Daily News & Opinion

The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has launched a new menu with executive chef David Pugh, featuring a strong ‘Queensland first’ approach. Described by Pugh as ‘honest home grown food’, the menu has been cleverly curated to accommodate current changes to food service regulations. Items include fresh prawns ethically caught from the Sunshine Coast and prized wagyu from the Darling Downs. More than 85 per cent of the produce is sourced locally.

Well done, folks. AACB CEO Andrew Hiebl has shaved off his Covid beard and successfully raised $6225.47 for Beyond Blue, thanks to your donations. Andrew started growing the beard seven months ago, since National Cabinet shut down the business events industry due to Covid-19. The beard was intended as a daily reminder of the mental health impacts the pandemic has placed on people working in the tourism and events industries.

The New South Wales (NSW) state government is easing more coronavirus restrictions applicable to business events and hospitality from Friday, October 23. From this date, 30 people are now allowed to gather outside in public spaces. For hospitality venues, up to 30 customers will be allowed per booking, with 30 customers per table – an increase from 10 people. The announcement comes after a maximum of 300 people were allowed to attend corporate functions from Friday, October 16.

Business Events Australia is doing its best to keep Australia top-of-mind as a destination for future association and incentive events. Tourism Australia’s dedicated business events unit told its subscribers that its content-led approach has been showcasing Australia’s role in building the world’s largest radio telescope and exploring Australian work to build the world’s first quantum computer. On the incentive front, the team has been using its media buy to extend the reach of its incentive inspiration magazine – Australia Next  – in international markets.

President of SITE ANZ, Colette Baini is urging incentive travel practitioners in Australia and New Zealand to complete the association’s global survey to ensure that our region is well represented. “For those that may not have had the time to complete as yet, we urge you to please do so this week. An extension has been provided and we ask that you complete the survey by this Friday, 16th October.”  

AV1 has added Waterloo Studios to its inventory of COVID-safe broadcast studios. The large, purpose-built and soundproof studio space has a green screen, high definition LED wall and plenty of seating for hybrid events. The space is available from November 1

AACB CEO Andrew Hiebl has been growing his beard for seven months since National Cabinet shut down the business events industry due to COVID-19 as a daily reminder of the mental health impacts the pandemic is placing people working in the tourism and events industry. Well, that’s all about to change. Andrew has raised more than $6000 and is preparing to cut it all off this week.  

Typically the closing speaker slot at an event is reserved for someone inspirational and galvanising, and this year’s Professional Conference Organiser Association’s (PCOA) annual conference, which will take place online and at satellite locations across Australia and New Zealand this December, will be no exception. PCOA20 will be closed by futurist Steve Sammartino, who will dig deep and unravel some thoughts and ideas intended to help the business events sector find its place in the future.