Sydney and NSW to shine at AIME 201

Off the back of its award-winning presence in 2014, Destination Sydney will return bigger than ever to Asia Pacific’s premier annual trade show – the 23rd Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME 2015) in Melbourne.


With 15 co-exhibitors by its side, Business Events Sydney (BESydney) will be out to show the 3,000 meetings industry professionals why Sydney and New South Wales (NSW) shine as the best places on earth to meet.  


“It’s an electrifying time with cranes creating a new skyline for Sydney. This is not the Sydney we knew a decade ago – or even a year ago,” said BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith. “ICC Sydney is just part of around A$60 billion in major infrastructure investments that will transform Sydney now and into the future.”

And, with this week’s commitment by the NSW Government to provide a $123.35 million or 25 per cent boost to the sector, the future for the State is even brighter. NSW is already home to an exceptional calendar of major events. There’ll be even more activities from Sydney to the regions for visitors to participate in and experience.

“The NSW Government’s commitment to growing the visitor economy is undisputed. In addition to its $1.1 billion capital investment in new convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities, the government is investing in a host of programs and projects to ensure the harbour city continues to be a globally attractive place to live, work and visit,” said Ms Lewis-Smith.

“The Government also understands the role that business events play in helping it to achieve broader economic development goals and BESydney is proud to be recognised by its government as contributing to both the knowledge and visitor economy.”

While at AIME this year, Ms Lewis-Smith will also represent the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) in her role as President to champion a new Federal Government agreement and explain what it means for the industry. Recently, the Australian Minister for Trade and Investment, the Hon. Andrew Robb AO MP, recognised international business events as an integral part of the government’s economic diplomacy agenda and announced an historic new framework – Attracting Business Events to Australia: Role of Government Agencies.

“Engagement across all levels of government is strong. And, while we’re counting down the months until our cutting-edge convention and exhibition facilities are complete, rest assured that Sydney is well and truly open for business in the lead up to this milestone,” added Ms Lewis-Smith.

“Last year, Sydney hosted 78 international conferences, conventions and incentive events, including some of the largest ever to be staged in Australia, breaking records along the way. Both the 105th Rotary International Convention and 6th IUCN World Parks Congress exceeded organiser expectations, attracting more than 2,000 participants above forecasts, and record country attendance.”

BESydney’s co-exhibitors include the Australian Technology Park Sydney; Australian Turf Club; InterContinental Sydney; InterContinental Sydney Double Bay; Destination Wollongong; Sofitel Sydney Wentworth; The Menzies Sydney, Novotel Rooty Hill & Novotel Rockford; Accor NSW Golf, Valley & Vines; Mercure Sydney and Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour; Accor Hotels Sydney; Accor NSW Regional Coastal Hotels; Australian National Maritime Museum; Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon Tourism; BridgeClimb Sydney and Explore Sailing; and Shangri-La Hotel Sydney.

Source: http://www.incentivetravel.co.uk/news/australia/25051-sydney-and-nsw-to-shine-at-aime-201

BESydney Scores $50 Million Nu Skin Mega Incentive

BESydney Scores $50 Million Nu Skin Mega Incentive

Direct selling company, Nu Skin, has confirmed that its 2016 incentive trip will be to Sydney.

The announcement was made at a recent Nu Skin Academy event in Macau.

This is one of the largest incentive wins in BESydney’s 44-year history and one of the largest incentive groups Australia has ever hosted.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said, “It’s a milestone in the making. Sydney shines as a strategically-important destination for Asian corporates looking to reward, motivate and inspire their top sales people. The city is a firm favourite for Asian companies, and this win is testament to this.”

The incentive will see Nu Skin’s qualifying sales people travel to Sydney for a five-day program in April 2016. Delegates will travel from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

Nu Skin Greater China Regional President Andrew Fan said, “Sydney has exceeded every expectation. Throughout this journey its stakeholders have united for a cohesive, whole-of-city approach which we have not witnessed before. I am confident that Sydney will deliver an outstanding incentive program. Our sales people will feel motivated and inspired by Sydney as the 2016 host destination and this is sure to drive sales performances.”

