BACCHUS features three unique settings: an outstanding fine dining restaurant, cocktail bar and a pool bar.

Dinner is served in the restaurant Tuesday to Saturday, with lunch served in the restaurant and on the pool deck every Friday.

Their unbridled passion for seasonal ingredients is matched only by their love of exceptional cooking and service. Choose from the la carte menu or degustation menu, which is also available as a vegetarian option.

A superb wine list, collated with attention to detail by their Head Sommelier Andrew Giblin, makes the perfect accompaniment to your BACCHUS dining experience.

Recently named one of the World's Best, the Bacchus Bar and Pool Bar have quickly become favourites on the Brisbane social circuit. Soak up the sun poolside with a cocktail in hand, or dance the night away beneath the stars.

BACCHUS is also home to one of Brisbane's finest High Tea offerings. High Tea is served on William Edwards fine bone china, the very same specially commissioned crockery used at The Goring in London where the late Queen Mum liked to take High Tea.

A truly unique addition to the Brisbane dining and entertainment landscape.

For your chance to win a Champagne High Tea for Two at Bacchus (valued at $98), email us with your contact details before Friday, 26 April 2013 and the answer to: Who is BACCHUS Restaurant and Cocktail Bar's Head Sommelier?

9 Glenelg Street, South Bank, Brisbane QLD 4101
Phone: 07 3364­ 0843
Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter: @BACCHUSBrisbane
www.bacchussouthbank.com.au

From there we caught the train to Tung Chung. We were told this was a great spot for outlet shopping, but also the cable car to the Big Buddha at Ngong Ping.

We didn't end up catching the cable car as we were worried that we would be late for our very important meeting this afternoon, but we checked out where it left from and how to get there - so we will be able to advise delegates.

At 2.30 ish we caught the train to Hong Kong Disneyland to talk about bringing groups in. There are some great spaces - like the train station for cocktails (best vantage point for the fireworks), and the Banquet Hall.

We did learn, however, that the week our group will be here is referred to as "Golden Week", and will be very crowded!  We knew that there was a public holiday that week (National Day) but we were unaware that that would affect all week! This is good information!

We were able to stay and enjoy the park after our meeting, so we did. ;-)

We stopped again at the Temple Street Night Markets on the way home to pick up some last minute prezzies for people at home, and then fell into bed, completely exhausted!!

Some observations:

You do a lot of walking in Hong Kong so make sure you've got comfortable shoes!

Nothing seems to be open before 10 am. 7.00 am doesn't seem to exist traffic-wise. Peak hour seems to be from about 8.30 am to 10ish, and from 5.30 in the afternoon.  Don't even bother trying to go shopping before 10.

The crowds seem to walk on the right, even though they drive on the left!! Same with escalators - stand to the right so people can get past you.

Public transport is great - easy and cheap. Don't stress if you can't get on the train - there will be another one along in a minute or so. I love public transport where there is no timetable.

I think Hong Kong is a great spot for a conference. Everyone seems to speak English, the hotels and facilities are fantastic, lots of flights and easy to get to and get around, and there are lots of really special and fun things to do. I'm looking forward to bringing more groups here!

For more photos, click here to visit our Facebook Page.

We started out getting the train across to Central - easy as!! We had breakfast somewhere local and then set off to find the China Club - a members only venue.  We had serious trouble finding it, but when we finally got there, it was worth it. An incredible art collection is found all through the top three floors of the old Bank of China building.  Lots of different rooms and options, including a fabulous library and the smoking terrace which is open air.

From there we made our way to the Peak Tram, and up to the Peak. Watching as you climb higher than the incredible skyscrapers is pretty amazing.  We were checking out Pearl at the Peak - a restaurant at the top. Truly amazing views, but the restaurant can only seat about 80 pax, so a bit small for what we were after.

    

From there we had to detour to Cathay City which is near the airport on Lantau Island.  I don't think Cathay City would be available as a venue generally, but it was good to see what was there.

Back to Hong Kong island from there to see Sevva - a very funky bar and restaurant on the 25th floor of the Princes Building.  Another green wall!  And an outdoor terrace with a great view of the harbour. Great for a cocktail function or an smaller dinner.

Next to Jumbo Floating Restaurant which is on the far side of Hong Kong island at Aberdeen. An odd place to get to - and we were given some good advice regarding peak hour traffic so it didn't take too long (avoid Aberdeen Tunnell from 5.30 pm apparently). But clearly this venue caters for groups - some really big groups if you need it! Traditional Chinese fare, and a fun atmosphere.  A great Hong Kong "experience".

Taxi back to the Star Ferry Terminal, and got the ferry back to Kowloon so we could see the harbour skyline from the water - well worth the $2.50 HKD each!

Exhausted again, looking forward to seeing the kinds of venues Disneyland has to offer tomorrow!

For more photos, click here to visit our Facebook Page.

Next stop was the Mira Hotel - set back from the harbour, so a lot closer to the markets. Very funky and newly renovated. Also low ceilings throughout (except the top floor where the meeting space is) but really clever use of mirrors so you don't feel like its closing in on you.

Accommodation at the Mira Hotel is great and they do a very clever thing in giving guests a local mobile phone - so you can make local calls free, and people can contact you by calling the hotel and being put through. Great for foreigners!  Meeting space upstairs was great with a view of Kowloon Park, built in screens and data projectors, and great theming for tables included in meeting packages.

