2009 Index

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Green Events

As part of our commitment to the environment we are promoting green events
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Features and reviews

Meetings & Events National Awards for Excellence 2008

AIME 2009


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.

Vale

William May - creator of Melbourne's iconic event venue - No 12

  • William H. “Billy” May, world-renowned entertainment producer, director and composer, died on New Year’s Eve at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. May’s death follows a recent illness.

A tribute to the life of Michael Milburn from the Australian Event Industry

  • Michael Milburn passed away on 3rd of December 2009 following an extended illness. Michael spent over two decades in the restaurant, catering, venue and event management industry and was highly regarded for his innovation and involvement.

Remembering Monica

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

industry social 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



Industry News
industry related media releases and news - articles by ASE contributors

Industry movements and appointments

  • Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Appoints New Executive Chef

    TDC Expands Team

    Alice Cryer - Dreamworld & Whitewater World’s new sales executive

    MCVB expands business development team

    Russell Bennett departs Staging Dimensions

    It's Ready Set Go for Jon Smith

    New appointments set to strengthen Exhibition Hire’s Victorian branch

    ACTA appoints new account manager

    Changes at Sydney Showground

    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


December 2009

Moreton Hire shows off 2010 trends at high profile New Year’s Eve celebration - 21st Dec

  • Moreton Hire knows how to celebrate in style and at New Year’s Eve celebrations for a prominent Gold Coast family the company will showcase its full range of trends in furniture and finishings, and the latest in temporary structures – all available in 2010.

Melbourne Roadshow Impresses Asia’s Incentive Market - 18th Dec

  • Asia was treated to the excitement of Australia ’s premier horse racing event, the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, recently as part of a new initiative to showcase Melbourne ’s many incentive travel options.

Victorian producers and growers reap benefits of leading venue's unique food and wine philosophy - 14th Dec

  • The MCEC's unique food and wine philosophy is having a significant impact for local growers and producers – in more ways than one.

2010 Australian Event Awards Launched Today - 10th Dec

  • From Bondi to Broome and Brisbane to Birdsville, events professionals large and small can start preparing for the 2010 Australian Event Awards as we open entries and launch a nationwide search for a “home” for the event.

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre wins two EEAA Awards - 10th Dec

  • The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has won the Exhibition and Events Association of Australia’s (EEAA) Best Green Initiative Award for the second consecutive year, in a move which recognises the venue’s continued environmental leadership.

Moreton Hire wins EEAA award for excellence 2009 Best Supplier Team - 10th Dec

  • The Moreton Hire Victoria Account Management Team has received the coveted industry Award for Excellence 2009 in the category of Best Supplier Team from the Events and Exhibition Association of Australasia (EEAA).

Sydney Showground earns its racing stripes - V8 Supercar Success - 10th Dec

  • Nearly 185,000 V8 Supercar fans flocked to Sydney Olympic Park, the home of Sydney Showground, to enjoy three action-packed days of music, entertainment, carnival, food and, of course, all the V8 Supercar action at the Sydney Telstra 500.

Another environmental win for the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre - 10th Dec

  • The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has again been recognised for its environmental attributes, after being named the winner of this year’s prestigious Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Environmental Excellence Award.

Working together: balancing the needs of a community event with a business mindset - 9th Dec

  • This week, the world's largest inter-faith conference has opened in Melbourne . Over 5,000 people from over 80 countries have gathered to convene at the Parliament of the World's Religions. Their aim? To work together for a just, peaceful, and harmonious society.

Entries now open as Australian Event Awards begin search for a home - 9th Dec

  • From Bondi to Broome and Brisbane to Birdsville, events professionals large and small can start preparing for the 2010 Australian Event Awards, with organisers today opening entries and launching a nationwide search for a “home” for the event.

Best Venue Team – trifecta triumph for Darwin Convention Centre - 7th Dec

  • Darwin Convention Centre capped an outstanding year with a third industry award in six months, when the Centre’s team was named Best Venue Team at the Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) 2009 Awards for Excellence held in Sydney, last week.

A tribute to the life of Michael Milburn from the Australian Event Industry

  • Michael Milburn passed away on 3rd of December 2009 following an extended illness. Michael spent over two decades in the restaurant, catering, venue and event management industry and was highly regarded for his innovation and involvement.