The winning bid was the result of collaboration between BESydney, Destination NSW, Tourism Australia, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Sydney Airport Corporation Limited.

In addition to the 2016 Nu Skin event, BESydney has secured $278 million worth of confirmed business for the future.

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City of Sydney Chases Chinese Business and Tourism

Chinese business and tourism relationships remain a focus for the City of Sydney into the new year with the Lord Mayor visiting the country and speaking at a business forum.

 In November finance company executives, leading academics and government officials met for the fourth annual Sydney China Business Forum. Lord Mayor Clover Moore opened the forum of 200 business and political leaders from the two countries by saying Sydney must compete with the Asia-Pacific for Chinese investment.

“Sydney is competing to be the top location for business in the Asia-Pacific and our work to bring together industry and political leaders from Australia and China is a crucial part of that,” Moore said.
“We are the gateway to Australia’s financial, education, creative and tourism sectors and we are delighted to back an event that shows off our city’s credentials. The Free Trade Agreement between our two economies means growing business connections now presents huge possibilities, and the City is determined to help businesses seize them,” a spokesperson for the Mayor’s office said.

 Following visits to Chinese cities Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xi’an and Wuhan the Lord Mayor also hosted Chinese delegations, including the Governor and Deputy-Governor of Hubei Province in Sydney.

 The signing of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) between the countries, the text of which was concluded in November 2014, is due to take place later this year. This will mean the removal of tariffs on commodities exported to China including energy resources, dairy, iron ore and the delicacy that is Tasmanian rock-lobster.

 An announcement at last year’s G20 summit that Sydney would be the global infrastructure hub has significant repercussions for the city’s financial relationship with China. Chris Johnson, the CEO of Urban Taskforce, said the endorsement could lead to extensive offshore opportunities for developers across Asia, particularly in digital, technological and creative industries.

“As well as the potential for increased markets for developers there is the increased work potential for consultants like project managers, planners, engineers and architects, ” Mr Johnson said.

 The ongoing strength of Australia’s bilateral partnership with China has particularly strong implications for the higher education trade. International students are a significant source of revenue for the Australian economy, with course fees being significantly higher for international students than for domestic students.

 A 2011 report by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship stated that the highest number of applications for a student visa came from China, with 49,852 visas granted in 2010-11.
Professor Kerry Brown, Executive Director of the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, said that a good quality lifestyle and good economy are amongst the main incentives for Chinese students coming to Sydney.

“With so many Chinese students having graduated from largely business and economic based degrees in recent years, it is not surprising that finance has been able to employ good quality students to work particularly in centres like Sydney and Melbourne,” Prof Brown said.

“Expanding trade links to China [mean] that in the future, [links to Australia] are useful for Chinese students in their careers,” Prof Brown said.

Although study costs are high, it is more financially accessible for Chinese students who can afford to study overseas to do so in Australia than in other global cities.

At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), tuition and course fees are approximately AUD$64,000 per annum for undergraduate courses. Kings College London, offer clinically-based courses such as medicine and dentistry at a cost of approximately AUD$67,000 per annum. 

For international students, the expense of studying courses such as dentistry and engineering at the University of Sydney is approximately AUD$39,700 per annum. A science degree at UNSW costs approximately AUD$37,440 per annum.

 Considering comparative affordability for international students, Sydney is particularly attractive. “With so many Chinese students having graduated from largely business and economic based degrees in recent years, it is not surprising that finance has been able to employ good quality students to work particularly in centres like Sydney and Melbourne,” Prof Brown said.

Rates of Chinese tourism to Australia remain strong and Sydney continues to have strong appeal for travellers, the majority of whom come from Shanghai and Beijing.