Then a look at Hullet House which is a beautiful colonial building which I think used to be a police station! Great courtyard space and bar area, but not sure it was going to work for us.

Sky100 is a great spot to get your bearings and get that big overview of a new city.  I'm sure at night it is really spectacular!

The YMCA was a surprise. A great spot near the harbour. Lovely private rooms, good facilities, cafes, Internet hubs, everything you'd want - and not like my previous perception of a YMCA!  There will be renos going on this year though, so there may be some noise during the day until the end of 2013.

The Peninsula Hotel is the oldest hotel in Hong Kong - beautiful colonial style. Fantastic high tea which you unfortunately can't book for! Ballroom had a great high ceiling and would be wonderful for a formal dinner.

The Langham in Kowloon was also gorgeous - and also does high tea which we were lucky enough to sample! Undergoing a major renovation the rooms (which are beautiful already) are being modernized somewhat.

From there to the Sheraton - our last stop for the day (which was lucky - we were exhausted).  Sheraton has lovely space with a great sound and light show built in that you can use for your meeting!  Best spot, however, is the Sky Lounge on the top floor where you can watch the Symphony of Lights every evening from 8.00pm.

Today we will check out Hong Kong Island. Stay tuned!

Many thanks to Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers for looking after us while we are here, and to Cathay Pacific for helping us with the airfares.

Our flight left after midnight last night so we slept most of the way here, and arrived at about 8.00 am.  We caught the train from the airport to Kowloon Station, which was really easy and fast, and there was free wifi on the train!

From Kowloon Station, we caught the free shuttle bus to the hotel, which was easy (and free!), though the bus was a bit dodgy looking.  Checked in, but as it was about 9.00 am, our room wasn't ready, so we went for a wander.

Trying to get our bearings, we found Kowloon Park, where many people were practicing Tai Chi, as well as the Avenue of Cartoon Heroes, which was... unexpected!

Needing sustenance, we found breakfast at last! Luckily, the staff stopped us from ordering way more than we would have been able to eat! I am a big fan of the sweet pancakes.

From there we found the Ladies Market in Mong Kok - a bit of a walk, but worth it. I'm not sure why it's called the Ladies Market - it wasn't just for ladies at all. We stocked up in prezzies for family and friends, and then trekked back to the hotel (a good 30 minute walk) for a nap!

Tonight was the Night Markets, and dinner accompanied by a very large bottle of beer.

Tired now!  Looking at conference venues tomorrow!

For more photos, click here to visit our Facebook Page.

The hotel offers Privé249 for fine dining, Thyme2 restaurant for everyday luxury dining and Cuvée Lounge Bar on the lobby level.

The multi award winning Privé249 boasts a superb menu of French inspired Australian cuisine. Privé249 offers guests an extensive wine list featuring local, national and international drops along with an inspiring 5 course tasting menu.

Thyme2 Restaurant delivers an inspiring dining experience featuring the theatre and movement of an open plan, interactive kitchen. Sleek tandoori ovens, wood fired ovens and wok stations feature in the extensive choice of dining alternatives for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

At Cuvée Lounge Bar, discerning champagne tastes are indulged with vintage and non-vintage labels from 20 of the world's great champagne houses, complemented by a connoisseur's
selection of Australian, European and New World wines. By day, the lounge is a discreet meeting place, while by night, contemporary live entertainment combines with subdued lighting to create a decadent mood of five star sub-tropical charm.

For your chance to win a Dinner for Two in Thyme2 Interactive Restaurant, email us with your contact details and the answer to: What is the name the fine dining restaurant at the Sofitel Brisbane Central?  12/11/12 Update: The correct answer is Privé249, congratulations to J. Lam for winning the prize! Thank you to everyone who entered.

With 11 first class venues, Sofitel is the largest fully integrated hotel conference facility in Brisbane. From a discrete event for 10 to a superb cocktail function for 1100 delegates, guest or school leavers, Sofitel Brisbane Central seamlessly weaves exceptional facilities and the pleasure of luxury into every event experience.

High Speed Wireless Internet Access, Video Conferencing, Technical services and support teams ensure all events reach the highest of international standards. Advanced production tools, the hotel ‘theme team’, state-of-the-art boardrooms and award winning banquet chefs make a long lasting and unique impression on all attendees.

For conference enquiries, please contact Jackie Klus, Business Development Executive - Business Events by email, or phone 07 3835 4955 (direct).

249 Turbot Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Phone: 07 3835 3535
View upcoming events | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter: @SofitelBrisbane
www.sofitelbrisbane.com.au

Rainy weather did not deter us!!  Simon, our knowledgeable guide, luckily had kitted us up with a rain jacket and hats as well as our climb suits, so though the heavens opened while we were at the top of the bridge, we can just call that an experience that doesn’t normally happen.

With a maximum of 12 in the group per climb, the headset radios mean that you can hear everything Simon has to say as you march up to the top. We learned a lot about the bridge, and how they built it (the three free beers for workers per day is a bit disturbing, but somehow typically Aussie :-) And it is heartening to know that when they joined it up in the middle they were within a millimetre. Amazing what Aussie blokes can do, even with a few beers in them. Some might say that the beers helped with the accuracy.)

Highly recommended as something to do for groups in Brisbane – a great way to see the city, and get your bearings if you haven’t been here before, and a whole lot of things you didn’t know even if you do live here. Check out a few of our photos:

Everyone rocking the jump suit look!

