23 Feb 2016
Two exciting new event and accommodation products are among a cutting-edge contingent of Brisbane business event offerings attending AIME 2016.
Brisbane Convention Bureau General Manager Rob Nelson said the Howard Smith Wharves development and the newly-opened Rydges Fortitude Valley were among 12 diverse Brisbane offerings attending AIME.
“The Howard Smith Wharves development will transform the eastern end of Brisbane's CBD into a wonderful lifestyle, entertainment and events precinct by next year,” Mr Nelson said.
“Located on the waterfront under the iconic Story Bridge, the precinct will play host to conference facilities, wonderful public spaces, an Art Series Hotel and chic restaurants.
“Two unique indoor event spaces and a number of outdoor areas will enable Howard Smith Wharves to cater for up to 1000 people during an event.
“Also new to the Team Brisbane stand this year is Rydges Fortitude Valley, which channels its proximity to the Brisbane Showgrounds, home of the Ekka, by introducing a slice of country hospitality to Brisbane.
“Located next to the Royal International Convention Centre, Rydges Fortitude Valley has four conference and event facilities, a signature restaurant offering a paddock-to-plate experience and a rural-inspired bar designed to be a great meeting point.”
Mr Nelson said the Team Brisbane stand (stand 2418) would once again showcase Brisbane's wide range of products and suppliers and their ability to work together in delivering superior business events.
“Brisbane prides itself on providing a unified and integrated approach to business events,” he said.
“Brisbane's venues, hotels, suppliers and institutions work together to deliver a seamless service to business event planners, from the bidding stages of a conference to organisation, marketing and the staging of post-conference tours.”
The Team Brisbane stand at AIME 2016 will include information on the latest products on offer from 12 co-exhibitors, listed below:
Against a backdrop of 20 years of hosting successful events, the calibre of the 2014 G20 Leaders Summit voted “best ever”, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has an enviable track record. Australia's most awarded convention centre, BCEC has confirmed its world-class capabilities and expertise in the business events sector. Australia's most flexible meetings and events venue, BCEC is the only convention centre in Australia with three-tiered auditoria, a dedicated boutique events hub and a total of 44 meeting and event spaces catering to events of every size. Located in Brisbane's riverside arts and cultural precinct, the centre is within easy access of a wide selection of hotel accommodation. http://www.bcec.com.au/
Customs House is regarded as one of Brisbane's premier function venues and has five unique event spaces for all styles of corporate and private events. Its prominent Queen St location overlooking the river, impressive service and facilities are the best Brisbane has to offer. All-inclusive packages are available, or alternatively its event coordinators can organise a quote to suit your specific requirements, and its kitchen brigade will be happy to tailor a menu to impress your guests. Customs House has five event spaces, most with river views and all with natural light. The Long Room is the perfect setting for large functions, serene and majestic beneath the building's huge copper dome. The River Room has just been launched as a brand new event space that combines state-of-the-art technology with contemporary styling and direct access to the terrace overlooking the river. customshouse.com.au
Hotel Jen is Shangri-La's new concept brand conveniently located next to Brisbane's Transit Centre with direct AirTrain access. Only five minutes' walk from the CBD and 10 minutes or one train stop from the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and South Bank, Hotel Jen prides itself on its spacious light-filled rooms, unlimited free wi-fi for up to three devices and espresso coffee pod machines in every room. With its very own, on-site Asian-fusion restaurant, Hotel Jen Brisbane brings you convenience and comfort, with a sense of adventure. Delivering the #simplepleasures as your preferred home away from home. hoteljen.com
Opening in mid-2017, Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) will be Brisbane's newest and most exciting riverfront event space. Boasting stunning uninterrupted views of the iconic Story Bridge and city skyline, the 3.4ha site will be transformed into a riverside lifestyle and events precinct. Warm and rich in character and offering a unique and memorable event experience, to set foot here is an event in itself. The HSW precinct features two unique indoor event spaces and a vast assortment of outdoor event spaces, from rooftop terraces, pop-up marquees and intimate private event spaces nestled among the cliffs. The venue can cater for as few as 10 or as many as 1000 people at each event and will serve the highest-quality seasonal cuisine from the finest local produce, with freshly roasted coffee, hand-crafted beer and daily-baked bread all made on site. howardsmithwharves.com
