Two Major Conferences in Brisbane to Attract 3,900 Business Visitors

Brisbane expects to welcome 3,900 business visitors this month when it hosts two major conferences. 

The first of these, the RCOG World Congress 2015 – a joint event being co-hosted by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) – was held over several days earlier this week.
 
Meanwhile, the 40th IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing (ICASSP) 2015, starts Sunday (19 April).
 
The combined number of more than 3,900 delegates and conference exhibitors exceeded the combined target of 3,000 for both events.
 
The RCOG and RANZCOG events attracted participants from 47 countries, while ICASSP will see 90% of its delegates arriving from overseas.
 
General manager of Conventions and Business Events, Rob Nelson from the Brisbane Convention Bureau said the combined economic impact of both events would generate nearly AUS$12m for Brisbane.

“The convention bureau worked closely with the conference organisers to help attract more delegates to their events and ensure they have a memorable experience of our city,” Nelson said.

“We offered in-kind destination marketing support which included assistance promoting Brisbane to potential delegates, Brisbane Airport welcome signage, pre and post-event touring information, onsite tourist information at both conferences and Airtrain travel discounts for delegates to travel into the city.

“With the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre hosting both events, the RCOG/RANZCOG Event and ICASSP has offered another opportunity to showcase Brisbane’s excellent conference facilities.” 

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre General Manager Bob O’Keeffe said the economic, knowledge sharing, investment and tourism benefits of hosting such events presented enormous value to Brisbane and Queensland. 

“BCEC works with local experts and organisations such as RANZCOG and the IEEE Queensland community to win these large bids for Australia and to ensure that it is Brisbane that reaps the benefits," O'Keeffe said.

“BCEC works with its key convention partners, Tourism and Events Queensland and Brisbane Marketing, to secure these high-calibre conferences for Brisbane and Queensland.” 

View Source

Aussie Wine Month at Palace Hotel Sydney

A Perfect Pairing

Food & Wine Evening, 6.30pm on Monday 18th May 2015

Enjoy a unique tasting event at Palace Hotel Sydney this May. Indulge in our chef’s selection of four tasting dishes accompanied by sommelier selected wines from the Robert Oatley Vineyards. Palace Hotel is teaming up with Robert Oatley Wines for an evening of gourmet food, fine wine and entertainment. Bookings are essential.

Tickets are $55 per person. Please book at Palace Hotel on (02) 9212 2111 or email

Pop Up Wine Bar

Every Friday in May from 5pm – 8pm

Palace Hotel Sydney will be showcasing Pocketwatch and Taltarni T Series wines every Friday evening for the month of May at their exclusive pop up wine bar. A selection of by the glass wines will be available at house wine prices between 5pm and 8pm.

A Food and Wine Affair

New Menu for May

Palace Hotel Sydney will be partnering with Robert Oatley wines this May to showcase their brand new menu accompanied by a selection of perfectly matched wines. This new menu will feature wines from the Pocketwatch series from the central ranges of NSW and WA, as well as the Taltarni T Series from Victoria

http://www.palacehotelsydney.com.au/2015/04/15/aussie-wine-month-at-palace-hotel-sydney

Bed and Breakfast Hot Deal at Metro Hotel Miranda

Start your day off the right way with this Bed & Breakfast Hot Deal from Metro Hotel Miranda!

Enjoy a delicious ‘Big Breakfast’ daily in Enklava café, located below the hotel.

Book this Bed and Breakfast Hot Deal at Metro Hotel Miranda

See All Hot Deals Currently Available to be booked at Metro Hotel Miranda

Metro Hotel Miranda is located in the centre of Miranda City and boasts 52 ample and commodious rooms and apartments in various categories including Standard, Superior, Suite and Family Apartment. 

The rooms offer different configurations to suit guest needs and are equipped with microwave, dining and cutlery set. Many of the rooms have balconies with spectacular views over the Sydney city skyline in the distance, Botany Bay, and the beauty and serenity of the local surrounds in the Sutherland Shire. 

Metro Hotel Ipswich International showcase for weddings, parties, gala dinners and formals

Metro Hotel Ipswich International functions showcase for weddings, parties, gala dinners and formals! 

When: 2nd May 2015 from 11am to 4pm
Where: 43 South Street, Ipswich QLD

Enjoy a FREE glass of bubbly and a selection of canapes from our Head Chef Guy Farrow!

Experience a selection of themed room perfect for your next event. Come and enjoy how we can enhance your next special occasion or even and meet our experienced event team at Metro Hotel Ipswich International.

Go in the draw for your chance to win the Sunset Flight Overnight Experience for two people valued at $980! To enter, fill in your entry form at Metro Hotel Ipswich International.

Website: www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/queensland/metro-hotel-ipswich-international

Anzac Day - April 25 2015, Sydney

In our ongoing commitment to Metro Hotel on Pitt’s corporate social responsibility program, in April on Anzac Day for the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli we have joined with our partners to be serving coffee and tea for before and after the dawn service at 1915 prices!

