It’s no wonder Sydney is king pin when it comes to playing host to international meetings and incentives. One look outside at the brilliant harbour, one foray into its shopping centres, or one taste of its fine fare and it’s easy to understand why the city’s appeal runs so deep and wide.
The so-called gateway city to the rest of Australia, Sydney is a great place to begin or end any exploration of the country. In fact, it sits just as well when your group doesn’t want to go anywhere else at all.
With some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, quality food, spectacular five-star hotels and unique experiences - climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, for example - Sydney continues to win hearts (and incentives) year on year.
There are very few places in the world where you can wake up to such a spectacular sight each morning as the rising sun dancing across the waters of Sydney Harbour; where you can be exploring the Australian beach culture in the morning and be crushing grapes at a winery in the afternoon; where you can be mountain bike riding in pristine wilderness areas in shorts and t-shirts with a gourmet lunch, and stepping into a limousine with your neatly pressed tuxedo or evening dress for a night of opera a few hours later. It is a magical city and can inspire magical experiences to incentive delegates.
The Olympic Games in 2000 showed the professionalism Australia has to offer the world in terms of organising events. Indeed, it showed that Australians can throw “the best ever” party.
 ITINERARY IDEAS
DAY 1
Arriving in Sydney participants are transferred in style to the world-famous Bondi Beach. An icon of Sydney, surf life savers and sensational seafood await participants in a casually elegant restaurant offering the ultimate in waterside dining at Bondi Beach Pavilion overlooking the famous Bondi Beach. Guests will experience an unparalleled chance to savour the full Bondi experience, taking in the action of the surf along with a gentle Bondi sea-breeze. There will be additional action as guests will also have the opportunity to experience the race that stops the nation — the 2006 Melbourne Cup, with live coverage and activities taking place throughout the afternoon.
Guests will then experience a city tour with a difference - on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Guests will be transferred via Sydney’s wealthiest suburbs to their five-star hotel.
For dinner guests will be transported in style to one of Sydney’s icons in the restaurant scene. The Summit Restaurant and Orbit Lounge Bar, in the heart of the Sydney CBD, boasts Sydney’s finest 360 degree views of the city. Led by acclaimed international chef and restaurateur Michael Moore, Summit Restaurant is one of Sydney’s best dining experiences.
Day 2
Guests will be transferred to Sydney’s newest attraction — Sydney Wildlife World – for breakfast. The attraction houses the largest variety of Australian animals under one roof, providing a complete all-Australian wildlife experience in the heart of Darling Harbour. Breakfast will be enjoyed with more than 6000 animals living in their natural habitats and ecosystems, while experiencing an Aboriginal performance relating to the various animals.
Guests will then experience the waterways of Sydney Harbour as they are transferred from King Street Wharf to Australia’s largest parkland and home of the 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney Olympic Park. On arrival, guests will be escorted to the Observation Deck for a morning relaxation session which will be followed by an Australian themed morning tea in the Stables. Guests will then embark on an escorted park tour, starting with an experience at Telstra Stadium and a group photo on the Olympic dais. The guests will then be transported to Acer Arena where they will relax and unwind while enjoying live entertainment in the Main Arena from the vantage point of one of the VIP corporate suites.
A scrumptious lunch will then take place in the newly opened Bel Parco Restaurant overlooking the tranquil Lake Belvedere in the centre of Bicentennial Park.
Mid afternoon, guests will then return to their hotel in preparation for the gala evening that lies ahead.
In Sydney’s sexiest location, overlooking our world famous Opera House, the bustling harbour and the dramatic city skyline at sunset, guests will enjoy a unique night under the stars of the “Southern Cross” in the Governors “backyard”. Our gourmet barbeque dinner will be cooked a la carte, featuring premium regional produce and matched with boutique wines. Laid back entertainment and a surprise finale will complete a quintessentially Australian experience of great style and fun.
Day 3
Breakfast is at leisure followed by the option to experience one of Sydney’s world famous attractions — BridgeClimb. BridgeClimb offers the ultimate experience of Sydney with an exhilarating and safe three-and-a-half hour fully guided climb to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. An alternative option is to climb the rooftop steps to the clouds and venture across the glass-floored viewing platform for 360-degree views over glittering Sydney Harbour and Sydney Opera House with Skywalk.
