“the complete conference experience”

A tranquil bushland setting close to Sydney and the CBD makes The Retreat At Wisemans a superb choice for conferences and executive retreats.

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The Retreat At Wisemans is a specialist conference centre and resort located on the banks of the majestic Hawkesbury River in Wisemans Ferry, north of Sydney. The Retreat At Wisemans is the ideal location for a conference, just over an hour’s drive from the CBD, with ample grounds for outdoor teambuilding activities.

Construction of an additional 24 guestrooms and a purpose-designed conference complex began in November 1997 and was completed in November 1998. The original 30 guestrooms were totally refurbished in 2001 and satellite television was connected to all rooms. The conference complex comprises four main conference suites, a board room, 11 break-out rooms and is equipped with the latest hi-tech electronic training facilities.

All standard audiovisual equipment is included in quotes and includes flipcharts, whiteboards, TV, video, OHP and screens. The two main conference suites have the additional advantage of a private office for the use of facilitators and delegates. These offices are equipped with computer, fax, printer and dedicated phone/data lines. To ensure every event held at The Retreat At Wisemans runs smoothly, there is at least one fully trained member of staff based in the conference centre office throughout the duration of the event.

Outdoor training and teambuilding is also a part of The Retreat At Wisemans, either onsite or in the nearby Dharug National Park. Abseiling, canoeing and high rope courses can be arranged through Adventure Team Building, a local company formed to cater to The Retreat At Wisemans’ demands. The guest accommodation has been designed to provide maximum comfort as well as a user-friendly work environment. A study desk, direct-dial telephones with data ports for easy access to e-mail or the web (every room has its own phone number), ample natural light and full blackout facilities are just a few of the features incorporated into the rooms.

The Retreat At Wisemans’ first class conference facilities are but part of the picture in building a successful “specialist” conference facility. The attitude of the staff is paramount.

The key elements of staff training and development programs at The Retreat At Wisemans are flexibility and professionalism. The very nature of many of the programs run at The Retreat At Wisemans means flexibility is crucial as requirements evolve over the period of the program with staff trained to respond to these requests without question. Professionalism in the context of a conference facility means providing efficient, courteous and unobtrusive service. This means that nothing that is within the control of The Retreat At Wisemans intrudes on the successful running of the conference.

The Retreat At Wisemans’ target market is the conference and training sector and it has successfully built the business to comprise 85 per cent corporate and 15 per cent leisure. Leisure guests are not disadvantaged by the concentration on corporate business; facilities include a nine hole golf course, a 25 metre salt-water pool, two flood-lit all-weather tennis courts and a first class restaurant provide all guests the opportunity to enjoy all The Retreat At Wisemans has to offer.