According to the Sydney Convention & Visitors Bureau’s latest delegate study, the average international conference delegate now stays an average 7.2 nights, up from 6.6 nights in 2001, and spends an average $6868 per visit, up from $4330 in 2001.
The increase means delegates now spend almost seven times the amount spent by an average holidaymaker in Sydney, making business events one of the city’s most important sources of tourism income.
The 2006 International Delegate Study was conducted by Inside Story Research and Knowledge Management on behalf of the SCVB and the Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD). It is the first study conducted since 2001.
The study surveyed almost 1000 delegates attending five major conferences held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in the second half of 2006.
SCVB managing director, Jon Hutchison, said the survey confirmed the importance of the conference sector to the state’s economy.
“Sydney is Australia’s leading city for conferences and other business events and one of the top 10 cities in the Asia Pacific region,” he says.
On average, conference delegates spend $651 per night in Sydney compared to an average $99 for leisure tourists. Conference delegates from overseas spend an average $677 per night while delegates attending Sydney conferences from interstate spend an average of $502.
And even better news is that almost two-thirds of all those surveyed said they would return to Sydney for a holiday within the next five years.
The survey found perceptions of Sydney as a conference destination were very positive, with 90 per cent of delegates rating Sydney very good or reasonably good. Convention facilities were rated very good or reasonably good by 88 per cent, while accommodation was rated very good or reasonably good by 79 per cent of respondents.
The survey found a large portion of conference delegates planned to travel elsewhere in NSW and Australia while visiting Sydney. At least 41 per cent planned to visit places in NSW outside Sydney and 30 per cent planned to visit other parts of Australia, with Queensland the most popular interstate destination (20 per cent).
“Conference delegates aren’t just important for their one-off attendance, they often come back with their family and they refer their friends and colleagues,” Mr Hutchison adds.
“More importantly, they forge lasting business ties that are vital for the development of our state’s industries and exports – the opportunities that stem from a successful conference are enormous.”
Macquarie Graduate School of Management
Located in North Ryde the Macquarie Graduate School of Management has a variety of meeting rooms and theatres suitable for groups between 25 and 50. Its six tiered theatres feature work benches and ergonomic chairs. The school also has seven flat floor conference rooms of varying sizes catering for up to 40 delegates. The venue also offers more than 30 smaller rooms used for breakout sessions plus the school has access to some nearby Macquarie University facilities. There is also an onsite 40-room four-star hotel. MGSM has won the NSW MEA venue award for less than 500 delegates from 2001-2003 and the NSW MEA venue award for between 150 and 500 delegates in 2004 and 2005. For more information telephone (02) 9850 9322 or 1800 800 803, email conferences@mgsm.com.au or visit www.hotel.mgsm.com.au
Rosehill Gardens
Rosehill Gardens is pleased to announce the construction of its impressive new 7000 square metre multi-purpose venue commenced in May this year. Due for completion in February 2008, the two-storey Grand Pavilion will offer first-class facilities for the conference, dinner, exhibition and special event markets. This exciting new venue will feature a stunning entrance, elegant views of the racecourse, flexible break-out areas, state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities and a capacity of up to 1800 guests on each level. A proud new entranceway into the course from Grand Avenue is also a priority! Combined with existing high standards of customer service and exceptional professionalism the Grand Pavilion is set to become a leading Sydney venue in the conference and event market. Visit www.eventcentres.com.au for further details.
 Novotel Sydney Olympic Park
Hold an event at the Novotel and Hotel Ibis in the heart of the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, and you could be enjoying the NRL Grand Final courtesy of Virgin Blue and the hotel. Situated in the geographical centre of Sydney, only 25 minutes from the Sydney CBD and airport and 15 minutes from the cities of Parramatta and Ryde, the Novotel and Hotel Ibis is already making a name for itself in the business events industry. And the Virgin Blue NRL Grand Final Conference Incentive for event planners is set to only increase the property’s growing popularity. If you book your next conference at the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park between now and December 31, 2007, you’ll go into the draw to win the ultimate NRL Grand Final experience. The prize includes two return economy airfares by Virgin Blue BNE/SYD or MEL/SYD, limousine transfers to Novotel Sydney Olympic Park, two nights accommodation in a Deluxe Spa Suite for two, full buffet breakfast for two in Arena Restaurant, two tickets to the NRL Grand Final, and a pre-match dinner for two. For details telephone (02) 8762 1111 or email H2732-SB02@accor.com. And visit www.novotelsydneyolympicpark.com.au for further details on the property.
