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What you see is what you get - ASE is available online only - no trees were harmed to produce this magazine.

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Green Events

As part of our commitment to the environment we are promoting green events
more information and links

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Through the ASE bookshop you can order from the most extensive range of Event Management titles that we can find.

Event Photos

Following many requests for stock photos related to the event industry, we have made a selection available via the above link. This includes many images that have appeared in ASE.

The International Event Management Summit Surfers Paradise 6-8 July 2009

• integrate 09 Horden & RHI Sydney 6-8 July 2009

  Meetings NZ 21 - 23 July 2009 SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre, Auckland, New Zealand

Australian Business Events Expo SCEC 22-23 July 2009

RSVP Sydney SCEC 22-23 July 2009

ISES Eventworld - San Francisco 6-8 August 2009

Eventing the Future - Taupo NZ 6-7 August 2009

Tourism Futures conference Gold Coast 17-19 August 2009.

Meeting Mart Crown Towers Melbourne 19th October 2009

The Special Event New Orleans USA 13-15 January 2010

ENTECH SCEC 15-17 Feb 2010

AIME 2010 MCEC 2-3 March 2010

Meetings & Events National Awards for Excellence 2008

2009 MEA Conference slideshow

• slideshow with audio - you will be prompted to install a Photodex plug-in for your browser to view this slideshow

National awards presented in Adelaide

The 2008 National Awards for Excellence were presented at a Gala Dinner held at the Adelaide Convention Centre concluding the 2009 Meetings & Events Australia National Conference.

Brisbane convention bureau named Queensland ’s best

• The Brisbane Convention Bureau has taken out the top title in Queensland’s business events industry winning the best Metropolitan Convention Bureau/Tourism Organisation category at the Meetings and Events Australia Industry Awards (Queensland).

Diamonds & Pearls - NSW Meetings and Events Industry Awards for 2008 @ Doltone House

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Wins Awards Trifecta

• The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has won the trifecta in the 2008 NSW Meeting Events Australia (MEA) Awards, collecting the top awards in three categories.

Staging Connections wins NSW and ACT Technical and Creative Production Awards- 5th Mar

• Staging Connections has won two prestigious Technical and Creative Production awards at the annual NSW and ACT Meetings and Event Industry Awards held at Staging Connections’ partner venue, Doltone House.

Doltone House wins all round on home ground - 2nd Mar

• "This was poised to be MEA's most glamorous NSW event to date with the theme diamonds and pearls setting the tone of the black tie gala event" said Carmela Signorelli, Marketing Director of the Doltone House Group.

MEA Vic 2008 Meetings & Events Industry Awards Dinner @ RACV Club

MCVB’s record number of wins at the Victorian State MEA Awards - 26th Feb

MCVB was awarded: Metropolitan Convention Bureau/Tourism Organisation
Exhibition of the Year (along with Reed Travel Exhibitions) for AIME 2008
Corporate Social Responsibility Award (Category C: Over 30 Full Time Employees)

MCEC wins Victorian Meetings & Events Industry Awards - 25th Feb

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) was the winner of two major industry awards last night at the 2008 Victorian Meetings & Events Industry Awards, held at the prestigious RACV Club in Melbourne.

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AIME 2009

AIME audited figures confirm record numbers

• AIME 09 (17th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo) held in Melbourne in February, has confirmed its record breaking status as the premier business events trade show in the Asia Pacific following an audit by the Circulations Audit Board (CAB).

The AIME diary

• ASE editorial look at AIME

Glynn Nicholas on Eurobeat

• Listen to the interview online or download as podcast

AIME 09 breaks records as visitors numbers rise by 9.6%

• In defiance of the current economic climate AIME 09, 17th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, held in Melbourne this week, was a record breaker with both visitor and exhibitor numbers up on last year.

AIME 2009 Awards

The second day of the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME 09) opened with a large gathering of the industry for the presentation of the coveted AIME Awards by Reed Travel Exhibitions and Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau.

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre awarded Best Environmental Supplier

• The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has once again been named ‘Best Environmental Supplier’ at AIME 2009, the Asia Pacific’s premier event for the business events industry.

AIME Welcome Party @ Queen Victoria Markets

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Event Case studies

The Chivas Studio Sydney declared the best in the world

• The Chivas Studio Sydney, the 17th global installation of this unique concept, has been hailed as the world’s best. “We’re overwhelmed with how The Chivas Studio was received in Sydney over its four nights, with the only complaint being that it’s not a permanent venue,” Chivas Regal Marketing Manager, Matt Tallentire said.

Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast

• Over 22,000 motor enthusiasts experienced the sights and sounds of the inaugural Australian Motorcycle Expo at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) from Friday February 20-Sunday February 22.

GCCEC hosts Staunch National Finals Rodeo

• The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) came alive as the home of the Staunch Energy Drink National Finals Rodeo on the Gold Coast in January.

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Vale

Remembering Monica

• Monica Hole, colleague and friend to many in the industry, passed away on 11^th December 2008 after losing her long battle with liver cancer.

