If you cannot view this page try the web version

Hi,


November was a very busy month for us with business activity on the up. Both Rachel and I were away on famils with Rachel visiting Tropical North Queensland, and I was lucky enough to spend some time in Hong Kong. On the way home I managed a short weekend in Sydney catching up with my daughter Kate.

In this issue we have the spotlight on Hong Kong where we take in some of the options beyond the image of Hong Kong as just a bustling city - stunning mountains, tranquil beaches and some fantastic restaurants with great food. In our February newsletter the spotlight will be on Far North Queensland.

December is also a time of reflection and can we say good riddance to "annus horribilis" and what turned out to be a very challenging year. I'm sure that 2010 will be a good year for all of us.

I have been missing my mid week sailing... just been a bit busy... but I'm off next week on a delivery trip of a yacht up to Sydney, hope the weather will be kind. Proud, passionate and paid up! Yep I have just received my Hawks membership card for 2010.

On behalf of the team here at Key Conference Solutions I wish you all the best for the festive season and to many happy times spent with family and friends.


Regards

Jim Conway

 

 
IN THIS ISSUE
Spotlight on Hong Kong
The Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong
The JW Marriott Hotel
Hong Kong
Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong
The Peak
Giant Buddha
Happy Valley Racecourse
Hong Kong Disneyland
Watermark Restaurant
Zacs Discovery Bay
Repulse Bay
Happenings
Sharing the Knowledge
Out & About
Your Say
Contact Us
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Venue Finding Service
Business Event Management
 

DECEMBER'S FEATURED VENUES

Spotlight on Hong Kong

Spotlight on Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers a host of memorable attractions within its compact area, with The Peak, Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha among the most awe-inspiring.

Hong Kong has the infrastructure, facilities and expertise to meet the most demanding requirements. Whether planning a 30-strong corporate meeting or a mega event for 1,000 delegates or more, Hong Kong can make it happen like nowhere else.

In addition to multi-purpose venues such as AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Hong Kong International Trade & Exhibition Centre, there are many other facilities, hotels, private clubs, theme restaurants and attractions around town that can cater for meetings and functions of all types.

Despite Hong Kong's image of a bustling city, you'll be amazed by the diverse contrasts and close proximity of stunning cityscapes and soaring mountains, heritage sites and extensive green countryside, tranquil beaches - plus much more. Here is a snapshot of my visit.

The Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong

The Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong

Located in the heart of one of the most spectacular cities in Asia, the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong is right at the centre of it all! Situated on the waterfront & adjacent to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the hotel enjoys panoramic views of Victoria Harbour & convenience for all Hong Kong has to offer.

Renaissance is just 5 minutes from the central business district, shopping, nightlife downtown Hong Kong, & the MTR subway, plus it has on its doorstep the Star Ferry to Kowloon. Guest rooms are distinctively equipped with the latest technology specifications & luxurious bedding offering delightful comfort to guests. Spacious meeting facilities include natural daylight, harbour views & the international reputation for service that Renaissance is famous for!

Read more detailed information about The Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong or contact Rachel Buck +613 9870 4611

The JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong

The JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong

The JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong has been restyled for pure performance with its recent investment of US$20 million towards the hotel renovation. From Hong Kong's first wi-fi equipped limousine service, the brand new tech-savvy Executive Lounge to a comprehensive guestroom renovation, boasting chic décor, connectivity hubs and flat screen TVs, the hotel guests are left free to think, plan and truly transform. The Executive Boardroom has versatile seating and intelligent glass wall. The renovated JW Ballroom features contemporary furnishings, upgraded audio-visual, lighting facilities, wi-fi connectivity and internet access. The lighting facilities with over 16 million colour variations can create various ambience for different themed events in the most enchanting way. With the hotel's professional award-winning event management team, guests can be guaranteed to have their seamless event organised in the hotel.

Read more detailed information about The JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong or contact Sue Wall +613 9870 4611

Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel

Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel

Offering a wonderful escape from the bustling city, the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel is set on the banks of South China Sea. Ideally located, near the Hong Kong International Airport and area attractions, is connected to the AsiaWorld Expo. Spacious guest rooms, with views of the sea or landscaped golf course, offer luxurious bedding, mini-bar, safe, Internet access and air conditioning. After a day of meetings, enjoy a cocktail with friends or colleagues in our sports bar or lobby lounge. Or, play a round at the Nine Eagles Executive Golf Course adjacent to the hotel. With a total of 1,300 square metres of event space, this Hong Kong hotel creates magical moments for business events. The friendly staff at the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel awaits your arrival.

Read more detailed information about Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel or contact Sue Wall +613 9870 4611

Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong

Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong

Rising 25 storeys above Victoria Harbour in one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities, the new Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong hotel makes an impressive entrance, delighting business and leisure travellers alike. From its ideal location in the Sai Ying Pun District, you can explore nearby Macau Ferry Pier, the Central financial district, MTR subway, dining, entertainment and shopping. After a busy day, return to your new guest room, with its plush bedding, marble bathrooms with rainforest shower heads, and intuitive business amenities such as a glass-top desk with connectivity panel and wi-fi. International travellers will appreciate 24-hour services, including a fitness centre, room service and business centre.

Read more detailed information about Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong or contact Pam Conway +613 9870 4611

The Peak

The Peak

There's a reason why The Peak is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong: it is absolutely incredible! Looking down from The Peak you'll be amazed by the spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, towering skyscrapers and peaceful green hillsides. Getting there is an unforgettable trip. There's nothing in the world like The Peak Tram.

