The Future is Bright for Business Events in Sydney

Business Events Sydney (BESydney), in partnership 12 co-exhibitors, will shine the spotlight on Sydney’s spectacularly bright future at this month’s Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expos (AIME).

Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26-27 February, AIME is the Asia-Pacific region’s must-attend event for the meetings and events industry.

Sydney and NSW’s world-class venues and suppliers will fly the flag for NSW at the Destination Sydney stand (#1522), showcasing the scope of the state’s unique opportunities for event planners.

The harbour city will also be showing off Australia’s largest convention and exhibition facilities – an exciting development that will bolster the city’s already stellar reputation as one of the world’s favourite places to do business.

The International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) will have its own stand (#1422), where AIME visitors will be able to see a model of the current design and talk to the consortium that will build and operate the facilities when they open in late 2016.

Other new developments on show include The Star’s recently opened Event Centre, a multi-purpose venue designed to host A-list acts, conferences, exhibitions and awards functions, and Royal Randwicks’ $150 million redevelopment (opening in August), which includes a four-star hotel, ballroom and outdoor amphitheatre, as fantastic locations for upcoming business events.

Construction is also currently underway at Barangaroo, a 22-hectare former container port that is being transformed into a $6 billion extension of the city and which will include office space, residential apartments, public parks and event space, and a hotel, cafes and shops.

Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney, says that Sydney is open for business, and industries, government and communities are working together like never before.

“The venue options are abundant in Sydney and the redevelopment of Darling Harbour is the perfect opportunity for the city to showcase its diverse venues and the agility and flexibility of its suppliers,” Ms Lewis-Smith says.

“Also, many national conferences are literally getting out of town and benefitting from the unique activities and specialised knowledge hubs in regional NSW locations such as the Hunter Valley and Wollongong,” Ms Lewis-Smith said.

“NSW welcomes almost half of all international business arrivals to Australia. We are, and will continue to be, the country’s premier business events destination, now and in the future.”

Destination Presentations will be held at the Destination Sydney stand on Tuesday February 26 at 11.35 am and Wednesday February 27 at 1.15 pm. Register at www.aime.com.au  to attend.

GLEBE ISLAND EXPO KEEPING SYDNEY NUMBER ONE

Infrastructure NSW announced today that the interim exhibition facility on Glebe Island will be bigger than planned and has been designed to meet the requirements of Sydney’s valuable exhibition and event industry.
Sydney Harbour Expo @Glebe Island has been selected as the preferred tenderer to build, operate and remove the interim facility, which will host exhibitions and events during construction of the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP) at Darling Harbour between late 2013 to late 2016.
Sydney Harbour Expo @Glebe Island is the company formed by the leading event and equipment hire company, Pages, to deliver Glebe Island Expo.
Pages, which has developed its own in-house design and manufacturing capability, has been a highly successful supplier of event infrastructure in Australia and internationally since 1957.
Infrastructure NSW Project Director Tim Parker said, with Pages on board, we are able to create a fully-enclosed and fully-serviced, marquee-style structure of 25,000 sqm - almost replicating the current exhibition space at Darling Harbour.
“Previously, we asked tenderers for 15,000 sqm of enclosed space, with the extra 10,000 sqm to be available on a temporary basis for the larger shows,” Mr Parker said.
“The plan to have one large space undercover was developed in consultation with and endorsed by the major exhibition organisers that use the current facilities in Darling Harbour. It can be provided at the same cost to the NSW Government.
“Glebe Island will be able to accommodate Sydney’s major exhibitions, which attract more than 500,000 visitors and generate more than $100 million in economic benefit each year.
“We are proposing a strong focus on public transport to Glebe Island Expo. We will introduce shuttle services to Glebe Island on event days – including ferries from Darling Harbour and buses from the CBD.
“This facility is part of a city-wide interim solution which will keep our important conference, meeting and exhibition industry open for business to ensure Sydney remains the number one choice for events during the SICEEP construction period.
“Our interim solution will provide a platform for transition when the new, world-class facilities at Darling Harbour open in late 2016,” Mr Parker said.
Glebe Island Expo will:
-Provide 25,000 sqm of exhibition space.
-Be a destination for local and international visitors, capitalising on the proximity to Sydney Harbour.
-Deliver the experience of a more permanent facility through a uniquely designed solution.
 Provide access for loading, private vehicles, ferries and shuttle buses
Glebe Island's role as an important port facility will continue while Glebe Island Expo is in use. Port activities will continue once the temporary facility is removed when the new convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities open late 2016.
The target for development consent is March 2013, with construction commencing mid next year.
Bookings for Sydney Harbour Expo are currently coordinated through Business Events Sydney, and the transition to the new operator will happen in March 2013.

