The Canberra Convention Bureau’s chief executive, Robyn Hendry, says what has been occurring in the nation’s capital in the last 12 to 18 months has been nothing short of incredible.
“Some of those have been knowledge-centre development and some have been infrastructure development,” she says.
“It’s all colliding at once now, and I think you’ll see an enormous difference in Canberra in the next 12 to 18 months, which in our industry, is really on the immediate horizon.
“We’ve had a $300 million upgrade of the airport and that will continue. The prediction by the airport owners is that international flights will probably commence in the next 18 months.
“We’ve had enormous amounts of money being announced by the Federal Government for [the construction of] a new ASIO headquarters, a new Australian Federal Police headquarters, a new defence headquarters; we’ve had the ANU given enormous amounts of money for medical research; the national gallery of Australia just received around $100 million for a revamp; there’s a new portrait gallery under construction; and Questacon the science museum, is under expansion at the moment.”
And these, she says, are just the tip of the iceberg. Indeed, Ms Hendry says in her time in Canberra she has never seen anything like the amount of investment that is presently going on.
“While these are construction projects they are also being backed by the intellect that needs to go behind these facilities.
“Canberra’s role as the national capital has always been clear but what is really clear now is that our knowledge centres are strengthening and we’re getting new ones all the time.
“Over and above that, the trend is nobody thinks business travel is fun anymore. People aren’t just popping off to conferences to fill in their time. Having this rich depth of substance in Canberra is really adding value to the content of business events. And this is where we are going.
“As a bureau, while we know about the hospitality and the entertainment and all the things we love about events, the bureau’s future is going to be much more involved in knowing about the research and knowledge hubs we have here [in Canberra] and using our national institutions to add specific and precise value to business events. It’s really about being strategic and clever with the use of the resources we have here.”
The new strategy is already paying dividends with the bureau securing a number of major events including the 700-delegate International River Health Conference for October 2008, and the International Association of Dance, Medicine and Science (800 delegates) to be based at the Australian Institute of Sport.
Crowne Plaza Canberra
Overlooking landscaped gardens and the historic elms of Glebe Park, Crowne Plaza Canberra is located in the heart of Australia’s capital city. Minutes from the central business district, shops and restaurants, Crowne Plaza can cater for up to 120 guests either at a meeting, conference or dinner. The four-and-a-half star hotel has 295 accommodation rooms and is also located next door to the Casino Canberra and the National Convention Centre. For more information telephone (02) 6247 8999 or visit www.crowneplaza.com.au.
National Convention Centre
The National Convention Centre is Canberra’s only purpose-built venue. With the additional facilities of the Crowne Plaza Canberra, the complex caters for events of five to 2500 delegates. It features five theatres, seven flat floor rooms, exhibition space of 2400sqm which can house 120 standard booths, a ballroom and plenty of boardrooms. The centre is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment work to the tune of approximately $30 million. Work includes a new kitchen, décor and state-of-the-art operational equipment updated décor, and new fixtures and fittings. For more information telephone Crowne Plaza Canberra on (02) 6257 4905 or visit www.nccc.com.au.
Doma Hotels Canberra
Located within the Parliamentary triangle in Australia’s capital, Doma Hotels offers you a point of difference in accommodation options. Bentley Suites, the signature property of Doma Hotels, provides oversized one, two and three bedroom apartment-style suites, and is in walking distance to the lively precinct of Manuka which is filled with chic cafes and stylish boutiques. Spacious living areas in all apartments and modern conveniences ensure a comfortable stay. Pinnacle Apartments, nestled in the leafy suburb of Kingston, offers Canberra’s only four bedroom apartments. Facilities at Pinnacle Apartments include a solar heated swimming pool, gymnasium, a barbeque area, complimentary undercover parking, and a conference room suited for up to 20 delegates. Light and spacious, this conference room walks out to the pool area, which can be used for scheduled breaks. Doma’s other offering is the Hotel Heritage, winner of the 2004 and 2005 Rhodium Canberra and Capital Region Tourism Award for Standard Accommodation. This three-and-a-half star property is minutes from Canberra International Airport and the lawns of Old Parliament House. It has a licensed restaurant, 24 hour reception, guest laundry, and seven conference rooms, all with natural light.
