Conference Venues in Parramatta

Parramatta may not be seen as exotic or scenic destination, but western Sydney is called home by 1 in 10 Australians and the area has over 200 000 businesses, Parramatta is the centre of western Sydney so clearly we need to know a bit more about conference and meeting venues in the area.

Firstly, Parramatta is easy to get to, train from Central takes about 30 minutes and a Taxi from the city cost me about A$50. Parramatta is around 40 minutes drive from Sydney Airport or the CBD. Also, consider that there is a good chance that some of your delegates will live in the area. 

  

Conference Room - Mantra Parramatta

Mantra Parramatta has just undergone a big refurbishment, the accommodation is looking fresh and new - spacious rooms, flat screen TV's, comfy beds and work desks with power points - good stuff for business travellers and conference delegates. Mantra Parramatta is just a few minutes walk from Parramatta station public transport interchange and Westfield Shopping centre making it a very convenient location. 


The property also offers apartment style accommodation for long stay guests (if you have enquiries about long stay accommodation in Sydney visit  www.sydneyservicedapartments.net these guys offer lots of experience, great service and great rates). 


The conference room at Mantra Parramatta does not offer natural light, so no need to close the curtains if you have data projector and powerpoint presentations, but the room is elegant and can seat 100 in a Cabaret setting. The meeting room can be split into 3 sections if you have smaller groups or need break-out sessions. Of course the catering at Mantra is always good - I love being invited to dine with these guys!

Rydges Parramatta - Hotel and Conference Venue

Rydges Parramatta is located opposite Rosehill Racecourse, so its a little out of the Parramatta town centre but there are plenty of reasons to hold your next conference at Rydges. The hotel has a ballroom that can seat 200 in a cabaret setting and can be broken down into 3 sections, the ballroom also has vehicle access and built in Data projectors and screens. Complimenting the ballroom and just 1 level up are a selection of boardrooms and small meeting rooms that are perfect for breakout or training sessions and smaller conferences. Rydges Parramatta has a selection of on-site dining venues, if you have delegates in conference for several days its great to mix it up a bit and give them some different dinner venues. One of the options is an on-site informal public sports bar that can host a wide variety of themed private functions but also gives delegates a place for a quiet drink where they can have punt or just sit back and watch the footy. Another popular feature of Rydges Parramatta is the free on-site parking.

Ballroom - Sebel Parramatta

The Sebel Parramatta is located opposite Prince Alfred Park and The Riverside Theatre, and being on Church Street is just a few metres from Parramatta's restaurant strip. The Sebel Parramatta features the areas largest pillarless ballroom, capable of seating 500 delegates in a Theatre style setting, the venue also offers several smaller rooms that are good for break-outs etc. The Conference rooms at The Sebel Parramatta are set over 2 levels around a central atrium, catering can be provided in the same area, the floor space can be used for trade displays and can fit around 12 standard exhibition booths. The delegate accommodation is of a recognisable Sebel standard, well suited to business travellers offering cable TV, work desks, internet access.

In summary, Parramatta and western Sydney is a rapidly growing destination for conference and events, the variety of good quality meeting facilities and accommodation along with the convenient location is proving popular with conference organisers. Parramatta offers meeting planners some great value with prices much lower than venues of a similar quality in the CBD.


If you would like quotes or more information visit www.sydneyhotelconferences.com/Venues-SydneyOuterSuburban.htm or contact me 

Stephen goes to Port Macquarie

.... and i'm off to visit Kate from Rydges Port Macquaire, one of those 'put a face to a name' experiences that fascinate me, accompanied by a few events industry cohorts and the illustrious Maggie D. The Rydges Port Macquarie has just finished a major refurbishment and they are keen to show it off, and I'm keen to see it. 

My abiding memory of Port Macqaurie, in fact my only memory, is from visiting with a wonderful girlfriend many years ago and spending time drinking cheap wine a nice hotel room and eating takeaway from the Maccas that was across the road, I think the hotel was Sails. I am sure both myself and Port Macquarie are a little more sophisticated these days.