Sydney Pitched as Global Talent Hub

Sydney pitched as global talent hub
(Media release issued by The Hon Andrew Stoner MP, Deputy Premier of NSW, Minster for Trade & Investment, and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services on 13 December 2012)
Business Event Sydney (BESydney) has been invited to join the Global Talent Hub initiative, which is to be driven by the Committee for Sydney with support from the NSW Government, to build on Sydney's existing advantages to attract more highly capable, internationally mobile talent to Sydney.
Sydney's lifestyle appeal, dominance in the finance, ICT and research sectors, world- class education offering and highly skilled multicultural workforce will be key selling points in a new campaign to position the Harbour City as a magnet for global talent.
"The Global Talent Hub initiative will also work with Business Events Sydney to target the thousands of international visitors that attend specialised business events in Sydney each year," Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment, Mr Andrew Stoner MP said.


Source - Business Events Sydney

Conference Investment Boost to Business

The City of Sydney will invest a further $1.5 million to promote Sydney as a world-class conference city, attracting tens of thousands of visitors who will contribute millions to the local economy.
The City will invest $500,000 a year over the next three years in Business Events Sydney (BESydney), to assist in stimulating and supporting this important market.
BESydney is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that promotes Sydney as a global business events destination. It identifies opportunities and bids to win events for the city, from youth travel events to international medical conferences.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said providing financial backing for business events was vital for the health of the city’s economy, and Sydney had world-class venues and workers.
“The international market for business events is increasingly competitive, with more cities than ever vying to secure these valuable events, so it’s essential that we help promote Sydney to the world,” the Lord Mayor said.
“All levels of government need to work in partnership to secure business events for Sydney and secure our city’s credentials as a world class events destination.
“We welcome the NSW Government’s plans to build a new Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct, which will allow us to stay ahead of the curve.
“It will enhance Sydney’s position as a regionally significant, globally connected city while boosting the local economy through increased tourism and industry spend.”
Deputy Premier the Hon. Andrew Stoner MP, who will be leading delivery of the new Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct, welcomed the investment and the opportunity to work together for the benefit of Sydney and NSW.
“As BESydney’s major supporter, the NSW Government recognises the value that business events deliver to our visitor and knowledge economies,” Mr Stoner said.
“Business event delegates stay, shop, eat, celebrate, explore in our city helping to drive demand for our tourism providers. As part of an aligned economic development strategy, these events also stimulate trade and investment opportunities for local businesses, fuel knowledge exchange, and more broadly promote innovation and productivity.
“NSW is already the preferred Australian destination for international meetings and we want to ensure that we stay on the front foot.
“I congratulate Lord Mayor Clover Moore for recognising the ongoing value of business events to our state, beyond tourism dollars, and for making this valuable investment in our shared future, and I look forward to working with BESydney, the City of Sydney and industry to attract business events from around the world to Sydney.”
Chief Executive Officer of BESydney, Lyn Lewis-Smith, welcomed the investment as the final piece in a truly collaborative approach to securing business events for the city and NSW.
“Sydney is recognised globally as a leading destination for business events. Our future success will be underpinned by a whole-of-city approach to attracting, winning and delivering world-class conferences, corporate meetings and incentive programs,” Ms Lewis-Smith said.
“All levels of government, industry groups and the vast network of industry suppliers need to collaborate. The increased support that will now come from the City of Sydney is the final piece in the puzzle and we are very excited by the opportunities this partnership will bring.”
Last financial year, Business Events Sydney secured 103 events for Sydney. It’s estimated these events will have an economic impact of $225.6 million and attract approximately 58,000 visitors when they take place over the coming years.
The Lord Mayor said hosting business events helped to cement Sydney’s position as a global city.
“The City places a high priority on support for business and we are committed to actively participating in building a flourishing economy at all levels.”

(Source: Sydneymedia.com.au)

NSW Tourism Big Winner In "Visionary" Convention Centre Announcement

The $1.5billion plan to transform Darling Harbour into a tourism and convention mecca has been welcomed by the local tourism and accommodation industry.
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell has announced the "Destination Sydney" consortium would deliver a new convention complex featuring a new 900-room hotel and 40,000 square metres of convention space.
Tourism Accommodation Australia NSW) director Carol Giuseppi said the plan was exactly what Sydney needed.
"We welcome the visionary nature of the project which moves beyond simply a convention and exhibition centre to a design which encompasses the total visitor experience," she said.
"The new facilities will ensure that Sydney attracts more of the lucrative business events market.
"Up to 10% of activity in Sydney hotels is generated from business events, therefore, a modern, state of the art competitive facility is vital.
"In particular we welcome the planning for additional 3.5 star hotel rooms on the site."
Ms Giuseppi said she was also pleased with plans for the redevelopment of the Haymarket area.
"For too long this has been the neglected part of the city," she said.
"This proposal includes a much-needed creative quarter in that area with a mix of boutiques, special-interest retail and cafes and restaurants.
"This makes it even more important that we improve connectivity between this area and the rest of the CBD via light rail. Together with the revitalisation of Chinatown this area will become magnet for visitors."

