Blue Mountains conference venue news

Climbing every mountain will take conference programs a few steps outside the average.

At just 90 minutes drive from the Sydney CBD, the Blue Mountains transports delegates into another world. The mountain air and spectacular scenery presents a relaxing contrast to the hustle and bustle of a big city. Aside from the high standard of conference facilities available in the region, delegates will find such activities as abseiling, 4WD expeditions, bushwalking and browsing in cosy little villages a welcome break from the business side of a conference schedule.

>> Conference & meeting venues Blue Mountains

MOUNTAIN MAJESTY

Thereís a cosy familiarity about the Blue Mountains. For more than 100 years, the region has been well served with hotels and guesthouses, many of which continue to operate in the 21st Century as atmospheric venues for conferences and special events.

Leura House at Leura was built in the 1880s, the Mountain Heritage in 1908, and the Mercure Grand Hotel Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains in 1904. Meetings in such surroundings make for very special events.

Yet history and nature isnít all the Blue Mountains has to offer. Day spas are becoming increasingly popular in the area, and delegates can pick up some handy tips on relaxing and de-stressing their hectic lives. There are also more than enough restaurants to satisfy the hearty appetites generated by exercise and wellbeing programs.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

From small executive retreats to large corporate conferences, the Blue Mountains has a venue to suit every need. Small groups can arrange exclusive use of Old Leura Dairy or The Manor House, while eco-retreats like Jemby Rinjah Eco Lodge are perfect for mid-sized groups wanting to get back to nature and work in quiet, calm surroundings.

Function ideas can be designed to suit particular themes or to take advantage of the spectacular natural surrounds. Scenic World has commanding views over the Jamison Valley, and is a perfect location for a cocktail function. Tour the regionís best lookouts with Fantastic Aussie Toursí open-top double-decker bus. Stage an intimate dinner party at Solitary Restaurant or a themed event in the dramatic interiors of Jenolan Caves. Catering companies such as A Mountain Event specialise in off-site catering.

ADVENTURE HOT SPOT

The regionís World Heritage surroundings offer some unforgettable teambuilding activities. Adventure operators, such as River Deep Mountain High and High ëNí Wild, offer everything from abseiling and canyoning to mountain biking and rock-climbing. Take an early morning bushwalk with Tread Lightly Eco Tours, or let Dimensional Thinking arrange a corporate golf day at one of the regionís many golf courses.

Blue Mountains Tourism Limited offers a free one-stop shop for conference needs, providing advice on venue selection and pre and post-touring plans, as well as sourcing the staging and support services to suit all needs. Specialised transport, such as the 3801 steam train that can transport delegates from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, can also be arranged.

MAKING ITS MARK

The Blue Mountains has played host to a number of outstanding events in recent times, and winning the NSW Local Government Association annual conference for 2006 is a major coup. Expected to attract some 800 people, the four day conference is likely to pump more than $1 million into the local economy.

Peppers Fairmont Resort at Leura had a number of successes last year, with such major conferences as the 440 delegate University Of Sydneyís College of Health Sciences Research Conference and the Janome State Managers Conference with around 260 delegates. The resort is fresh from an extensive refurbishment that included the rejuvenation of the lobby lounge and addition of a brand-new reading area; upgrade of the conference facilities; vastly improved guestrooms; and extensive redesign of public areas and conference rooms ñ resulting in a crisper, fresher style.

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa completed a $6.5 million refurbishment last year, which saw the updating of conferencing facilities, common areas, health club and accommodation. Lilianfelsí features conference facilities for up to 100 people, complete with state-of-the-art equipment, 85 spacious guestrooms and a wide variety of recreational activities. With an on-site health club and the surrounding lookouts, walking trails, abseiling, rock-climbing, horse riding, golf and canyoning, itís the ideal setting for a corporate meeting.