AOG named as Australia ’s best show at EEAA Awards for Excellence - 4th Dec

  • The Australasian Oil & Gas (AOG) and Good Food & Wine Melbourne exhibitions were the big winners at the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia’s (EEAA) annual awards,

Diversified scoops the pool at EEAA awards night - 4th Dec

  • Diversified Exhibitions Australia has once again confirmed its position as the industry power player, winning five coveted awards at the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) Awards for Excellence last night in Sydney .

Australian Business Events Expo awarded for Best Trade Show under 10,000m2 - 4th Dec

  • Exhibition and Trade Fairs was a finalist in two categories at the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia’s annual awards.

2010 Team Australia Business Events Educational – Destination Beijing  - 3rd Dec

  • Tourism Australia has today announced that the annual Team Australia Business Events Educational (TABEE) will take place at The Westin Beijing Chaoyang in Beijing , China , from 14 – 17 March 2010.

Eco-venues partner in Global Green Alliance - 3rd Dec

  • The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), together with two of the world’s most renowned eco-friendly convention centres: the Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool and the Cape Town International Convention Centre, have joined forces to create a Global Green Alliance.

Melbourne conventions to inject $25m into State economy - 1st Dec

  •  The Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) has continued its winning streak, confirming nine new Business Events for Melbourne, including the United Nations (UN) 63rd Annual Department of Public Information Non-Governmental Organisation Conference

Business Events Australia marketing campaign recognised at EIBTM awards - 1st Dec

  • Business Events Australia has been named as a finalist in the prestigious EIBTM Awards in the Best Destination Marketing Campaign category for its work to promote Australia as a sustainable and socially responsible business events destination.

November 2009

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre delivers Catherine Freeman at high speed - 30th Nov

  • Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre’s new Digital Video Network service has proved to be a winner for event organisers Conexion Event Management, helping them to create an event video featuring Olympic gold medallist Catherine Freeman at lightning speed.

International reach and new partnerships see record results for Melbourne - 26 th Nov

  • Through a series of strategies to extend Melbourne’s international reach, and by increasing government and member partnerships, the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) has achieved a fourth year of record results.

Diversified Exhibitions adds Dmgworldmedia Australia to its growing portfolio - 25th Nov

  • Diversified Exhibitions Australia today announced it has acquired all the Australian assets involved with dmgworldmedia, further strengthening its increasingly dominant position in the local exhibition industry. 

Surprise Theatrics Highlight Centre’s Expertise - 25th Nov

  • The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre kept the surprises coming during a visit by European PCOs last week, enlisting a little theatrical flair to show off the venue’s technology and expertise.

Face-to-face business meetings still the best - 24th Nov

  • Buyers who attended AIME 2009, Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, have confirmed what many in the meetings and incentive industry know intuitively and what recent surveys have shown: nothing beats face-to-face business meetings

Pyramid Displays on the move - 24th Nov

  • After 15 years based at Burleigh Heads, Pyramid Displays have moved to bigger premises in the heart of the Gold Coast CBD.

Green Energy Experts to Meet in Melbourne - 23rd N ov

  • Victoria ’s credentials as a leader in the development of clean, sustainable and renewable energy have been internationally recognised, with Melbourne winning the right to host the World Geothermal Congress in 2015.

Melbourne Convention Centre cream of the crop at 2009 BPN Sustainability Awards - 19th Nov

  • The Melbourne Convention Centre has been named the ‘Overall Winner’ of the 2009 BPN Sustainability Awards and the category winner of the prestigious ‘ Public Building and Urban Design’ award.

AIME 2010 Master Class program announced - 18th Nov

  • Reed Travel Exhibitions has re-appointed event management company Event Planners Australia to manage the AIME 2010 Master Class program.

EEAA Awards for Excellence finalists announced - 18th Nov

  • The Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia has just revealed its impressive list of finalists for the 2009 EEAA Awards for Excellence.

Staging Connections Christmas Giveaway promotion winner announced - 17th Nov

  • Staging Connections has announced the winner of its Christmas Giveaway promotion, drawn on 3rd November 2009 by Staging Connections Group Limited CEO, Tony Chamberlain.

Award Cements MCVB’s Success - 17th Nov

  • Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau’s (MCVB) record results have seen the organisation awarded at the prestigious Melbourne Airport 2009 Victorian Tourism Awards.

People Pop-Up for Brisbane Pop-Up - 16th Nov

  • Brisbane Marketing is breaking new ground in its search for meeting and conference business by staging its first pop-up networking event.

Melbourne Extends USA Reach for Business Events - 11th Nov

  • The Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) has extended its marketing and PR reach in the U.S. market, resulting in a record $3.48 million worth of publicity in the past nine months.

