Victoria’s visitor economy received a big boost last month with nine international conferences being held, generating more than $23.8 million to the local economy. The meetings attracted more than 5000 delegates from across the globe and generated over 11,200 room nights.
Now that’s a month to remember. Well done Team Melbourne.
Heritage Auckland’s Hectors restaurant has been announced the very first New Zealand restaurant to achieve vegan certification by a new scheme created by the New Zealand Vegetarian Society. The New Zealand Vegetarian Society is running the Vegan Certification program in collaboration with the Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand. The certification is the only one of its kind in New Zealand.
Well done Heritage for achieving this first.
Events continue to deliver strong economic results for Queensland, with reports earlier this week showcasing their value and impact on the state’s tourism industry. Event results from the 2018 editions of CMC Rocks, the Mount Isa Rodeo and Cooly Rocks On have demonstrated strong outcomes for the state. The Gold Coast’s 2018 Cooly Rocks On Festival generated more than $6 million for the local economy this year, while also generating around 34,000 visitor nights.
The power of events is alive and well in Queensland
To mark the CINZ annual conference dinner last night, New Zealand’s business events industry experienced a new horror-movie themed event, appropriately timed for Halloween. Held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the CINZ team partnered with Auckland Museum, Multi-Media, Total Event and Urban Gourmet to design and execute the evening. They were supported by The Production and Music Agency, Pacific Linen and QuikPix.
Now that sounds like a great night for all concerned and a great collaboration between suppliers.
Auckland Convention Bureau manager, Anna Hayward, yesterday received the 2018 Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Outstanding Contributor Award. CINZ chief executive Sue Sullivan presented Anna with the award at the business events industry’s 42nd annual conference. Ms Hayward has been managing the Auckland Convention Bureau for the past 11 years.
A thoroughly deserving recipient of this award. Congratulations Anna.
QT Perth’s signature restaurant, Santini Grill was awarded New Restaurant of the Year at the annual WA Good Food Guide Awards held in Perth this week. In addition to winning this accolade, Santini Grill was awarded #10 in the WA Good Food Guide Top 50 Restaurants, and Santini Bar recognised as a finalist in the Best Bar of the Year category.
We can picture ourselves there already enjoying some great food and beverages.
Former head of the Sarawak Convention Bureau, Mike Cannon, was in Sydney this week giving current AACB CEO, Andrew Hiebl, the opportunity to present Mike with his AACB Hall of Fame certificate and plaque. Mr Cannon was awarded the top honour at the AACB’s annual conference a few months ago but was unable to attend.
Mike Cannon is a very worth winner of this award.
Damien Styles has been appointed head chef of Howard Smith Wharves’ overwater bar and dining venue, Mr Percival’s, which opens on November 29. Mr Styles comes from The Fish House which was awarded one hat in two consecutive years under Mr Styles’ tenure. Mr Percival’s has been designed to create a sense of a year-long summer.
We can’t wait to sample a few cocktails at this new Brisbane venue.