Giant Buddha

Giant Buddha

A trip to Hong Kong would not be complete without a visit to the world's tallest, outdoor, seated bronze Buddha which sits serenely atop Ngong Ping plateau amid the spectacular mountain scenery of Lantau Island. The majestic figure of the seated Buddha is 34 metres high, was cast in China and took over 10 years to complete. Weighing 250 tonnes, it was unveiled in 1993 amid deeply religious ceremonies.

Happy Valley Racecourse

Happy Valley Racecourse

Attending a race meeting under the dazzling lights of the Happy Valley Racecourse is an opportunity to capture the essence and the vitality of Hong Kong Chinese culture. This magnificent course has been the home of Hong Kong horse racing since the first meeting was held on a strip of reclaimed marshland in 1846. Night racing was introduced in 1973 and was an immediate success. For sheer excitement and the opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals, nothing beats a night at the horse races in Happy Valley.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland

When it's time to inspire, time to motivate and time to bring a team together - there's no better place than Hong Kong Disneyland. Travel to an enchanting environment that brings out the best in any organization. You can tap into the creative resources of the world's premier entertainment company and find versatile meeting spaces, exceptional entertainment options, world-class catering and elegant 5-star accommodations. You can experience the enchantment of the incredible Theme Park, with exciting attractions, dazzling entertainment and fun around every turn!

Watermark Restaurant

Watermark Restaurant

Watermark at Hong Kong Central's Star Ferry, offers unparalleled waterfront dining next to Hong Kong's most favourite landmark - the Victoria Harbour. Boasting a stunning 270 degree view of the busy crossing, the restaurant's backdrop is a stunning vision.

An elegant stone entrance and water feature takes you into Watermark's sleek interior of teak, marble and glass. A stairway leads to an intimate dining area, which also hosts the wine collection, perched high in the 30-plus feet high space. A translucent sky-light ceiling gives the restaurant luminous, natural daylight, while the surrounding open-air deck offers the perfect view of Kowloon peninsula and ferries commuting on the water.

Zacs Discovery Bay

Zacs Discovery Bay

Situated next to Discovery Bay Pier, Water Margin offers a relaxing and spacious environment with a variety of over 20 thematic restaurants along the promenade connecting to the Tai Pak Beach. With spectacular 180° sea views and nightly Disneyland fireworks, Water Margin makes dining a stimulating experience. Water Margin offers delectable choice of dining including ZAKS, which serves international cuisine with alfresco seating area of 5,000 sq. ft. in resort style. Easily accessible, Water Margin is just 25 minutes away from Central Hong Kong by ferry and is an ideal location for offsite dinners.

Repulse Bay

Repulse Bay

The Verandah is a celebrated restaurant that brings you a faultless combination of heavenly traditional Continental cuisine, blended with innovation, fine wines and discreet, attentive service, in a classic yet relaxing setting in true Peninsula style.

Recently reopened after some extensive refurbishment it maintains the relaxed and spacious atmosphere of the original Repulse Bay Hotel but with an extended entrance hall to create a more spacious and welcoming arrival experience and a revitalised interior.

A new Grand Staircase provides stylish and convenient passage from the restaurant to the Palm Court and the retail arcade. Regulars can rest assured that The Verandah's celebrated signature dishes - and its traditional English Afternoon Tea and Sunday Brunch - remain on its bill of fare.

My thanks go to mine hosts Hong Kong Tourism Board, Virgin Atlantic, Marriott Hotels and The Destination Management Company and all who were involved in the familiarisation trip.

"A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner"
- Anonymous

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.

Having been to visit us here at our office with an update and presentation on the conference side of things have been

Hayley Trewhella
- Bayview International Hotels & Resorts
Juliet Hudson
- Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji
Paul Cutler
- Newport Mirage
Karen Maher
- Daydream Island Resort and Spa
Penelope Gunst
- Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Nicola Chandler
- Citigate Central Sydney
Craig Syphers
- Citigate Central Sydney
Stuart Amos
- The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa
Mary-Jane Devine
- Fusion Marketing
Patrick Scheiber
- Mirvac Hotels & Resorts
"A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for"
- William Shedd

Members of our team have been out and about personally visiting...

Melbourne

Sofitel Werribee Park Mansion Hotel & Spa Number 8 @ Crown
The Press Club

Sydney

Citigate Central Sydney

Cairns

Hilton Cairns Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
The Sebel Cairns Hotel Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
Shangri-La The Marina Hotel Cairns Cairns Convention Centre

Palm Cove

The Sebel Reef House & Spa Palm Cove Novotel Rockford Palm Cove Resort
Angsana Resort & Spa Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove
Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade Paradise Palms Resort
Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

Port Douglas

Sea Temple Resort & Spa Port Douglas Rydges Sabaya Resort
Australian Muster Experience Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas
Sugar Wharf Port Douglas Thala Beach Lodge

Hong Kong

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel JW Marriott Hotel
Sky City Marriott Hotel The China Club
Watermark Restaurant Happy Valley
Discovery Bay Zacs at Discovery Bay
Hong Kong Disneyland Ngong Ping Cable Car and Giant Buddha
Repulse Bay
"Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful"
- Joshua J. Marine

YOUR SAY

"Your service exceeded my expectations. The team at Key Conference Solutions maintained contact throughout the entire process which was great"
- Rochelle Sharp

"The professionalism and efficiency of your team makes our dealings with you both enjoyable and successful. We will certainly recommend and continue to use Key Conference Solutions"
- Jenny Taylor

"I've been extremely happy with your service and your venue recommendations were great. I will be calling you again for future events"
- Karina Jones

"The only difference between saints and sinners is that every saint has a past while every sinner has a future"
- Oscar Wilde, author