Sydney, a top conference & convention city

The sum of all things

A can-do approach reaps remarkable dividends in one of the world’s great convention cities.

There’s a certain belief that Sydney doesn’t need selling, that it’s a product recognised around the world. Certainly from the increasing number of international conventions and congresses that visit the harbour city, this seems to be the case. As is the research that shows international meetings in Sydney generally attract more delegates than those held in other cities.

With the sparkling harbour as a backdrop, Sydney is a city that the convention industry longs for, a place teeming with great ideas for groups. It is a beautiful, easily managed destination with great accessibility, safety and cost-efficiency.

A climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as twilight falls. An event under the gleaming white sails of the Sydney Opera House. Sailing on the harbour, breakfast on the beach, a day trip by historic steam train into the Blue Mountains. Just about anything and everything is possible. It is a city that rewards the imaginative meeting planner and, if it hasn’t been done before, there is a pervasive mindset that just maybe it can be achieved.

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CLOSE PROXIMITY

Sydney’s hotels, both within the CBD and beyond, are well equipped and immensely experienced with the conference market. Even the largest international congress can testify to that.

Sydney Airport, located just a stone’s throw from the CBD, has connections with destinations around the world. And for groups planning pre and post-conferencing, arranging flights Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. The centre’s chief executive, Ton van Amerongen, said the venue’s calendar was filled with international and national meetings for 1,000 or more delegates. He said the centre had bookings for 30 international congresses and incentive events in 2004/05, with a combined total of almost 48,000 delegates.

Major recent meetings at the centre include the Financial Planning Association Convention & Expo 2004 in December for 2,250 delegates, the 11th Meeting of the Combined Orthopaedic Association in October for 2,000 delegates, and the World Energy Council in September for 2,000 delegates.

It takes countless little details to ensure a venue like the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre stays on top, right down to the cups and saucers. In what must be the largest single purchase of crockery in Australia, the centre recently took delivery of 51,000 Villeroy & Boch items and 37,700 Australian Fine China pieces. The new china made a very apt debut at the NSW Restaurant and Catering Awards in September.

NEW-LOOK MEETINGS

The Sydney Hilton is set to open in mid 2005. The $200 million project is the largest single site investment made by Hilton International in the group’s history. The original 1970s building was virtually stripped back to a concrete skeleton, remade and remodelled into something befitting the 21st Century.

The Hilton was the first international hotel group to invest in Sydney and the Hilton Sydney was the first and finest. That supremacy is about to be revisited.

The new Hilton Sydney will feature Australia’s largest hotel convention and meeting space outside an exhibition centre or casino. It will have four dedicated levels of conference and convention space and 23 meeting rooms totalling 4,000 square metres and capable of hosting 3,000 delegates.

COMFORT FIRST

Every one of the 577 suites and rooms in the Hilton Sydney will offer an oasis of privacy and tranquillity to delegates and guests. The designers have employed space, light and colour to relieve travel stress. The Hilton Relaxation Rooms promise to add an extra dimension to hotel living.

Celebrated New York designer, Tony Chi, has created the hotel’s highly anticipated restaurant. The creative force behind stylish spots such as Asiate in New York and SPOON in Hong Kong will create a space more in line with a neighbourhood restaurant than a hotel dining room.

While the hotel’s design will be cool and contemporary, there is one place to relive the past. Built in 1893, the Marble Bar is a heritage-listed treasure, one of the unique and beautiful bars of the nation, resplendent with swaths of marble, stained glass, ornately carved mahogany and a gallery of paintings from artist Julian Ashton.

GRAND TRADITIONS

Another revamped icon of the Sydney accommodation scene, now known as the Sofitel Wentworth Sydney, threw a gala official opening bash in September, following its $60 million transformation.

In true Wentworth style, the Sofitel relaunched with a glittering gala week of exclusive performances by Paris’ legendary Moulin Rouge, in its first official appearance in Australia. The launch unites a 150 year old byword in Sydney hospitality with one of the world’s leading names in prestigious accommodation.

The Wentworth name has been a fixture in Sydney’s hotel industry since the 1850s, and has been in its current location since 1966, when it was opened by then-owners, Qantas, as Australia’s first international hotel. Accor took over management of the hotel in 2002, when the vast upgrading program commenced.