Hyatt Hotel Canberra
A 1920’s Art Deco hotel nestled in Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle, Hyatt Canberra has 249 rooms and can hold up to 500 people theatre-style in its Federation Ballroom. However at the five-star Hyatt clients are not limited to one venue and options for conference meetings, dinners, accommodation and launches are varied. Dining options include the Promenade Café plus Speakers Corner Bar and Hamilton’s at Hyatt Cigar Lounge. The Hyatt also operates the delicious Axis Restaurant at the National Museum of Australia. For more information telephone (02) 6270 1234, email canberra@hyatt.com.au or visit www.canberra.park.hyatt.com.
Novotel Canberra
As the city’s premier four-star hotel the Novotel Canberra, located in the heart of the CBD and retail precinct, is only eight kilometres from Canberra Airport. The hotel features 197 rooms and six conference rooms, plus a range of excellent corporate and leisure facilities including a heated pool, gym, business centre, the lovely Blue Dish Restaurant and Tonic Bar. For more information telephone (02) 6245 5000 or email the hotel’s conference and marketing department at H2796-SB01@accor.com.
Rydges Capital Hill
Rydges Capital Hill is situated in the prestigious Parliamentary Triangle and is within walking distance to the fashionable shopping and café district of Manuka. The hotel features 186 guest rooms including 37 suites with spas. Its conference facilities include 10 meeting rooms catering for up to 300 people, extra breakout space, private dining rooms and a grand marquee for special events. The hotel’s all-day dining includes the Fig Tree Café while it’s bar InBARgo is open six days a week. For more information telephone (02) 6295 3144, email reservations_capitalhill@rydges.com or visit www.rydges.com/capitalhill.
Some of Australia’s leading innovators and researchers have joined forces to form a Research and Learning Institutes Group with the view of gaining conference-bidding opportunities for Canberra institutes.
The think-tank is an Australian first and has been established as part of a Canberra Convention Bureau strategy to increase high-level strategic business events in the ACT. It includes key representatives from educational institutions in Canberra including the Australian National University, Australian Catholic University, Australian Defence Force Academy, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra Institute of Technology, CSIRO and University of Canberra.
The group will hold a series of meetings to identify opportunities within their industries to bring events to Canberra. A number of innovative strategies and referrals were determined at the inaugural meeting in October.
Canberra Convention Bureau chief executive, Robyn Hendry, said the initiative would be a leading force in generating new partnerships and maintaining existing links with peak industry groups in Australia.
The Canberra Convention Bureau has always done things differently. Their “Top Secret” Canberra weekends are legendary. I still remember my first one in which I had one hour’s sleep before the wake up call had me braving the shower and a day of rally driving. More recently, however, I attended the bureau’s familiarisation for individuals working in the pharmaceutical and health industries, and again was pleasantly surprised at the program and out-of-the-ordinary experiences on offer.
The bureau now runs a number of these famils for very specific groups of people, and after spending time on this program I can certainly see the reasons why they do so. This weekend event not only featured some of Canberra’s best offerings – Parliament House, Rydges Capital Hill, the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, the National Museum of Australia and the Australian War Memorial – but it also gave them experiences that were closely related to their specific area of expertise. A tour of the Pathology Museum at Canberra Hospital was a definite highlight for delegates as was the back-lot tour of Parliament House where participants were enlightened (and amazed) at the behind-the-scenes goings-on of the press gallery.
And as well as the bureau’s intentions of showing delegates venues and places that related to the health industry they also left them with little doubt that some of this country’s most celebrated health industry professionals are all Canberra based and all available to speak at conference groups.
Guest speakers over the three day program included the Director of the Research School of Biological Sciences at ANU College of Science, Professor Jonathan Stone (who discussed stem cell research); communications director of the Australian Medical Association, John Flannery; professor and head of the Division of Immunology and Genetics at John Curtin School of Medical Research, ANU, Professor Chris Parish; Mr Louis Szabo from the ANU Anatomy School; and Chairman of Aspen Medical, Dr Andrew Walker. The beauty of many of these individuals’ presentations is that as much as they are interesting they are truly inspirational. Professor Chris Parish, for example, is a pioneer in cancer research. His studies over the past 30 years have led to the development of the anti-cancer drug PI-88, which is currently undergoing successful Phase II trials in human cancer patients.
Mr Parish gave famil delegates a small overview of his most recent work during lunch at the stunning restaurant, The Boat House by the Lake, leaving everybody excited and in awe of his tireless work in the development of what some people describe as a “cancer vaccine”.
Dinner at the Casino Canberra and a game of fun blackjack (where I won about $6000), ended early for delegates who were anticipating a 4.15am wake-up call the following morning for hot air ballooning. This was an exhilarating experience for many, giving them a view of Canberra they had never experienced before.