Fourth Consecutive World Travel Award for Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre - 9th Nov

  • The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has won its fourth consecutive World Travel Award at a gala event in London , again claiming the title of Australasia ’s Leading Conference Centre.

Crown Promenade Stakes won by favourite Very Discreet - 9th Nov

  • Yesterday at the annual Crown Oaks Day, held at the Victoria Racing Club’s Flemington Racecourse, the second race of the day, the Crown Promenade Stakes was won by punters’ favourite, Very Discreet.

MCEC’s website wins SmartCompany Web Award for Best Design - 6th Nov

  • The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) website www.mcec.com.au has been named the winner of the inaugural SmartCompany Web Award in the category of ‘Best Design’.

Opportunity to build your career in Victoria ’s flourishing events industry - 5th Nov

  • From the Australian Open and the Melbourne Cup, to the Australian Grand Prix and Melbourne Fashion Week, Victoria is becoming a world leader in the creation and delivery of some of the world’s most significant major events.

International convention heads to Brisbane - 5th Nov

  • Brisbane Marketing has secured another international conference win for the city which is expected to attract more than 600 delegates and provide an economic benefit of more than $1.2 million.

Events to match your passion - 5th Nov

  • The Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia’s (EEAA) resourceful calendar site, Got a Passion? has hundreds of events listed, to be held over the next few months around the country.

October 2009

Darling Harbour a Dream for Incentives - 30th Oct

  • The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre made the most of its stunning harbourside location to create a carnival atmosphere when it hosted 74 international incentive buyers at a special luncheon this month.

IMEX launches new US show - IMEX America - 28th Oct

  • A brand new trade show for the US meetings industry was announced in Las Vegas today by Ray Bloom, Chairman of the IMEX Group.

AIME 2010 early bird registration closing soon - 28th Oct

  • AIME’s popular Early Bird Registration for industry professionals wishing to be hosted to the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, AIME 2010, in Melbourne on 2-3 March, will close on 30 October.

Business Events Recognised on new Brand Australia Board - 27th Oct

  • The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s appointment of prominent business events industry member Sandra Chipchase to its new Building Brand Australia Advisory Panel.

Business Events part of Brand Australia under new Advisory Board - 26th Oct

  • The appointment of Ms Sandra Chipchase, CEO of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB), to the new Brand Australia Advisory Board has been welcomed by MCVB’s Chair, Mr Chris Barlow.

Record crowds at 2009 Art & About - 26th Oct

  • Record crowds have enjoyed the City of Sydney 's 2009 Art & About, cementing it as Sydney 's biggest annual public arts festival.

freshcatering wins Sydney Business Award - 22nd Oct

  • The chefs and team at freshcatering have been awarded top honours at the prestigious City of Sydney Business Awards , after winning in the category of catering services.

Conference and Incentive Packages at The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa - 22nd Oct

  • The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa has released a pair of inspirational deals for its conference and incentive guests, offering savings of 25 per cent.

Sydney takes the lion’s share of international business travellers - 21st Oct

  • Sydney has officially been named the top business events destination in Australia by Tourism Research Australia (TRA) in a report released on Friday.

AIME a finalist in UK Meetings Industry Marketing Award - 20th Oct

  • AIME 2009, Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, has been recognized for its innovative direct mail campaign at the UK Meetings Industry Marketing Awards.  AIME was named a finalist and finished in fourth place in the award for Best Direct Marketing Campaign.

MCEC shortlisted for major international architectural award - 20th Oct

  • The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has been shortlisted for a major architectural award at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) in Spain .

Sydney ’s only hotel kosher kitchen opens at Sofitel - 15th Oct

  • Sydney ’s only hotel Kosher Kitchen has launched at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, successfully meeting the needs of the Jewish community under the supervision of respected Rabbi, Aaron Groner of the Kashurit Authority in Sydney .

Melbourne launches new pre touring program for AIME 2010 - 15th Oct

  • Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) has added one of Australia’s premium wine regions to its AIME 2010 Pre Touring Program for hosted buyers.

Tourism Portfolio Forges New Partnership in Asia with Diethelm Events - 14th Oct

  • Leading conference industry sales representative Tourism Portfolio has expanded into Asia with its appointment by prominent destination management company Diethelm Events.

BESydney wins Human Genome Meeting - 12th Oct

  • Business Events Sydney (BESydney) is proud to today announce it has won the right to host the 2012 Human Genome Meeting in Sydney .

