Daily News & Opinion

On July 1, the venue formerly known as The International of Brighton will re-open as Brighton Receptions. The centre will cater for up to 800 guests, with bookings available until July 2019. After this date, the site will be transformed into a development of luxury apartments. Sales manager Alastair Daw said “This venue is a treasured memory for many residents who have seen generations… host their events here. We want to give… businesses one last chance to continue the legacy.”

Nurses, researchers and innovators who are working to transform global healthcare will meet at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2020 for the 15th International Congress on Nursing Informatics. The Congress will be held in conjunction with Australia’s Annual Health Informatics Conference, with the two events predicted to draw 1500 delegates. Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said “This event is an opportunity for Queensland to showcase its world-class business events’ facilities and be part of this important medical conference.”

More than 2500 international delegates will flock to South Australia’s capital in 2024 for the World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering. The event is predicted to inject $17.6 million into the state’s economy and deliver 18700 bed nights for the city’s hotels. Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment David Ridgway said the city plans to boost the Events Bid Fund to $40 million over the next four years which includes $5 million to attract more conventions.

As part of Amazon’s efforts to increase its foothold in the hospitality industry, the tech giant has partnered with Marriott International to offer voice service ‘Alexa’ to hotel guests. Through its voice-controlled device Echo, visitors at select Marriott hotels will be able to request room service, contact the concierge and control room temperature and lighting – all without picking up the phone. Marriott plan to roll out the service at select Marriott, Westin, St. Regis, Aloft and Autograph Collection Hotels.

Hammons Holdings, the new operator of the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, has claimed it will offer more innovative experiences when it takes over in October. The group has released a range of packages on offer for groups, including 3.5 hour day or night tours and a range of options for Mandarin speakers. Hammons Holdings CEO David Hammon said “We have asked that all tour guide operators confirm with us their existing bookings and reservations for guided walks commencing on 1 October 2018.”

Last week the Sunshine Coast Council announced its approval of the Westin integrated resort development, a move it claims will boost the region’s conferencing appeal. The Yaroomba Beach project will see a 220-room, five-star Westin Coolum Resort and Spa built on a disused golf course, with 2021 slated as the year of completion. VSC CEO Simon Latchford said “[The resort] will play a fundamental role in attracting domestic and international business to the Sunshine Coast – particularly high-yielding conference and incentive business.”

Entries for Luxperience’s fourth annual awards night are now open. Leisure and business event specialists can nominate themselves for a number of accolades, including the Inspiring Award, Meaningful Award, Connections Award and Outstanding Destination Award. Event director of Luxperience Michelle Papas said “We’re expecting submissions from some of the world’s most impressive suppliers in the global premium travel arena. With the involvement of our new Diamond Partner, Tourism Australia, we are anticipating an avalanche of entries from Australian elite suppliers.”

Serko, a corporate travel software company, has this week launched the Zeno Experience Centre in Sydney. The centre allows corporate travel managers to immerse themselves in the company’s product, a travel and expense management tool that eases the administrative burden for event organisers. Serko chief executive Darrin Grafton said “We have set up the [centre] to provide our customers with the ability to test out this new technology in an inspiring environment, and to take innovative ideas back to their teams.”