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, located only 12km from Brisbane CBD, is a unique venue, allowing guests to break out of the traditional corporate venue and experience an event destined to be remembered. Lone Pine can cater for up to 500 guests at one time, and offers the choice of three great semi-outdoor venues. Lone Pine is also home to three large outdoor cinema screens, available for hire for your next event. Screen the latest blockbuster, a timeless classic, or your favourite music video clips. Free wi-fi, guest parking, and coach parking is available onsite. koala.net
Perched in cool, Clear Mountain air north of Brisbane, the Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge Spa and Vineyard commands the peak after which it was named and enjoys sweeping views which encompass the granite spires of the Glasshouse Mountains, the Brisbane CBD and Moreton Bay and its islands. The rural surrounds of The Lodge with its mountain top outlook along with the absence of worldly distractions focuses the attention of delegates on the conference agenda leading to successful outcomes which flow naturally from the peaceful environment of The Lodge. clearmountainlodge.com.au/
The Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC) is a state-of-the-art convention centre, located just 1.5km from Brisbane's CBD at the iconic Brisbane Showgrounds. An exciting addition to the Brisbane Showgrounds precinct is the new four-star Rydges Fortitude Valley hotel, located directly across from the Royal ICC Since opening in March 2013, the Royal ICC has hosted high-profile local and international guests including Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger, iconic entrepreneur Richard Branson and one of Queensland's top food critics, Des Houghton, who gave rave reviews. The Royal ICC offers world-class facilities, five-star service and menus featuring award-winning produce. royalicc.com.au
When it opened earlier this month, the 208-room Rydges Fortitude Valley introduced a slice of country hospitality to the heart of Queensland's capital. Located within the historically rich Brisbane Showgrounds precinct (currently in the throes of a $2.9 billion redevelopment) and adjacent to the Royal International Exhibition Centre (RICC), the hotel is ideally positioned to capture both business and leisure travellers. The impressive range of facilities that have been thoughtfully conceived with rural charm comprise four conference and event facilities with state-of-the-art technology and two food and beverage outlets including signature Six Acres Restaurant with its farm-to-table dining experience and The Paddock Bar which is a lively meeting place with views onto the RNA Showgrounds and RICC. The hotel also boasts an outdoor heated swimming pool and fully equipped gymnasium. rydgesfortitudevalley.com
Rydges South Bank boasts some of Brisbane's most unique and sophisticated meeting /conference facilities, accommodating an intimate meeting for two people to grand events of up to 1000 guests. Delegates will appreciate the highly conducive atmosphere of the Podium Rooms offering natural light, or Level 12 Rooftop, where the views of the Brisbane River and CBD are simply spectacular. Enjoy complimentary secure high-speed wi-fi (50mb) at your fingertips. Its award-winning team can help design flexible menus, catering to a range of dietary requirements, and customise packages to suit any budget. As a meeting and event venue, Rydges South Bank is centrally located in the heart of the city's best dining, entertainment and cultural precinct of South Bank, making it an easy choice. rydges.com/southbank
Sofitel Brisbane Central boasts the largest, fully integrated hotel meeting facility in Brisbane. The modern and stylish French property is an impressive and historic landmark on the city skyline, the perfect domain for the corporate traveller. Sofitel Brisbane Central boasts 11 magnificent technically advanced conference venues catering for 10 to 1100 delegates. Located in the CBD with extensive views over the city and direct rail access to the airport via Central Station, Sofitel Brisbane Central offers unparalleled city centre convenience. The multi-award-winning luxury hotel also offers Sofitel Club Lounge, Business Centre, multiple dining options, SoFit Gymnasium, pool and an award-winning hotel day spa. sofitelbrisbane.com.au
An independently owned deluxe hotel, The Point Brisbane is a refreshing alternative to CBD hotels. Located at inner-city Kangaroo Point, this 202-room property focuses on personalised service. Facilities include Eagles Nest, a versatile rooftop meetings and events space catering for from 10 to 120 delegates. The versatile venue is equally suited to executive meetings, seminars and product launches through to formal dinners and cocktail functions. All meeting spaces offer private balcony access and abundant natural light, panoramic views of the city skyline, the Story Bridge and Brisbane River. Delegates enjoy a full-service hotel experience including a concierge. thepointbrisbane.com.au
For more information on business events in Brisbane, visit choosebrisbane.com.au/conventions