 A major research project by Tourism Australia, the findings of which were published in May 2014, found that 57% of Chinese respondents ranked ‘world class beauty and natural environments,’ as two of the most important factors when selecting a travel destination. The availability of good food and wine, safety, and ‘spectacular coastal scenery’ were also considered.

 According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), rates of short-term tourist arrivals from China have grown at a pace faster than that of any other country to Australia, climbing from 2.4% (of the total proportion of visitors to Australia) in 2000 to 7.7% in 2010. Notably, this figure jumped to 24.7% by the end of September 2014.

 Destination NSW has implemented a comprehensive tourism strategy, the China Tourism Strategy and Action Plan (2012-2020), to continue to cater to the large Chinese market. The strategy is aimed at capitalising on the existing market and ensuring ongoing growth for the industry.

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Sydney Festival - Complimentary Yoga with LULULEMON ATHLETICA

LULULEMON ATHLETICA

Summer days are meant to be spent outdoors and this includes your workouts. Throughout Sydney Festival on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings at 7:15am and Wednesday nights at 6pm, lululemon will bring Sydney Festival-goers a complimentary 1 hour yoga class in Hyde Park. Soak up the sun while you move, breathe, strengthen and stretch - perhaps even get upside down!

Bring your mat, your friends and join us for an all levels yoga experience.

From morning till midnight, it's about feeling alive, show us how you live #thesweatlife on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter @lululemonausnz

Duration: 60mins
When: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday mornings at 7:15am, Wednesday nights at 6pm
Address: Hyde Park North - Entry near Archibald Fountain
Website: www.lululemon.com.au

Class schedule:

Thursday 8 January (7:15am)
Instructors: Danielle Walker & Liz Holman (Fused to Move)

Friday 9 January (7:15am)
Instructor: Alanna Chan (Yoga Pavillion)

Tuesday 13 January (7:15am)
Instructor: Lara Zilibowitz (BodyMindLife)

Wednesday 14 January (6:00pm - night session)
Instructor: Persia Rutchinski (In Yoga)

Thursday 15 January (7:15am)
Instructor: Thy Nguyen (Hom Yoga)

Friday 16 January (7:15am)
Instructor: Noelle Connolly (BodyMindLife)

Tuesday 20 January (7:15am)
Instructor: Daniel Myers (Power Living)

Wednesday 21 January (6:00pm - night session)
Instructor: Nicole Walsh (In Yoga)

Thursday 22 January (7:15am)
Instructor: Mel McLaughlin (This Is Yoga)

Friday 23 January (7:15am)
Instructor: Adam Whiting (Power Living)

Source: http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2015/lululemon-yoga

Sydney to host World Congress of Accountants 2018

Sydney has again outshone its competitors, winning the right to host 5,000 leading accounting professionals at the next World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) in 2018, an event worth $18 million to New South Wales (NSW).

Business Events Sydney (BESydney), the NSW Government and a powerful contingent of Australian representatives supported the bid led by Alex Malley from CPA Australia, and Lee White from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia, who together represent 200,000 business, finance and accounting professionals.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Troy Grant revealed the win was announced at the 2014 World Congress in Rome recently.

“This is the latest high-profile international event to be secured for the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney). It’s one of 18 international business events locked in for Sydney and NSW, representing a combined estimated economic impact of close to $150 million,” said Mr Grant.

“Sydney is recognised globally as an international finance hub and business centre. It’s home to Australia’s strongest corporate, finance and professional services sectors - 16 of the 25 top accounting firms call our Harbour City home. In fact, more than 45 per cent (by revenue) of the top 500 companies in Australia are located in NSW,” Mr Grant said.  

CEO of BESydney, Lyn Lewis-Smith said, “The last time Australia hosted this highly sought-after congress was 1972 in Sydney. To have it return to our shores some 40 years later is testament to the strength of our professional services industry and global reputation.”

“The majority of events already secured for ICC Sydney sit within the professional services sector and will play an important role in providing opportunities for global collaboration, trade and investment,” Ms Lewis-Smith said.

