INSIDER GUIDE
INSIDER GUIDE
Left : Private lunch on Noosa Main Beach . Above : Poolside at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas .
Coastal charm
Cocktails , river cruising and lunch on the beach by a celebrity chef were just some of the highlights of a recent famil at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas in sunny Queensland , writes Brittney Levinson .
A group of PCOs from across Melbourne , Sydney and Brisbane recently attended a three-day familiarisation trip at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas , in Queensland ’ s Sunshine Coast . Delegates were given the opportunity to experience first-hand the conference possibilities on offer at the property and throughout the region .
Peppers Noosa is home to one of the region ’ s largest conference and event venues , with facilities to cater for 350 delegates , or up to 600 for a cocktail reception . The spaces include a main conference area that can be used as a large stand-alone conference or banquet room , or can be divided into as many as three individual areas for separate functions or breakout areas , as well as an 87-seat theatrette , a private boardroom and a spacious pre-function terrace .
The resort ’ s dedicated event planners take a creative approach to conferences – it wouldn ’ t be unusual to find pots of playdough or toy Nerf guns on their conference tables , bringing a fun and engaging element to corporate events .
On arrival , delegates enjoyed welcome drinks at the newly renovated View Restaurant , a multi-purpose bar and dining space with views of the nearby Laguna Bay . After exploring the resort and surrounds , including Hastings Street and Noosa National Park , the group gathered for cocktails and canapes at the Grande Villa , a luxury four-bedroom villa complete with its own private boardroom . Guest speaker Nikki Fogden-Moore , also known as The Vitality Coach , demonstrated what she can offer corporate groups as a health and lifestyle coach .
The Peppers team works closely with local partners to take conferences beyond the resort . As part of the famil , Peppers Noosa partnered with Tourism Noosa to host a private lunch for the delegates on Noosa Main Beach , with a fresh , seasonal menu by celebrity chef Matt Golinski and Peppers Noosa chef Andrew Wilcox .
“ I really want to give you guys a snapshot of what Noosa food is to me and the diversity of what this region has to offer ,” Golinski said during the lunch .
“ The things we think about when creating menus in this area are the seasonality and locality . It ’ s a great part of the Noosa
philosophy and I ’ m really pleased to be a part of it .”
Delegates also experienced a range of activities hosted by local businesses , including the Noosa Oceanrider thrill ride , a cooking lesson at Wasabi restaurant and a surfing lesson with Go Ride a Wave surf school . The famil culminated in a feast-style dinner at Noosa Boathouse , a three-level bistro , bar and events destination on the Noosa River . Delegates arrived at the dinner in style , on board a sunset river cruise thanks to Noosa River & Canal Cruises .
Peppers Noosa conference and events manager Valerie Teape said it was great to see so much interest in the resort and Noosa as a destination .
“ We planned the famil to ensure a mix of activities , pampering and relaxation , with a strong focus on local produce and collaboration with our local partners , including Tourism Noosa ,” she said .
“ I hope everyone went home refreshed and rejuvenated , and with newfound knowledge of what Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas can offer from an events perspective in a unique and stunning destination .”
www . cimmagazine . com Convention & Incentive Marketing , Issue 8 , 2016 5