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Hi,


It's good to see the countryside around Melbourne showing various shades of green as we enjoy some welcome rain - hopefully we will see plenty more in the weeks ahead. At the same time, Sydney has experienced some extreme dust storms and as Kate my daughter discovered not a good time to leave the windows open.

Tasmania has a special mystique and appeal and as a guest of the Federal Group I spent some time in early September seeing some of the best parts of Tasmania with each day of the trip opening a rich colonial heritage to discover, delicious local produce to sample and superb cool-climate wines to enjoy. A highlight was an early morning walk to Wine Glass Bay during our stay at Freycinet Lodge. Other members of our team were on the road or is that in the air with Rachel Buck spending some time in Brisbane and Nicola Brown visiting the Gold Coast.

I am looking forward to the weekend with daylight saving starting on Sunday 4 October 2009, when the clocks leap forward one hour. This marks the start of our Wednesday twilight sailing program and with a bit of luck some better sailing weather than the windy Wednesdays we have been having lately.

To all the Geelong footy fans congratulations, to the Saints fans there is always next year. For all of us here in Melbourne - Go Storm!


Regards

Jim Conway

 

 

OCTOBER'S FEATURED VENUES

Spotlight on Tasmania

Spotlight on Tasmania

Tasmania has some of the finest properties, meeting facilities and experiences in Australia. From lodges in stunning coastal settings, to villages at the edge of World Heritage wilderness, chateaus that provide a gateway to exploring spectacular glacial-carved mountains, to unique waterfront hotels.

Tasmania is an experience quite like no other with all of the ingredients to bring your conference to life by combining signature experiences with iconic locations, memorable theme parties and dining options that reflect the culture and the history in an extraordinary way. You can have experiences that excite, liberate, reward and rejuvenate your spirit. The end result is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is truly remarkable and memorable that will have you returning home feeling refreshed and inspired. Discover Pure Tasmania with - Freycinet Lodge, Cradle Mountain Chateau and The Henry Jones Art Hotel - all packed with unforgettable opportunities in nature, food, wine, art, heritage and adventure.

Freycinet Lodge

Freycinet Lodge

Stylish yet simple, Freycinet Lodge blends perfectly into its natural environment at the foot of the dramatic Hazards by the tree-fringed shores of Great Oyster Bay. Close to the famous Wineglass Bay track and an easy stroll from hidden coves and sheltered inlets, the Lodge is living proof that communing with nature does not have to mean 'roughing it'.

Close to the famous Wineglass Bay track and an easy stroll from hidden coves and sheltered inlets, the Lodge is living proof that communing with nature does not have to mean 'roughing it'.

Read more detailed information about Freycinet Lodge or contact Sue Wall +613 9870 4611

Cradle Mountain Chateau

Cradle Mountain Chateau

Cradle Mountain Chateau offers warm log fires, comfortable accommodation, hearty mountain food and traditional Tasmanian hospitality. Catch up on the day over a beer and friendly game of billiards, relax into a delicious massage or treatment at the Calm Day Spa or browse one of two fully-stocked libraries.

A highlight is the beautiful Wilderness Gallery, which is Australia's largest privately-owned photographic gallery with a globally significant collection of superb nature photography.

Read more detailed information about Cradle Mountain Chateau or contact Rachel Buck +613 9870 4611

The Henry Jones Art Hotel

The Henry Jones Art Hotel

Historic warehouses dating from the 1820's and a former IXL jam factory have been transformed into an enthralling first class hotel showcasing the work of Tasmania's finest visual artists. You'll be fascinated by the unexpected combination of the antique and the ultra modern.

From its original crafted staircase to the restored machinery and the magnificent all-glass Atrium, The Henry Jones reflects the fascinating influences of its rich colonial past and early trading history with India and China.

Read more detailed information about The Henry Jones Art Hotel or contact Pam Conway +613 9870 4611

"It is easy to be brave from a safe distance"
- Aesop

HAPPENINGS

Room with a view

Quarantine Station

Formerly Quarantine Station, Sydney's award-winning business events venue Q Station Retreat has added two new conference spaces. The conference rooms have been designed with contemporary furnishings that utilise the structural aspects of the former Quarantine Station to create an historic ambience.

Popular for its position and sweeping views of Sydney Harbour National Park the Retreat offers 69 rooms and six cottages, historic tours and activities and popular Boilerhouse Restaurant.

In Sydney

Seasons Apartment Hotel Group has taken over the management of the formerly named Clarion Suites Southern Cross Darling Harbour. Seasons Darling Harbour will join the groups' portfolio of boutique hotels and apartments across Melbourne & Perth.