ICC Sydney CEO and AEG Ogden Group Director of Convention Centres, Geoff Donaghy said he was pleased the group’s global experience could provide an added degree of confidence when attracting events for ICC Sydney.

“Having successfully hosted the World Congress of Accountants in Kuala Lumpur in 2010, it is an honour to again be entrusted with this prestigious event. In 2018, we look forward to hosting a uniquely Sydney experience for Congress delegates in what is undoubtedly one of the most exciting convention venues to come to market.

“The NSW Government’s decision to invest in infrastructure across the city is certainly underlining Sydney as the destination of choice for international business event decision makers,” Mr Donaghy said.

The NSW Government has committed to significant investment in Sydney’s financial sector, including the A$6 billion development at Barangaroo to create a world-class base for international banks, financial and professional services companies. This major development was a key selling point in the bidding process, as were the brand new conference facilities, and will ensure Sydney continues to be one of the best places in the world to meet.

The quadrennial World Congress of Accountants aims to foster global unity and collegiality among professional accountants. Previous congresses have been held in Rome (2014), Kuala Lumpur (2010), Istanbul (2006), Hong Kong (2002), Paris (1997) and Washington DC (1992).

Source: http://www.incentivetravel.co.uk/news/australia/23545-sydney-to-host-world-congress-of-accountants-2018

Sydney's Largest Floating Venue Hosts Major Events

Pavilion in Darling Harbour is well and truly open for business. Dockside Group’s newest venue has hosted an elite caliber of events in the first few weeks of opening.

With a capacity of up to 1440 guests seated and 2000 standing, Sydney’s newest venue has seen a diverse mix of important ‘first’ events commencing with the gateway to the Sydney International Boat Show, a private function produced by leading Australian Event Stylist & Designer Phillip Carr, the Sydney launch of Mercedes Benz’s next-generation C-Class Series, the Project Futures Stella Fella Charity Black Tie Ball and The Australian Beauty Awards.

Dockside Group Managing Director, Christopher Drivas, said Dockside Pavilion will add a great deal of value to the Darling Harbour precinct.

“We’ve had a great response from our clients and we’re tracking well with strong bookings to date. In particular, many of our corporate clients have secured the venue for multiple year event bookings.

“We want people to be wowed by the magnitude of this venue and understand that it’s a spectacular blank canvas which can be used for virtually any type of event,” said Mr Drivas.

The Pavilion structure was designed by Warwick Bell from Fabric Structure Systems in Auckland, who famously created The Cloud for the New Zealand Rugby World Cup.

The Dockside Pavilion is a temporary venue owned and operated by Dockside Group and will remain in Darling Harbour until the completion of the new International Convention Centre. For more information about Dockside Group visit www.docksidegroup.com.au

Source: http://www.impactpub.com.au/micebtn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16985:sydneys-largest-floating-venue-hosts-major-events&catid=16:mice-news&Itemid=49

How To Have a Stress-Free Family Day Out For Less Than $100

The weather’s warming up, and the kids are keen to get out and explore. But sometimes fun for the kids can mean stress for mums and dads, and a strain for their wallets.

So we’ve taken the stress and the expense out of the family day out. Here’s how to do Darling Harbour – stress-free, without breaking the budget.

Play

The Children’s Playground at Darling Quarter is completely free, and it’s a great place for the kids to spend some time. And the more time the better, as the huge playground has 16 separate features, including the Balance Ropes, an 18.7m rope course and the first of its kind in Australia; the Big Slide, the largest in the whole playground at over 3m high and 8m long; the 21m Flying Fox; the Giant Ring, a 3D swing experience that lets kids go up, down, side to side and around in circles; the Octanet, a climbing course that rises 10m into the air and uses 83m of rope; and the Pump Station, a cool water play feature with 26 water jets! Or just hang out in the sandpit, or chill out under the Shade Zone.