The Sofitel has 436 guestrooms, including 46 suites, and is once again one of the city’s leading venues for conferences and meetings. The Grand Ballroom has been technologically enhanced, while retaining much of its character. It is a splendid pillar-free space, with capacity for more than 1,000 guests.

A POSITIVE APPROACH

In August, the Sheraton On The Park completed its extensive refurbishment with the unveiling of the Grand Ballroom, conference rooms and the new Executive Meeting Centre, “Meetings On 5”.

The smart design of the new meeting and function space combines diversity, connectivity and cutting-edge technology. And, further enhancing the Sheraton meeting experience is the launch of a dedicated Executive Meeting Concierge to handle each component of an event.

The Sheraton On The Park’s “Meetings On 5”, located on Level 5, is comprised of seven individual board rooms, break-out areas and outdoor terraces catering for up to 40 people. “Meetings On 5” also offers innovative furnishing and decor, wireless technology, intelligent lighting with AMX control, built-in audiovisual systems discreetly tucked away for convenience, and broadband access.

>> Delegates attending conferences in Sydney might also like to look at Sydney hotels and other accommodation in Sydney suburbs.

ROOM TO ROOM

Superbly positioned in the historic Rocks area, with magnificent views of Sydney Harbour, the Quay West Suites Sydney was introduced in 1992 and immediately set the standard for others to follow.

Several upgrades to maintain the property have occurred over the last few years, including a new restaurant and foyer area. However, an extensive refurbishment program was recently completed. The first stage, costing some $4 million, included all 135 guestrooms; while the second stage, encompassing the public areas and corridors, restaurant and bar, concluded late in 2004.

The ongoing multimillion-dollar refurbishment at the Carlton Crest Hotel Sydney is in the final stages of completion, with the repainting and carpeting of the remaining guestrooms. Featuring in the refurbishment is a total design concept incorporating new wall and floor finishes in both rooms and corridors, furnishings such as beds, new televisions and infra-red keyboards offering Internet connection from the TV system as part of the in-house entertainment system. All 11 function rooms have also been refurbished with new walls, carpets, lighting and technological capabilities. The hotel has also a new business centre, which has been well received by the corporate market.

Three new guest lifts are currently being imported from Germany and will be installed by the first quarter of 2005. The installation of these lifts will not only provide added convenience to the Carlton Crest’s guests, but will also complement the overall refurbishment that has been taking place.

BIG PLANS

In mid 2005 The Sydney Boulevard – home to many celebrities, sports stars and politicians throughout its 30 year history – will commence a $20 million renovation. It will consist of the cosmetic makeover of all guestrooms and bathroom fixtures, additional conference rooms and facilities, the installation of a swimming pool, and the transformation of the treasured 25th Floor Restaurant and Cocktail Bar.

The new-look Boulevard will contain 30 suites with private kitchenettes, 197 guestrooms and a new cafe in its lobby with on-street access. These renovations will put the hotel back into the limelight, with its glamorous history serving as a solid foundation on which to build.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW

More than $25 million has been devoted to refurbishing the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. Located in the historic Rocks district, the hotel is a landmark in its own right, perfectly positioned between the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. All 563 guestrooms and suites boast harbour views.

The hotel’s Horizon Club Lounge, located on level 30, offers commanding views of Sydney’s spectacular harbour through a glass atrium spanning more than 18 metres. Personalised check-in and check-out, breakfast, evening drinks and canapés are just some of the complimentary services offered to Horizon Club guests.

Cleverly revamped, Level 36 is Sydney’s new playground. Comprising a cocktail lounge/bar and funky 105 seat restaurant, both venues offer an interesting twist to relaxation, entertainment and dining. The Blu Horizon Bar is the place to make the most of the magnificent Sydney sunsets, while Altitude restaurant’s executive chef, George Jardine, presents a menu of modern Australian cuisine inspired by European flavours.

When the hotel originally opened in 1992, at an estimated cost of $500 million, it was considered one of the most expensive commercial buildings ever built in Australia. The latest improvements will ensure the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney retains its iconic status.