Welcome to Dreamtime 2009: Australia ’s premier incentive travel event commences - 12th Oct

  • Sydney , Australia : Over 80 international incentive travel buyers have landed in Australia today to participate in Dreamtime 2009 – Australia ’s premier incentive travel event.

Australian circus students win International Bronze - 12th Oct

  • National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) students, Julian Aldag and Billie Wilson-Coffey won the coveted Bronze trophy at the 4th World Festival of Circus Art, in Moscow . Aldag and Wilson-Coffey are the first Australians invited to perform at this international festival.

Biennale of Sydney steals the show at the 2009 Australian Event Awards  - 9th Oct

  • The Australian Open, The Biennale of Sydney, Peats Ridge Festival and Carols by Candlelight SA have been named among Australia’s most innovative and outstanding events, announced at the 2009 Australian Event Awards in Sydney last night.

International medical conference confirmed for Newcastle - 9th Oct

  • An International medical research conference bringing 200 delegates from all over the world has just been confirmed that it will be hosted in Newcastle in 2013.

ETF postpones ENTECH INTECH 2010 - 8th Oct

  • Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF), the organisers of ENTECH INTECH announced today the postponement of the February 2010 event and the immediate launch of the 2011 mega-event which is due to take place from the 19th - 21st July 2011 alongside SMPTE. 

Refreshed Dreamtime program set to be a best seller - 7th Oct

  • Over 80 buyers from around the world, hand-picked for the 2009 incentive showcase have received their first insight into the highly motivating business to business forum which kicks off on 12 October.

Comedy great confirmed for EEAA Awards for Excellence - 2nd Oct

  • Comedy queen and Australian television regular, Tanya Bulmer, has just confirmed as MC for the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) annual gala dinner.

  • The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre was the recipient of the ‘Prominent Company’ Award at the inaugural Malaysia Independence Award 1957 for its role in contributing towards building the country’s reputation as a preferred destination for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and events.

ACTA AGM results - 1st Oct

  • At its Annual General Meeting held recently at the former Hyatt Regency Adelaide, the Adelaide Convention Tourism Authority (ACTA) announced its results for 2008/09.

Tamworth ’s largest events hotel joins All Seasons network - 1st Oct

  • Tamworth ’s largest hotel has joined Accor’s All Seasons network following a major refurbishment. The 108-room hotel is a landmark in Tamworth and will become the All Seasons Tamworth Towers from this week.

Emirates’ Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa heralds new era of luxury travel in Australia - 1st Oct

  • Emirates’ commitment to Australia has been further cemented with the opening today of the much-anticipated Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, the country’s first conservation-based luxury resort and Emirates Hotels & Resorts’ first development outside Dubai.

September 2009

Sydney New Year’s Eve Creative Director confirmed for next two celebrations - 30th Sep

  • Sydney City Council has endorsed the reappointment of Creative Director Rhoda Roberts until Sydney New Year's Eve 2010.

Centre Team Serves Up Gold - 28th Sep

  • Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has won gold for its superb food and wine service during the annual Fine Food Fair culinary challenge.

The New Symbol of Excellence in Australian Events - 24th Sep

  • The organisers of the Australian Event Awards have today unveiled the awards trophy – the new symbol of unity, excellence and innovation in the Australian Events Industry.

EXHIBITION HIRE / EXPO HIRE honours long serving staff at annual breakfasts - 23rd Sep

  • Ten of Exhibition Hire / Expo Hire’s longest serving employees have been honoured at the company’s recent staff breakfasts in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

Moreton Hire starts engines in preparation for the Nikon SuperGP - 23rd Sep

  • In its 19th year of involvement, Moreton Hire is again the official supplier of temporary infrastructure and furniture at Australia ’s most exciting motorsport event, the Nikon SuperGP (formerly the Gold Coast Indy 300) being held at the Gold Coast 22 to 25 October, 2009.

ETF appointed as exhibition organisers for WGC 2012 in Malaysia - 17th Sep

  • Australian-based Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF) has been appointed as exhibition organiser for one of the global gas industry’s largest events, the World Gas Conference (WGC) 2012 to be held in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia

Sydney Chinese New Year Twilight Parade has a new Ringmaster - 16th Sep

  • City of Sydney has recruited a Chinese speaking Canadian director and performing artist with exemplary circus skills to direct the 2010 Chinese New Year Twilight Parade.

