Daily News & Opinion

The Sunshine Coast’s Events Centre at Caloundra will close between December 2018 and April 2019 while it completes a $6 million redevelopment. The upgrades will comprise an updated theatre, covered deck area, function room and covered entrance, as well as people with disability (PWD) toilets and a Beausang Room refurbishment. The Events Centre chairman Councillor Tim Dwyer said the upgrade will assist in attracting more high-profile events to the region.

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.

A state-of-the-art, ultra-wide LED screen now has pride of place in the ballroom at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach. The screen, which was installed by AVPartners, measures 10.5 metres, which is over three times larger than a traditional projection screen, and displays high resolution imagery and 4K video accompanied by crystal clear sound. On the addition, AV Partners’ partner at the hotel Mitch Tucker said “The screen opens up endless opportunities to create spectacular event experiences for our clients.”

On day two of its annual conference next month, Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) will premiere its Emerging Talent Professional Development Programme, a half-day initiative designed for those starting careers in the industry. Participants in the program will have the opportunity to hear and meet from a range of speakers, including Kiwi Landing Pad’s director of community Sian Simpson. CINZ chief executive Sue Sullivan said the program has been developed to meet industry demand for professional development.

More than 1200 delegates from over 230 airlines across the world will land in Brisbane next year for the 145th International Air Transport Association Slot Conference. Taking place between November 12 and 15 2019, the conference will focus on developing the best worldwide airline schedules for passengers in 2020, and allow Brisbane to showcase its event delivery capabilities. It is predicted the conference will pump more than $2.3 million into the Queensland economy.

Events across Queensland will receive a combined $799,000 in funding as part of the latest round of TEQ’s Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP) supporting events and driving tourism throughout the state. Funding has been announced to support events which have strong potential audiences or participation numbers, and which positively profile host communities and deliver economic benefits. The next round is open for applications until October 10, 2018 for events held between May 2019 and May 2020.      

The Children’s Cancer Foundation held its Million Dollar Lunch earlier this month at Crown Melbourne, raising a record $2.5 million. The night involved over 600 celebrities flocking to the space, which was given an inter-galactic theme courtesy of Encore Event Technologies. Guests were treated to pre-function cocktails in a space emulating a rocket ship, before progressing through mist-shrouded tunnels to the Palladium Ballroom, a scene of starry lights on a draped ceiling and LED effects to reflect the windows of a spaceship.

Nikie Mok, a proven leader with a passion for mentoring and nurturing future talents, has just been appointed director of sales and marketing at W Kuala Lumpur. A hospitality veteran with over 18 years’ experience, Nikie has previously worked at Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel and Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur Hotel in sales and marketing positions. In her new role, Nikie will be given the chance to capitalise on her talents for multitasking, building connections and discovering what’s new.