J&J O’Brien Hoteliers Group
The J&J O’Brien Hoteliers Group is a leading Sydney hotel group comprising a number of Sydney’s premier venues. This professional hoteliers group has extensive experience operating bars, restaurants and clubs for more than two decades, and has some great venues for business events. These include The Watershed which is located on the water’s edge at Darling Harbour. It has an alfresco area, spacious bar, and plenty of space for group events. Another venue, Cohibar is also located at Darling Harbour. Set out over two levels, Cohibar incorporates a cocktail bar, terrace and cigar loft. The vibe is funky, sexy and inner city. It is well-suited to intimate functions. Also located on the water’s edge at Darling Harbour is Jordons. Modern, stylish, comfortable and exuding a unique casual elegance, Jordons restaurant is famous for serving spectacular seafood platters and creating exceptional food and wine menus using fresh premium produce and the finest Australian wine. Back in the Sydney CBD is the popular Jackson’s hotel, often described as one of the most exciting and vibrant CBD hotels, just minutes from Circular Quay and The Rocks. It features six bars across four levels and exceptional food, wine and beer menus. Just out of the CBD, in trendy Newtown, is The Marlborough Hotel, one of the most impressive venues in Sydney. It boasts a central location, friendly staff and versatile function areas including Level One and Bar Prego. J&J O’Brien Hoteliers also offers Blue Diamond Charters – a stylish 65ft sunseeker cruiser available for exclusive charters. With open-plan entertaining on three levels, Sunseeker is tastefully fitted out in teak and leather. Jordons exclusively prepares the food for guests. For details on J&J O’Brien Hoteliers Group and its large range of unique venues visit www.jjo.com.au.
Star City was thrilled when it was announced on May 7 that the new production of Miss Saigon would be playing its Sydney season at the Lyric Theatre from September 20, 2007.
Produced in Australia by Michael Coppel, Louise Withers and Linda Bewick, Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Miss Saigon will thrill Sydney audiences with cutting edge visual techniques and a brilliant new set which vividly recreates the streets of Vietnam and Bangkok. Producer, Louise Withers said, “We were always intending to play at the Lyric Theatre from September 20 and are delighted to be presenting this new production of MISS SAIGON, which has been embraced by critics and audiences alike.”
An epic tale about the relationship between an American G.I. and a young Vietnamese woman set during the final days of the U.S. occupation of Saigon, MISS SAIGON is one of the most successful musicals in the world - seen-to-date by over 33 million people in over 25 countries, performed in 12 different languages and winning 30 international awards. Since its London premiere in 1989 MISS SAIGON has become the third most successful musical in the history of British theatre and the longest running show ever to perform at the Drury Lane Theatre.
For theatre packages please call Starcity VIP, Dining and Corporate Packages on 1300 654 541.
 Australian National Maritime Museum
The Australian National Maritime Museum, located on Sydney’s world renowned harbour, has a stunning new venue for your special event - the full-scale replica of Captain Cook’s ship Endeavour. Hailed as one of the world’s most accurate historical reproductions, Cook’s famous vessel of discovery is moored at the museum and available for a variety of entertainment opportunities: cocktail receptions for 70 people on deck or for something more intimate, dinner for up to 12 people in the Great Cabin. The replica HM Bark Endeavour adds another unique option to an impressive range of venue and function opportunities at the National Maritime Museum. You can select from cocktails on the rear deck of the navy destroyer HMAS Vampire, or a product launch or formal dinner in the Terrace Room with its wide views out across the museum fleet, the harbour and the tall city skyline beyond. There are a lot more options as well, and it’s this variety – along with the museum’s top-rating venue services – that have earned the National Maritime Museum and its caterers The Mode Group a swag of industry awards in recent years. Visit www.anmm.gov.au.
