for ANZPHIC

 

Two more global leaders, Azran Osman-Rani, chief executive officer of AirAsia X and Iqbal Jumabhoy, chief executive officer of SilverNeedle Hospitality will join the unprecedented cast of international, regional and local hotel and tourism luminaries at the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Hotel Industry Conference in at the Hilton Sydney on 26-27 July.

This follows the earlier announcement that Eric Danziger, president & chief executive officer of Wyndham Hotel Group and Ho Kwon Ping, executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings will headline the cast of speakers at the conference.

Mr Jumabhoy's 25 years of real estate development and hospitality experience includes most recently heading up Rendezvous Hospitality prior to joining SilverNeedle earlier this year. SilverNeedle manages over 4000 keys in the Asia-Pacific region and aims to expand its network to over 10,000 keys by 2016.

Mr Osman-Rani joined AirAsia X in 2007 to lead the start up team for this Malaysian based airline that is focused on providing long-haul low-cost services to twelve destinations including Sydney, Gold Coast and Perth.

ANZPHIC 2012 chair and CEO of Horwath HTL Australia John Smith said that Mr Osman-Rani and Mr Jumabhoy would provide the audience with a further depth of understanding as to the changing nature of the hotel and tourism markets in the region and their drivers.

Announcements about the other 70 speakers for ANZPHIC 2012 and its pre-event, the Serviced Apartments Summit will be made shortly.

Further details on ANZPHIC 2012, the Summit and Megameet 2012 can found at www.anzphic.com

More Top Speakers for ANZPHIC

Metro Hotels Exhibits at BTTB

Metro Hotels exhibits at BTTB

Over the past few years, travel managers and suppliers have had to contend with dramatic and often unpredictable changes in the business environment. Natural disasters, financial crisis, political turmoil and civil unrest made travel planning difficult and put pressures not only on travellers, but also on their managers.

With so much uncertainty surrounding their roles, travel managers need as much information as possible about the aspects they can control, and this year’s BTTB Australia conference aimed to provide vital insights into the travel supply chain. From pricing trends to global best practice, the conference content aimed to draw on the best information out there and apply it to the demands of Australasian travel management.

Over two days, delegates heard from leading experts as well as learnt from their peers in a conference programme that addressed the key issues of the day.

Now in its 13th year, also included the region’s biggest business travel trade show where leading suppliers such as Metro Hotels were on hand to demonstrate their products, services and solutions and discuss developments in their particular field.

Metro Hotels Exhibits at BTTB