ISES breakfast at RSVP Melbourne

RSVP Melbourne Party After Dark

Canberra Convention Bureau Top Secret Dinner @ Old Parliament House

MEA conference casual dinner @ Adelaide Showground

MEA conference welcome reception @ Adelaide Town Hall

Diamonds & Pearls - NSW Meetings and Events Industry Awards for 2008 @ Doltone House

MEA Vic 2008 Meetings & Events Industry Awards Dinner @ RACV Club

AIME Welcome Party @ Queen Victoria Markets

Previous events

Event Talk is a series of interviews with people in the event industry.  The interviews are delivered as MP3 files that you can download directly from the site or you can subscribe to the series as a podcast. And you don't necessarily need an MP3 player - details on the Event Talk page

Glynn Nicholas on Eurobeat

• Glynn Nicholas talks to ASE at AIME about his latest corporate offerings including a scaled down version of Eurobeat

Ian Steigrad on World Youth Day

• Ian Steigrad is the Director, Event Planning & Operations for World Youth Day. Ian adressed a gathering of event professionals at an ISES Sydney educational in October 2007

Peter Rix talks to ASE about APEC

• George P Johnson were the Executive Producers of the Leaders Week activities that took place in Sydney in September 2007. They were responsible for each of the events that involved the 22 Leaders of the member countries of the APEC.

Go to Event Talk

Got something to say about industry issues? Got some news or insights you want to share with the industry? 

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Latest blogs

RSVP Melbourne

Industry Awards - Do we really need them?

New Melbourne Conference Centre opens

MEA national conference comments

Click here to check out the ASE Blog and to add your comments

Industry movements and appointments

High profile event expert joins Staging Connections Sydney

Award winning sales professional takes top sales role at MCEC

Pages Event Equipment defies downturn with big staff expansion in Melbourne

Staff changes Cairns & Region Convention Bureau

Novotel Forest Resort Creswick appoints new Director of Sales and Marketing

New senior management appointed at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth 

Sofitel Brisbane Central announces the appointment of Mr Daniel Finch as BDE–MICE

New General Manager to lead Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia forward

Technical Direction Company looks towards the Future

Angela Esdaile - Dreamworld’s new events manager

MCVB appoints new Director Marketing & Communications

Exhibition Hire appoints account managers to complement expansion plans

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New carbon calculator for event industry to be launched at Event Management Summit - 3rd Jul

The free ACEM Carbon Calculator will enable event managers to measure the carbon impact of events, and will also offer guidance on the steps that can be taken to reduce carbon emissions, providing a valuable resource for anyone working in the Australian events industry

Darryl Lovegrove, Co-Founder of ‘The Three Waiters’ takes on new role - 2nd Jul

In May 2009, Darryl Lovegrove, the co-creator of the corporate entertainment phenomenon “The Three Waiters” sold his shareholding in Mardar Entertainment. 

Complimentary AV from Sofitel Sydney Wentworth - 2nd Jul

Prioritising value inclusions to help stay within your budget this year, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s value day delegate packages are now even more attractive with the offer of free AV for NEW business events booked with the hotel before 31 August 2009, until the end of 2009

ACTA launches new business initiatives - 1st Jul

• The Adelaide Convention Tourism Authority (ACTA) has announced details of their new 09/10 Membership Prospectus. 

Brisbane to launch new year-long famil campaign - 30th Jun

• Hot on the heels of its most successful famil campaign to date, Brisbane Marketing is launching a fresh new famil campaign to lure more meeting planners to Australia’s new world city.

Last week to register for international summit on green events - 30th Jun

From environmental experts and public festival organisers, to government leaders and event academics, the world’s event professionals will come together in Surfer’s Paradise next week for the 5th Biannual International Event Management Summit, from 6-8th July.

Aurora announces new conference centre on Kangaroo Island - 29th Jun

Aurora Hotels-Resorts-Attractions, which owns and operates the superbly located Aurora Ozone Hotel on the seafront at Kingscote Kangaroo Island, announces a major redevelopment of its conference facilities.

Events educator announces a partnership with the Australian Event Awards - 29th Jun

• Australia ’s leading education institution for the events industry, Australian Centre for Event Management (ACEM), today announced its official partnership with the Australian Event Awards, supporting the role of a national, all-inclusive event awards program in Australia .

Local industry an integral part of the Melbourne Convention Centre’s ‘Plenary’ - 26th Jun

• Local industry has played a huge part in the development of the Melbourne Convention Centre which officially opened its doors for business earlier this week.

Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart appoints Scene Change as In-house AV company - 26th Jun

• Tasmania ’s premier conference venue, the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, has appointed Scene Change as its in-house audiovisual service.

Big Stick Adventures named a Fast Starter - 25th jun

• Corporate incentive and team building company Big Stick Adventures has been named among the nation’s fastest growing businesses.

The new Melbourne Convention Centre - showcasing Melbourne ’s heritage - 22nd Jun

• The new Melbourne Convention Centre has a distinctly ‘ Melbourne ’ look and feel about it, blending effortlessly into the existing landscape like it has always been there.

Top operations team head to Doha from Sydney - 22nd Jun

• When you have served some of the world’s leaders what would be your next challenge?

New branding for Brisbane - 22nd jun

• Brisbane Marketing is intensifying its campaign to lure meetings and events to Australia ’s new world city with the launch of a new destination brand.

New stand packages cater to demand for cost effective exhibiting solutions - 22nd Jun

• Responding to the climbing demand for cost effective methods of exhibiting at Australia ’s exhibitions and events, Exhibition Hire / Expo Hire today announced the launch of a new range of economical stand packages.

Australia ’s Tourism Showcase wraps up in Melbourne - 19th Jun

• Australia ’s biggest showcase of tourism experiences from around the country wraps up in Melbourne today, with more than 100,000 business appointments between Australia tourism suppliers and travel wholesalers (buyers) from around the world taking place during the week-long event.