The program concluded over lunch at The Brassey of Canberra before participants headed for home. It was a great event, and one that will surely garner some business for the nation’s capital.
Australian War Memorial
Described as one of the most impressive war museums in the world, the Australian War Memorial traces the history of this country’s fighting forces during the two World Wars of the 20th Century and other conflicts. Housed in the Anzac Hall are some of the memorial’s iconic relics such as the Japanese midget submarine that attacked Sydney Harbour in 1942, and the Lancaster bomber G for George. Group tours can and should be arranged because they give visitors such a greater understanding of the exhibits and the stories behind them. The venue has some great spaces for events. For more information telephone (02) 6234 4211, email info@awm.gov.au or visit www.awm.gov.au .
Questacon
Experiencing an earthquake is just one of the activities visitors can do at Questacon – Australia’s leading interactive science and technology centre since it opened in November 1988. To achieve its aim of promoting greater understanding and awareness of science and technology within the community, Questacon is committed to offering a fun, educational and interactive experience with science and technology. With more than 200 exhibits and 300,000 visitors each year Questacon shows how science and technology are relevant and important to everyday life. For more information telephone (02) 6270 2800 email info@questacon.edu.au or visit www.questacon.edu.au.
National Museum of Australia
The National Museum of Australia combines state-of-the-art technology with hands-on exhibitions so visitors can actually experience the history of Australia. Visitors can celebrate the icons of Australia including kangaroos, the Hills Hoist and Vegemite, view 20,000 years of environmental change come to life in the rock art of Kakadu, imagine themselves at Sydney Cove after the arrival of the First Fleet or be immersed in indigenous dance and music. The museum also features a waterfront restaurant called Axis that has spectacular views over Lake Burley Griffin, plus two cafes and a museum shop offering a unique collection of arts and crafts, books, music and learning toys for children. To find out more telephone (02) 6208 5000, email bookings@nma.gov.au or visit www.nma.gov.au.
Parliament House
A tour of Canberra’s Parliament House will reveal the inner workings of government. Visitors can sneak a peak at the House from 9am to 5pm on non-sitting days and 9am to House rise on sitting days. There is a free guide service or guided tours. Free tours occur every half hour from 9am. The day’s proceedings in both the House of Representatives and the Senate can be seen from the Public Galleries in the Chambers whenever the Houses are in session. At other times when Parliament House is open visitors may view the Public Galleries. To book tickets telephone (02) 6277 4889 before 12.30pm on the day required.
 Meeting planners looking to add a special something to their next event should seriously consider Canberra because of where it is and what it can offer. As “the nation’s capital” the city is home to so many high achievers in all walks of life, and particularly the scientific and political spheres.
As the Canberra Convention Bureau likes to say, within Canberra event planners - and more importantly their conference delegates - can have access to some of the most influential and respected individuals not only within Australia but the world.
As the political pulse of the nation, Canberra offers unparalleled “access to influence” – direct access to senior policy makers and politicians, strategic lobbying opportunities and access to national and international media via the press gallery at Parliament House. Not only can this add value to the content of your event, it can also mean increased media exposure.
With four universities and numerous cutting-edge research facilities Canberra is also regarded as the national centre for innovation and knowledge. For example, the Australian National University, which includes the internationally acclaimed John Curtin School of Medical Research, offers a range of leading academics you can access to enhance the relevance of your business event.
Canberra is also home to the Australian Defence Academy and the Australian War Memorial which provide access to specialists in both historical and modern military knowledge.
Tidbinbilla Deep Space Tracking Station offers access to astronomers who can unveil the secrets of the skies, and the role Australia played in man’s first steps on the moon.
Canberra is also said to be the home of the “Australian story”. The national institutions represent the pinnacle of excellence in Australian art, science, sport, culture and academia and tell the story of Australia’s journey to the present day. These national institutions in Canberra have world-renowned experts you can access for your business event.
The Canberra Convention Bureau can give planners assistance with accessing some of those leading in their chosen field to make any event a memorable and informative one. It specialises in “value adding” to help planners create a business event that is relevant to their specific industry.
For example, if you are in the pharmaceutical industry, they will help you access guest speakers from the Therapeutic Goods Administration, the Australian Medical Association, or the John Curtin School of Medical Research. They can also connect planners with health journalists, or help arrange a guided tour of the Pathology Museum at the Canberra Hospital. For more information contact the Canberra Convention Bureau on (02) 6247 7500 or visit www.canberraconvention.com.au.
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