Jodie, Kara and Lisa all ready to take on the Story Bridge!

What a view!

Kathleen and Joern

At the top!

Thanks again to the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for looking after us!

Bringing together the very best of Australian architecture, design, produce and service, Vintaged Bar + Grill is far more than a fine-dining steakhouse or stylish bar. It is a celebration of home-grown excellence on every conceivable level.

Vintaged Bar + Grill offers the flexibility to match any occasion, from an intimate dinner to a corporate event. They've developed some ideas to inspire you, but feel free to request a theme that’s all your own.

The Wine Table, Chef’s Table and Private Dining Room are ideal for - corporate dinners and cocktail receptions, product launches, media launches, birthday celebrations, Christmas parties, leaving dos, wedding receptions, and milestone celebrations for anniversaries and birthdays.

Vintaged Bar is a sophisticated, dynamic space for your next entertaining event.

They take great pride in creating an ambience to suit any occasion, from a sit down dinner to a stand up cocktail reception. If you have a special event in mind, they have the creative flair to bring it to life.

For your chance to win a $100 dining voucher to Vintaged Bar + Grill, email us with your contact details and the answer to: "What is the name of one of the function areas at Vintaged Bar + Grill?". The winner is Sharon Ible, congratulations!

Vintaged Bar + Grill
Hilton Brisbane
190 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane, Australia 4000 | Call 07 3234 2000 | events@vintagedbarandgrill.com | www.brisbane.hilton.com

To start the Mega Mantra Famil off, we were surprised by 3 awaiting helicopters to take us to our first site visit at Pepper’s Ruffles Lodge and Spa. Hidden away in the Gold Coast Hinterland, this exclusive retreat features only 12 accommodation rooms. Ruffles have a few meeting spaces available, ranging from outdoor space in the Garden Gazebo to further breakout rooms indoor, all particularly ideal for small business meetings. Not to mention the rooms all look out to spectacular views of the hinterland - very peaceful!

A 40 minute bus trip took us to our next destination of Pepper’s Broadbeach, where we  quickly checked out both Tower 1 and Tower 2 and the facilities. Moving on to our next property site visit at the Mantra Legends Hotel in Broadbeach, we were shown their many conference rooms and meeting spaces.

Just when we thought we were hopping back on the bus, we were suprised by 20 bikers and their Harley Davidsons! I must admit it was quite scary but eventually I relaxed and enjoyed the scenic ride to Pepper's Salt Resort and Spa at Kingscliffe. Here we checked-in and were treated to a 3 course dinner at Seasons restaurant where an episode of Masterchef was filmed - very yummy!

Day 2 of the Mega Mantra Famil - The day started off with a site visit around Pepper's Kingscliffe. Their meeting space consists of a Boardroom and Ballroom which can be reconfigured into 3 seperate meeting rooms - and all fully equipped by their onsite AV team.

Only a short walk over to the Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliffe, we visited the Plantation Room, Boardroom and The Pavilion spaces. All which had a very relaxing yet modern feel!

The day was coming to a close but the surprises kept coming! Half hour massages from the lovely ladies at the Mantra on Salt followed by an adventure ride around the property on segways - so cool!

Thank you to The Mantra Group for showing me around the Mantra properties on the Tweed Coast and for all the exciting surprises we were treated to!

Click here to view more photos.

A multi‐million dollar refurbishment of the 4½ star Royal on the Park has begun encompassing all 145 Deluxe Rooms, Foyer, Restaurant and Bar.

Completed earlier this year, “The Royal” as it is fondly known will be restored to its former glory as a place of traditional elegance, comfort and as a home away from home for guests.  The plans for refurbishment include all 145 Deluxe guest rooms, encompassing the replacement of carpets, guest furniture and bedding. The foyer, Walnut Restaurant and cocktail bar areas will also be refreshed with new seating, tables and the addition of crystal chandeliers and private degustation dining areas.

The design has been completed to enhance and complement the existing club‐like, traditional and comfortable feel of the Hotel. Built in 1969 as the vision of Mr Irvin Rockman CBE and Mr Jessel Rothfield to be one of the most impressive and expensive hotels in Brisbane at the time, the hotel was designed to make an architectural statement on the skyline to move the city forward and help grow Queensland’s tourism market.

The hotel features the CBD’s best location with uninterrupted views across the City Botanic Gardens from one whole side of the building and the largest suites and swimming pool of any Brisbane hotel. 

Not just a hotel, the property also hosts weddings, conferences, gala events and business meetings of all size.

As part of the Renaissance of Royal on the Park and to celebrate 40 years of service you are invited to submit your “Royal” story by emailing: hotel@royalonthepark.com.au

Book your Christmas function at Royal on the Park and enjoy a complimentary an upgrade on your wine package. Contact Karen Naylor, Director of Sales and Marketing on 07 3112 1691 or email karen_naylor@royalonthepark.com.au for your next function enquiry and make sure you mention 'Iceberg Events'!

*Subject to terms and conditions, minimum numbers and bookings by 7 October 2011.

Steeped in traditional elegance, the relaxed and comfortable The Walnut Restaurant offers guests a varied à la carte menu, or Brisbane’s best value seafood buffet. The cuisine is ever-evolving with new and interesting dishes being created with the best and freshest local produce available each season.

