Hi,

How is it that winter seems to set the mind into go slow mode - I have been sitting in the office looking out on a thick morning fog and understanding why I'm not walking the dogs as much as I should - it's just too cold! Winter is well and truly here, with the thermometer nearly into negative territory as I contemplate the finishing touches to our newsletter.

Some things don't change, like the expectations of our clients and what they are looking for. Today it's still about how the venue can assist you in achieving your goals - having the right environment, meeting spaces with natural light, a good quality of food presented well and delivering exceptional customer focused service. These prime issues are reflected in the feedback forms we receive from our clients.

We continue to grow our knowledge of venues far and wide with our very own Emma Kabastanakis recently in Queensland visiting Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast and off to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore next week. Meanwhile Nicola Brown is in Fiji checking out venues and enjoying a well earned break. These familiarisation visits keep us up to date on venues throughout the world.

It's hard to believe but I'm getting further behind in our footy tipping competition, but at least the Hawks are starting to deliver the goods. Managed to sail to a magical win in our Wednesday afternoon effort out on the bay last week - persistence does pay off in the end. For all those heading up to the ski slopes in the weeks ahead hopefully there will be plenty of snow.

Regards

Jim Conway

IN THIS ISSUE

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JUNE'S FEATURED VENUES

The Rendezvous Hotel Perth

The Rendezvous Hotel Perth offers a range of function rooms including two large Ballrooms which can cater for up to 800 guests. The hotel hosts trade shows, product launches, corporate meetings and can provide space for car launches, promotions and large heavy equipment in the main Ballroom. There are 333 guest rooms most with private balconies, options being Ocean View Rooms, Spa Rooms and Beachfront Rooms.

Read more detailed information about The Rendezvous Hotel Perth or contact Emma Kabastanakis +613 9870 4611

Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa, Willow Vale

Perched high on a ridge in the magnificent Gold Coast hinterland at Willow Vale you will find the newest addition to the Peppers retreat collection, Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa. This architecturally stunning retreat offers year-round ambience and is ideal for a small groups. Located just 30 minutes from the Gold Coast, Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa offers the height of style and comfort with eight beautifully appointed villas and one exclusive executive suite.

Read more detailed information about Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa, Willow Vale or contact Sue Wall +613 9870 4611

HAPPENINGS

Regional Victoria receives major funding boost

With $300,000 in its kitty regional Victoria is set to embark on a campaign to promote conferencing beyond Melbourne's borders. Australian Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson and Victorian Tourism and Major Events Minister, Tim Holding, announced the funding as part of the Australian Government's $2 million support package for the business events sector.

Mercure Hotel Geelong refurbishment

The Mercure Hotel Geelong has launched a refurbished state-of-the-art function centre costing more than $400,000, now offering what it describes as "the best meetings centre for the best of the region". Designed to meet the growing needs and expectations of local business, private events and professional meeting organisers alike, the new, larger venue now accommodates more than 400 delegates in theatre style, or 330 people for a banquet style function.

Opening in July

Citadines Melbourne on Bourke, in the heart of the city's CBD, offers access to major business and financial offices as well as many world-renowned restaurants, entertainment areas, the shopping district and theatres. Designed for international and domestic travellers on business or leisure, each stylish apartment has modern amenities along with the business services and recreational facilities for efficiency and convenience. Six versatile conference and meeting rooms can accommodate up to 150 banquet style.

Saffire now open

Pure Tasmania Managing Director Greg Farrell was thrilled with the official opening of Saffire. Saffire features 20 accommodation suites, each with sweeping views of Great Oyster Bay and the Hazards Mountains and complete privacy from the neighbouring suites. Tasmania's freshest produce and finest wines and beers will be showcased in Palate restaurant and The Lounge bar, headed by former Lilianfels Executive Chef Hugh Whitehouse.

Sentosa Island

The Rasa Sentosa Resort on Singapore's Sentosa island, which closed for a major overhaul in March, plans to reopen before the Chinese New Year in early February next year. The seafront resort will be rebranded as Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort to give it a stronger connection with the parent brand and will have its room inventory reduced from 459 to 454 to make space for more features. It will boast a dedicated dining destination with various restaurants and bars across the third floor; a sprawling lounge on the fifth floor, aptly named 'Chill on Five' and improved meeting facilities.

Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral

Craigieburn Resort in Bowral, in the NSW Southern Highlands, will officially become a fully branded Peppers Retreat 'Peppers Craigieburn' on July 1st 2010. During 2009, Craigieburn's centenary year, the retreat underwent a major million dollar refurbishment including all guest rooms and function spaces.

Sofitel Queenstown Refurbishment program

Queenstown's first 5-star hotel, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, is set to raise its standards even further with a two-stage upgrade and extension of its facilities. Stage One of the project has commenced and will involve the construction of a new entry, foyer, reception, business centre and ground floor meeting room, as well as a French themed café. Designed to enhance the sense of arrival and public spaces, the current works will be completed prior to ski season. Stage 2 involving a new bar, private club lounge and designer gymnasium will take place in 2011.

Environmental award

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has won a major international industry award for its environmental leadership, further endorsing its already strong credentials in that area. The Centre has won the sought after IMEX 2010 Green Supplier Silver Award at the annual IMEX Exhibition in Frankfurt.

Meet Emma

Emma brings a diverse range of experience to the Key Conference Solutions team. Beginning her career in the Hospitality Industry at an early age, Emma has always had a strong focus on excellent customer service. After completing her Diploma of Hospitality Management, plus a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and Tourism, Emma worked in the corporate field in the United Kingdom for almost 2 years. Upon her return to Australia she commenced work within the wholesale leisure travel industry, with a strong focus on Europe, The Middle East and India. It is here where Emma developed relationships with international suppliers and airline partners. Emma has traveled to many destinations that give her great understanding on international venues and destinations and is looking forward to assisting clients in the conference and events field.

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

Members of the Key Conference Solutions team have been out visiting venues and visited...

Melbourne

Sydney

Brisbane and Queensland

YOUR SAY

"I think the service you provide is fantastic!"
- Gabriella Bottarelli

"Brilliant service, nothing too much trouble and your team are extremely helpful"
- Jane Harris