THE Australian National Maritime Museum has launched its newest venue – one of the most atmospheric available to the business events industry – Lighthouse Gallery.

More than 350 business events industry professionals were treated to a spectacular launch on April 3, arriving along a red carpet to be welcomed to the event by fire twirlers stationed on the majestic vessel and unique event space HMAS Vampire.

As they entered the Lighthouse Gallery, the evening’s formalities commenced with one of Australia’s most likeable master of ceremonies, Darren Isenberg, introducing the venue and getting the crowd in the nautical spirit with a range of one liners including encouraging guests to say to their neighbour, “I like the cut of your jib” – causing the room to erupt with laughter.

Robyn Holt, councillor of the Australian National Maritime Museum and former editor of Vogue Magazine, officially opened the new venue, stating that after five years as a member of the board she was thrilled to be a part of a very exciting phase of the museum and to witness the transformation of the Lighthouse Gallery.

Ms Holt pronounced Lighthouse Gallery officially open for business and then handed over to Australian National Maritime Museum representative Deanna Varga to expand upon the event capabilities of the museum to planners. 

With the support of the event’s partners Decorative Events, AV1 and Laissez Faire Catering, the venue was transformed into a classically styled lounge bar, equipped with a chocolate and cognac stand, a cocktail bar and delectable canapés.

Increasing the museum’s portfolio of event venues to eight, Lighthouse Gallery offers a complete waterfront position, with enviable views of Sydney Harbour and resident Cape Bowling Green lighthouse.
Lighthouse Gallery is pitching for product launches, gala dinners, cocktail events and conferences – offering one-of-a-kind event experiences.

The all-new venue is also equipped with state of the art in-house audio-visual, award winning cuisine from catering partner Laissez Faire and opportunities to incorporate some of the museum’s world class exhibitions, such as the current Amazing Whales – Evolution and survival,  and tours into venue packages.

www.anmm.gov.au/venues/

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DRONE technology and advanced mobile laser scanners are just a sample of the industry innovation to be showcased at the inaugural North Queensland Industry and Resources Expo (NQ Expo) this week from March 27-28 at Townsville Entertainment Centre.

Event director, Bob Carroll, said one of the most exciting things about hosting these events was seeing the latest technology, alongside the experts who could explain it.

“Advanced, innovative technology will be on display, and the experts on hand to demonstrate, answer questions, and provide crucial information,” Mr Carroll said. “It’s an opportunity for businesses to be way ahead of their competition.”

NQ Expo will be introducing delegates and exhibitors to one of the most advanced mobile laser scanners on the market from LiDAR specialist Fagerman Technologies in the United States.
“Some of the technology on display is mind-blowing,” Mr Carroll said.

“The laser scanners and mobile mapping technology from the US is phenomenal, and there will be onsite demonstrations.”

The drone technology is from innovative local company NQ UAV whose vision is to see North Queensland businesses, government departments, and research organisations become world leaders in their fields through the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology.

NQ UAV’s CyberQuad Maxi uses drone technology to allow users to get up close to buildings and sites to conduct visual or thermal inspections.

“If lasers and drones are not your thing, and it’s bolts and fasteners, trucks and transport, or even warehousing, or computer solutions you’re after, there will be products and services covering over 40 sectors on display,” Mr Carroll said.

Industry networking functions and seminars will round out an exciting few days, including the official launch to the 2014 event with special guests Mayor of Townsville, Jenny Hill, and Executive Regional Director-North for the Department of State Development Infrastructure and Planning, Matthew Andrew.

http://nqexpo.com.au/

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BUSINESS Events Week is being staged in Melbourne next week to promote the value and continued development of Australia’s business events industry.

Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) chief executive officer, Karen Bolinger said the inaugural Business Events Week took place in February 2013 and featured a week-long program of activities that illustrated the fundamental value of business events to the nation’s economy, knowledge base and tourism industry.

This year’s event will run all next week in Melbourne, with its central event being the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Ms Bolinger also announced that Australian Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb is the official ambassador for Business Events Week 2014.

“Conferences span the entire business and knowledge sectors, providing a major platform to collaborate, innovate and educate,” Ms Bolinger said.

“The scientific community in particular is a major beneficiary of the legacies produced by conferences and who better to convey the significance of this than our Chief Scientist.

“Professor Chubb has provided a major contribution to our country and was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for service to higher education, including research and development policy and to the facilitation of a knowledge-based global economy.

“At the Melbourne Convention Bureau, we advocate that along with developing knowledge and research, business events are pivotal in terms of driving the economy and tourism sector.

“To put this into context, by 2020 the value of business events to the Australian economy will rise to $31 billion.

“In addition, business events create a positive flow on effect for small to medium businesses. In Victoria alone, between 2009 to 2013 delegate spend during MCB-secured business events is estimated at $100 million on hotels, $46 million on air travel, $23 million on sightseeing and tours, and $50 million on retail,” Ms Bolinger said.