The winner of the $100 dining voucher to The Walnut Restaurant was drawn on 3 October 2011. Congratulations to Leah Burns!

Located across from the Treasury Casino, its central location is close to accommodation, public transport and parking. The Villager aims to provide a relaxed atmosphere in a friendly environment. Delivering a new concept in casual dining and late night lounging to Brisbane’s hospitality landscape – The Villager is a place for the unpretentious yet discerning to stop by for a home-cooked meal or settle in for a night of tasty tipples.

The Villager can accommodate parties of ten through to cocktail receptions of 120. We cater for all events from personal celebrations including birthdays, engagement parties and weddings to corporate events including product launches, private business meetings, conferences, fashion parades, and everything in-between. Read more

185 George Street, Brisbane Qld 4000 | Call 07 3211 1300 | Subscribe to the Mailing List
Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter: @VillagerHotel
thevillager.com.au

To win a $100 dinner for two at The Villager Hotel entrants had to answer the question..."What is the Sword Fish on the menu served with?"

The competition is now closed. Congratulations to the winner, Clare Murray from CARRS-Q, QUT!

Daydream Island Resort and Spa is big enough to host major events for up to 250 delegates (catering for up to 500 including partners) and yet small enough to provide a personal touch. The well appointed accommodation, comprehensive conference facilities with five individual conference rooms are complemented by the island’s sparkling bays and secluded beaches. These are perfect for themed team building activities and events.

There are over 70 different types of group or individual team building activities available at Daydream, including Survivor style challenges, a Great Barrier Reef Cruise, reef fishing, a mini Olympics, scavenger hunt, mini golf tournament, or a Croc Safari.

Daydream Island Resort and Spa is home to a 44 foot Outdoor Cinema screening blockbuster movies, a mini themed golf course, ‘Living Reef’ man made living coral reef lagoon and world class Rejuvenation Spa.

Enjoy the abundance of unique outdoor venues ideal for truly memorable events including a casual poolside gathering, a formal dinner at Lovers Cove or an exciting “Oscars” awards ceremony at the 44ft Open Air Cinema. Larger groups can also choose to book the entire island for a sole-use conference or event.

Daydream Island Resort and Spa is the perfect place to motivate and inspire.

Book your next conference or incentive at Daydream Island Resort & Spa and receive a special 2 for 1 offer on accommodation and conference packages*.

Pay for 1 delegate and get the 2nd delegate free as part of a special deal applicable for bookings made by 31 August 2011 for stays up to 31 August 2011 or 1st February 2012 to 31 August 2012.

*Terms and conditions apply. Accommodation based on twin share basis - not available on single room. Includes conference day delegate package. Must make a minimum booking of 50 delegates. Excludes functions and team building. Book, pay and stay from 1 February 2011 to 31 August 2011 or stay 1 February to 31 August 2012.

Here is a copy of the letter from Peppers:

Peppers is going to be a part of something big. Really big!

We are delighted to announce a new multi-million dollar promotional partnership with the top rating television programme MasterChef.

The partnership is one of the biggest in the history of the Peppers brand.

Exposure will include:

As a group, we will be able to exclusively tap into MasterChef concepts to help our business development. This is a coup for consumer, conference and corporate groups as we will be only official accommodation brand able to offer experiences such as team challenges, invention tests, mystery box challenges, pressure tests etc.

But it's not just event-based business that will develop – we'll be able to create accommodation packages featuring official MasterChef merchandise and local food trail experiences. We will also have access to the programme's personalities and contestants from the 2010 series to appear at our events and promotions.

This is also the ideal opportunity for Peppers properties to shine and step up to the next level in terms of delivering a world-class, imaginative and impressive foodie tourism experience.

Last year, each night, more than 1.9 million people watched MasterChef. The 2010 series finale attracted more than 4 million viewers and was the highest rating non-sporting event ever recorded on Australian television. This season MasterChef will air for 14 weeks from May until July 2011. Eighty five episodes of the show will be screened six nights a week, from Sunday to Friday at 7.30pm on Network Ten.

Our promotional activity and business development using a MasterChef theme will continue till the end of November 2011.

So as you can see, we are headed into a very exciting time.

Kind regards,

Ken Minnikin
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

The 280-room resort has outstanding features and a team dedicated to service excellence. The resort is less than an hour from Gold Coast and Brisbane Airports, a shuttle bus service will transfer groups from arrival points and to local destinations.

Radisson is 10 minutes drive from golden beaches, the casino, exciting nightlife, shopping precincts, and two major sports stadiums. Delegates enjoy the peace and quiet; the building is set among hectares of landscaped grounds. There are 10 meeting rooms all with natural light, air-conditioning, and free high-speed internet access plus a choice of outdoor areas.  The pillarless Masters Ballroom is the centrepiece.

Meeting rooms can cater for up to 700 delegates. All guest rooms have private balconies or courtyards and expansive views. These spacious contemporary rooms have work desks, free high-speed internet access, direct dial phones, minibars, and ensuite bathrooms.

Leisure facilities include two outdoor swimming pools, day and night tennis courts, an exceptional gym, walking tracks and a day spa. The resort links with several championship golf courses. The catering team impresses delegates with well-planned menus designed to cater for all tastes and dietary requirements. The award-winning Chelos at Radisson Restaurant and Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

Radisson Resort Gold Coast has won a host of awards for excellence and EarthCheck Silver status for outstanding environmental and social responsibilities.