How far would you go to check out our beautiful backyard? - 19th Jun

• Australian Business Events Expo, taking place on 22 – 23 July 2009 at SCEC, is flying in Business Event Buyers from around the world in conjunction with BESydney and Qantas, to see what Australia can offer their events in the coming year.

MCEC turns on culinary charm for Australian Tourism Exchange - 18th Jun

• The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has turned on its culinary charm again, catering for more than 6,500 people over six days for the largest international travel trade show of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE).

Look out for Safe not Sorry at RSVP! - 18th Jun

• In a first for both RSVP Melbourne and RSVP Sydney, Exhibition & Trade Fairs (ETF) have selected Safe not Sorry to be on the onsite ‘Public Safety Officers’ at their upcoming shows in June and July respectively. 

Earth Hour & Clean Up Australia Day to feature at International Summit for Sustainable Events - 16th Jun

• Australia ’s reputation as a world leader in sustainable events will be on show next month when environmental experts and event professionals gather for the 5th Biannual International Event Management Summit, at Surfers Paradise from 6-8th July.

One bright idea sets the city sparkling – SMH 15 Jun

• WITH Brian Eno's 4½-hour Pure Scenius concert in the Concert Hall, the sails of the Opera House lit by vast and beautiful projected images and a series of three performances of Fire Water at Campbells Cove, Sydney 's first Vivid Festival drew to a dramatic and successful close last night.

ISES Sydney members check out the redevelopment of Star City - 12th Jun

• This month ISES Sydney members were given a preview of the $475 million redevelopment plans for the Star City complex.

M CEC lauded for its cuisine by celebrity chefs during Good Food and Wine Show - 11th Jun

• The internationally acclaimed chef so commonly known for uncovering kitchen nightmares has lauded the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for its quality cuisine.

Smart Tourism - Redefining The Future - 11th Jun

• Building a strong, sustainable and vibrant tourism industry to emerge from the current downturn, will be the central agenda for the prestigious Tourism Futures conference, set for 17-19 August on the Gold Coast.

Report Shows Holding a Green Event in Melbourne Easier than Ever Before - 10th Jun

• Melbourne ’s Business Events suppliers are better equipped than ever before to meet the industry’s growing demands for green conventions, incentive travel programs and corporate events. 

Local healthcare industry – conference generator - 9th Jun

• Already the largest generator of employment for the Hunter region, the strength of the local Healthcare industry has help secure another four conferences for Newcastle and the Hunter Region in the past couple of weeks, it was revealed today.

Melbourne Convention Centre opened with fitting tribute to World Environment Day - 9th Jun

The Melbourne Convention Centre was officially opened on World Environment Day with a fitting tribute – a sustainable menu.

Business events industry throws weight behind Australia ’s newest venue - 5th Jun

The business events industry has thrown its weight behind Australia ’s newest venue – the Melbourne Convention Centre.

Entire Events Industry invited to compete - entries open for the Australian Event Awards - 7th Jun

What does the organiser of a local growers market in regional Australia have in common with the production manager of the AFL Grand Final? Both are involved in the planning, management and delivery of events, and can compete for a 2009 Australian Event Award

Pages Event Equipment has joined forces with a genius - 5th Jun

Construction work is now completed on The Leonardo da Vinci Machines Exhibition. The Pages custom built Pavilion has been specifically designed to display Da Vinci’s wonderful inventions.

Got a passion? Then we’ve got an exhibition for you! - 4th Jun

The Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) this week unveiled its new brand campaign – Got A Passion? - aimed at raising awareness amongst consumers and business on the reach, frequency and power of live exhibitions.

Industry awards programs v commercial awards - 3rd Jun

Meetings & Events Australia together with the International Special Events Society do not support the Australian Event Awards. Both organisations believe that the awards programs already established in the market are representative of all sectors of the industry in Australia .

Gearhouse South Africa Lights IPL Closing Ceremony - 3rd Jun

Gearhouse South Africa supplied lighting and power for the spectacular Closing Ceremony of the 2009 DLF Indian Premier League Cricket series at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg .

Delegates rate Darwin ‘tops’ in the Top End - 1st Jun

The convention season is in full swing in Australia ’s newest convention location with the Darwin Convention Centre welcoming specialists from a wide range of industries including; urban designers, physicians, scientists, financial planners, nurses, midwives, obstetricians...

Australia unveils innovative trade marketing program aimed at business events sector - 1st Jun

Tourism Australia has outlined its comprehensive trade marketing program to promote Australia as a business events destination and increase its share of the lucrative business events sector.

Australian Event Awards gathers momentum - industry leaders join the Judging Panel - 1st Jun

With entries for the 2009 Australian Event Awards opening today, the co-chairs of the judges have announced the big names and experts in Australian events joining the independent Industry Judging Panel.

Robe at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show - 29th May

Robe moving lights got right into the fast lane for the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show, where they were used on several stands for which lighting equipment was supplied by Victoria-based Clifton Productions, one of the exhibition's main technical suppliers.

Pages wins prestigious world rally contract - 29th May

PAGES Event Equipment has been appointed Official Event Equipment Hirer for Repco Rally Australia , the Down Under round of the 2009 World Rally Championship (WRC) to be staged in the New South Wales Northern Rivers on 3-6 September 2009.

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Signs Up for Sustainability - 28th may

The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has embarked on a new drive to boost environmental awareness in the business events sector, through its involvement in a Government sustainability program.

Maxillofacial Conference marks major milestone for Melbourne - 28th May

Melbourne has won the right to host the International Conference on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2015, which is expected to attract more than 1,200 delegates to Victoria , injecting more than $6m into the State economy.