Event experts in the limelight - 2009 Australian Event Awards finalists announced - 15th Sep

  • The most innovative, creative and outstanding events from all over Australia will be nationally recognised today, with the 2009 Australian Event Awards finalists announced by the judging panel ahead of the ‘Industry Night of Nights’ Gala Dinner on Thursday 8 October 2009.
  • Conventions Adelaide is an initiative of ACTA (Adelaide Convention Tourism Authority) conceived in March 2008 – eighteen months later, the Ambassador based programme will be officially launched this evening at Parliament House, Adelaide

EXHIBITION HIRE / EXPO HIRE opens state-of-the-art Melbourne production facility - 15th Sep

  • Exhibition Hire / Expo Hire has opened a state-of-the-art, 4000 square metre production facility in Melbourne to further enhance its design, construction and maintenance of custom exhibition stands.

Melbourne Convention Centre collects another two awards - 14th Sep

  • The Melbourne Convention Centre has won another two major awards - this time at the annual Australian Property Institute’s 2009 Excellence in Property Awards.

Swiss-Grand Resort & Spa Bondi Beach saved by GFC - 11th Sep

  • Plans to redevelop the Swiss-Grand Resort & Spa, Bondi Beach have been shelved due the global financial crisis which has seen Bondi Beachside Pty Ltd reassess its business plans.

ENTECH INTECH Awards to recognise the best in the business - 11th Sep

  • There will be a competitive spirit in the air as product and service suppliers from all sectors of the wide-ranging entertainment and integration technology industry converge to exhibit and educate at ENTECH INTECH 2010. 

Centre partners with Art Gallery to show off art collection - 9th Sep

  • The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has partnered with the Art Gallery Society of New South Wales to offer special tours of its artwork, one of Sydney’s best collections of contemporary Australian art.
  • Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay and Business Events Sydney (BESydney), the official organisation responsible for promoting Sydney as a business events destination and bringing these events to Sydney , will tonight launch the BESydney Ambassador Program.

  • Entries for the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) 2009 Awards for Excellence are now open, with entries closing Friday 16 October 2009.

Tickets selling fast for Australian Events Master Class and Industry Night of Nights - 8th Sep

  • For anyone involved in the production and supply of Australian events, Thursday the 8th of October marks an important date to be in Sydney , with organisers of the Australian Event Awards hosting two not-to-be-missed special events.

Learn and network with the directors of the world’s best festivals and events - 7th Sep

  • Whether you are looking to improve your current event management skills, or are seeking a career change from an entirely different industry, now is the time to add extra value to your career with a series of affordable, specialised seminars run by the ACEM

Tourism Portfolio expands into Africa - 7th Sep

  • Leading conference industry sales representative Tourism Portfolio has expanded into Africa with its appointment by destination management company Travel Motives DMC South Africa.

AIME 2010 prospectus now available - 7th Sep

  • The AIME 2010 prospectus containing important information regarding next year’s event is now available to download from the AIME website

ACTA welcomes International Surgical Week delegates – finally! - 7th Sep

  • As the saying goes “all good things come to those who wait” and never has it been so true in the highly competitive world of Business Events and Tourism. 

New chair of Business Events advisory panel announced - 4th Sep

  • Tourism Australia has today announced the appointment of Board Member Kate Lamont to Chair its Business Events Industry Advisory Panel (IAP) – the industry panel that provides valuable feedback on the major challenges and issues facing the business events industry.

Jacobsen jnr proposes a deed after a word with God - SMH 4th Sep

  • A DIRECTOR of the troubled company that ran the Sydney Entertainment Centre has called on God - who, he claims, has recommended offering creditors some cash.

Tourism Australia targets NZ to attract Business Events - 3rd Sep

  • Tourism Australia will be targeting corporate meeting and incentive decision makers in New Zealand with an expanded presence at the 2009 Pacific Area Incentives and Conferences Expo (PAICE), to be held at the SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre on 8 September 2009.

August 2009

Australian wins prestigious award from the International Special Events Society - 29th Aug

  • Glen Lehman, the dynamic force behind one of Australia’s leading special events companies, Lehman and Associates, has been awarded the prestigious Mettle Attitude Award by the International Special Events Society (ISES)

Leading Qld business owner - QBR women in business finalist - 27th Aug

  • Director of LOUD conferences and events, Helena Marshall has been selected as a finalist in the 2009 QBR Women in Business of the Year Awards.

Organisers Share Tips for Winning at Platform09 - 27th Aug

  • Organisers of some of Sydney ’s most recent international conferences shared their tips for success at a special seminar last week - with the need for a good online marketing strategy featuring high on the list.

New Brand Campaign Important for Building Business Events - 26th Aug

  • The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to establish a new international brand for Australia , saying the move is essential for the nation’s business profile.