Request a proposal from the Radisson Resort Gold Coast, through Iceberg Events (email us) to be in the draw to win one night's accommodation, with breakfast for two valued at $179. All Enquires are to be received prior to 28 February 2011.

Dedicated events coordinators at Mantra Mooloolaba Beach will ensure nothing is left to chance in creating a successful conference for up to 200 delegates.

Additionally, stay overnight in a 1 Bedroom Apartment from $140* per night.

Breakfast packages are available from $10* per person.

To book call (07) 5452 2871 email conferencesc@mantragroup.com.au

*Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Valid for new business only for bookings contracted by January 2011. Valid for conferences held between February & June. Minimum 20 delegates apply and 20 room nights apply.

Friday 31 December 2010, 8pm - 1am | Drift Cafe, Jetty & Events, 330 Coronation Drive, Milton
Call 3368 1866 for bookings | $160pp or $1,400 for group of 10, from 8pm - 1am

Gracing the river bank on the western reach of the brisbane river and embracing the panoramic views of Australia's most 'liveable city', lies a unique australian dining and entertainment experience we love to call - Drift Cafe Jetty Events.

Located only 2km from the Brisbane CBD and only 200m from Park Road, this beautiful venue has an atmosphere that is relaxed and elegant, and boasts sweeping views from the city down to Toowong.

The dream behind Drift is to bring to Brisbane a wonderful venue that you can have fun in, where you can enjoy the company of your friends over some great food and laughter.  Think of it as an oasis in the middle of an urban jungle.  Showcasing the talents of head chef Benny Loh and his team, drift combines unique modern Australian cuisine with the best Australian produce.  Open for lunch and dinner everyday, this beautiful 220 seat cafe is perfect for long, lazy lunches on the river, drinks in the lounge or dinner by candlelight. With live entertainment everyday, drift truly is a unique dining experience.

drift.com.au

Brisbane is a great destination for your next conference...

Clean, green, sustainable, friendly, tolerant, multi-cultural, creative, collaborative, energetic, progressive and liveable... Brisbane knows exactly where it wants to be.

As conference organisers, we think there are fantastic venues and acommodation places around Brisbane, in the city, South Bank and over to Moreton Island.

For more info, visit www.meetininbrisbane.com.au

ROOF GARDEN
High above the city streets, with panoramic views of the Adelaide Hills and city skyline, the designer roof garden is a unique sanctuary; the only one of its kind in Adelaide and a must see for any traveller.  Located on the upper most level of the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, relax and enjoy the view.

Overlooking the roof garden on level 7 of the hotel, the Nandina Function rooms offer a perfect fusion of intimate space and natural light. One of Adelaide’s newest and most impressive venues, indulge in exquisite food, wine and superior service. The roof garden is a venue  . . . a meeting point . . . a haven.

CULSHAW’S GRILL
Welcome to Culshaw's Grill at the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel. It all starts with the food! Our Head Chef has carefully sourced the finest products South Australia has to offer to create the modern Australian menu. Couple it with friendly and informed service and an extensive wine list and you have yourself a complete restaurant experience.

At Culshaw’s Grill, food and wine is not our business, it is our pleasure.

Exclusive Offer

Valid from now until 31 March 2011. Terms & Conditions apply.

For more information on how we can make your event one to remember, please contact Sandra functions@majestichotels.com.au or 08 8100 4494 and mention 'Iceberg Events'.

www.majestichotels.com.au

The resort’s seven purpose built conference rooms are designed to provide delegates with a great venue; top class accommodation, stylish and comfortable conference rooms, specialist technical and creative services, state-of-the-art facilities and, of course, Novotel is synonymous with personalised and friendly service.

At Novotel Twin Waters Resort every conference group can be confident their business can be mixed with pleasure, as the resort offers a range of outdoor conference options including beaches, the Eucalypt Clearing, the Circus Lawn and Lily’s on the Lagoon for a truly memorable and unique experience, plus exclusive access to a range of unique leisure team building activities.

Indulge in an amazing choice of activities including golf, tennis, water sports, yoga and spa treatments at the Lagoon Day Spa, or wine and dine your delegates at any of resort’s range of fine-dining and casual restaurants, pre-function and cocktail areas.

For an unrivalled experience treat the team to distinctive group activities. Fly high at Cirque Espace, a dedicated circus school unique to the region; the perfect team building activity for conference groups with gumption, ideal for building team skills, trust and communication 20 metres in the air. Also exclusive to the resort is Australia’s first two-wheel All Terrain Segway Xperience, perfect for a fun and relaxing end to a long hard day.

Or, for more of a challenge, switch to survivor mode with Xperience’s Lost Challenge. Pull the team together with a simulated air-crash survival scenario, complete with an amazing 22 metre Caribou Fuselage prop for realism.

Novotel Twin Water’s Resort understands that imagination and inventiveness is the key to pulling a team together. So mix your business with pleasure on the beautiful, sub-tropical Sunshine Coast, the perfect venue for meetings, conferences, incentives and gala events.

Chance to Win!
Be in a chance to win one night’s accommodation with breakfast for 2 adults at Novotel Twin Waters Resort. 

To enter, email us what your preferred team building activity would be, including your name, position, company, email address and contact number(s) to admin@icebergevents.com.au by Monday 30 August. The winner will be randomly drawn on Tuesday 31 August and notified by phone & email.