I've learned that Port Macquarie is easy to get to, just a 1 hour flight and 7-10 flights every day from Sydney and a couple from Brisbane. Both Qantas & Virgin fly into Port Macquarie and although prices vary you will probably pay just over A$100 each way. There are plans to expand the airport and take direct flights from Melbourne. 

.... something to consider when you are thinking about costs of a regional destination, any time airfares are mentioned it always sounds expensive, but savings on accommodation, conference package and parking in Port Macquarie (compared to a similar Sydney CBD venue) probably equal at least A$90 per person per day. Which makes a 2 or 3 day conference in Port Macquarie very financially viable.

Conference Room

Rydges is premier conference hotel in Port Macquarie. The new conference rooms have an expanded capacity and they can now seat around 300 people for a Gala Dinner, with 120 accommodation rooms they are very comfortable hosting a residential conference of around 100 people. The conference space has heaps of natural light and can be divided into smaller sections for break-out groups, workshops or smaller meetings. 

River View Room

The room I stayed in was spacious with a balcony and great views of the Hastings river, but most importantly, a work desk with plenty of power points, a comfortable bed and great shower. I just wish they had some herbal teas in the mini bar.

Visit www.sydneyhotelconferences.com/Hotel-RydgesPortMacquarie.htm for some more information about the property.

Dinner in the new hotel restaurant, Zebu, was lovely and exceeded my expectations, I'm no gastronome, but sometimes it seems that hotel restaurants are satisfied with being adequate. Zebu is not that type of restaurant and does not feel like a traditional regional hotel restaurant and bar. The space is modern and engaging with some gentle live music, and with plenty of locals enjoying themselves the place had a lively yet comfortable atmosphere. The food was delicious, the service was professional and friendly. Rydges have made an effort and it shows..... and I love that the General Manager and Sales people are locals who are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and involved with the community. 

Port Macquarie has a variety of venues that can be utilised. Rydges is the largest Conference Hotel and is a great base for any residential conference in the area, but we all know that getting delegates out of the hotel for an activity or dinner can give them some interesting local experiences to remember and talk about. 

Town Beach

We visited the Glasshouse just 1 minute walk from Rydges Port Macquarie. The Glasshouse is a modern multi-purpose arts centre that the locals should be proud of. The venue offers a fully equipped, professional, 600 seat Theatre,  great spaces for meetings, activities, exhibitions and cocktail functions along with a permanent Art Gallery (some amazing Tracey Moffatt photographs were hanging at the time of my visit) The Glasshouse works closely with Rydges and provides a great off-site venue for a variety of events.

Another excellent local venue and tourist attraction is Cassegrain Winery. This is a favorite wedding venue for locals and a popular banquet venue for conference organisers, with an indoor space that can seat around 100 people for a dinner with great views of the winery and gardens or outdoor spaces that can be set up for sit down dining and cocktail functions. We were lucky enough to enjoy a sit down lunch in the elegant gardens, bathed in sunshine and surrounded by the Australian bush, great food and local wines in a beautiful setting.

In the evening we were taken on a Port Macquarie Ghost Tour, a fascinating and entertaining night walk through the town during which we were introduced the the brutal history of Port Macquarie's early days, the tour can take up to 30 people and culminated in the local cemetery which left us a little jittery, clearly in need of a good feed and a glass of wine! Fortunately The Stunned Mullet was on hand and provided an amazing dinner, the Thai Syle Broth and  Braised Beef Cheek were stand out dishes for me, but my colleagues were equally effusive about other items on the menu along with the extensive and high quality wine list. The Stunned Mullet is less than 10 minutes walk from Rydges and can up to seat 80 delegates.

View from North Brother Mountain

View from Rydges Port Macquarie

Rydges Port Macquarie is right on the edge of the Hastings River and has a wharf on the front doorstep opening up the opportunity for a wide variety of water based activities. We got on a Chinese Junk for an afternoon cruise with drinks, delicious canapes and dolphins to watch. Conference delegates can enjoy cocktail cruises, dinner cruises and, I'm reliably informed, the least expensive Whale Watching Cruises on east coast of Australia. For the more adventurous Port Macquarie offers Ocean Jet Boating, high speed action with 360's, power brakes, slides and fish tails in the ocean swell. We also slowed down for some sightseeing along the rugged picturesque coastline and we all kept our eyes peeled for any sign of the whales that pass by Port Macquarie, although the reality is that we were a month early for Whale Watching season.