MEETINGS EXCELLENCE

Convention organisers and delegates alike have reacted with enthusiasm to the improvements to the InterContinental Sydney, following its $30 million enhancement. For residential meetings, the attraction is undoubtedly the chic new rooftop Executive Lounge with uninterrupted views across the city.

On level 31, the split-level Harbour Room is ideal for cocktail parties or gatherings of up to 80 people. For high-tech meetings, the InterContinental Sydney is the only hotel conference centre with two state-of-the-art, international-standard TV broadcast and video conferencing studios.

Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour has become the first hotel in Darling Harbour precinct to open exclusive Club accommodation. This improvement to an already-popular business hotel, located a few minutes walk from the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, follows on from an extensive refurbishment program. Club guests receive a host of upgraded services and added extras for a small premium on their nightly room rate. Discreet workstations are available in the lounge, as are high-speed data points at individual tables throughout the lounge and in each room of the hotel.

FUN FOR ALL

Sydney is packed full of character-filled and quirky venues for special events. Luna Park has quickly become well established for such events, with a rollcall of some of Australia’s biggest and best-known corporate clients. Venues include the Crystal Palace, located on the harbour edge and seating up to 1,300 people; the Big Top, with 1,500 square metres of flat-floor space; the Taj Mahal Room; and the Arthur Barton Marquee.

Luna Park has entertained the people of Sydney since the 1930s, and the newest phase in the life of this iconic fun park places the corporate market in the perfect position to have the time of its life.

ON THE HARBOUR

2005 marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Captain Cook Cruises, the company that has introduced more conference groups to Sydney’s charming aquatic byways than any other operator in the city.

Captain Trevor Haworth and his wife, Geraldine, founded the family-run business at Circular Quay on 26th January 1970. From humble beginnings and a single vessel, they built their Australian-owned business up to be the most recognised Sydney Harbour cruise line operating today.

The Sydney Harbour fleet alone consists of nine sightseeing and restaurant cruise vessels available for day and evening charter, with a total fleet capacity of over 2,800 passengers. More than 20 scheduled cruises operate daily from Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, including the flagship MV Sydney 2000 and the only overnight accommodation small ship, MV Captain Cook’s Explorer.

SCALING NEW HEIGHTS

Bridgeclimb, which takes visitors on a unique journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, had notched its 1.3 millionth client by late last year. Locals, holidaymakers, conference groups and international celebrities have all enjoyed the Bridgeclimb experience. In October, the company took out another first when it won the 2004 Premier’s NSW Exporter of the Year Award in the Tourism category.

Outside the CBD area, there’s much to interest conference organisers. Small meetings and retreats can be held at the renowned Doyles Palace Hotel at Watsons Bay, next to the world-famous Doyles seafood restaurant. With views across Sydney Harbour to the city skyline, the hotel has 32 spacious suites, a guest lounge and a conference room accommodating up to 18 people.

BUSINESS BEYOND THE CBD

In the year since opening, the Crowne Plaza Norwest at Baulkham Hills has seen its meetings business increase dramatically. As the only hotel located within the 377 hectare Norwest Business Park, it services such corporates as IBM, BASF, Sigma Pharmaceuticals and Woolworths Limited.

The Crowne Plaza Norwest consists of 132 guestrooms, a gym, heated swimming pool, restaurant and seven spacious conferencing and banquet rooms catering for up to 300 people.

In September, the 4½ star Courtyard by Marriott, North Ryde, opened. It has 232 square metres of meeting space, suitable for a range of business or private gatherings. In total, there are eight meeting rooms – each with a motorised projector screen and broadband communications access, enabling presenters to engage in teleconferencing or website demonstrations.

SOUND IMPROVEMENTS

The hotel so hip it has its own soundtrack, also has some of the best conference facilities in the North Sydney area. The Vibe North Sydney has a ballroom that seats 220 people theatre style or 180 for a banquet, as well as a selection of smaller rooms including a 44 square metre ballroom.