(Source: Travmedia 11/12/12)

New South Wales Government announces successful consortium and proposed design for Sydney's new convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct

The Premier of New South Wales (NSW), The Honourable Barry O'Farrell MP, today announced Destination Sydney as the preferred consortium to design, build and operate the new 20-hectare convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct. The Destination Sydney consortium includes AEG Ogden, Lend Lease, Capella Capital and Spotless.

The need for expanded facilities, enhanced venue flexibility and the ability to accommodate coinciding events were key considerations in the proposed design. The precinct, which has been given the working title 'Darling Harbour Live', will incorporate the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) and a red carpet entertainment venue with an innovative fan-shaped layout, and a hotel complex of up to 900 rooms.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith welcomes this long-awaited and anticipated news, commenting, "Sydney needs an iconic, contemporary and versatile meetings precinct befit of Australia's global city. We will have this and more! This innovation hub in the heart of Sydney will create opportunities to host more international events that help to drive our knowledge economy. The precinct will also be a hive of residential and retail, leisure spaces and more. It will connect our educational, creative and multicultural precincts. Above all, it will have the character, dynamism and energy for which Sydney is renowned.

The proposed design will equip Sydney with flexible and versatile spaces required to accommodate changing meeting architecture and continuously evolving technology. Set for completion in late 2016, 'Darling Harbour Live' is destined to be Australia's largest and first fully integrated exhibition, convention and entertainment space. Construction will commence in late 2013, following the closure of the existing Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Visit www.siceep.com for information on the development, including a video fly-over and image gallery.

The Premier of NSW, The Honourable Barry O'Farrell MP, commented, "Along with the development of Barangaroo, this project will transform the western fringe of Sydney's Central Business District and is the biggest and most exciting change to Darling Harbour in 25 years."

BESydney will continue to manage booking enquiries at bookings@besydney.com.au or via
1300 141 583 until early next year.

SICEEP to ‘blow away’ MCEC

 THE NSW Tourism Minister has declared the redeveloped Sydney Convention + Exhibition Centre (SCEC) will not just rival that of Victoria’s prime conference venue, but “blow Melbourne out of the water” when it opens by 2017. Speaking with BEN, George Souris - who is also the Minister for Major Events - referred to the size of the project as “humongous”, enabling Sydney to offer greater competition to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. “It’s going to be a long year, but we are building something twice the size of what we were initially planning,” Souris said. Facilities include what’s billed as Australia’s largest exhibition space, at 40,000sqm, and the country’s biggest convention hall capacity for 10,000 people over four different spaces. While the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition & Entertainment Precinct’s design is still to be finalised, the Minister confirmed the project was likely to result in events being turned away during the rebuild stage. Questioned if the substitute Glebe Island facility - along with other alternative venues across the city - would result in conferences being hosted intrastate, Souris said “I’d say so.” “We’re hoping to make sure we cover the bases, but there will be events that will say ‘We’ll be back in a years time”. He said the SICEEP would take the better part of two years to construct, with the existing SCEC closing from Dec next year. Classed for all intents and purposes as a ‘pull down, start again’ project, Souris believes the SICEEP design will integrate some of the existing halls of the SCEC during its redevelopment.Within the project is a brand new build hotel for Sydney, sitting just below the 5-star standard. Souris was unable to comment on which hotel group was linked to the project, but confirmed it would not compete against The Star’s ‘6-star’, The Darling. As detailed in the November update on the SICEEP website, a “hotel use” site is earmarked for the Northern Sector of the precinct near the water at the existing Convention Centre. Two groups of companies have submitted bids to design, plan and operate the new facilities, Destination Sydney and VeNuSW. Among VeNuSW’s partners (via a joint venture with Plenary Group) is Hilton Worldwide. Back in June, Hilton Worldwide announced plans to debut its DoubleTree by Hilton brand in the Australian market with a new build property in Karratha, WA, saying at the time the DoubleTree brand has potential growth prospects in Australasia.

(Source: Business Events News 5/12/12)