Customs House
Centrally positioned at Circular Quay, Customs House is a beautifully refurbished heritage building with stunning contemporary architecture and design. The Barnet Long Room is located on the first floor of Customs House and is suitable for a variety of events including meetings and conferences, product launches, cocktail parties and gala dinners. A unique event space conveniently located in Circular Quay, the venue boasts a grand style with high ceilings, natural light, strong acoustics and a magnificent balcony with sweeping views of Customs House Square. In addition, the room offers a private adjoining pre-function space that is perfect for conference break-outs or pre-dinner drinks. The Barnet Long Room is the premier function and performance space at Customs House and accommodates 120 guests for dinner, 140 classroom-style, 160 guests theatre-style or up to 450 cocktail-style. Visit www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/customshouse for further details.
Quay Grand Suites Sydney
Located in East Circular Quay, the Quay Grand Suites Sydney has recently completed a soft refurbishment of its conferencing and food and beverage facilities. The hotel’s Harbour Bridge Rooms, which can host up to 100 people, were recently refurbished, and create a more inviting and comfortable function space. The Quadrant Restaurant has also been re-carpeted in the same style, and has received a new feature wall and re-upholstered chairs. Now with a funkier, more modern look, the ECQ Bar has received a fresh lease of life with new carpet in the southern end of the bar, new lounge chairs, ottomans, tables and chairs. The hotel’s 68 one and two-bedroom suites are currently undergoing a soft refurbishment including the addition of feature walls and new furniture in the lounge room, new rugs and new balcony furniture. For more information, phone (02) 9256 4000 or visit www.mirvachotels.com.au.
City Recital Hall
City Recital Hall, in the heart of the Sydney CBD, has earned a place in Sydney’s history and is certainly garnering strong interest in the meetings and events industry, with its high-quality and unique spaces. The elegant venue has a 1238-seat, three-level tiered auditorium, as well as smaller entertainment and meeting spaces well suited to conferences, cocktails or special events. Because of its custom-made design for musical recitals the venue offers superb acoustics. For more information telephone (02) 9231 9000.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
The Four Season Hotel Sydney is one of the best-position hotels in the city, and continues to be one of Sydney’s most popular conference and high-end incentive hotels. The Four Season Hotel Sydney offers 531 rooms and suites, which have been elegantly decorated in a luxurious and contemporary style. Views from the guest rooms include vantages of some of Sydney’s most famous icons - the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and The Rocks. In terms of conference facilities the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is first-rate, offering a large range of rooms in various styles and configurations. The venue’s Grand Ballroom is an institution in the Sydney meeting’s industry. It can comfortably seat up to 1000 delegates theatre-style. A host of other meeting rooms adequately accommodate the majority of groups. Telephone (02) 9238 0000 or visit www.fourseasons.com/sydney for further details.
Novotel Northbeach
Located on the beach, just south of Sydney in the heart of the Illawarra region, Novotel Northbeach Wollongong is one of the South Coast’s most popular conference venues. Only one hour’s drive south from Sydney Airport the hotel is easily accessible yet offers a unique environment for any event. A dip in the surf between sessions could be on the cards or maybe a walk or jog along the beach could start or end the day. The sunrises are spectacular from the Novotel Northbeach which, nestled between the mountains and the ocean, offers all the appeal of a seaside escape. Novotel Northbeach boasts a dedicated MICE floor with 12 conference rooms, nine of which offer natural light and can cater for up to 660 delegates. The hotel’s in-house audiovisual team supports the experienced conference team in ensuring the success of each conference.
Visit www.novotelnorthbeach.com.au for further details.
Opera Point Events has replaced The Truffle Group and now manages The Utzon Room, The Summer Pavilion, Opera Point Marquee, the Southern Forecourt and the Northern Foyers of both the Opera Theatre and Concert Hall. The venue held an event recently to introduce Simon Sandall’s food and the new Opera Point Events team and re-establish the Opera House as the place of choice for Sydney’s top events. About 120 guests from the media, professional conference organisers, inbound operators and event managers attended.
Opera Point Events and The Sydney Opera House offer unparalleled venues for conference and corporate events of most sizes. Their experienced staff will provide event planners with personalised service and a range of options from breakfasts or short meetings to all-day conferences and cocktail parties.