“The significance of business events to the nation, and the jobs they provide, presents a strong argument for the ongoing investment into the industry.”

Professor Chubb said he was proud to be involved in Business Events Week.

“The long term economic benefits of business events are extremely valuable and varied; from attracting inward investment and generating knowledge economy jobs to securing research funding for academic institutions,” Prof. Chubb said.

“I am a firm believer in what business events can do to support the development of the research and knowledge sectors and am honoured to be involved in driving awareness via Business Events Week.”

AIME, from February 18-19, is now in its 22nd year of showcasing the best Australian, Asia-Pacific and international destinations, products and services to the meetings incentives, conventions and exhibitions markets..

Also confirmed to take place during the week is the annual Associations Forum CEO Symposium, where 100 to 120 senior decision makers from domestic and Asia-Pacific not-for-profit organisations will take part in business sessions, as well as a networking and social program.

Business Events Week will also see the return of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s Open House – a public event showcasing innovation in the business events space. Open House will feature addresses from CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering chief, Cathy Foley; Cato Brand Partners chairman, Ken Cato; and ABC Television advertising and marketing program The Gruen Transfer’s Todd Sampson.

More than 60 events have been locked in for Business Events Week, with new additions to the calendar including Convergence 2014: The Promise of Precision Medicine on February 19.  

A half day event which is open to the public, Convergence 2014 brings together medical researchers, computer scientists, mathematicians, engineers and doctors to help transform healthcare. The philosophy behind Convergence is that collectively, healthcare can progress beyond standardised, one-size-fits-all medicines and medical treatments towards those that target specific types of patients.

The key note speaker for the event will be San Francisco’s University of California vice chancellor for research, executive vice dean of the School of Medicine and professor of cellular and molecular pharmacology, Keith Yamamoto.

http://www.melbournecb.com.au/

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A GOLDMINE, a zoo, hot springs, winemakers, turf racing and a Space Hotel were among the winners at the 2013 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards presented this week.

RACV's Inverloch Resort is now in the Hall of Fame.

"These awards represent the pinnacle of achievement in the Victorian tourism and events industry and they highlight the outstanding visitor experiences our state has to offer," said Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) chief executive Dianne Smith.

VTIC highlighted the versatility and calibre of Victoria's tourism product that the judges had to consider. Ms Smith congratulated winners of the Victorian Tourism Awards, announced at a gala ceremony at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on November 11.

VTIC particularly recognised industry stalwart Craig Opie, winner of the Qantas Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual. Mr Opie is a long-standing supporter and driver of tourism in Victoria, particularly through his work with a predecessor to VTIC, the Victorian Tourism Operators Association (VTOA).

"We are proud of all winners and nominees and the valuable contribution they make to our important sector," Ms Smith said.

"As well as attracting strategic investment and enhancing social wellbeing, the Victorian tourism industry contributes $19.1 billion to our state's economy each year and generates employment for more than 200,000 Victorians."

VTIC worked with Tourism Victoria to deliver preparatory workshops throughout the state, equipping tourism operators with knowledge of how best to prepare a nomination.

Kryal Castle is a new adventure destination in Victoria.

"Pleasingly, 150 industry members attended this year's workshops, demonstrating the prestige of the Victorian Tourism Awards," Ms Smith said.

"VTIC also provided a Victorian Tourism Awards Mentor Program and acted as a judge in some of the 32 categories."

2013 RACV Victorian Tourism Award winners were:

Blue Moon Cottages - Standard Accommodation and inducted into the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for winning its category for three consecutive years.

Melbourne Zoo - Major Tourist Attraction.

Peninsula Hot Springs - Tourist Attraction.

Victoria Racing Club - Major Festivals and Events.

Central Deborah Goldmine - Heritage and Cultural Tourism.

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre - Business Tourism.

Leisure Options - Specialised Tourism Services.

Frankston Visitor Information Centre - Visitor Information and Services.

Grampians Tourism - Destination Marketing.

Searoad Ferries - Major Tour and/or Transport Operators.

Hilton Melbourne South Wharf - Luxury Accommodation.

The Enchanted Maze Garden - Adventure Tourism.

Kryal Castle Adventure Park and Resort - New Tourism Development.

Crown Melbourne - Tourism Education and Training.

Fowles Wine - Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries.

Space Hotel - Backpacker Accommodation.

Friends of Flagstaff Hill - Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers.

Brett Ince from Geelong Otway Tourism - Young Achiever Award.

RACV Cobram Resort - Tourist and Caravan Parks.

RACV Inverloch Resort - Deluxe Accommodation and inducted into the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for winning its category for three consecutive years.

http://www.vtic.com.au/

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