Staging Connections hosts MEA event at new Port Melbourne premises - 26th Aug

  • The cream of the Melbourne events industry turned out in full force recently when Staging Connections opened the doors to its new and dramatically lit Port Melbourne premises to MEA members on 12th August 2009.

Ergonomics Experts to Meet in Melbourne - 26th Aug

  • The role of an individual’s physiological and psychological needs in the design process will be discussed by world experts in Melbourne , following a win by the city to host the 19th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association.

For your next Business Event ...Think Canberra - 25th Aug

  • The ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope will lead a group of influential Canberrans to Sydney on Wednesday September 2 to sell the benefits of hosting Business Events in Canberra .

New technology making more innovative business events a reality - 25th Aug

  • New technology is giving MICE managers the flexibility to easily set up their own portable wireless broadband and run creative events in more locations across Australia .

AIME 2010 Hosted Buyer Applications Open - 21st Aug

  • Applications for AIME 2010’s Hosted Buyer Program will open online on Monday 24 August 2009.

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Helps Chefs Taste Success - 20th Aug

  • The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is working to boost the number of female chefs in Australia ’s kitchens by taking part in an exclusive mentoring program.

Goodbye luggage: renting clothes the way of the future - Fairfax 18th Aug

  • A new Zero Baggage pilot project under which travellers would rent their holiday wardrobes from clothing stores, freeing up the need to pack, was flagged at the national Tourism Futures Conference on the Gold Coast yesterday.

ENTECH INTECH 2010 to host key industry safety summit - 18th Aug

  • Exactly six short months from now, ENTECH 2010 will host a key industry summit on TECH SAFETY and legislation that affects all players. Aimed squarely at venues, production suppliers and integrators the seminar hosted by Julius Grafton (ENTECH founder)

OVATION GLOBAL DMC earns Green Globe eco- certification - 17th Aug

  • Ovation Global DMC has earned the prestigious Green Globe eco-certification for its commitment to the continued improvement of environmental and social sustainability.

ENTECH announces comprehensive educational program to be run by Julius Grafton - 14th Aug

  • ENTECH INTECH is pleased to announce initial details of the widest-ranging educational program it has ever hosted, with topics including business, safety and carbon to be brought forward for discussion by industry professionals at the 2010 event.

ISES Sydney Launch New Gold Campaign - 14th Aug

  • The Sydney Chapter of the International Special Events Society have launched a new marketing campaign: The Gold Standard

Centre offers Live Broadcasts via DVN - 13th Aug

  • The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has become the only convention centre in Australia to hook up to the Digital Video Network (DVN), enabling live television broadcasts to occur from the venue without the hassle of satellite links and outside broadcast vans.

Global survey to establish an internationally accepted occupational standard - 10th Aug

  • The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) is conducting a global survey to establish an internationally accepted occupational standard for the events industry.

Priority Bookings Open for AIME 2010 - 10th Aug

  • Companies that participated in AIME 2009 have until Friday 4 September to select their preferred space at AIME 2010 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2 & 3 March. From Monday 7 September space on the floor plan will be open to new exhibitors.

ISES Connect at RSVP

  • The July ISES CONNECT event was once again held at RSVP Sydney .  The breakfast event was sponsored by SCEC who provided a sumptuous breakfast which was certainly welcomed by those who would be on their stands for the rest of the day.

AIME launches new look website and advertising campaign - 7th Aug

  • Planning for AIME 2010, 18th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, is well underway with a new look AIME website now online and a new advertising campaign soon to be launched.

SA to host Australasian mental health conference - 7th Aug

  • ACTA (Adelaide Convention and Tourism Authority) has announced that South Australia has won a bid to host the 2011 Mental Health Services Conference, an international forum for advancing mental health services in Australasia.

Impresario handed eviction notice - SMH - August 6, 2009

  • THE recent string of concerts by the singer Pink were packed, but for the veteran impresario Kevin Jacobsen they simply staved off the inevitable.

National Wine Centre of Australia's dynamic duo - 6th Aug

  • The National Wine Centre of Australia located in Adelaide has taken out a dynamic double at the South Australian Restaurant and Catering Awards

SMPTE and ENTECH set to co-locate in 2011 - 5th Aug

  • SMPTE Conference and Exhibition and ENTECH are delighted to announce that they have reached an agreement to create a mega-multiplatform entertainment week and co-locate at the Sydney Exhibition Centre in 2011

Solid FY results for Newcastle conference industry - 4th Aug

  • It was revealed today that the number of conferences confirmed for Newcastle during FY 08/09 was up by 7% on the previous FY and the estimated $value of those confirmations ($13, 640, 241) was up a healthy 22% on the previous FY according to NVCB.