Mums and dads can grab a coffee from one of Darling Quarter’s great cafes, and take a load off on one of the playground’s many benches while the kids play.

Head over from the playground to Kingpin Bowling in the Harbourside Shopping Centre. It’s $40 for a family pass (two adults and two children), which includes one game of bowling per person and two free soft drinks.

On the way, stop off at the Carousel in Palm Grove and take a ride for only $4. Thought to be the second oldest carousel in Australia, and one of only a handful of surviving 19th century carousels, this carousel is a slice of super fun history. It’s driven by a steam engine that was made by Tidmans of Norwich (England) in 1892, and the horses were expertly carved by G & J Lines and Co, London in around 1895. It reached Australia in 1894, and has been enjoyed by roughly six generations of children!

Experience

Located in Australia’s first purpose built theatre dedicated to work for young people, Monkey Baa Theatre Company in Darling Quarter adapts the very best of Australian children’s literature to the stage. With a mission statement to “[create] exceptional theatre experiences for young people by bringing to life uniquely Australian stories”, at Monkey Baa your little monkeys will be entertained and inspired. Tickets are between $20-$25 depending on the show. Keep an eye on their website for new shows.

Enjoy a ride and a movie all at once at Harbourside Shopping Centre’s 9D Action Cinema. Melding 3D animated movies with surround sound, ‘active motion’ seats, and dramatic touch effects like rain, snow, and wind, it’s a cinematic experience like no other. Rides run all day and you don’t even have to book ahead. Just rock up; a family ticket for one ride is only $35.

Families can check out all permanent galleries at the Australian National Maritime Museum for only $17.50, or for an exciting and educational experience to cap off a weekend, check out their Family Fun Sundays. It’s $8.50 per child, $3.50 for the first adult and $7 for each additional adult, plus all day parking for only $13 (have your ticket stamped at the musuem). Every Sunday during the school term, the kids can get up to lots of maritime-themed activities, like making a long ship, or a viking helmet!

Explore the Chinese Garden of Friendship with the Emperor’s Quest smartphone app (available from Google Play and the iTunes App Store), which educates kids about the Chinese zodiac, known as ‘Sheng Xiao’ or ‘birth sign’. Fun clues and the history of each of the animals of the zodiac are hidden throughout the gardens on the way to the 12 hidden animal sculptures, and it’s up to the kids to find them! Once they’re all unlocked, a special surprise will be revealed…

Eat

There are so many great kids menus at Darling Harbour! Blackbird Cafe offers a $14.90 main with a free dessert and free colouring in, and for an extra $3 you can take home a limited edition wobble-bobble ice-cream-head.

Authentic Italian can be found at Vesta ($10), while at Adria, all kids meals are $12.50 including soft drink and dessert. On Saturdays and Sundays at Stacks, kids can get a pizza and unlimited soft drink for $5. Kamikaze offers a selection of Japanese meals for kids for $14.90 each plus a free red lemonade, and desserts for $6.50. Pontoon has a family friendly menu, with ten dishes under $10.

For kids under 12, Passello has a selection of mains for $8.50, and a scoop of free ice cream. Zaaffran has yummy Indian starters and mains for kids, ranging from $7.50 – $15.00. It may seem like a restaurant made entirely for big kids, but Pancakes on the Rocks has a kids menu too, ranging from $2.95 – $7.95.

Plan

Book ahead and you can get discounted all day parking at various Darling Harbour locations with Wilson Parking’s Book A Bay.

All Darling Quarter public amenities have baby change facilities, and Cockle Bay Wharf has a parents’ room and baby change facility.

Enjoy!

Source: http://www.hashtagdarlingharbour.com/stress-free-family-day-less-100/

Need affordable accommodation near Darling Harbour?

Stay at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour and be conveniently located to all the major attractions in the article above.

Check out Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour's latest accommodation specials: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-apartments-on-darling-harbour/hot-deals/

Location: 132-136 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia (walking distance from Wynyard station)

Phone: 02 9199 - 2517