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Sunday, October 12, 2014

Sydney Craft Beer Week

sydney-craft-beer-week
The week will see a variety of events available that suits every craft beer lovers taste.

Who needs Oktoberfest? Craft Beer Week returns in October

by Gwen O’Toole

Sure Germany has Oktoberfest, but this October, Sydney will be flowing with Craft Beer as Sydney Craft Beer Week (SCBW) returns bigger, better and tastier for its fourth year.

Over 40 of Sydney's leading venues will host the city's largest celebration of Craft Beer, with more than 100 events happening from October 18-26, 2014.

Event dates:  - 

Sydney Craft Beer Week offers experienced Craft Beer connoisseurs, as well as newcomers to the scene, the opportunity to experience all that the Craft Beer community has to offer.

Visitors and Sydneysiders alike will let their taste buds do the talking as they travel between craft breweries, pubs, restaurants, galleries and pop-up installations over the packed week-long event.

sydney-craft-beer-week
Sydney Craft Beer Week returns in October for the 4th year.

"Though we've grown faster than we ever imagined, we're proud the event still has a local and relatable feel, giving everyone attending a sense of ownership of these locally produced craft beers," said Sydney Craft Beer Week director (and passionate craft beer consumer) Joel Connolly.
"In a way, there is a definite form of community spirit and kinship built and celebrated during the festival, as we give craft beer a much deserved time to shine."

The festivities for the Sydney Craft Beer Week will kick off with a bang (or would that be a pop and a light, bubbly fizz) at a Gala Event on Friday October 17th at The Giant Dwarf Theatre. The week's opening night Gala will get beer fans prepped for a week of tantalising experiences, with over 25 Australian and International breweries showing off their craft (pun intended), as electrifying live music keeps the party going.

sydney-craft-beer-week
The festival will feature plenty of sampling and education opportunities for craft beer veterans and newbies alike.

The celebrations will continue throughout the week, as enthusiasts will be invited to attend numerous events – a mix of free and paid opportunities – to enjoy one-off beers, educational seminars, tap takeovers, beer high teas as well as a tantalising four course beergustation of the highest quality where each course is served with an accompanying beer (matched to the meal's core ingredient) at the Blackrock Brasserie Beergustation Experiment. If this doesn't have your mouth watering, nothing will.

The Sydney Craft Beer Week is gearing up to be one of the highlights of the Sydney social calendar, so save the date and prepare yourself for an unforgettable beer-fuelled experience.

To check out the full program of events visit the website.

Source: http://www.weekendnotes.com/sydney-craft-beer-week/?sb=1&i=1&j=2&k=1&wemid=44160&wuid=557219&ap=AJU2GQkXOY

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Strong International Theme at EEAA 2014 Conference


The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has secured a top line-up of speakers for the EEAA 2014 Conference to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre next month. 


EEAA Chief Executive, Joyce DiMascio, said the conference program will tackle three key themes: “Internationalising” events, products and services; the security landscape around events and what's driving consumer engagement.

“We are honoured to have the CEO of Austrade, Bruce Gosper, and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Director - Australia and New Zealand, Bonnie Shek head the line-up for the international theme,” Ms. DiMascio said. “Matt Jones, Director & Creative Strategist of Better Happy will deliver a wake-up call about customer communications and behaviour. 

In addition, a panel including Victorian Police will address the topical subject of event security. We always aim to deliver outstanding content and this year will be no exception. The program is intensive, strategic and challenging and directly aligned with issues that matter to the industry – right here, right now.”

2014 has marked the establishment of strengthening ties between EEAA Members and the Australian Government’s export agency, Austrade. So it is most fitting that EEAA should hear from Austrade CEO, Bruce Gosper. Mr. Gosper helped kick-start EEAA’s positive work now being undertaken with Trade Commissioners in the Austrade network across Asia.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a leading player in the business events sector, launching highly successful partnerships with the exhibition industry. EEAA is honoured that the HKTDC is joining Association Members to talk about their successful initiatives.

