Almost every part of the working world has been affected by the pandemic, and business meetings and events are no exception. With international travel off the cards since 2020, organisations of all sizes are searching closer to home for interesting venues to host team bonding weekends, small-scale meetings and conferences.

“With so many of us working remotely, taking the time to get the team together for off-site meetings and activities is more important than ever,” says Kate Shilling, Executive Officer, Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia.

“Many of Australia's world-class wine regions are ideally located close to capital cities and major urban areas, and the last 18 months has seen many businesses – big and small – take advantage of exceptional local wineries offering award-winning restaurants, beautiful event spaces and memorable beyond-the-cellar-door experiences for team building activities.”

Kate Rooney, Hospitality Manager at Audrey Wilkinson in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, believes there is a growing appetite for businesses to hold their meetings, events and conferences in beautiful settings close to capital cities.

“There has been a real shift towards regional based conferences and events since COVID 19, and the Hunter Valley is an ideal regional hub, with Newcastle Airport just 45 minutes away,” says Kate.

“We are witnessing the return of the corporate market with many events that would have normally happened in major cities or overseas, and we anticipate this trend to continue through 2022 and into 2023.”

Audrey Wilkinson, Brokenwood and Tyrrells, all members of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia, often work together to provide a Hunter Valley wine trail of experiences for corporations looking for team building activities, picturesque meeting settings or large-scale events. The three venues provide behind-the-scenes winery experiences, bespoke masterclasses and culinary offerings for groups of all sizes.

“We are planning some major business events in 2022, including an awards night for 600 attendees,” says Kate. “The event will include a full production band and roaming canapes overlooking the vineyards, followed by a three-course dinner in a clear-top marquee under the night sky.”

For smaller businesses, Kate believes wineries can provide picturesque settings for memorable meetings that reward employees and promote team bonding.

“A small business can look forward to a private event tailored to meet their needs,” says Kate. “Delegates may have the opportunity to meet the winemakers, taste the produce and discover how wines are made, all in a safe environment.”

If Hunter Valley bookings are anything to go by, the push towards regional centres for business meetings and events is a trend that's here to stay.

“We can provide a safe space for delegates to enjoy wide open spaces and unique experiences for a fraction of the cost of an international trip,” says Kate.