Conference for Free at The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa - 3rd Aug

  • Byron Bay ’s acclaimed luxury retreat, The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, is offering a free conference offer as a tempting incentive to get creative and inspired in its rainforest surrounds.

MCVB’s Carbon Calculator sees another Australian first - 3rd Aug

  • The Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) continues to cultivate a green path for the Business Events industry with the launch of the new MCVB Event Carbon Calculator.

July 2009

New executive for ISES Sydney - 30th Jul

  • The ISES Sydney chapter has a fresh executive committee to manage and promote the chapter.

Emirates Boosts Australian tourism with new travel pass - 30th Jul

  • Emirates has announced a travel pass that will offer overseas visitors seamless, discounted travel to 22 additional destinations within Australia , travelling from 99 global destinations.

MCEC – making a difference with its water usage - 29th Jul

  • The MCEC continues to lead the way with its environmental initiatives significantly reducing its water usage at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre by an impressive 8 per cent over the past financial year through its water management plan .

Destination SA underway - 29th Jul

  • Destination SA – the premier event on the SA Business Events and Incentive Travel calendar is underway with the arrival yesterday of delegates from abroad. 

BESydney hosted buyer program a strong success  - 28th Jul

  • Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has cemented Sydney ’s standing as a key destination for business events during the 2009 Australian Business Events Expo (ABEE).

Australian Business Events Expo & RSVP Sydney – it’s a success! - 28th Jul

  • The inaugural Au stralian Business Events Expo (ABEE) was staged at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on the 22nd and 23rd of July and was voted by visitors and exhibitors to be a resounding success.   

New Melbourne Planner’s Guide Makes Going Green Easy - 28th Jul

  • The new Melbourne Planner’s Guide has made organising a green Business Event in Melbourne easier than ever before, by including new tools to identify low carbon impact product and services.

Melbourne Convention Centre wins prestigious national environmental award - 28th Jul

  • The Melbourne Convention Centre has been awarded the prestigious Banksia Foundation Built Environment Award 2009 at the Banksia Foundation’s 21st awards ceremony in Melbourne

National Manufacturing Week & Austech make the move to Sydney Showground - 27th Jul

  • The premier event on Australia ’s manufacturing calendar, National Manufacturing Week (NMW), and its co-located event, Austech, will move to Sydney Showground in 2010.

Creating the Unconventional  - Sydney Impresses Buyers - 27th Jul

  • The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has demonstrated just how unconventional a convention centre can be, staging a jaw-dropping dinner event for 80 international and Australian meeting buyers.

Brand new Sydney event venue to open in the stunning Chowder Bay precinct - 24th July

  • Sergeants’ Mess, Sydney ’s newest, purpose-built event venue will open its doors on 1st August. Located only 15km from the CBD on the water’s edge in national park, the former 1960’s military building has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation.

Moreton Hire off and racing in Victoria - 23rd Jul

  • Moreton Hire is determined to be out in front leading the field with the national events company named as the preferred supplier for Moonee Valley ’s legendary Tattersalls Cox Plate and its Melbourne headquarters ambitiously committing to larger premises.

Tradevent launches new video survey tool iPOWOW! - 23rd Jul

  • Professional event marketing, data capture and registration agency Tradevent has launched a brand new video survey tool, providing the next step in real time interactive internet marketing technology.

Connect to your passion with EEAA’s new online event calendar - 22nd Jul

  • To assist Australian companies wanting to plan their participation in upcoming exhibitions each year, the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has launched a new online calendar to showcase what’s coming up on the Australian event scene.

Victoria centre stage at prestigious environmental awards dinner at MCEC - 22nd Jul

  • Victoria ’s local wine and produce will be on display at Australia ’s most prestigious environmental awards at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) this week - and will be turning heads for all the right reasons.

Australia ’s largest exhibition supplier to rebrand as ExpoNet - 20th Jul

  • Exhibition Hire / ExpoHire today announced the start of a rebranding process that will see the company change its name to ExpoNet on 1 February 2010.

Successful exhibiting: EEAA launches series of free information booklets - 16th Jul

  • In conjunction with its new brand campaign – Got A Passion? –the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has launched a series of information booklets to help new exhibiting companies maximise their return on investment.