Ms. DiMascio said, “The program also includes speakers from within the EEAA community. Our Members are always keen to hear from organisers of trade and consumer exhibitions so we’ll have an interesting panel discussion with Reed Exhibitions Executive Director, John Gorton; Gaming Technologies Association CEO, Ross Ferrar; Exhibitions & Trade Fairs MD, Gary Daly; National Media MD, Mark Harvey; and WALDRONSMITH Management MD, Kate Smith.”

The conference begins with a Welcome Reception at Cargo Hall, on Melbourne’s South Wharf Promenade on Wednesday, 19 November with the 2014 Conference and Awards for Excellence on Thursday, 20 November. The Awards night will honour the high achievers in the industry in the Melbourne Room at the MCEC.

“This year’s Conference encourages in-depth discussions with top-tier speakers, offers great networking and will be a rewarding experience for attendees. The industry has undergone many changes in 2014 following the closure of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre – events have relocated to other venues and cities. 

New events have been launched. The conference, which coincides with the end of the 2014 event season, will provide an important opportunity to assess where the industry has landed,” Ms. DiMascio said.

To view the Preliminary Program, go towww.eeaa.com.au/pdfs/2014/EEAA_2014_Conference_Preliminary_Program_V1.pdf.

Register to attend the EEAA 2014 Conference and Awards for Excellence:http://www.eeaa.com.au/conference.php.

KEY DATES:
2 October - Registration opened
20 October - Early bird discount ends

KEY CONFERENCE DATES: 
19 November - Welcome Reception
20 November - EEAA 2014 Conference

KEY AWARDS DATES: 
Mid-October - Finalists announced
20 November - EEAA 2014 Awards for Excellence

About EEAA 

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) is the peak association for the exhibition and event industry, representing organisers, venues and suppliers. As a not-for-profit organisation, EEAA’s primary objective is to maintain high industry standards and ensure industry growth by promoting the professionalism of EEAA members and unique benefits offered by exhibitions. For more information, go to www.eeaa.com.au.

Contact:
rius@eeaa.com.au

Session to help Gladstone city get ready for cruises

session-to-help-gladstone-city-get-ready-for-cruises

session-to-help-gladstone-city-get-ready-for-cruises

GET the party started when Carnival Australia comes to town with an information session on the future of cruise liners in Gladstone.

Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd and Carnival Australia will present on the P&O Cruise Liners as part of a business leaders' luncheon.

P&O Cruises announced in August that Gladstone would be a port of call for up to 10,000 passengers a year from 2016, with ships to dock at Auckland Point.

The luncheon is presented by GAPDL in partnership with Gladstone Regional Council and Gladstone Ports Corporation.

GAPDL chief executive Glenn Churchill will give an insight on destination tourism development and regional development priority projects, while product manager Sarah Budd and director Michael Mihajlov will talk for Carnival Australia.

The luncheon will be followed by an information session with a question and answer session, giving people an opportunity to expand further on individual and business opportunities/ learnings, and any other creative discussion points to ensure we are "Region Ready".

The luncheon will be held at the Oaks Grand Gladstone on Tuesday, October 21, from 11.30am-2pm.

Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/liners-on-the-horizon/2413873/

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

The Secrets Flight Attendants Want You to Know


WE’RE infatuated with life in the skies — and all the myth-busting that comes along with it. Who would’ve guessed that dim lights are meant to prep you for evacuation, or that those airline blankets aren’t always freshly washed?

Of course, nobody knows these secrets better than flight attendants. Abbie Unger, a longtime flight attendant (formerly employed by United, Continental and US Airways Express) who retired in 2011 to publish a book and launch a new career as a flight attendant consultant, tells all.



Coaching wannabe crew members through the rigorous application process, her Flight Attendant Career Connection is a Facebook Group where more than 7,000 members swap job advice, trade stories and discuss the ins and outs of a famously glamorous — and notoriously mysterious — industry.

Here, a few secrets your flight attendant may be burning to tell you:






It’s not a flight attendant’s job to look nice.

A 1957 stewardess manual lists requirements that crew members remain unmarried and under 57 kilograms. 

Flight attendants wore girdles as late as the 1970s, and reports regular weigh-ins seem to have left their mark on the profession. But in her experience, Unger says, today’s airlines focus less on looks. “They do want someone who is pleasant to look at,” she told us. “But you don’t have to be a supermodel. You have to be open and engaging — it really has to do with personality.”

