Daily News & Opinion

In even more stylish venue news, Marriott International has signed a 200-room, Spanish-designed hotel set to open on Normanby Road, Melbourne, in 2020. AC Hotel by Marriott Southbank is the latest instalment in the Spanish hotel brand AC Hotels, and boasts a range of modern collaborative spaces, 150 square metres of event space and a social hub offering European-style tapas. Area vice president for Marriott International Australia Sean Hunt said the demand for brands like AC Hotels is growing across the country.

AccorHotels has extended its network with the signing of The Sebel West Perth Aire Apartments, 64 studio apartment-style rooms located on the western side of the city. The Sebel boasts an outdoor dining area and fourth floor conference room, and is situated near the Perth Arena. Chief operating officer Pacific for AccorHotels Simon McGrath said “The hotel will cleverly combine hotel style service and independent flexibility to provide an experience to meet the needs of guests, whether travelling for business or leisure.”

Marking the first hotel to open in the city in more than three years, the ribbon to Mantra Albury was cut last week. The $40 million development comprises 146 rooms with views out to the Bongong High Plains and Victorian Alps, conferencing and event facilities that can cater up to 200 people and an exclusive top-floor sky lounge with sky lighting. Mantra Group executive director of operations Mark Hodge said the hotel will further Albury’s profile as a business and leisure destination.

Seven Australian PCO representatives were shown the best of what Hong Kong has to offer recently during a four-night destination famil. The event was hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and included activities such as a punt at the Sha Tin races, dinner at Hutong and a private Tai Chi lesson. HKTB’s trade marketing and tourism business manager Lisa Lee said “HKTB have set their sights on growing Hong Kong’s MICE market, with Australia being a key factor to achieving this.”

The MCEC’s 20,000 square metre expansion was unveiled by Victoria’s acting premier James Merlino yesterday, a milestone that saw the centre become the biggest convention and exhibition space in the country. The new areas are predicted to generate an additional 74,000 international visitors annually, resulting in a $167 million boost to the Victorian economy each year. Some of the additions include the 9000 square metre Goldfields Theatre, new exhibition halls, Eureka meeting rooms, an outdoor terrace area and Goldfields Café and Bar.

Hamilton & Waikato Tourism’s business events manager Amanda Graham has been appointed as chair of the New Zealand Convention Bureaux. Amanda has been convention bureau manager with Hamilton & Waikato for the past three years, and has over 20 years’ experience in organising conferences. During her time in the industry, she has owned and operated two PCOs: Medical Meetings and Six Hats Ltd. Departing chair Bree Jones will embark on a marketing and sponsorship position with Canterbury Rugby.

Planning a beachy-themed conference? Rock and Roll Team Building has designed a new workshop to give audiences a feel for the music and culture of Hawaii. ‘Rock with the Spirit of Aloha’ features harmonious vocals, ukulele rhythms and sounds from the traditional ‘Pahu’ drum, all performed by local Hawaiian musicians. The interactive workshop can be adapted to suit any audience size and venue, and is suitable for both conferences and incentive programs.

Global PCO cievents has partnered with Australian-based charity SolarBuddy to provide solar lights to those living in energy poverty. Hundreds of cievents staff, event and meetings clients and their delegates are encouraged to build the sustainable lights, which will be delivered by six employees and the SolarBuddy team on a trip to Cambodia. Organisers hope to build 10,000 lights before June 30, 2019. Global general manager of cievents Natalie Simmons said the initiative has already had a positive impact on the team.