From menu options to magnificent break-out areas Opera Point Events can help plan events that will surely impress clients, staff and international guests. All events have at their disposal the Sydney Opera House’s state-of-the art internal sound and lighting equipment along with experienced technicians and operators, ensuring the highest production quality for any corporate event.
BridgeClimb’s latest attraction
BridgeClimb Sydney, the company who guide people to the summit of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, now has two inspiring and motivating experiences – The Bridge Climb and The Discovery Climb. Both climbs offer the ultimate experience of Sydney with trained climb leaders taking small groups over catwalks, stairs and ladders to the summit of the bridge. The newest experience, The Discovery Climb, takes climbers on a unique journey through the heart of the Sydney Harbour Bridge before ascending through the arch of the bridge, 134 metres above sea level, to the summit. Climbs are available at dawn, during the day, twilight or at night and will reward climbers with spectacular 360-degree views of one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. Scaling the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge is the perfect event for conference or incentive groups. It is an unforgettable Sydney experience! For enquiries and bookings call +61 (2) 8274 7777.
Sydney by Monorail
Imagine the impact of a Monorail wrapped in sponsor advertising or conference branding zipping through Sydney city and Darling Harbour while delivering delegates to the door of SCEC. Having offered delegate travel passes for many years, Sydney Monorail now offers impressive branding opportunities for conference sponsors and industry bodies. A fantastic way to impress and inspire delegates, Monorail vehicles and monorail stations provide PCOs and event planners something amazingly unique to offer their clients. A travelling billboard seen throughout the city and Darling Harbour, Sydney Monorail provides the opportunity for massive exposure which can be tailored to meet the needs of convention, tradeshow and meeting organisers and sponsors. As well as wrapping a monorail vehicle, there are opportunities for theming monorail stations or even holding an event at a station or on the vehicles, an impressive statement and something different. “The possibilities are limited only by imagination,” said Sydney Monorail’s marketing director, Michelle Silberman. “A fully wrapped monorail vehicle makes a huge impression on delegates and has a great impact from anywhere in Darling Harbour. When a station is also themed with sponsor or conference branding, it makes the message even stronger.”
Taking only seven minutes from the CBD to Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, the monorail is a conduit between the city and Darling Harbour. Unlimited travel delegate passes are available for between one and seven days and start at just $5 per delegate per day. Sydney Monorail travels between Chinatown, the CBD and Darling Harbour and operates Monday through Thursday from 7am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 7am to Midnight and 8am to 10pm on Sunday. Visit www.monorail.com.au for further details.
Sydney by Diva
If you’re looking for a unique tour of Sydney for your conference delegates (or perhaps even for some visiting clients with a sense of humour) contact Sydney by Diva for an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression as well as show them some of Sydney’s secret places of interest. Jason Thompson takes the persona of Shirley Shagwell or Dame Edna Average on this unique sight-seeing tour. For more information about this super activity, which can be tailor made for groups telephone (02) 8004 0789 or visit www.sydneybydivatours.com.
Harbour Jet
If your conference delegates have been working too hard, need a break, or a pick-me-up then it’s hard to go past one of Sydney’s latest attractions - Sydney Harbour Jet. Strap yourself in and head out onto the water - passing under the famous Harbour Bridge - and then hold on for dear life as the experienced driver takes the boat through its paces. This activity will certainly blow away any cobwebs your delegates or team may be having. The jetboat reaches speeds of 75kph and mixes up the experience with flat-out pace, 270-degree spins, and the occasional rest for photo opportunities and some light-hearted commentary. For more information and bookings telephone 1300 88 73 73 or visit www.harbourjet.com.
The best on the water
Captain Cook Cruises is regarded as the best on Sydney Harbour for its group offerings, with a 14-strong fleet of ships in a variety of sizes and styles. The fleet includes the impressive MV Sydney 2000 which has three exclusive dining decks and five private dining rooms, the elegantly appointed SV Sydney Crystal Seawind catamaran and the MV Captain Cook Explorer, Sydney’s only overnight cruise ship, accommodating up to 120 passengers. And Captain Cook now offers whale watching cruises (June 1 to October 14). For more information, phone (02) 9206 1100 or visit www.captaincook.com.au.
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