Executive PA Australasia Issue 2 2019 | Page 44

EVENTS ORGA N I S I NG E V EN T S Meetings and event industry news for EAs NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the latest addition to Chief of Staff magazine, “Organising Events”. With EAs increasingly involved in all aspects of events and conferences, this brand new section is designed to dial you into the industry. We will be covering conferences, events, awards, key players and more. FINDING THE RIGHT EVENT LOCATION INDUSTRY AWARDS Sydney’s event precinct Fraser Island resort takes home venue award Scott Eger, general manager of Novotel Sydney Darling Square outlines what to look for in the perfect event location While packages and inclusions are important when considering your next conference venue, there is more to the perfect meeting than just securing a conference offering at the right price. Location, accessibility and convenience for both the event and attendees also sits as high priority alongside venue quality, food offerings and great overall facilities. Key decision making should consider if the venue is public transport friendly, safe, comfortable and in easy walking proximity for guests. Sydney’s newest precinct, Darling Square offers all of this. A well-planned, integrated business and leisure hub, Darling Square is centrally located within a minutes walk to central and town hall stations, and only a few hundred metres from light rail. Uninterrupted walking access to the ICC, Darling Harbour, China Town, Barangaroo and ferry services delivers easy walking access to Sydney’s greatest landmarks and attractions. Surrounded by the city’s thriving restaurant and bar scene, visitors can enjoy dining and entertainment throughout their time in the area. Novotel Sydney Darling Square is located within the Darling Square precinct and can work to deliver your next event with Inbalance Meetings by Novotel. S 44 Chief of Staff | Issue 2 2019 Fraser Island’s Kingfisher Bay Resort has been awarded ‘Unique Event Venue with Accommodation’, at the recent Queensland Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) ceremony held in Brisbane. The award was accepted by MICE Sales Manager, Sarah Smith, who said, “Being recognised on a state level will continue to generate fantastic exposure for Fraser Island as a conferencing destination—not to mention the wonderful and well-deserved acknowledgment for our small, yet dedicated events team.” S Pullman Brisbane awarded ‘Best Airport Hotel in the Pacific Region’ The Pullman Brisbane Airport hotel has been awarded the ‘Best Airport Hotel in the Pacific Region’ at the Sky Trax 2019 World Airport Awards. The awards were held at the Passenger Terminal EXPO in London, on 27 March. Opened in October 2017, Pullman Brisbane Airport has become a go-to accommodation choice for high-flying guests visiting Brisbane. “This award is a major milestone for the hotel and we extend hearty congratulations to our partners and the owners of the hotel,” says Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer Pacific, Accor. S