In conclusion, Port Macquarie is a well equipped conference destination, good quality conference hotel, a variety of alternative venues, great food and beverage, plenty of opportunity for Team Building Activities, a rich local history and, of course, the natural beauty of the area with lots of beautiful unpopulated beaches, the Hastings River and picturesque hinterland. For the more pragmatic it is a destination that is affordable and easy to access. A thoroughly recommendable destination with Rydges Port Macquarie at the epicentre.

Conference Venues in Palm Cove

So, Palm Cove is a beautiful destination with some amazing environments and engaging attractions to keep your delegates busy, and sumptuous fresh local produce to keep them well fed - and we all know that no matter how exciting the speakers are, delegates will remember the food. Palm Cove also has some amazing hotels, here are a few of my favourites; Reef House, Peppers Beach Club, Sea Temple, Novotel Palm Cove & Paradise Palms.

I know it seems like I spent all my time working slavishly to bring you the news about Palm Cove conference venues, but rest assured I spent several delightfully lazy moments soaking up the tropical ambience, cup of tea, good book, t-shirt and shorts, reclining by the pool - even managed to squeeze in a gentle stroll along the beach. All part of the Palm Cove experience!

Reef House - Restaurant

Reef House Resort & Spa is built around the oldest guest house in Palm Cove, it has been renovated and extended over the years but retains the old world charm and guest house ambience, it has a great story and a welcoming embrace that allows you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. I hate using the word 'boutique' as i'm not exactly sure what it means, but staying at Reef House was special, a bit like house sitting for your favourite rich old uncle. 

It's not a huge conference venue, the conference room is quiet and does have natural light and they offer complimentary WiFi through out the hotel. Reef House is well suited to small residential conferences or training seminars. One of the highlights of this venue is sitting in the restaurant gazing out over the palm trees, beach and coral sea - breakfast with home made scones, a cup of tea with glorious sunrise was my favourite.

Peppers Palm Cove - Pool

Peppers Beach Club & Spa, again sitting right on the beach in the centre of Palm Cove with the restaurant at the front of the hotel so that you can sit and eat and watch the tropical beach scenery drift by. Peppers is a modern high quality conference venue with a couple of elegant meeting rooms that offer natural light. The conference room can seat up to around 80 delegates in a Classroom setting and can be split into 2 smaller rooms. 

The conference centre opens onto a deck that fronts the pool, so I suggest delegates wear their swimmers and take a quick refreshing dip in the pool during morning and afternoon breaks, the pool is a large resort style lagoon with a 'beach' section which is just great for the partners and kids.

Peppers Palm Cove - Meeting Room

If you need something a bit special try a suite that opens onto The Serenity Pool, a quiet swimming pool that is shrouded with rainforest plants, imagine waking up in the morning and stepping off your balcony and into the cool water before heading off to the conference - refreshed, relaxed and invigorated! Peppers also offers a selection of Penthouses that are suitable for your VIP's or Apartment style accommodation if your delegates are bringing their family.

Novotel Palm Cove - Pool

Novotel Palm Cove Resort is the largest of the conference venues in Palm Cove, located a short walk from the Palm Cove Beachfront, it is a great venue for a conference or event. They have just opened up an on-site outdoor venue under the Rainforest canopy, Staging Connections provided lighting and theming and a little music to create a magical atmosphere, I attended a dinner for around 20 people in this space  and it was a memorable evening - this would also be a great space for a cocktail event.

Novotel Palm Cove - Conference Room

Novotel Palm Cove can host events of a few hundred people in a conference centre that offers rooms with natural light and a conference foyer that can be used for morning and afternoon tea breaks, the room can also be split into smaller sections for break-out groups or work shops. The Resort is well laid out with the conference centre located a short walk from accommodation and reception, meaning that noise and privacy are not big issues. There is space next door to the Conference Centre where a large marquee can be set up for Dinners or trade displays. And for conference organisers to note - I have had some great feedback about the staff and service on offer at Novotel Palm Cove, everyone from Director of Sales to frontline and technical staff.


