Sydney number one destination for business events in Australia

Sydney has been ranked Australia’s leading destination for conferences and professional meetings, following the release of the Union of International Associations (UIA) 2014 International Meetings Statistics Report. Stuart Ayres, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, said the results see Sydney ranked first in Australia and among the top 20 globally.

“This is a tremendous achievement and reinforces Sydney’s appeal as one of the best places in the world to meet. I applaud Business Events Sydney for securing major international events for our city, having delivered over USD 1 billion worth of economic impact for NSW over the past five years. This is just another example of Sydney leading the way for the rest of the nation,” Ayres said.

Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO, Business Events Sydney, said results complement the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings, which also placed Sydney as number one in the nation. “These results are just fabulous and better than many might have anticipated or expected. They really are a credit to the city – its can-do and collaborative spirit and reputation as a reliable place to do business,” Lewis-Smith said.

“It just reinforces that the government’s courageous decision to redevelop the city’s convention facilities at Darling Harbour was the right one. We are a city that is open to and embraces big ideas and bold moves,” Lewis-Smith concluded.

Business Events Sydney has secured almost 120 events worth USD 277 million in new money for the NSW economy, including more than 20 events for International Convention Centre Sydney, opening in December 2016.

By TBM Staff | Mumbai

Source: http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/Top-Stories/sydney-number-one-destination-for-business-events-in-australia-27613

One Great City

One Great City

Three Great Hotels

Metro Hotel on Pitt    

Metro Hotel Sydney Central 

                                 

Aspire Hotel Sydney

Are you a………………

•     Professional conference organiser?
•     Event Management company?
•     National or State Association / Institute?
•     Not-for-profit organisation?
•     Private enterprise?
•     Government department?

And, do you need to book hotel accommodation from time to time for………………

•     Conferences & seminars
•     Training workshops
•     Annual General Meetings
•     Special events
•     Staff functions
•     Sales meetings

…..or any other event?

If you do then the Metro Hotels would like you to consider our two flagship properties located in Sydney’s central business district:-

1.    Metro Hotel on Pitt <embed link to property page on our web site>
2.    Metro Hotel Sydney Central <embed link to property page on our web site>
3.    Aspire Hotel Sydney <embed link to property page on our web site>

Each property offers convenient and quality accommodation at an affordable price.

Metro Hotel Sydney Central and Aspire Hotel Sydney also offer meeting facilities ideal for hosting small to medium events.

The Metro Hotel on Pitt is centrally located near the corner of Bathurst and Pitt Streets and is only a 2 minute walk to Sydney Town Hall. This property has undergone a soft refurbishment over the past twelve months and it is now seen by many organisations as an ideal accommodation venue for their events.

The Metro Hotel Sydney Central has recently completed major refurbishment of 88 rooms with the remaining 132 rooms confirmed for refurbishment by April 2013. Located on the corner of Bathurst and Pitt Streets (directly opposite the iconic Capitol Theatre) this 220 room hotel offers a convenient and affordable accommodation alternative for many organisations.

The Aspire Hotel Sydney provides ideal hotel Accommodation for travellers attending events at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre and Sydney Entertainment Centre or escaping to Sydney for a short getaway.
Aspire Hotel Sydney offers guest's the best Sydney has to offer like the Powerhouse Museum, Chinatown, IMAX Theatre, Star City Casino, Paddy's Markets, Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Entertainment Centre; all within walking distance of the hotel.

Further details can also be obtained by logging on to our website www.MetroHotels.com.au and clicking on the relevant hotel.

And if you’re still not completely convinced, then why not come and have a look for yourself. As the saying goes “Seeing is Believing” and we would be only too happy to show you around either or both properties.

Do you need more information or want us to quote on your next event or group accommodation needs?

Simply contact: Mr. Richard Amour
            Business Development Manager
            Tel: (02) 9211 1499
            Email: ramour@metrohg.com

Do you need more information or want us to quote on your next function or meeting requirements?

Simply contact: Mr. Div Grover
            Business Development Manager
            Tel: (02) 9282 0140
            Email: dgrover@metrohg.com

Entertainment Centre Loses 4000 Seats

A plan to build a 12,000-seat stadium to replace the Sydney Entertainment Centre has been dumped in favour of an 8000-seater arena.
Infrastructure NSW is due to present its plans for the new Sydney Convention site to cabinet for approval after receiving proposals from two private consortiums.
Defending the decision to downgrade the ageing Darling Harbour venue, an INSW spokeswoman claims that Sydney already has Allphones Arena at Homebush, which seats 13,500, for bigger concerts.
“It is proposed the new entertainment venue at Darling Harbour will have a minimum seating capacity of 8000 people,” the INSW spokeswoman said.
In the past decade, only a handful of events at the Entertainment Centre were for 8000 people or more.
“While the existing Sydney Entertainment Centre has a capacity of 12,000 people in sports mode, it seats 10,000 people in concert mode,” the spokeswoman said.
Tourism and Transport Forum chief executive John Lee said there was an argument that with The Star casino opening a 4000-seat complex and the Allphones Arena housing 13,500, there needed to be a mid-sized venue.

Source: The Daily Telegraph Friday 23 November 2012 Page 9

Infrastructure Gains to Boost Sydney’s Biz Events

New infrastructure projects will ensure Sydney is perceived as an even-more successful global business events destination, according to NSW deputy premier Andrew Stoner and international leaders speaking at a Business Events Sydney (BESydney) seminar earlier this week.

Stoner and others said proposed infrastructure projects in Sydney will impact on the city's future business events growth, and there is a need for the city to collaborate and innovate to capitalise on those opportunities.

“On top of creating economic value for the State through tourism receipts, business events provide a platform for knowledge exchange and innovation, to build networks and encourage trade and investment,” said Stoner.

“The NSW government is committed to delivering a world class exhibition and convention centre and will continue to support the business events industry – an industry that delivers a difference to both the economy and to people’s lives.”

Jon Hutchison, chief executive of BESydney said: “With the significant infrastructure development and renewal slated for Sydney, it’s important that we as a city understand the value of the opportunity created.”

“Sydney is a world leader. We are ranked the #10 global business events destination, and hold the #2 position in the Asia Pacific region. This is a remarkable achievement and has come about despite competing cities investing heavily in infrastructure and supporting bids. A top five global ranking is entirely possible.

“Despite what some may think, Sydney has not lost its mojo and Sydney’s world standing will be a strong base for growth in the future. It is up to us, all of us, to capitalise on this.

“There are exciting plans on the drawing board, and under way, including the refresh and redevelopment of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and Darling Harbour precinct, the much discussed Barangaroo project, the refurbishment of Star City and other great new projects.

“These developments are essential for Sydney to maintain its place as a leading international host city for corporate, professional and association conferences and exhibitions.

“The timing is right. And there is an immense opportunity for Sydney to make the most of a significant shift taking place in the world congress and meetings environment.

“Not only is Asia growing at an astounding rate, business events are growing rapidly both in volume and size. And the implications for Australia and Sydney are significant.”