Conference Enquiries
For more information about conferencing at Novotel Twin Waters Resort and for the best available rates, call 07 5450 9582 and mention “Iceberg Events”.
Sharon White
Phone: 07 5450 9538
Email: conference@twinwatersresort.com.au

Only 10 accommodation rooms makes it very cozy - gorgeous rooms, all individually decorated.  My room (lucky me) had a spa in the bedroom!  Huge bathroom with his 'n' hers (his 'n' his??  Hers 'n' hers???) showers - love the heated towel rails (you don't get that often in Queensland, now do you?)

Oh - and the little window seats in your room (if you are on the first floor) with cushions, looking out into the valley.  Love it.

Books everywhere - lots of little spaces with bookshelves full of novels and coffee table books and "14000 things to make you happy" kind of books.  Love the library, to - perfect spot to curl up on the couch with one of their books (or one of your own) - or play Trivial Pursuit or Backgammon.  Nice.

Gorgeous day spa, which smells divine.  I think it was cinnamon and vanilla??  Not sure, but it was lovely.

Everything here is French influence - from the framed french newspapers on the wall, to the french Cooking Classes which you can take (I now know how to bone a chicken.  Who'd have thought!?)  We made our own lunch, which of course, was fantastic.

Executive groups of about 10 (any more and you'd need to twin share) - retreats, planning days, strategic meetings - would be perfect.  Apparently the restaurant will be opening to the public for lunch and dinner in the next little while - another great lunch spot in Montville!

A lovely Parisienne breakfast this morning before we went to see Spicers Tamarind - which is just up the road at Maleny, and is not even open yet.  Tamarind will have more conference space (around 30 people here), but it will be a while before the accommodation catches up - there's currently only six rooms being built, which will go up to fourteen in Stage 2.

Where Clovelly Estate is French influenced, Tamarind is Thai.  There will be a Thai Cooking School here (Tamarind was originally a Thai Cooking School - so they are building on that and adding accommodation).

Looking forward to seeing this one completed!

The hotel is beautiful, and the service is fantastic.  We were using a boardroom which had loads of natural light, but the main "conferencing" floor has HEAPS of space for trade displays as well as large meetings.

Michelle, our contact at the hotel, is wonderful to deal with - nothing is ever too much trouble.

We had a very fun dinner in Benihana's - the teppenyaki restaurant.  So much food, and so much fun!

We also had a staff dinner at Dracula's - not quite in the same league as Benihana's, but an experience, none-the-less.  The show was called "Vampirates", and the girls did enjoy the big fishbowl cocktails...

I wish I had have done this at the time - I'm sure that my memory would be clearer - but suffice to say that my overall impression and recollection is that we had a great weekend, and I'd highly recommend it!!

J  ;-)

Many thanks to Ruth Appleby from the Newcastle Convention & Visitors Bureau, who really knew her stuff!  She managed to fit in heaps of potential venues for us, and even a couple that weren't on our agenda!

Though my client was Aviation related, there are many, many places that any group interested in Marine or Aquaculture would love - such as the Maritime Centre or the area around the Honeysuckle Boiler Shop which is being restored to become part of a larger precinct.

We were lucky enough to be staying at Crowne Plaza - right on the harbour, and also part of the Honeysuckle Development.  All of the rooms at Crowne Plaza are suites (nice!), and though it is a very looooong building (it looks like there is a mirror at the end of the hallway when you are going to your room - but no, the hallway really is that long), it's place on the harbour, with the walkway all along the water is lovely, and there are a heap of great restaurants very close by.

We saw some great function spaces such as Longworth House (beautiful for weddings, and a great tapas bar on Thurs/Fri/Sat nights), Fort Scratchley (where - if you want - your President/Chair/CEO could FIRE ONE OF THE GUNS as part of your event!!), and Newcastle Ocean Baths - where I just want to see some syncronised swimmers in neck-to-knee swimsuits and bathing caps.

Noah's on the Beach has a fabulous spot - with floor to ceiling glass in the conference room - but how could you concentrate with whales and dolphins frollicking in the surf right outside?

The Civic Precinct is also fantastic - what a great old theatre (would be fabulous for a Phantom of the Opera kind of event), and the City Hall (I do love a Town Hall - so much character - not at all like modern function rooms).

All in all - lots to see and do.  Highly recommended for groups that have been there and done that!

J  ;-)

Couran Cove Island Resort is the perfect destination for rewarding a job well done; for spoiling a high-performing team, or simply for getting down to business. Located on South Stradbroke Island, just a 40-minute ferry ride from the Gold Coast mainland, Couran Cove Island Resort offers conference groups the opportunity to do as much or as little as they like.

Themed events and dining venues range from forest clearings to beachfront, or for more intimate groups the Resort offers it’s ‘Spirit of Gwonda’ catamaran for private sunset cruises and dinners. Couran Cove Island Resort is perfect as a venue for an intimate gala-dinner, staged in the picturesque Mango Chapel, or the roomier Beach Pavilion for an awards presentation.

Luxury accommodation at Couran Cove Island Resort is situated overlooking either the marina or lagoon, with choices including Marine Deluxe Rooms, Marine Suites, 2-Bedroom Marine Lodges or 4-Bedroom Villas.

If the aim of your trip is to bring your team closer together, then why not have the onsite Sport & Recreation team facilitate an Island Challenge Treasure Hunt or a South Straddie Stranded activity.

