Capital Concerns

The Australian Capital Territory may be known as the political centre of the country but
there's plenty to attract conference groups.

Follow this link to >> conference venues in Canberra

It’s no understatement that Exhibition Park In Canberra is otherwise known as EPIC. Occupying 88 hectares of land just minutes from the CBD, and offering more than 10,000 square metres of indoor space, Exhibition Park In Canberra is the National Capital’s largest multi-purpose events complex. Some 300 events are held there each year, ranging from the high-profile Summernats street car exhibition through to corporate conferences and exhibitions.

In August 2003, Canberra was selected once again as the host city for the Woolworths National Conference that attracted more than 3000 senior managers and their partners from around Australia. Three major conference components were conducted at EPIC: the Big W and Dick Smith Electronics Trade Exhibitions and the Woolworths Gala Dinner for 3200 guests, which was the largest dinner ever held in Canberra.

During the Conference, EPICatering served 1672 morning teas, 1634 lunches, 1771 afternoon teas and 3200 entrees, main meals and desserts for the gala dinner. This particular function provided an invaluable experience for some 200 young Canberrans recruited to the EPIC team to assist with the food and beverage service.

The Chifley On Northbourne goes from strength to strength. Located close to the CBD and the government sector, the Chifley is part of the Constellation Hotel Group. It has 78 guestrooms including executive spa suites and two-storey executive lofts.

For Groups Big And Small

Conference facilities include the 555 square metre Menzies Room, capable of holding up to 800 people theatre-style or 400 for banquets. The room can be divided into four separate areas.

The Medina Group has consolidated its Canberra holdings by taking over the 4.5-star James Court Apartment Hotel and rebranding it as the Medina Executive James Court.

The new property has 150 one- and two-bedroom apartments, with formal lounge and dining areas, bathrooms for each bedroom (with spa baths in main bathroom), private balconies and laundries. Other facilities include an outdoor heated pool, spa, gym, café, on-site bottle shop, restaurant and bar, and on-site car rental office.

According to Medina managing director Allan Vidor, “The addition of the second Canberra property follows our success with Medina Classic Canberra, which has been running at record occupancy levels as it is also located in a strong position near Parliament House and offers great service to business and leisure travellers”.

History Reborn

Accor has expanded its presence in the National Capital with the rebranding of one of the city’s most historic hotels. The Mercure Hotel Canberra originally opened in 1927 as the Hotel Ainslie, coinciding with the launch of Old Parliament House. Built in English Art Deco style, with tiered lawns, the hotel quickly became the centre of Canberra’s social scene and a place to stay for visiting dignitaries, politicians and business people.

The hotel was classified by the National Trust and is featured on the Royal Institute of Architect’s Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture and on the Australian Heritage Commission’s Register of National Estate.

In 1987 major renovations took place with 87 rooms added, along with extensive landscaping and remodelling of the public areas including the public bar, restaurant and beer garden. In 1989, there was a name change to the Olims Canberra Hotel.
The 126-room Mercure Hotel Canberra is in the midst of an extensive refurbishment program. There are three conference rooms, the largest holding up to 150 people theatre-style or 130 for banquets.