  

That is 10c a cup and the sales from this and any other donations made on the day, along with 50% of all food sales will be donated to Legacy Sydney to assist in their ongoing commitment to widows and widowers of our fallen heroes.

Private William Dalton Lycett; Nov 1890 – Apr 1975 Diary of his time at the front in the Dardenelles

"Sunday 25th April, 1915

Was awakened this morning about 4.30 a.m. by the sound of heavy firing. We were at the entrance to the Dardenelles and our fleet was bombarding the enemies forts and batteries, we were right in among our cruisers.

The first of the landing party went ashore about 7 a.m. and some hot fighting ensued. The "Lizzie" (Queen Elizabeth) put some of her big shells in and it was a magnificent sight, though awful.
Our fleet made the hills a hell of fire, a wonderful scene, none of our ships seemed
to be hit.

We steamed about 12 miles up the outside of the "Gallipoli" Peninsula about 10 a.m. and we expect to land here soon. Fleet is bombarding the coast all along. Some Australian troops landed at this point this morning and have been fighting all day.

The sound of rifles has not ceased, same with ships guns till about 8 p.m. Hydroplanes and an observation balloon have been up all day. No firing going on at present."

http://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/public-holidays/anzac-day

Dawn Service:

The Dawn service starts at 4:15am and the march (from 9:00am) walks straight past us (on Bathurst Street) - A Short Walk from Metro Hotel on Pitt

Metro Brasserie (Located next to Metro Hotel on Pitt)

Metro Brasserie will be open at 4:15am rising with Reveille for service of coffee and tea at 1915 prices of 10c a cup

Tea at 1915 prices of 10c a cup

Chef will be also preparing traditional homemade Anzac biscuits to enjoy during the morning
We will have continuous service up to and including the Anzac Day parade which passes by the hotel on its way to Hyde Park or until Midday

Dawn Service at Martin Place, Sydney

LEST WE FORGET!

The Rocky Horror Show @ Sydney Lyric Theatre from April 2015

The new Australian production of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show will play a limited season at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from April 2015.

Returning in the coveted role of Frank N Furter will be television and theatre star Craig McLachlan, fresh from shooting the title role in the third series of ABC TV’s top rating drama series The Doctor Blake Mysteries. Further cast members will be announced later this year. The new Australian production of The Rocky Horror Show has been nominated for Best Musical and Best Male Actor in a Musical (Craig McLachlan) at the 2014 Helpmann Awards, and received critical and popular acclaim. Craig McLachlan went on to win the 2014 Helpmann Award for Best Male Actor in a Musical.

The Rocky Horror Show is a true classic and one of theatre’s most endearing and outrageously fun shows. It opened at London’s Royal Court Theatre on June 19, 1973, quickly developing a cult following, and was adapted into the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which has the longest-running release in film history. This iconic brand holds a unique place in theatre history, a show which has defied the decades and continued to grow in popularity. In 2010 the music of Rocky Horror was showcased in the smash hit TV show Glee, seen by over 20 million people worldwide. Rocky Horror even has its own postage stamp.

Millions of people all over the world have and continue to see productions of The Rocky Horror Show and sung along to classics like Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, I Can Make You A Man, Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me, Over At The Frankenstein Place and of course The Time Warp.

‘STILL THE FUNNIEST AND SEXIEST SHOW AROUND’ - Evening Standard

Show Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes (including interval)

Playing from 10 April 2015

Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/The-Rocky-Horror-Show-tickets/artist/804241

Sydney Showground Reveals Infrastructure Upgrades

Spice caught up with Sydney Showground general manager Peter Thorpe to find out what’s in store for the year ahead.

What are the planned infrastructure upgrades?The main upgrades include site-wide fibre and data cable upgrade, kitchen equipment upgrades, CCTV upgrade from analogue to digital and an upgrade to 50,000 hour LED of house lighting and lighting controls within The Dome and Halls 2, 3 and 4, providing significant flexibility of use and the ability to dim all lights collectively or individually making further energy savings.

When can we expect them to be completed?
By the end of September 2015.

What are the obstacles to getting these upgrades approved?
No obstacles, these projects have all been funded and approved but need to go through a rigorous procurement process and take time to undertake in an operating venue where works have to be scheduled around client requirements.

Why do you think it’s important to have light rail access to Sydney Olympic Park?
Sydney Olympic Park corridor represents a significant urban renewal opportunity. It is a pivotal and suitable location for increased density in terms of residential, commercial, retail, educational and cultural activity, however site residents and users need quick and simple access to key areas such as Parramatta and the City. The proposed Light Rail route will provide this access.

How much will it cost?
Unknown at this stage.

Who will pay for it?
It is anticipated that private enterprise would provide 100% of the required funding subject to the required density uplift.

Where is this process up to?It is anticipated that the NSW Government will make an announcement soon after the upcoming state election.

View Source