SEPTEMBER'S FEATURED VENUES
Focus on Darwin
Darwin is renowned for its tropical weather, rich indigenous culture, nearby national parks and fantastic, laid-back lifestyle. It is home to an eclectic mix of cultures whose outdoor lifestyle is complemented by brilliant sunsets, fantastic fishing and a range of conference and meeting options.
Darwin Convention Centre
The Darwin Convention Centre spans a total floor area of 22,900 square metres offering a wide selection of conference, exhibition and function facilities for 10 to 4,000 delegates.
Nature, architecture and technology converge in this waterfront venue to provide not only the finest facilities but also to create the ideal environment for successful and memorable events.
Read more detailed information about Darwin Convention Centre or contact Sue Wall +613 9870 4611
Vibe Hotel Darwin
Darwin is brimming with fun filled activities including exploring World Heritage listed tourist attractions, wandering through Aboriginal art galleries or savouring the outdoor lifestyle by indulging in the al fresco dining.
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront offers you a range of flexible meeting rooms and conference facilities... unique and inspiring venues with an edge for your conference delegates... an exceptional setting to motivate, train, escape, relax or to be entertained.
Read more detailed information about Vibe Hotel Darwin or contact Rachel Buck +613 9870 4611
Pee Wee's at the Point
Nestled amongst the tropical palms and natural environment of East Point Nature Reserve, Pee Wee's at the Point commands sweeping views across Fannie Bay to the skyline of Darwin. The multitude of wildlife that frequents the restaurant and quiet natural ambience of the surrounds, make Pee Wee's an unforgettable Territory experience. Perfect for a world class private or corporate function, Pee Wee's has built a reputation for great food and excellent service.
Read more detailed information about Pee Wee's at the Point or contact Pam Conway +613 9870 4611
HAPPENINGS
Superjumbo for Melbourne
Melbourne is about to become the second Australian city to have Airbus A380 services, with the Singapore Airlines superjumbo scheduled to start services on September 29. The Melbourne-Singapore flights will replace a daily Boeing 747-400 service. Singapore Airlines has been flying to Melbourne since 1971 and has 21 weekly services between the city and Singapore.
Stella now Mantra
Out of the restructure and recapitalisation of the Stella Group which saw the creation of two separate and independently operating businesses - Stella Travel Services and Stella Hospitality Group - rises Mantra Group. Mantra Group will continue to operate the hotel brands of Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree.
Meeting Mart set for October 19
Meeting Mart, the Victorian intrastate tradeshow for meetings, incentive, conference and event planners will be held at Crown Towers Hotel, Melbourne on Monday 19 October.
The annual MICE mart is designed for Victoria-based conference and event suppliers to meet and do business with Victoria-based buyers. The 2009 program includes an extended lineup of hosted events including breakfast, lunch and showcase along with a dedicated one day symposium for association senior executives.
Langham Tees Off With The Australian Masters
The Langham, Melbourne is the official 5-star hotel of the 2009 Australian Masters, which will run from November 12-15 at the Kingston Heath Golf Club. The world's greatest golfers including Tiger Woods and Geoff Ogilvie are coming to Melbourne for the tournament. Thousands of interstate and overseas visitors are expected to come to Melbourne for the event, which will be the first time Woods has played in Melbourne for over a decade.
Hotel Windsor development plan
Melbourne's Hotel Windsor has announced a $260 million development proposal aimed at securing the future of the city's only 19th century grand hotel. The proposal, lodged with planning authorities including Heritage Victoria, aims to ensure the long-term commercial viability of the hotel and re-establish the Hotel Windsor as the preeminent Melbourne hotel. Plans include the refurbishment of the original hotel building and its key historic features. The exterior will be restored more faithfully to its original appearance, including the reinstatement of the Spring Street colonnade.
Refurbishment at Mercure Sydney
Mercure Sydney has recently undergone a soft refurbishment of its conference floor. Conference delegates will now get to enjoy extra comfort and flexibility with new interior designs for the conference and meetings space including expanded seating capacity at Martin Place. Comfortable conference chairs, a new bar in the pre-function area and new benches and chairs with pots of green plants located in the outdoor terrace area all enhance the experience for delegates at Mercure Sydney.
SHARING THE KNOWLEDGE
Our ongoing schedule of briefing sessions and venue inspections ensures our product knowledge is extensive and current which allows us to offer you professional, authoritative and independent advice on the conference and meeting venue scene throughout Australia and overseas.
Been in to see us and update us on their venues include
| Anthea Scerri - InterContinental Hotels |
Katrina O'Donnell - Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove |
| John Clarke - Millennium Hotel Queenstown |
Annie Wright - Millennium Hotels and Resorts |
| Jayson Heron - Crown Promenade Hotel |
Nerina Papanastasiou - Crown Conference Centre |
| Shelly Eastwood - Heritage Hotel Management |
Toni Stockham - Heritage Queenstown |
| Angela Laidlaw - Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast |
Joana Olah - Shangri-La's Fijian Resort & Spa |
| Mercadia Wong - Rasa Sentosa Resort Singapore |
Kristy Simpson - Essendon Football Club |
| Paul Barnard - Essendon Football Club |
Jon Quidim - Mantra Group |
| Deanna Cannon - Mantra Group |
Members of our team have been out and about personally visiting...
In Australia
| The Como Melbourn | Fenix, Richmond |
| Novotel St Kilda | Royce Hotel |
| Sofitel Werribee Park Mansion & Spa | Alumbra |
| Peppers Springs Retreat | The Westin Melbourne |
| Hotel Lindrum | Sketch |
| Karstens at CQ | Vibe Savoy Hotel Melbourne |
| Crown Promenade | Oaks on Collins |
| The Sebel Albert Park | InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto |
| Stonelea Country Estate | Yarra Valley Conference Centre |
| Vibe Hotel Darwin | Medina Apartments Darwin |
| Darwin Convention Centre | Skycity |
| Crocosaurus Cove | The Deckchair Cinema |
| Pee Wee's at The Point | Darwin Sailing Club |
| Australian Aviation Heritage Centre | Cornucopia Museum Café |
| Mindil Beach Sunset Market | Darwin Harbour Cruises - Tumlaren |
In New Zealand
| Crowne Plaza Auckland | The Langham Auckland |
| The Westin Lighter Quay Auckland | The Wharf Auckland |
| Skycity Auckland Convention Centre |
YOUR SAY
"Fantastic customer service from the team at Key Conference Solutions"
- Dana Bartlett
"Your service saved me time and gave me confidence in the information you provided on the venues"
- Trish Price