MCEC scoops gold for environmental excellence at coveted international awards - 28th May

Australia ’s premier business events venue, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, has won a leading global business events industry award for its environmental excellence and innovation.

New Crown Hotel for Melbourne named Crown Metropol - 26th May

Crown’s third hotel has been named Crown Metropol. The name of Crown’s new 658-room, $300 million AUD hotel reflects the urban and metropolitan context of the hotel’s design and location.  Crown Metropol is scheduled to open in early 2010. 

Perth Concert Hall wins Best Venue Caterer Award - 26th May

The 2009 Restaurant and Catering Association of Western Australia Awards for Excellence were held on Monday 25 May, 2009.  Perth Concert Hall, managed by AEG Ogden ( Perth ), won the much coveted award for best ‘Venue Caterer’. 

Qatar National Convention Centre going for gold - 26th May

Opening in 2011, the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) is the first convention and exhibition centre of its kind being built to the premium standard of an internationally recognised green building rating system.

EEAA announces new executive committee at Annual General Meeting - 25th May

At its recent AGM, the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) elected a new Executive Committee and immediately outlined key strategies for leading Australia ’s exhibition and event industry forward over the next 12 months.

Melbourne Convention Centre, to be officially opened by Premier - 21st May

The Melbourne Convention Centre, the new jewel in Australia ’s business events industry crown, will be officially opened by Victoria ’s Premier, John Brumby next month

Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto among Wallpaper* 2009 Top 50 Business Hotels - 21st May

InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto has received another international accolade, as the only hotel in Australia to be included in the 2009 Wallpaper* penultimate list of the 50 Best Business Hotels around the world.

ISES Qld slams hotel or venue access charges as anticompetitive - 20th May

The ISES Qld chapter, has slammed the decision by Sofitel Brisbane Grand Central to charge external events suppliers and contractors for the use of the ‘loading dock’, ‘goods lifts’ and ‘electricity’ when setting up & removing equipment from events that are held for and on behalf of their clients, who chose not to use the Sofitel Brisbane’s preferred in house supplier.

Business Events Sydney opens North American office - 20th May

Australia ’s Business Events Sydney (BESydney) is pleased to announce the opening of a dedicated, full service office in North America . 

ETF celebrates 30 years of successful trade and consumer events - 19th May

Australia’s premier trade and consumer exhibition organisers, Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF), have celebrated a milestone 30 years in business, culminating in the organisation of over 500 national and international events.

It’s official: Sydney number one business events destination in Australia - 19th May

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) is today pleased to announce that Sydney has been named Australia’s top city for business events, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

Mercure adds Port Douglas’ renowned Treetops Resort to hotel network - 19th May

One of Port Douglas’ pioneering resorts – Treetops Resort & Spa – is joining Accor’s Mercure hotel network after the completion of a major refurbishment. The hotel will be re-branded to Mercure Port Douglas Treetops Resort from 20 May 2009.

Tree change for “Koala” - 19th May

It’s not that Australia lacks great, legendary trees. Heard about the outback mulga, its wood sought after for making spear throwers and boomerangs? Then there’s the striking baobab, traditional meeting place for campfire discussions.

Funktionality launches new décor hire online business - 19th May

Well known Sydney based high-end Event Management company, Funktionality, has launched their new décor hire online business

In changing times, Langham Hotels takes the risk out of planning meetings - 18th May

Langham Hotels International (LHI) is courting MICE planners with the launch of its new MICE package, cheekily titled No Strings Attached.

And The Winner Is…. - 18th May

Together with O’Phee trailers the team at LOUD events have produced the ‘Trade Stand of the Year’ at Australia ’s premier transport industry event, the 2009 Truck & Machinery Show which was held from Thursday 14 May – Sunday 17 May.

Canberra Convention Bureau pumps $23.5 million into the ACT - 15th may

Minister for Tourism Andrew Barr has congratulated the Canberra Convention Bureau (CCB) on securing $23.5 million in new conferences and business meetings so far this financial year.

Chinese New Year Festival 2010 – Twilight Parade Director sought - 14th May

City of Sydney is preparing for the biggest Chinese New Year Festival yet to usher in the Year of the Tiger, and is looking for a Parade Director for the 2010 Chinese New Year Twilight Parade.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre clinched 17 conferences in four months - 18th May

Mala ysia’s Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre), strategically located in the heart of the capital city, has clinched 17 more conferences for the city in the first four months of 2009.

‘Come Walkabout’ TV ad wins prestigious Clio Award - 15th May

Tourism Australia’s ‘Come Walkabout’ television advertisement, conceived by Baz Luhrmann, has received a silver Clio Award, one of the world’s most prestigious international advertising and design competitions honouring creative excellence...

The future of conferences - ABC Radio National Future Tense -14th May

Listen online to three conferencing professionals talking about conferences past and future and the way the industry is adapting to meet changing consumer expectations.
Matt Moore - Director of Innotecture and chair of the Knowledge Management Forum.
Katie Chatfield - Creative strategist for Jack Morton Worldwide
Beth Etling - CEO of the Insight Exchange.

Australia ’s event industry to learn from the world’s experts in sustainable events - 14th May

• Australia ’s event professionals will have a unique opportunity to learn and network with the world’s leading event managers and sustainability experts, at the 10th Annual International Event Management Summit, to be held in Surfers Paradise from 6-8 July 2009.