Novotel Palm Cove is a great place for conferences where delegates will bring partners and families, there are plenty of on-site activities - a couple of pools (one with a really cool Crocodile Water Slide), games room, kids club, 9 hole golf course, tennis courts and Day Spa. 

Sea Temple - Conference Room

Sea Temple Resort and Spa Palm Cove is a luxurious resort and conference centre, located at the southern end of the Palm Cove beachfront strip, this is another Palm Cove property that is well suited to small and medium sized conferences, currently the main meeting space does not offer natural light (there is a lovely boardroom with natural light that looks out over the pool) , but the resort is due to open some new conference rooms in early June that do offer plenty of natural light, although unfinished when we visited last weekend, you can see that these will be sought after meeting rooms.

Sea Temple Palm Cove - Pool

Sea Temple Palm Cove offers elegant apartment style accommodation giving delegates a home away from home feel - and having stayed in Sea Temple you might be tempted to not go back to your other home! A massive central pool with sections suitable for kids is another highlight.

Must also mention getting an amazing massage in the Sea Temple Day Spa, and I had a several people telling me that this is the best Day Spa in Palm Cove. 

Paradise Palms - Conference Room

Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club is a conference venue that I was completely unfamiliar with prior to my visit, only information I had was that a mate of mine had played golf there and loved the course. I know now that this is a great conference venue as well as a great golf course!

Paradise Palms Resort & Country Club

Paradise Palms is a 5 minute drive south of centre of Palm Cove, near Kewarra Beach, it offers a championship golf course, driving range and 18 hole mini putt-putt as well as high quality accommodation and a couple of excellent light filled conference rooms. The largest of the conference rooms can seat around 200 people in a theatre style setting. These conference rooms offer large undercover balconies and it is possible to have lunch or even set up your conference on the balcony.


Conference Hotel Venues web site has more in-depth information - visit our web site at Conference Hotel Venues - Tropical North Queensland 

Palm Cove - Attractions

Not a bad way to spend the week-end I must admit....... 

We flew to Cairns on Friday Morning, a nice 3 hour flight from Sydney (only a little delayed, but I did get a chance to finish a very good book that I'd been reading) Then a 20 minute bus ride to Palm Cove. We were a group of 8 including a few impressive ladies who organise Incentive Programs, hearing some of the stuff that they arrange for groups was amazing.

Palm Cove is a favourite destination of mine and I've visited a few times but getting to meet some of the attraction operators and having a close look at the hotels and venues was fantastic. I will chat about the Hotel Venues in subsequent posts, but for now its all about the attractions and event venues.

Conference in a Tropical Paradise

The best time to visit Tropical North Queensland is between May and November when you will only need to pack T-Shirts, shorts and swimmers (sunglasses, hat and sunscreen too).  The worst time is February and March when it will be humid, wet, stingers in the water and the possibility of Cyclone action

There are a few things that make Palm Cove an attractive destination for me and a place that I love to recommend. Not only does it have some excellent hotels venues suitable for small to medium sized conferences, but it offers a great diversity of amazing experiences; Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda, Skyrail, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and Cains Zoo to name just a few.

Its not me, but this really is what it looks like

Clearly a trip to the Great Barrier Reef to experience one of the worlds natural wonders is must, the amazing variety of fish and corals will give your delegates a day that they will live long in the memory. You do not have to be a great swimmer or super fit, the tours do provide flotation aids. If your group is conferencing at Palm Cove I suggest getting a bus north to Port Douglas for your reef trip, the further north you go the less people on the reef and the closer the reef is to the coast, so if you depart Cairns its around 2 hours out to the reef, but if you depart Port Douglas its only 1 hour. Your delegates can join the larger boats that can take several hundred people out to the reef, but private charters are also available. Half day trips can be arranged to fit in with your conference program and a scenic helicopter transfer back to the hotel will give smaller groups an unforgettable aerial perspective of the Reef.