The property, which has 165 guestrooms – including 34 suites – is located across the road from Milsons Point railway station and a few minutes from the North Sydney CBD. Once settled in the stylishly comfortable rooms, many delegates like to purchase Vibe – Sounds to Relax and Recharge, a 2-CD, 38-track set of chill-out music from such artists as Groove Armada, St Germain, Morcheeba and Fatboy Slim.

RURAL HOSPITALITY

Out in the country, a great range of facilities awaits conference organisers at Sebel Resort & Spa Hawkesbury Valley. This Windsor property has six meeting rooms, six break-out rooms and two board rooms. The Governor Philip Ballroom seats 230 people theatre style or 160 for banquets. The Sebel also has the Villa Thalgo, Australia’s first European-style hydrotherapy health spa. At the centre of the spa complex is a magnificent swimming pool with adjoining analytic pool and six hydrotherapy exercise stations. The two hydrotherapy spas, three body-wrap wet-treatment rooms, a blitz hose room, five facial treatment rooms, and three massage rooms round out the very impressive facilities.

LEARNED PURSUITS

Nearby, the University of Western Sydney (UWS) Hawkesbury Conference Centre has taken out the prestigious Excellence in Service Award in the Business to Business category of the inaugural 2004 Hawkesbury Excellence in Business Awards in October. The centre, which is part of UWS Conference and Venue Management, was also a finalist for the People’s Choice category and Excellence in Tourism category. To cap off a brilliant year, UWS Conference and Venue Management won the 2004 Western Sydney Industry Award for the Meetings and Business Tourism category.

Situated in the grounds of the UWS Hawkesbury Campus at Richmond, the conference centre has three meeting rooms, with the largest – the McDonalds Room – seating 140 people theatre style. Meals and functions can be held at the beautifully restored 1890s colonial homestead, Yarramundi House, while the centre’s own 30 room motel provides the accommodation component.

OLYMPIC-GRADE FACILITIES

Recognition was also the order of the day at the Sydney SuperDome at Sydney Olympic Park. Event Management Catering (EMC), the catering arm of the Sydney SuperDome, took out two awards at the 2004 NSW Restaurant and Catering Awards in September. In the five years since opening for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, EMC has catered for more than 370 functions and 2.5 million people. Samsung, Mitsubishi and Nestle are just a few of the SuperDome’s satisfied clients.

While still in the west, the Mercure Hotel Parramatta is undergoing a $4.5 million refurbishment. New guestroom improvements will include the provision for high-speed broadband Internet access. On the meetings side, all conference rooms will be completely refitted with the latest in technology, including new lighting, integrated audiovisual facilities – including ceiling-mounted data projectors and screens – broadband access and video conferencing facilities.

GO WEST

The Carlton Hotel Parramatta, with 202 guestrooms and suites, is also in the midst of an extensive refurbishment. Long a favourite of the corporate market, it has eight conference and function rooms and two board rooms. The pillar-free ballroom seats 500 people theatre style or 350 for a banquet.

At the Stamford Grand North Ryde, the 180 newly refurbished suites have been an outstanding success. For business travellers, a main area of interest will be the office component of the two room suites, complete with a large desk, high-speed broadband connectivity, ergonomically designed office chair, laptop safe, CD player and other top-of-the-range office features. The bedroom doesn’t disappoint either, with a level of comfort and style unmatched in the area. The room has been superbly designed to incorporate a contemporary atmosphere with a decadent decor.

BY THE SEASIDE

The Manly Pacific Sydney Managed by Novotel, last year unveiled 80 freshly refurbished rooms. The property combines 4 star comfort with spectacular views over Manly Beach and a wide range of facilities, including a business centre, two restaurants, two bars and a rooftop pool.

Manly Pacific Sydney is also a popular business venue, with state-of-the-art conference facilities hosting from six to 600 people in the Grand Ballroom overlooking the ocean.

Also in Manly is the Australian Institute of Police Management and Australian Graduate School of Police Management. Part of Charles Sturt University, it conducts professional development programs and post-graduate courses for national and international police organisations. Also available for corporate hire, the institute has two lecture rooms, each of which can accommodate up to 60 people theatre style. There are also six syndicate rooms, each seating 12 people. Accommodation comprises 22 motel-style guestrooms and four two bedroom self-contained cottages.