The team at Couran Cove Island Resort are dedicated to making conferences and incentives memorable and enjoyable…for all the right reasons!

It’s a wonderful winter to conference at Couran Cove Island Resort! Special offer for conferences booked and held from 1 June - 31 August 2010. 

The all-inclusive residential conference package $249pp per night twin share includes:

Accommodation, ferry transfers, bike hire, in room internet, buffet breakfast, plus complete residential conference package including meeting room, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, standard AV and entertainment.

Plus, choose a reward of:

Terms & Conditions apply. For more information please contact haleybrunell@couran.com or phone 07 5509 3030.

All enquiries received for the above Winter Conference Offer will go in the draw to win a night’s accommodation at Couran Cove Island Resort including return ferry transfers, bike hire and buffet breakfast for 2 adults. For more information please contact haleybrunell@couran.com or phone 07 5509 3030 and mention 'Iceberg Events'.

A functions package is available upon request and contains information and pictures and menus from each of the distinct areas in the Iceworks Precinct. To take your special functions to the next level Iceworks are also able to arrange music, guest speakers, and theming.  To request a function please email Sharyn Hallas at sharyn.hallas@iceworks.com.au or phone 07 3367 9800.

Be in a chance to win two tickets to the LOL Ladies Luncheon on Friday 18 June 2010.  To enter, email us one of the function spaces available at the Iceworks Precinct, including your name, position, company, email address and contact number(s) to admin@icebergevents.com.au by Monday 8 June. Winner will be randomly drawn on Tuesday 9 June and notified by phone & email.  Thank you to all who entered, congratulations to the competition winner Kathy Pataczek!

Cnr Given Terrace & Dowse Streets
Paddington Qld 4064
iceworks.com.au

Need an event organiser? We can help.

Ooh - what fun.  I got to have a look at the new Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) the other day.

So many fabulous spaces!  A massive auditorium, lots of other different sized rooms, many of which have natural light, the built in AV, and the REALLY COMFY chairs.  (I also liked the way some of the chairs were red, and some were black, and when they set the room they do this cool kind-of diagonal stripe kind of set up - hard to explain!).

The MCEC recently shone at this year's Australian Interior Design Awards, winning the National Award in the Public Design category and the Best of State Award in the Commercial Design category. The venue was also Highly Commended in the Environmentally Sustainable Design category.

As well as being the first ‘6 Star Green Star' environmentally rated convention and exhibition centre in the world, the MCEC has been the winner of numerous awards for its exceptional environmental and design features.

AND we got to also have a look at the Hilton South Wharf, which is literally on top of the new centre.  Not really any meeting space (well, a small board room, but that's all), but lovely rooms (with beds that you just want to jump on) and great bathrooms.  The Tapas Bar downstairs looks like it would be great fun on a Friday night, too.

Hopefully I get to use these great new additions to Melbourne soon! 

J  ;-)

AND - you can have Natalie Cook helping you and your staff out, if you like! How awesome would that be? An Olympic Gold Medallist in Beach Volleyball, helping you run your company tournament?

But back to the events - corporate team building is good, but I want to throw a party at this place. It's really hard to do an organised beach party on a real beach (the councils get a bit touchy about it) - but you could certainly do it here. Play some Beach Boys music. Get everyone's shoes off. Have a BBQ. Put up some party lighting - some paper lanterns or tiki torches or something like that. It would be a great night.

I'm sure that being at QEII is a bit of a barrier for some people - but it's not really that far. Could probably be faster than trying to get to an inner city venue for a lot of people.

Hobart is definately all about the food. We've been to some awesome places. We started at Meadowbank Winery, where some of our group were lucky enough to take the "How to be a wine snob" course - so they could irritate us for the rest of our stay. ;-)

The outlook and the food was beautiful, and, of course, the wine! I really loved the interesting floor at the winery - it is a work of art in itself, telling the history of the area.

Hobart seems to be all about the local produce, and local artists. Pretty much everywhere we went, they told us how they supported the local community, which I think is great. If I'm going to take a group somewhere, I want them to be experiencing the best of that area.

From there, we had a look at venues such as the Old Woolstore, and the Henry Jones Art Hotel - Henry Jones in particular is so filled with fantastic art, and just being there is a history lesson unto itself.

Dinner that night was on the top floor of the Hotel Grand Chancellor - what a fantastic view!

Breakfast the next morning was entertaining with Phil Harris from Aardvark Adventures. Some very exiting Team Building and Adventure activities to be had in Hobart and around Tassie - what fun we could have! I hope he's reading this!!! Max loved the choccies - thanks.

One of the highlights would have to be the Cascade Brewery. Beer Tasting @ 10.00 am is a bit early for some, but what a fantastic setting, and wasn't my husband jealous. He can't complain though - I brought him home a pick & mix pack of all of his favourites.

Another definate highlight was Lark Distillery. Is there a pattern here? I seem to be overly enjoying the alcohol related sites. Strange. At Lark's we got to try their special Gin (nice G&T to start the night), Whiskey, Whiskey Liqueur (which I was ESPECIALLY partial to), and the Pepperberry Vodka. Nice! I highly recommend that one. The atmosphere in there was awesome - we didn't want to leave, we were having so much fun.

The next morning, we could hang out at Salamanca Markets - which were pretty good. I'm not much of a market person after having been involved with the Spring Hill Fair (I'm a bit marketed-out), but these were nice, and had a great atmosphere.