Passengers do not need to panic during turbulence.

Flight attendants have flown enough to know that turbulence-related injuries can occur but are uncommon. Unger advises buckling up and riding it out. “Turbulence is like going down a bumpy road,” she says. “If you’re in your seatbelt, you’re not in danger.”


Listen to the safety instructions of flight attendants and don’t panic

But if you see your flight attendant sitting down, you should definitely sit down.

That being said, Unger says looking at the crew is a sure-fire way to tell if the bumpiness has potential to harm you. Flight attendants will often move around the cabin during mild bumps, but they’ll stay seated if they know things are going to get intense.

2013 Delta flight attendant job seekers faced tougher acceptance odds than Harvard applicants.

In 2013, Delta received about 44,000 applications for about 400 flight attendant job openings — that’s a lower acceptance rate than Harvard’s. 

Unger says this year’s Delta recruitment is looking just as tough — she estimates there will be about 200,000 applications for 1800 open spots. “This is a dream for a lot of people,” she explains.

If you really want to tip your flight attendant, try asking three times.

Unger says passengers often assume flight attendants make a lot of money, but “it’s not a very good wage at all.” Many airlines discourage tipping, she explains, and advise that crew members turn down a passenger’s first attempt at offering a tip. 

Try a second or third time, though, and your flight attendant will feel freer to accept. “Or just put it in an envelope and leave it on your seat,” Unger says.




Flight attendants are there to make your trip enjoyable.

Your flight attendant can make you less nervous.

Flight attendants tend to know what every bump, lurch and strange sound means for the plane, whether it’s a harmless bout of turbulence or the squeaky landing gear doing its regular job. 

And attendants would love to share this information with fliers, if they ask. “If you’re nervous, let your flight attendant know,” Unger says. “I’d be happy to have a conversation so you know you’re not alone.”

If your flight attendant turns quiet, it’s to run through emergency scenarios.

Just before takeoff, Unger says, flight attendants are often required to take 30 seconds to run through their safety training, reviewing what will happen should anything go wrong during the trip. “Your flight attendant may be chatting with you, but she’ll stop and be quiet or just look out the window,” Unger explains. “She’s thinking about what she would do in an emergency.”

Airplane food feeds more than just passengers.

After passengers have been served, Unger says the cabin crew will sometimes eat leftover first-class meals. The best part? “There’s ice cream on lots of international flights.”


Flight attendants eat plane food too
Water is the cure for your jet lag.

Simple hydration is a flight attendant’s number-one hack to feeling and looking refreshed after a long haul, Unger says. She recommends filling a mega-size bottle and keeping it at hand during your trip.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Wicked Family Package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

To celebrate the return of Wicked to the Capitol Theatre, Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering this Wicked Family package from $205.00 including:

  • One nights accommodation in a Deluxe 2x Double Bedded Room
  • Daily Hot Buffet Breakfast for up to 2 adults and 2 children
  • Chocolates on arrival











Metro Hotel Sydney Central is conveniently located opposite the Capitol Theatre.

Children age is 0 – 12 years old.

Valid from 1 September - 28 December 2014

**This package does not include show tickets

Welcome Back to Sydney Carnival Spirit

Welcome Back to Sydney Carnival Spirit

Welcome Back to Sydney Carnival Spirit


Carnival Spirit is the first Spirit-class cruise ship for Carnival Cruise Lines. She is also the first new "Fun Ship" to sail to Alaska and Hawaii. 

Eighty percent of the cabins are on the outside of the ship, and of these outside cabins, 80% have balconies. 

In January, 2012, Carnival Spirit went to dry dock and was fitted with some of the latest that cruisers want to have, including Carnival Waterworks (Waterpark at Sea), and the steepest waterslide at sea, a new creation, Green Thunder. 

Her current home port Sydney, Australia is where she then sails to New Caledonia, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Zealand

Melbourne Music Week 2014 Full Program Announced, And its Epic!