Stephen and Koala

Stephen and Snake

Cairns Zoo, which is only 5 minutes drive from Palm Cove, gives you delegates the chance to get up close and personal with some of Australia's iconic wildlife. You can hold a Koala or a Python, you can hand feed kangaroos or watch them feed a 4.5m crocodile, the size of this beast made us gasp, its big enough to attack and kill a cow, and hearing the loud crack as its jaws snapped shut made us take a step back even though we were behind a solid fence. Cairns Zoo also does night tours which are fascinating. You can use this place as a unique venue for a dinner or cocktail function.

Dinner in The Rainforest

Your group will certainly need a dinner or 2 and maybe a cocktail function. With Beaches and Rainforest on your doorstep Palm Cove offers some great opportunities for dining events. I attended an event that was set up in a rainforest clearing next door to the conference centre at Novotel Palm Cove, it was fantastic how they had set it up, melaleuca and rainforest palm with up lights, chandeliers hanging from the canopy, a smoke machine to add some mystery, and some gentle acoustic music - combine this with amazing food and it was great night. Another night we visited the spectacular Kewarra Beach Resort and had dinner on the beach surrounded by swaying palm trees - again a memorable location and some great food. I loved the wood fired pizza oven on the beach. What am amazing destination!

Rydges in Melbourne

I was invited to visit Melbourne and not being one to pass up a chance for a couple days away from the office and the chance to meet some people that I had only ever engaged with remotely, I was right into it and started packing the bags. Of course, having only recently boasted that my flights never get delayed, my flight was delayed by a couple of hours and I enjoyed a lovely dinner at the airport when my plan had been to dine in one of Melbourne's many fine eateries.

I wandered the streets of Melbourne, met a few people and looked at a few conference hotels, as you do. But, special mention here to the two Rydges properties that I visited, pleasantly surprised was the feeling.

Jacqui from their sales team showed me around and although we have swapped many e-mails over the years I now know why the feedback I get from clients I send to her is always good, shes a great lady with a big smile, positive and energetic, who knows her stuff.

The conference rooms at Rydges Melbourne were light and spacious with high ceilings, good size with the largest room seating up to around 300 people in a Theatre Style or 120 Classroom. I wont bore you with the facts and figures but visit Rydges Melbourne on the web site for more info. I also like this part of the City of Melbourne, easy walk to Lygon Street, close to Chinatown, The Parliament buildings and the Theatres. The accommodation was a good solid corporate standard,classic style, earthy tones, clean and comfortable with the amenities you'd expect.

Rydges on Swanston - Conference Room

Rydges on Swanston was next and again pleasantly surprised this time shown around by Mat and again an impressive operator and a decent human. This property is just on the northern fringe of Melbourne CBD, easy to walk into the city centre or jump on one of Melbourne famous trams that run past the front door. This place has a nice park next door which seemed like a great place to take conference delegates for a picnic lunch, a spot of group Yoga in the morning or maybe some team building activity later in the day. 


For the facts and figures visit Rydges On Swanston 

Rydges on Swanston - Roof Top Deck

Another surprise here was the rooftop pool deck area a great space for some welcome drinks, a cocktail function or a small dinner. This rooftop deck had some good views and enough space for a little live music. The conference rooms were well presented with lots of natural light and complimentary WiFi (more venues should be offering this, it doesn't seem right to charge a conference group A$20 per person per day for WiFi that you can get for free in a coffee shop or fast food outlet)

Rydges on Swanston - Restaurant

Rydges on Swanston has around 100 accommodation rooms, so for a conference group of 70 or 80 delegates you will probably have the place to yourself and benefit from being the only conference group in-house for the staff to focus on. The Restaurant and Bar areas have just been refurbished and have a bit of comfortable modern elegance about them. Mat and I enjoyed a nice cup of tea chatting and watching the world go by along Swanston Street to finish of the site inspection.

With the business over for the day I took a short stroll up to the lively Lygon Street and enjoyed some great Italian food.