Exhibitions prove their strength in a downturn by delivering record results - 14th May

• In the first few months of 2009, many exhibitions across Australia have delivered exceptional growth in visitor numbers and reported strong sales from exhibiting companies – results that have far outstripped organiser predictions of a slump in attendance due to current ...

Seafood conference to inject $3m into Victoria economy - 13th May

• More than 1,000 experts on the health and medical benefits of seafood are set to meet in Melbourne , injecting in excess of $3m into the Victorian economy.   

Hypnosis conference brings broad range of medial experts to Melbourne - 13th May

• The use of hypnosis to treat medical, psychological and dental conditions will be discussed in Melbourne , following a win by the city to host the International Society of Hypnosis XIX International Congress 2012.

Tourism Australia chairman welcomes new board appointees - 13th May

• The Chairman of Tourism Australia , Mr Rick Allert AO, has welcomed the Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson's announcement of three new board members.

EEAA leaders forum reveals research is key to industry’s future - 12th May

• Delegates who attended last Monday’s EEAA Leaders Forum are being urged to recognise the importance of collaborative research in producing evidence on the power and growth of the exhibition industry and its contribution to the Australian economy.

Fresh faces at the Vaucluse House Tearooms - 11th May

• freshcatering has been appointed manager and caterer at the Vaucluse House Tearooms.  With the new management, the venue is available for functions up to 150 guests 7 days a week, whilst continuing to operate as a café from Wednesday to Sunday.

Refocusing Australian Tourism - 8th May

• Despite the Australian tourism industry being in crisis mode, academic and keynote speaker at this year’s Tourism Futures conference Dr Stefan Gossling is calling for an industry wide restructure of current business models.

For A Cure Foundation Celebrates its Official Launch 'Fashion on Fire' - 8th May

• For a Cure Foundation was established in September 2008 by Angie Cleone, a cancer survivor (2006) who also lost her mother in 1983 to Breast Cancer. Angie understands first-hand the effects of this disease which will kill approx. 42,000 people this year in Australia .

Brisbane ’s winter racing carnival heats up - 6th May

• Hold on to your hats for this year’s Winter Racing Carnival as Moreton Hire and the Queensland Turf Club up the stakes with a seriously stylish trackside setup to compete with Millionaire’s Row, the main feature of the famed Birdcage at Flemington, Melbourne.

Sydney wins right to host Amway, securing financial and employment gains for NSW - 5th May

• Premier Nathan Rees and Business Events Sydney (BESydney) today announce that Sydney has been selected to host Amway. 

BESydney CEO wins prestigious PATA award - 4th May

• Business Events Sydney (BESydney) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jon Hutchison AM, has been awarded a prestigious Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Chairman’s Award for 2009.

Event management company commission local artist to paint mural - 30th Apr

• Dexter Bar/Cafe on Queens in Clifton Hill has recently had a new mural installed by local artist, Scott Jansen.

AIME audited figures confirm record numbers - 30th Apr

AIME 09 (17th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo) held in Melbourne in February, has confirmed its record breaking status as the premier business events trade show in the Asia Pacific following an audit by the Circulations Audit Board (CAB).

From stage to screen ….Staging Connections launches Webstreaming service - 29th Apr

• Staging Connections is extending its existing live event services with the introduction of a new virtual Webstreaming event service.

Out There Productions to produce Masters Opening Ceremony - 28th Apr

• Games organisers have appointed Out There Productions, the creative producers for World Youth Day 2008's Papal Arrival at Barangaroo, Evening Vigil and Final Mass at Randwick Racecourse, to produce the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Games.

Sydney to host annual meeting of the International Society For Pediatric Neurosurgery - 27th Apr

• Business Events Sydney (BESydney) is pleased to announce that Sydney will host the 40th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery (ISPN) in 2012.

Luke Mangan launches new events menu

• Luke Mangan has released a new venture for glass Brasserie at the Hilton Sydney – a new dedicated events menu available exclusively to patrons booking their event at the Hotel.

Corks are popping at the Wine Centre - 23rd Apr

• The news from the National Wine Centre for the first quarter of 2009 flies in the face of the Global Financial Crisis.

Specialist Indian DMC, Incent Tours joins MHF marketing portfolio - 23rd Apr

• Melbourne based MHF Marketing Pty Ltd has been appointed to represent Incent Tours (P) Ltd in Australia and New Zealand.  

‘Eurobeat-Almost Eurovision’ has failed in its attempt to upset Eurovision officials. - 20th Apr

• ‘Eurobeat –Almost Eurovision’ the musical comedy send up of the Eurovision Song Contest from Australian-based company The Glynn Nicholas Group is to perform at the 2009 Eurovision TV Summit delegates dinner in Lucerne on May 6th.

EEAA members strike gold at industry networking event - 20th Apr

Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia members took a break from their usual work routines last month for a fun-filled night at Kingpin bowling, where staff from a broad range of organisations networked with industry peers over a few games of friendly bowling

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Wins Coveted 2008 MEA National Awards -17th Apr

• Following on from winning two prestigious Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) state awards in February, the MCEC has gone on to win the national awards in the Catering and Banqueting, and Operations Person of the Year categories.

The Chivas Studio Sydney declared the best in the world - 16th Apr

• The Chivas Studio Sydney, the 17th global installation of this unique concept, has been hailed as the world’s best, as it wrapped up in Sydney on Friday April 3.

ACTA’S third quarter results - Business Event opportunities remain strong - 17th Apr

• After Q3, 08/09, ACTA (Adelaide Convention Tourism Authority) reports a healthy state of play with respect to the business events industry in SA.

