Daily News & Opinion

The 13th International Convention on Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology (i-CREATE) is bringing 500 delegates to Canberra from Asia and Pacific, in August 2019. The first Australian destination for the significant i-CREATE conference – direct flights from Singapore and NZ are cited as one reason why Canberra was selected. Michael Matthews, CEO Canberra Convention Bureau said securing the convention is a sign of recognition on the international scene that Canberra is seen as a desirable conference and business events destination.        

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley is commemorating its 25th anniversary this month with the launch of its own hot air balloon over the sprawling 25-acre resort. In partnership with Balloons Aloft, there’s a special starting rate of $245 pp that includes a sunrise balloon flight, gourmet breakfast at Peterson House and a champagne and sparkling wine tasting. The Oaks balloon will now become a permanent addition to Balloon Aloft’s fleet over the next five years.

If you haven’t heard about the non-binding $1.2 billion takeover offer for the Mantra Group by Accor, then there’s been both a blackout at your place of business and at home. It’s a merger that would create a local hotel giant with a national portfolio of more than 300 hotels, many brands and more than 50,000 rooms. Mantra recently snapped up the Deague family’s Art Series hotel chain with over 1000 rooms for $52.5 million in one of the biggest portfolio acquisitions of the year.

Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island is offering event organisers a bonus two-night stay on confirmation of ‘Exclusively Yours’ special events packages, allowing them a first-hand test of the Lodges. Available for sole-use bookings over two or three nights between May 1 and September 30 2018, a minimum of 15 suites is required in the 21-suite retreat at the entry-level Flinders suite. Event organisers can tailor their own bonus inclusions, in addition to superb local dining options.    

The 9th global Plasticity Forum is being held at the Maritime Museum in Sydney’s Darling Harbour on Tuesday 31 October. Attended by world-renowned experts across entrepreneurs, financiers, plastics recovery experts and brand owners, it is the only global conference focused solely on plastic sustainability. Offering such things as innovative and affordable housing solutions using recycled materials and showcasing the technology to convert end-of-life, non-recyclable waste plastics to road-ready fuel.    

What you don’t want on a cruise is to worry about the doing chores such as the laundry. Enter Oceania Cruises who have unveiled enhanced Concierge Level Stateroom amenities which includes room service from the Grand Dining Room menu during lunch and dinner, free laundry service – up to three bags per stateroom Aboard Marina and Riviera, exclusive card-only access to private Concierge Lounge staffed by a dedicated Concierge, which features complimentary soft drinks, coffees and snacks throughout the day.          

As QT Hotels & Resorts prepares itself to welcome guests from December 1, they have released artist impressions of this much anticipated property where luxury comfort meets contemporary décor across its 69 guest rooms. Following the design-DNA of QT’s predecessor properties, it embraces the city’s iconic landmarks, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, and a mixture of nostalgic alpine and après ski lifestyle – a central narrative running through the public spaces, designer suites and reimagined hotel dining experiences.  

The National Convention Centre Canberra is now home for the professional WNBL women’s basketball team and tonight the University of Canberra Capitals play their first home game there. The $5.4 million refurbishment to the Centre, funded by the ACT Government, has further increased the flexibility and diversity of the spaces, positioning it as a leading contemporary, premium venue. Not only can it host sports games but has the flexibility to host conferences, conventions, trade shows, exhibitions and concerts.