DB Schenker backs Sydney 2009 World Masters Games - 16th Jul

  • Schenker Australia Pty Ltd has become a partner of the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games, the world's largest multi-sport event that will take place throughout the harbour city from 10-18 October.

A Virtual Campus for the Wedding and Events Industry. - 15th Jul

  • The Australian Academy of Wedding and Event Planning has today launched its new look website with improved functionality and more comprehensive information and courses available.

Geoff Donaghy re-elected to world body - 15th Jul

  • Senior AEG Ogden executive, Geoff Donaghy has been re-elected Vice-President of the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) for a further two year term.

Creative ideas service offers a ‘secret weapon’ for event planners - 15th Jul

  • Event planners can now add firepower to brainstorming sessions and ideas generation following the launch of Ideas Culture, a service that delivers unlimited fresh ideas using a global team of Ideas Agents recruited via Twitter to solve creative challenges.

Stageworks changes its name to Staging Connections - 15th Jul

  • The Far North Queensland based event services company, Stageworks, has announced that it has changed its name to Staging Connections effective from 1 July 2009.

Australian Event Awardsannounces a partnership with the The Australian - 13th Jul

  • The Australian Event Awards today announced a partnership with The Australian newspaper, Australia ’s most established national daily news publisher, with a special feature on the Australian Event Industry to appear on October 9th.

Sydney to host International Bar Association annual conference 2017 - 13th Jul

  • Business Events Sydney (BESydney) announces today that Sydney has won the right to host the International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference in 2017.

Centre Runs Sydney’s Busiest Restaurant - 10th Jul

  • The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre operated the busiest restaurant in Sydney last weekend, serving more than 6600 signature dishes from four celebrity chefs at the popular Sydney Good Food and Wine Show (July 2-4).

Sydney Shines with Silver Green Globe Certification - 10th Jul

  • The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre has become one of the first venues in the world to earn the prestigious Green Globe Silver Certification, an achievement that recognises its environmental leadership in the business events sector. 

Global Innovation Award win for Darwin Convention Centre - 10th Jul

  • In a gala dinner celebration at the annual International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) Congress in A Coruna Spain, the Darwin Convention Centre (DCC) was announced winner of the Members' Choice Award for innovation.

Creative director announced for Canberra centenary - 9th Jul

  • Chief Minister Jon Stanhope today announced Ms Robyn Archer AO will be the Centenary of Canberra Creative Director.

International conference lands in Melbourne - 9th Jul

  • Industry and Trade Minister Martin Pakula announced today that Melbourne will host the 2010 International Air Transport Association (IATA) Schedules Conference, one of the largest international aviation conferences held in Australia .

Learn from directors of the world’s best festivals - 9th Jul

  • ACEM Seminar Series to start next week - With job prospects at an all time low, now is the time for students and event managers to add extra value to their career with a series of affordable, specialised short courses run by the ACEM, taking place from 13th – 17th July.

BESYDNEY and Qantas proud to bring over 40 hosted buyers to ABEE - 9th Jul

  • Business Events Sydney , the official organisation responsible for promoting Sydney as a business events destination and bringing these events to Sydney , is proud to bring its hosted buyers program to the ABEE in conjunction with Qantas, this July.

Participate in Dreamtime 2009, Australia ’s premier incentive trade travel event - 8th Jul

  • Applications are now open for the Australian business events industry to participate in Dreamtime 2009, Tourism Australia ’s premier event for promoting Australia ’s incentive experiences to the international market.

Brisbane secures ultrasound event - 7th Jul

  • Brisbane Marketing’s latest conference bid win will bring more than 500 of Australia and New Zealand’s leading medical ultrasound imaging experts, Radiologists, Obstetricians/Gynaecologists, Surgeons and Sonographers together for five days of lectures, workshops, meetings and skills sharing at the Hilton Brisbane.

Tour Hosts and The Meeting Planners join forces - 7th Jul

  • Tour Hosts and The Meeting Planners have joined forces to create a new entity called arinex pty limited

Sydney officially launches the 2010 Lions Clubs International convention in Minneapolis - 6th Jul

  • Sydney will today launch its hosting of the 2010 Lions Clubs International Convention. The annual Convention is the foremost international event of the year for Lions, when they and their families from over 100 countries unite for a week of business, fellowship and fun.

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. 

June 2009

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 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 sparklingSMH 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.

May 2009

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.

April 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.
  • 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.

March 2009

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 .

February 2009

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, 17th 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? 

January 2009

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, 17th 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.