AIME 2008 wins MEA National Exhibition of the Year Award - 15th Apr

• AIME 2008, the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, has won the national title of Exhibition of the Year at the prestigious Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) industry awards. The award was presented at the MEA National Conference held 5-7 April 09 in Adelaide .

ICCA Australia joint initiative a winner - 14th Apr

• A joint initiative of the Darwin Convention Centre and the Northern Territory Convention Bureau has been heralded a winning combination after hosting the inaugural ICCA Australia Committee Association Business Session in Darwin.

Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau - Officially Australia’s Best - 14th Apr

• Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) has been recognised as Australia’s best, taking out the ‘Metropolitan Convention Bureau/Tourist Organisation’ Award at the prestigious national Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) Industry Awards.

Newcastle Visitor And Convention Bureau wins national award - 9th Apr

• The Newcastle Visitor and Convention Bureau was named leading  Regional Convention Bureau/Tourist Organisation for 2008  at this year’s Meeting and Events Industry Awards national awards in Adelaide last night.

1 Night. 4 Awards. 75 delighted staff. - 9th Apr

• Tour Hosts has been recognised by the peak industry body for business events - MEA (Meetings and Events Australia) with four awards for excellence.

Staging Connections Redefines Styling and Design - 8th Apr

• Staging Connections will build on its longstanding reputation in audio visual and technical staging services with the launch of a focused and fully resourced national Styling and Design service which replaces Staging Connections’ existing Creative services.

Exhibitions buck the trend: key sectors report growth - 8th Apr

• Research from CEIR (Center for Exhibition Industry Research)* indicates that exhibitions continue to perform well during recession, unlike other forms of marketing.

Team Brisbane tackles ECQ - 7th Apr

• The Brisbane Convention Bureau has once again brought Team Brisbane together for tradeshow success at Event ConneQion this April.

Hilton Melbourne South Wharf opens from April 16, 2009 - 6th Apr

• Melbourne will be able to check in to its newest hotel in less than two weeks. Michael Bourne, General Manager of the new Hilton Melbourne South Wharf hotel, today confirmed that the new Hilton hotel will open its doors for business on April 16, 2009.

Gift cards up for grabs - 6th Apr

• From now until the end of the financial year the Brisbane Convention Bureau is offering meeting and event planners the chance to win a $150 gift card each month.

Tourism Futures - Market Winning Insights - 6th Apr

• Trends and insights into market leading initiatives in domestic, international and niche marketing will be examined on the Gold Coast in August. This workshop is essential for all tourism marketing practitioners and researchers.

The meeting of the meetings minds - 3rd Apr

• ACTA will welcome 50 of the nation’s most influential people from the business events industry on Sunday giving Adelaide the opportunity to not only showcase our great cultural lifestyle but to show we have a creative can do approach to delivering business events.

New national Event Awards program to unite events industry - 2nd Apr

• Australia ’s reputation for excellence and innovation in events will be nationally recognised this year, with the launch of the 2009 Australian Event Awards - a new national awards program designed to reward performance and unite the entire Australian Events industry.

A star-studded charity event in just eight days - 1st Apr

• cicreate – the production arm of Australia’s leading event management company CiEvents – has once again risen to a challenge, organising a star-studded charity event in just eight days.  

Major international conference win for Adelaide - 1st Apr

• ACTA (The Adelaide Convention Tourism Authority) has confirmed its Team Adelaide bid for the The 8th Asia Pacific Route Development Forum to be held in April 2010 has been successful.

New Crown Hotel for Melbourne

• Construction continues at a rapid rate on the site for Crown’s third hotel which will open in early 2010. At an estimated cost of $AUD 300 million, the new hotel is being built at the pace of one floor every 10 days.

Staging Connections supports Sydney Bushfire Appeal - 26th Mar

• Staging Connections has lent its support to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal by supporting the relief concert held on 22 March that was hosted by the Manly Chamber of Commerce and the International College of Management.

Exhibition Hire / ExpoHire celebrates custom stand success at record-breaking expo - 26th Mar

• Exhibition Hire / ExpoHire is celebrating its contribution to the record-breaking 17th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), following the success of its elaborate custom built stands for Etihad Airways and Hilton Sydney.

Exhibitions and Trade Fairs kick starts the year with three successful events - Mar 25th

• Australia ’s leading exhibition company, Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF) has announced a successful start to the year with their first three events pulling massive crowds and exhibitors reporting plenty of face-to-face business.

Chefs Unite - interview with Rhona Walker

• Following the recent bushfires in Victoria, a group of people have got together to produce an event called ‘Chefs Unite’.  On the Committee is Rhona Walker of Solution Red  to tell us about the event

SCEC Set to Shine for Vodafone MTV Australia Awards - 24th Mar

• The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre will turn on the glamour later this month when it hosts the fabulous Vodafone MTV Australia Awards 2009.

Event Planet announces expansion plans - 23rd Mar

• Event Planet, one of Australia ’s leading corporate event businesses, today announced that acquisitions were to play a key role in its expansion strategy to be implemented throughout 2009.

AIME moves to 2-3 March 2010 - 23rd Mar

• The new dates of AIME 2010, 18th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, will be 2-3 March not 27-28 April as previously advised.

Christchurch CBD hotels band together to capture conference events - 17th Mar

• Christchurch ’s strength as a conference destination has been boosted by the formation of a new co-operative to entice more business tourism to the city.