Back for its fifth big year, Melbourne Music Week’s 2014 program has been release today and it’s bigger and bolder than ever. The 10-day curette music program is hurting with 110 dynamic event to be held morning, noon, and night across 40 uniquely Melbourne locations.
From quirky music events in laneways, trams, power stations and elevators to experiential performances at iconic Melbourne institutions, MMW’s 2014 program celebrates the crossover between music, art, film, food and design in the country’s cultural capital.
Chair of Council’s Marketing Melbourne committee, Councillor Beverley Pinder-Mortimer said the City of Melbourne continues to work with the music industry to produce an event like no other.
“The city becomes the stage for this 10-day event which highlights the breadth of music in Melbourne. Melbourne is one of the world’s great music cities and Melbourne Music Week absolutely highlights this,” said Cr Pinder-Mortimer.
As previously revealed, this year MMW’s flagship venue, Queen Victoria Market (QVM), will transform into a vibrant performance space with an impressive line-up of local and international acts. Midnight Juggernauts will debut the Melbourne premiere of their visual and musical installation, Aerials, celebrating their tenth anniversary on Saturday 22 November.
Legendary Detroit techno collective Underground Resistance will present a night of jazz and techno music with visionary founder Mad Mike on Tuesday 18 November.
QVM will be pumping as DJ duo Pachanga Boys, the project formed by Superpitcher and Rebolledo, will be joined by Optimo on Wednesday 19 November. In collaboration with SPOOK Magazine, Guerre, Milwaukee Banks and Banoffee will take to the stage on Monday 17 November for an evening of progressive contemporary music.
Co-presented with DUST, avant-garde electronic musician Oneohtrix Point Never will present his world acclaimed visual spectacle on Friday 21 November, supported by Robin Fox and his new laser show RGB.
The Operatives will present DJ Spinn and Remi for an afternoon and night beats and bass showcase on Sunday 23 November. Food will be a highlight at QVM with curated menus drawing draw from the market’s fresh local produce stalls and a rotation of restaurants from the QVM Night Market.
Chair of Council’s Arts and Culture Committee, Councillor Rohan Leppert, said MMVV celebrates local talent and works with the industry in a distinctive co-production model. “MMW is an event that gives back to the labels, artists and venues themselves.
“Over 75 per cent of artists are from Victoria, and this yea, MMW is more accessible than ever with free events making up more than half the program and 90 per cent of ticketed events are under $50,” said Cr Leppert.
Beyond the already fast-selling show at Melbourne Town Hall, German headliner Tangerine Dream will present an exclusive interactive film event at ACMI, playing the live score to the 1977 American existential film, Sorcerer. Tangerine Dream’s front man Edgar Froese will also host a panel discussion at industry event Face The Music, sharing his much-coveted musical insights with Melbourne music lovers.
The most popular night of the program in recent years, Live Music Safari, will once again awaken the city on Thursday 20 November with 14 venues opening their doors for a free night of local music. The program welcomes two new venues, The Hi-Fi and Kelvin Club, as well as expanding to nearby laneways.
MMW’s Self-Made series will return with a new program of innovative events popping up throughout the city. With surprise performances in CBD elevators, daytime musical tennis matches, DJ roller raves, and to parties with performances by yet-to-be-announced musical guests, the series supports the ingenuity and boundless talent of Melbourne’s creative community.
The MMW program boasts a series of unique one-off concerts and artistic collaborations with NGV, MPavilion, Rooftop Cinema, SWELL and Residency that reinterpret public performance spaces and blur the line between art, film, design and music.
The full MMW 2014 program is now available online at melbourne.vic.gov.au/mmw. Tickets are available from Dash Tickets via melbourne.vic.gov.au/mmw from 12:00pm today.

Melbourne Music Week 2014 Lineup

TANGERINE DREAM
ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI
UNDERGROUND RESISTANCE presents TIMELINE
MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS
THE CHURCH
PACHANGA BOYS
DUSKY
ONEOHTRIX POINT NEVER
A WINGED VICTORY FOR THE SULLEN
CUT COPY (DJ SET)
DJ SPINN
OPTIMO
TEN WALLS
REMI
ALLDAY
THE HARPOONS
LAURA JEAN
BLACK CAB
SAFIA
MILWAUKEE BANKS
AND MORE

Melbourne Music Week 2014

14th – 23rd November, 2014

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