All of the accommodation that we looked at was considerably less expensive than what you would find on the mainland - so for the cost of a flight to Tassie, you could potentially save your meeting a whole lot of $$.

I'm a big fan of Tassie now. Thanks Claire!

I had the opportunity to go to a Branding Workshop run by DAIS the other day at the Emporium Hotel in Fortitude Valley.

I had a fantastic morning - the workshop was great, and highly inspiring - making me rush back to the office with my notes and commit to doing lots of things that I've been meaning to do for a long time (Jack Perlinski is a great speaker!).

But as well as that, I was able to check out the Emporium Hotel - I haven't had a chance to see it until now.

What a cool space that cocktail bar is! Just the entry is incredible.

As well as that, I am waiting with bated breath for The Limes Hotel, also in the Valley, to open up. Limes will have a very cool roof garden and outdoor cinema (which I became aware of through the Green Roofs Australia Conference which we are currently working on).

It's nice to see some contemporary venues opening up in BrisVegas - we love it!

J ;-)

We've just arrived back from hot and steamy Cairns. Luckily, we weren't in Mackay (which was the original plan)!  This is the second time we've worked with this particular group for their conference, and one of the things which the client wanted to do this year was spend the afternoon playing bowls.

The Edge Hill Bowlie was a great place to go on a Friday afternoon. The heat was intense, but nothing that a beer at each end couldn't cure.

A good day was had by all, aided by the open bar and some yummy cheese and bickies put on by a sponsor. We finished up with a BBQ dinner, and then we piled everyone back on the bus to take them home to the resort, where most of them ended up in the pool until well into the evening!

Bowls is an easy team building idea. Everyone can do it, it's not too strenuous, it facilitates people talking to one another and getting to know each other. They can be competitive if they want, but if they're not, it doesn't matter!

J ;-)

How great is this for a group photo location?

Hamilton Island is a great location for a conference - to take people away just changes everything. This meeting had a lot more laughter as part of it than it ever has in the past - I'm sure that has a lot to do with the fact that you just can't be uptight on a tropical island. I don't think it's possible.

JP entertains some sponsors (or perhaps vice versa?)

 

The rooms have been recently refurbed - so even though generally your conference delegates will be in the Reef Hotel - which is a bit incongruous with the landscape (80s massive high rise in the middle of tropical paradise - but I guess they need that volume of accommodation to provide the conference facilities that they do) - the rooms are really lovely now. Gone is the salmon pink walls and cane furniture of the 80s - lovely white rooms with nice lighting and comfortable balcony furniture!

Still no internet access (except dialup!) in most of the accommodation rooms, which is tricky, but there is wireless access in the foyer, so that's something.

They've re-done the restaurant in the foyer of the Reef Hotel - and put in a really gorgeous pool. We had a casual bbq function there on the Friday night, and the food was fabulous! The delegates and suppliers had a fantastic night.

Some great awards were given out, and much fun was had by all!

Only issues really were a couple of delayed flights - mine was an hour late going there, and three hours delayed coming home. Luckily for us, the flights that the majority of delegates were on were all on schedule.

Also, we had a lady fall over at the loos near the Bougainvillea Marquee - lighting was pretty poor. Apparently they are in the process of building new loos there, so that will be rectified soon.

Anyone else had any experiences on HI? Good or bad - interested in hearing about it.

J ;-)

The State Library also had a couple of River Decks would would seat maybe 40 people for a very classy & exclusive sit down dinner!

I talked about Riverlife in my last blog - wouldn't I love to do more stuff there.

The Brisbane Powerhouse is also a great space - the new deck (which also overlooks the river) is a beautiful spot for pre-function drinks. The grafitti on the walls makes it a bit grungy, and very cool.

We used the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) at Federation Square in Melbourne for the Fury Launch - That's a great spot too. So central, and lots of interactive things for your guests to do (the Pixar Exhibition was on while we were there - wouldn't my son have loved to see that!).

We're always on the lookout for new and exciting venues - let me know if you know of any we should take a look at!

J ;-)

We have a lot of clients who use their conference as an opportunity to get everyone in their organisation working together.  While some may roll their eyes, thinking that team building is a drag – trust me – there are some FABULOUS activities out there.

Take Foot Locker for example – we recently did a 3 hour team building exercise with their Store Managers at Crowne Plaza Royal Pines Resort.  A circuit of activities included Clay Target Shooting, Archery, a group of people balancing a bucket of water on top of a pole, balanced with ropes (you can imagine what happened with that one), a giant A-frame that one team member stood on while their team mates moved it over the finish line… Team Building isn’t all about high ropes courses anymore!

Or a group of IGA stores that we took to the local Bowls Club on a Friday afternoon.  Easy.  Everyone can play.  And a beer at each end ensures that everyone has a good time (within reason of course!)

There are so many different activities you can do – drumming workshops, Aboriginal dot paintings, Scavenger hunts like “The Amazing Race”.  Imagine all of your delegates doing “Survivor” type activities (modified for groups, age and ability) – all wearing “Buffs” for their teams – branded with your company logo?  Fun!  And definitely memorable.

And a photographer while all this is going on can capture enough images of people having fun for you to turn into a scroll at your gala dinner…  What a great end to a great event! 

Many thanks to Ray, Tony and Annette!