Earth Hour Challenge - 13th Mar

• There are 3600 seconds in one hour. How much of a difference can you make in that hour? This year 1 billion people will be switching off their light switches to celebrate Earth Hour. It will be a gesture of the need for change in our lives to save the environment.

AIME success for Brisbane bureau - 13th Mar

• The Brisbane Convention Bureau has confirmed its most successful AIME to date. In addition to winning the coveted award for the most creative stand design, the Bureau secured a record number of appointments, business leads and requests for information.

New Campaign Attracts Record Number of Commercial Partners - 12th Mar

• Tourism Australia’s new global destination campaign has attracted a record number of commercial partners as the industry looks to reduce the impact of the current global downturn on Australian tourism.

Adelaide Convention Centre goes with Robe - 11th Mar

• Adelaide Convention Centre (ACC), Australia , has recently invested in 90 Robe 575E AT Series moving lights to illuminate its state-of-the-art facility.

BESYDNEY showcases Sydney ’s green offerings - 9th Mar

• Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has cemented Sydney ’s standing as a key destination for business events – with green credentials – by showcasing the city’s ability to host sustainable business events with a strong corporate social responsibility focus.

EEAA leaders forum to roundtable strategies for innovation and growth - 9th Mar

• Strategies to assist with reinvigorating exhibition attendance in the current economic climate will be explored at the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) 2009 Leaders Forum, 4 May 2009 at Sebel Pier One, Walsh Bay , Sydney .

Exhibition Hire / Expo Hire kicks off New Year with football-themed fun - 9th Mar

• Exhibition Hire / ExpoHire staff took a break from their work routines for a dose of football-themed fun last month, as part of the company’s annual ‘Kick Off Days’ in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Major international healthcare event arrives in Sydney - 5th Mar

• Business Events Sydney, the organisation responsible for promoting Sydney as a business events destination, announces today that a major international healthcare event will arrive on Sydney ’s shores on Friday, 6 March. 

Staging Connections unveils Centre of Event Staging Excellence in Port Melbourne - 5th Mar

• Melbourne: Staging Connections has moved into a permanent and fully customised Centre of Event Staging Excellence in Port Melbourne.

Melbourne ’s Hotel Windsor Winds Back the Clock to help Corporate Meetings & Events - 5th Mar

• Recognising that budgets for corporate events and conferences have shrunk for 2009, Melbourne ’s landmark Hotel Windsor has come up with incentives and solutions for worried meeting planners and executives.

Qatar National Convention Centre and QMDI join forces at AIME tradeshow - 3rd Mar

• Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) and Qatar MICE Development Institute (QMDI), both members of Qatar Foundation, partnered at the recent international MICE trade show, AIME 2009, the 17th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo in Melbourne , Australia .

Dreamworld & WhiteWater World’s new event concepts puts fun back into functions - 18th Feb

• With the world reeling from economic uncertainties, Angela Esdaile, Dreamworld and WhiteWater World’s National Events Manager, remains optimistic about the meetings, events and incentive business. The key for her organisation is to “stay true to what we do.”

Delegates prove Darwin is a popular choice - 17th Feb

• Since opening in June 2008, Australia ’s tropical harbour city continues to be a popular choice for conventions with 28 national and international conventions already confirmed for 2009.

Adelaide Showground announces new business initiative - 16th Feb

• The Adelaide Event and Exhibition Centre – has been launched as part of an aggressive push by the Adelaide Showground’s 26-hectare site to capture a bigger share of the national business events and exhibitions market.

High Profile GM for Staging Connections Melbourne - 15th Feb

• Staging Connections Group CEO Tony Chamberlain has announced the promotion of Haig Walker to the position of General Manager of Staging Connections Melbourne.

Pollard Productions invests in Kinesys - 14th Feb

• Kinesys is a European market leader for flexible, user-friendly, precision automation solutions. “We’d been following the development of the system for some time,” explains James Ring, Managing Director of Pollard Productions

AIME Club Night Returns - 12th Feb

• The AIME Club Night – Mix@Fusion - returns in 2009, starting at 10pm on Tuesday 17 February. Held at Fusion, one of Melbourne’s hottest night spots in the Crown Entertainment Complex, the venue is known for its mix of great sounds, a rockin’ dance floor and glamourous surroundings.

Prime Time For Business Tourism In Regional NSW - 12th Feb

• Green venues and reduced budgets will be hot topics at AIME 09 and Greater Port Macquarie Tourism can accommodate both these demands - the new environmentally friendly 'Glasshouse' and the cost-effective drawcards of regional destinations for business tourism.

Bureau brings Team Brisbane together for AIME 09 - 11th Feb

• The Brisbane Convention Bureau has partnered with leading business events operators to bring business news, brain games and bougainvillea to the Team Brisbane AIME stand this year.

AIME 2009 unaffected by bushfires - 10th Feb

• AIME 2009, 17^th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo will be held as scheduled on 17 & 18 February and has not been affected by the devastating bushfires that have occurred in the State of Victoria over the past few days.

Professional Development Points for AIME Education - 9th Feb

• Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has advised that members of Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) can claim Professional Development (PD) points for attending the AIME Business Events Forum and AIME Master Classes. 

Melbourne’s South Wharf Meeting and Events – a new way to book - 9th Feb

• The opening of the new deluxe Hilton Melbourne South Wharf and the new ‘6 Star Green Star' environmentally rated Melbourne Convention Centre this year, presents a brand new perspective to booking small to medium‐sized meetings and events in Melbourne.