For those guests who do not wish to participate in BridgeClimb or Skywalk, the morning is free to experience Sydney’s various shopping precincts. Guests will then meet at their hotel for a short transfer to Circular Quay where they will board a private charter vessel for a farewell lunch on Sydney Harbour.
The Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced a record annual result, securing almost $373 million worth of conferences and other events for New South Wales in 2005/06.
The result eclipses the previous annual record of $291 million set in 2002/03 and means more than 250,000 extra delegates will visit Sydney between now and 2014.
SCVB managing director Jon Hutchison, said the bureau had won bids for 42 business events during the past 12 months, up from 35 the previous year.
“Sydney remains Australia’s leading city for business events and one of the world’s most desirable locations for conferences,” Mr Hutchison said.
“This result highlights not only Sydney’s continuing appeal at an international level, but also its ability to compete in an increasingly tough world market.”
Mr Hutchison said the SCVB had achieved a success rate of 72 per cent in bidding for events during 2005/06.
“This is one of our best strike rates and a highly enviable achievement by international standards.”
He said the SCVB’s results included the securing of one of the world’s largest conventions, the Rotary International Convention, which will be held in Sydney in 2014. The event will bring 22,000 delegates to the city and is worth an estimated $63.8 million to the local economy.
Other major wins during 2005/06 include the 2011 World Congress for Psychotherapy (4000 delegates, worth $18.2 million), the 2009 Meeting of the International Bone and Mineral Society (2000 delegates, $9.6 million), the 2008 International Conference on Electronic Materials (1500 delegates, $6.9 million) and an unannounced event in 2007 (2500 delegates, $6.8 million).
Mr Hutchison said the 42 events won during 2005/06 continued to reflect Sydney’s traditional strength is attracting events from the science and medical fields, but also showed important wins in other areas of business, sport, engineering and fashion.
“We have won events like the Young Presidents Organization 2008 Global Leadership Conference, which will bring 1200 of the world’s top young business minds to Sydney.
“And we’ve secured conventions like the 2010 World Conference on Women in Sport, the 2010 Civil Engineering Conference, and the 2007 Fashion Group International Conference — all of which complement some of Sydney’s most important economic sectors and provide untold business opportunities for the future.”
WHERE To meet, eat and sleep in sydney is no easy task. not because the destination lacks quality venues but rather it has so many to offer.
Australian Technology Park
The Australian Technology Park Conference Centre, just five minutes from the CBD in Eveleigh, is described as the most original conference and exhibition venue in Sydney. Its dynamic atmosphere is reflected in the living heritage precinct in which the centre’s state-of-the-art facilities and staff reside. A test-bed for the innovative technologies emanating from more than 100 resident companies at Australian Technology Park, the ATP Conference Centre is in the business of hosting more than 400 events each year. Its comprehensive and convenient surrounds include wireless electronic and video conferencing equipment, contemporary landscaped grounds, security parking and the convenience of a location within 4km from Sydney’s central business district. Outdoor areas and sporting facilities for corporate team building activities include tennis courts, a basketball court and a sizeable oval. In-house catering with attractively priced menus can be tailored to your needs from simple lunch boxes to gourmet banquets. Visit www.atp.com.au for further details.
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK
Set on 425 acres of parkland Sydney Olympic Park offers one of the country’s most diverse events destinations. Sydney Olympic Park has earned a reputation for hosting highly successful, large sporting events. But the park, located in Sydney’s west, can host an intimate boardroom lunch for 10, a conference for 300 or a special event for 4000. With eight venues offering 80 different function and outdoor spaces Sydney Olympic Park can cater for just about any event or function - from the intimate to the incredible including meetings, conferences, conventions, gala dinners, cocktail parties, product launches, incentive programs and trade and public exhibitions. Visit www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au for further details.