Located at the southern end of Darling Harbour and a stone's throw away from Chinatown, Exhibition Halls and Convention Centre. Walking distance to Sydney Central Station and Town Hall Station. Located on level 5 is the Chinatown Monorail Station with services operating every 3-10 minutes.

In Adelaide

InterContinental Hotels Group has taken over management of Hyatt Regency Adelaide and will rebrand the hotel as InterContinental Adelaide. All existing staff will remain during the changeover, and they are currently working with the hotel's new owners on a refurbishment plan that will see all public areas, restaurants and Club InterContinental rooms upgraded within the next twelve months. Refurbishment of the rest of the hotel will follow within the next two to three years, ensuring the hotel retains its premium position in the city.

Novotel at Brisbane Airport

Novotel at Brisbane Airport

The expansion of the Brisbane Airport village has reached another milestone with the announcement by Accor Hotels of a December 1 opening date for Novotel Brisbane Airport, the city's first airport hotel.

Located just off Airport Drive in the Airport Village precinct at Brisbane Domestic and International Airport, the 157 room, 4.5-star property is being developed by Kenlynn Properties Australia. The hotel can be accessed via road or by AirTrain utilising a complimentary bus transfer loop running between the domestic and international terminals and the hotel. It is opposite the Airport Village Complex and a short walk from the DFO retail hub.

Name change at Hilton

The hotel operator formerly called Hilton Hotels Corp has changed its name to Hilton Worldwide and unveiled a new logo. The privately held firm - whose 10 brands also include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels and Hampton Inn & Suites - said the new name reflects its international reach. Hilton has more than 3,300 hotels in 77 countries, and plans to open more than 300 hotels this year.

Hilton, whose rivals include Marriott International Inc and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc, said the logos and imagery of its hotel brands remain unchanged.

Come see us at Meeting Mart

Now in to its sixth year Meeting Mart has proved itself to be one of the premier conference & meeting exhibitions within Australia. Meeting Mart 2009 will be held at Crown Towers, Melbourne on Monday 19th October. Meeting Mart has been developed by Conference Works along with key sponsors and event partners from Victoria and is a must attend tradeshow for everyone who organises meetings, events, exhibitions, conferences or who books accommodation. Our team will be updating attendees on the exciting new opportunities right across Victoria, visit us at stand 48 - Meeting Mart 2009.

"There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend"
- Katharine Butler Hathaway

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

Kathryn Ward
- InterContinental Hotels Group
Maisa Ahuja
- InterContinental Hotels Group
Phil Beeson
- InterContinental Hotels Group
Priscilla Mizzi
- InterContinental Hotels Group
Teree George
- Jumeirah Group
Kathryn Gibson
- Mercure Yarra Valley
Cherie Ferris
- Mercure Melbourne Caroline Springs
Rohani De Beger
- Sheraton on the Park
Megan Fleming
- Starwood Pacific Hotels
Andrew St Ledger
- Four Points by Sheraton Geelong
Fiona Poole
- Sheraton Mirage Resort Port Douglas
Joanne Rennie
- The Langham Auckland
Kun Rahadian
- Sebel Resort & Spa Hawkesbury Valley
Patrick Scheiber
- Mirvac Hotels & Resorts
Sabine Doyle
- Campaspe House

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

Tasmania

Wrest Point Hotel and Conference Centre The Henry Jones Art Hotel
Country Club Tasmania in Launceston Cradle Mountain Chateau
Freycinet Lodge

Queensland

Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove Emporium Hotel
Oaks Casino Towers Sirromet Winery
Caxton St Catering The Sebel & Citigate King George Square
Sofitel Brisbane Central Moreton Hire
Royal on the Park Hotel Hillstone St Lucia
Customs House Gallery of Modern Art & QLD Art Gallery
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Melbourne and surrounds

Hotel Lindrum The Grange at Cleveland Winery
The Vue Grand Grand Hyatt Melbourne
The Hotel Windsor National Gallery of Victoria
"The miracle is this - the more we share, the more we have"
- Leonard Nimoy

YOUR SAY

"I have been dealing with Pam Conway to book meetings on my behalf and find her very good to deal with and fast to get back to me. I rate Key Conference Solutions service as excellent and have passed your business details onto others"
- Shelley Keys

"The information I received was very comprehensive, enabling me to easily pick the right venue for our conference"
- Alison Tunks

"All very good information and easy to follow"
- Anna Civiti

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