Brisbane bureau launches new online campaign - 9th Feb

• The Brisbane Convention Bureau has launched a new online direct-mail campaign to boost Brisbane ’s profile in the national business events market and encourage decision-makers to experience the city.

Sydney to host Australia ’s premier incentive travel trade event - 5th Feb

• Sydney has been selected as the host city for Australia ’s premier incentive travel trade event, Dreamtime, which aims to generate future business for Australia ’s high yielding business events sector.

AIME 09 to reduce and offset carbon footprint - 5th Feb

• Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) and Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) have announced that AIME will again be working with Climate Friendly™ to take positive actions to minimise the impact of carbon emissions.

Oil and Gas Expo flows past previous visitor statistics - 5th Feb

• The 2009 Australasian Oil and Gas Expo is now less than two weeks away and organisers have made comment on the substantial increase in visitor pre-registrations for the three day exhibition.

Brisbane to host major ‘green’ events - 4th Feb

• Brisbane and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) have been chosen to host two major conferences focusing on sustainability issues.

The Asia Pacific Association Executives Congress 2009 - 3rd Feb

• The Asia Pacific Association Executives Congress 2009 presents an opportunity for Senior Executives of Associations to engage in debate and learn from key industry speakers and their peers.

Does CSR Really Matter Now? - 2nd Feb

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was the term on everyone’s lips in 2008, but does it have the same traction since the global financial crises?  Is it an issue that transcends the current global economic situation? How does CSR make good business sense? 

SCEC marks 21 years with a busy calendar of events - 30th Jan

• The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre will mark 21 years in the business events industry this year with a full schedule of major international and national meetings and exhibitions.

Beyond ‘Carbon Neutral’ events - National Sustainable Events Key Forum & Expo - 29th Jan

• The Sustainable Living Foundation will host the inaugural National Sustainable Events Key Forum and Expo at Federation Square in Melbourne on February 20th 2009. The forum will explore the notion of a carbon neutral event and why we need to move beyond ....

Australian Skies Shine on Australia Day - 28th Jan

• Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics have produced another spectacular Skyworks on the beautiful Swan River and across the city buildings to conclude Perth’s Australia Day celebrations.

Tourism leaders convene to set course for recovery - 27th jan

• Industry heavy-weights, government policy-makers, academics and tourism professionals will convene for a crucial round of talks at the annual Tourism Futures conference on the Gold Coast from 17 – 19 August.

Business Events Australia increases its presence at AIME 09 - 26th Jan

• Business Events Australia is returning to AIME in February, increasing its space by 50% and including three of Australia’s leading national destination marketing companies (DMCs) on its stand.

CiEvents performs incredible feat in the face of natural disaster - 23rd Jan

• CiEvents, last week performed an incredible feat in the face of a natural disaster, rescuing and relocating Mortgage Choice’s entire annual professional development conference for more than 500 delegates - that had been one year in the planning - in just 48 hours. 

Obama - At last! - 22nd Jan

• Behind the scenes coverage of the inaugural festivities by BizBash Washington

Americans lap up tourism events in LA - 21st Jan

• Americans have embraced the invitation to ‘Come Walkabout’ at a series of Australian tourism events in Los Angeles over the past week - now New Yorkers will get their turn, Tourism Australia Managing Director Geoff Buckley said today.

Multimillion dollar renovation completed at Pullman Reef Hotel Casino - 19th Jan

• A MULTI-million dollar overhaul of the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns has been completed.

Melbourne Wins Top 10 World Medical Meeting - 16th Jan

• Melbourne has won the right to host the World Diabetes Congress in 2013, which is expected to attract more than 12,500 intern ational researchers, medical practitioners and government policy experts to Victoria , injecting more than $63.4m into the State economy.

Historic venue for AIME 09 Welcome Reception - 15th Jan

• The secret location of the AIME 09’s Welcome Reception has been revealed. MCVB has announced that the event will be held at one of Melbourne’s most popular tourist attractions, an historic Melbourne landmark and a venue that is an institution for Melburnians.

Chinese New Year Twilight Parade for Sydney - 13th Jan

• The first ever Chinese New Year Twilight Parade will light up the city on Sunday 1 February for a magical family night out.

Movie drives publicity boom for Australia as a travel destination - 14th Jan

• As the international travel market contracts, Baz Luhrmann’s Australia is keeping the country’s profile high around the world, Tourism Australia Managing Director Geoff Buckley said today.

Human Resources 'Olympics' headed for Melbourne - 12th Jan

• Melbourne has won the rights to host the World Human Resources Congress in 2012, in a significant boost to Victoria ’s economy, Skills and Workforce Participation Minister Jacinta Allan has announced.

Novotel selected for Brisbane Airport ’s first international hotel - 12th Jan

• Australia ’s leading 4-star hotel brand, Novotel, has been selected for Brisbane Airport ’s first major international hotel. Novotel Brisbane Airport is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion by October 2009.

AIME 2010 dates announced - 9th Jan

• Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) and Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) has announced that AIME 2010 will be held in April, not February, due to Chinese New Year and availability at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Strong international line up for AIME 09 - 7th Jan

• Exhibitors from more than 50 countries are expected to participate in AIME 09, 17^th AsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo in Melbourne, Australia, 17 & 18 February.

Exhibition Hire / Expohire joins industry leaders for Middle East meeting - 5th Jan

• Exchanging the exhibition floors of Australia for the sands of the Middle East , Jim Delahunty, CEO and Shaun Rae, National Business Development Manager, Exhibition Hire / ExpoHire joined exhibition contractors from 36 countries recently to discuss the future of exhibitions.