Sofitel Wentworth Sydney
An extensive refurbishment of the Sofitel Wentworth Sydney on Phillip St has resulted in a new contemporary look, while the hotel retains its old-world charm that has made it an architectural icon. The hotel features 436 accommodation rooms, the Elixr Health Club, Aveda Day Spa, and conference facilities for up to 1100 people. It is just minutes by foot from Circular Quay, The Rocks and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For more information telephone (02) 9228 9104 or visit www.accorhotels.com.au/sofitel/
The Grace Hotel
The Grace Hotel is an elegantly restored 11-storey heritage-listed art deco hotel built in 1930. Situated in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, The Grace Hotel fronts three of Sydney’s most prominent streets - York, King and Clarence. The property features 382 accommodation rooms and 15 meeting rooms which can be used in every format and can cater for up to 500 people. The hotel is within walking distance of Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay and King St Wharf, the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, and the CBD shopping precinct. For more information telephone (02) 9272 6888 or visit www.gracehotel.com.au
Sydney Showgrounds
Located in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct Sydney Showground has become one of Sydney’s premier locations for events. Spanning 30 hectares its 20 venues cater for just about any kind of function including product launches, corporate functions, large convention dinners, conferences, cocktail parties, outdoor events, exhibitions, and concert performances. It is home to the Sydney Royal Easter Show and has attracted events such as Big Day Out, ABC Gardening Live, Kids Universe and the Rugby World Cup as well as other domestic and international tradeshows and conferences. The success of these events has given the Sydney Showground a proven track record.
The Showground offers an unrivalled choice of venues with distinctive style and real character, from a grand-scale banquet for 4000 in The Dome to an intimate dinner for 20 in the Clydesdale Pavilion. Visit www.sydneyshowgrounds.com.au for further details.
Sydney Marriott
Located in the heart of everything Sydney has to offer and overlooking Hyde Park, the 241-room Sydney Marriott Hotel is just minutes from city shopping, Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Darling Harbour, Oxford Street, Paddington restaurants and the city’s vibrant nightlife. From a quick snack to a sumptuous meal, Windows on the Park Restaurant presents modern international cuisine featuring the very best Australian fare. With a choice of eight modern function rooms set over two levels, the Sydney Marriott provides the perfect setting for every event. The abundance of natural light and pillarless function rooms create extraordinary options – perfect for your next conference up to 270, or an intimate boardroom meeting for 10. Visit www.marriott.com.au for further details,
WatervieW Convention Centre
The WatervieW Convention Centre is a brand new multi-function convention complex within the Sydney Olympic Park Precinct The 950-seat complex is surrounded by 40 hectares of parklands. The convention centre features 870 square metres of pillarless space with the flexibility to divide into eight individual meeting rooms. It is complemented by a sleek 180-seat restaurant, Bel Parco, and a 220-seat cafe, Lilies on the Park. For more information contact Dockside on 1300 369 386, or email mc@docksidegroup.com.au
Need something to do ‘beyond the ballroom’? do your delegates need a break, need to unwind, or simply need to chill out? then have a read of these options.
 Skywalk
Perched atop the Sydney Tower is one of the city’s newest activities, Skywalk. The walk takes place a staggering 260m above Sydney’s streets on the outer edge of the tower’s gold turret. Participants are suited up and tethered to a rail before walking out onto the deck where wind speeds are 37 per cent faster than on the ground. For more information visit www.skywalk.com.au or www.sydneytoweroztrek.com.au
BridgeClimb
This three-and-a-half hour adventure starts with an alcohol breath test and safety video before climbers are assisted in suits and harnesses. Climbers then complete a climb simulator before embarking on the bridge. Communications equipment is issued before climbers follow their guide up and onto the bridge for some of the most spectacular views of Sydney. During the climb the guide provides an interesting commentary about the building of the bridge and some of the sites. Climbs can be taken at dawn now as well as dusk and during the day. Visit www.bridgeclimb.com for further details.
CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES
Captain Cook Cruises is Sydney’s acknowledged leader in sightseeing cruises. Hear stories of the port and its people from expert commentators in relaxed comfort aboard this fleet of big white cruise ships. Cruise in daylight, at sunset or with the city night lights as your romantic backdrop. Whatever your choice, a Captain Cook Cruise is the best way to see Sydney Harbour. Captain Cook Cruises also offer a full range of corporate entertaining packages including cocktail transfer cruises to major harbourside venues such as the exhibition centre and sporting venues at Homebush Bay, awards night presentations, client entertaining, staff incentives and team-building activities. For more information visit www.captaincook.com.au.
Luna Park
The famous clown face which is Luna Park is welcoming visitors with free entry and plenty of rides and entertainment including Coney Island, dodgems, a pirate ship ride, UFO spinning machine, ferris wheel, the Tango Train and more. The Sydney fun fair also boasts a number of corporate function rooms including Crystal Palace, The Big Top, The Big Dipper Room, The Taj Mahal Room and Popcorn Hall. For more information visit www.lunaparksydney.com.
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