Bureau Manager Belinda Guest said the purpose of the bureau is to facilitate conference and convention business in Orange. “Several state and national conferences have been held in the city during recent months including the 2004 NSW Botanic Gardens Network Conference and Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) National Conference, “ Ms Guest said.

“This year Orange will host a number of special events including the 2005 NSW Bed & Breakfast Annual State Conference and the 2005 NSW Weeds Conference.

“The Bureau has experienced staff to help with venue selection and planning by giving clients current information and advice on the Orange region. We have the resources to make a client’s next conference a success. Ms Guest says the Orange City Convention Bureau’s experienced team can introduce conference planners to venues and catering services, arrange site inspections and venue familiarisations as well as advise on accommodation and travel requirements. Orange’s excellent range of facilities and proximity to Sydney and Canberra attracts many conferences and events. And that number appears to be growing.

“We can offer a relaxed country atmosphere, exciting venues, natural attractions including Lake and Mt Canobolas, award winning restaurants, cool climate wines and unique history and heritage sites. “Orange is ideal for those companies, organisations and associations looking for a destination that can host a successful local, regional, state or national conference or event.”

Located just three hours from Sydney by road or 45 minutes by air, Orange is a welcoming city full of life, elegant streetscapes and buildings, beautiful parks and gardens and some of the best regional food and wine in Australia. The Orange district boasts more than 25 cellar doors all producing award winning cool climate wines of unique and distinct character. Wine tasting is available from the cellar doors on weekends, public holidays and during the week at selected wineries by appointment. Each Autumn Orange hosts F.O.O.D. Week, a celebration showcasing local food and wine. The fresh local food and wine makes for a fine dining experience and will leave a lasting impression on guests’ palates.

Orange offers accommodation, venues and attractions to suit all tastes and budgets.

For example the Orange Botanic Gardens is the perfect venue to relax and enjoy the scenery and district views of vineyards, orchards and Mt Canobolas. Seating up to 80, the Clover Hill Function Centre, located within the gardens, is fully self-contained with kitchen, audio and visual equipment. The gardens showcase the magnificent splendour of the four seasons of Orange.

Orange City Council also manages the Orange Civic Theatre providing seating for 500 people. The highly developed acoustic qualities of the auditorium make the multipurpose venue well suited to all forms of entertainment, conferences, seminars and public meetings. The experienced Civic Theatre team is happy to provide advice and assistance to event organisers.

Premier venue Orange’s premier function venue is the Orange Function Centre. The centre can cater for corporate and private functions including trade exhibitions, conferences, gala events and concerts. It is the largest and most versatile of venues in the district. Organisers can easily combine presentations, exhibitions, lunches and dinners in the one venue with spectacular results.

Orange is a great destination for anyone seeking to hold a meeting in Regional NSW, in a destination that offers food and wine adventures, and art and heritage opportunities. For more information contact Jasmine Vidler or Amber Earle on 1800 069 466, email tourism@orange.nsw.gov.au or visit www.orange.nsw.gov.au.