Travel, Tourism & Events

Call for business to host events for Qld Small Business Week

THE Queensland Government is asking Queenslanders to nominate to host an event during 2014 Queensland Small Business Week.

The Queensland Government wants to position Queensland Small Business Week, from September 1-6, as a positive catalyst for business development on the annual business calendar. 

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the Queensland Government was looking for as many government, industry and community groups to get involved by hosting an event, as a way of “celebrating the commitment, efforts and passion of the largest group of employers in the state”. 

“Queensland Small Business Week is a chance to celebrate the contribution small business (people) make and remind Queenslanders of the importance of buying locally,” Ms Stuckey said.

“This government is unashamedly pro-small business and committed to growing a strong and prosperous small business sector, cutting red tape by 20 percent by 2018.”

The week features a comprehensive calendar of events and activities such as seminars, workshops, webinars and networking events.

The events are hosted by business, industry and community groups across the state, with numbers expected to exceed the 4500 direct attendees last year.

All business is invited to take part in the week, whether as an attendee or as an event host, Ms Stuckey said.

Each event is promoted through the Queensland Government’s online business and industry portal and social media, providing an opportunity for businesses to showcase to people throughout the state.

“The events are designed to help people learn how to start or grow a small business, gain new ideas and inspiration, network with other businesses, or gain a better understanding of the support available,” Ms Stuckey said.

The statistics show the importance of small business to the Queensland economy. The 403,000 small businesses in Queensland employ about one million people and account for close to 95 percent of all Queensland business.

Organisations can nominate to host an event visit the 2014 Queensland Small Business Week through the website.

www.business.qld.gov.au/smallbusinessweek

 

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POSTED JULY 16, 2014.

Budget announcements add to Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo

THE upcoming Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo, June 18 and 19 at the Towoomba Showgrounds, is set to be bigger than ever due to timely regional announcements in the 2014 Federal Budget, and the promise of new connectivity for the resources region.

The Budget made a commitment of $700 million for Toowoomba’s Second Range Crossing, which will relieve heavy transport bottlenecks, as well as $508 million for the Warrego Highway Upgrade between Toowoomba and Miles. There is also pre-construction funding of $300 million for the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project, and $279 million towards the Ipswich Motorway Upgrade, all of which will assist the resources sector in the region.

Event director Bob Carroll said this news would add significance to the Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo at the Toowoomba Showgrounds from June 18-19, as both delegates and exhibitors at the event can expect to get vital information about how the region will be impacted.

Mr Carroll said with new infrastructure offering increased connectivity, “prospects for the region are fantastic and it’s a good time for businesses to be capitalising on the opportunities to come”.

“We have several events over the two days of the expo that are designed to deliver essential information on the unfolding opportunities and developments in the Toowoomba region, including the third annual Underground Luncheon series,” Mr Carroll said.

Luncheon guests will hear from influential speakers including Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor, Paul Antonio, and Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps, as well as University of Southern Queensland chancellor and chairman of Freight Terminals, John Dornbusch, plus Shaine Beverage from Queensland Investment Corporation Grand Central Redevelopment.

Mr Carroll said the two-day event would also provide networking and sales opportunities for industry players from a variety of sectors including transportation, trades, safety, careers, energy, and mining.

“The businesses and sponsors who are locked in for this year are the companies who have done their homework, sourced the world's best products, and have stepped up every area of their business to ensure that they can supply and sustain a high level of service,” Mr Carroll said.

“This will be a top shelf event and one that business and industry should not miss.”

The Underground Luncheon will be held from 12 noon on June 18 and 19 at Down Under Bar, Glenvale Room at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

www.suratbasinexpo.com.au

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CTM enables Wotif integration and post-ticketing changes online

SUBSCRIBER EXTRA  / 

CORPORATE Travel Management has taken business travel computing into the clouds with the success of its two industry-leading enhancements to the CTW online booking tool; full integration of Wotif hotel inventory and post-ticketing changes online.

These technological enhancements from CTM were industry firsts across the Asia-Pacific region last year, aimed at providing Australia and New Zealand’s corporate travellers with the highest level of flexibility and convenience in the online booking environment, according to CTM CEO Jamie Pherous. 

Wotif hotel inventory is fully integrated with CTM’s Global Distribution System (GDS) online booking tool, u-book, providing mobile access to Wotif hotel inventory, seamlessly integrated with GDS content. Mr Pherous said CTM clients now had access to the largest hotel inventory in Australia and New Zealand with the biggest range of room types and rates.

Both Wotif and CTM are headquartered in Brisbane, contributing to the speed of development of the system.

CTM’s head of product development, Ben Wheeler said the company was excited to be one of the first travel management companies (TMCs) worldwide to bring these enhancements to its clients.

“By integrating Wotif hotel inventory with our Global Distribution System, CTM has opened up a number of new cost saving benefits for travellers at the click of a button,” Mr Wheeler said.

“These include access to new and improved accommodation options in metropolitan, regional and rural areas, and the choice of additional room types.”

He said in one simple step, travellers enter their basic hotel search into CTM’s online booking tool and the new technology will source and display all available GDS and Wotif inventory combined into one easy-to-read list.

Users can then prioritise their search results by hotel name or hotel chain according to their preferred hotel partners, maximising policy compliance and cost savings by aligning bookings to their negotiated supplier deals.

POST-TICKETING CHANGES ONLINE

Another Asia-Pacific first launched a few months ago is CTM’s development of online flight changes post-ticketing for domestic Australian and New Zealand GDS bookings.

CTM clients can now change their pre-ticketed domestic flights online at the click of a button.

"Until now, once a fare had been ticketed it was a lengthy and manual process to make a simple time or date change,” Mr Wheeler said.

“But now, the re-booking process has been moved online and our clients can easily update their booking in a simple and seamless process.

“It’s a first for TMCs in the Asia Pacific region and a unique and valuable benefit to our customers”.

He said the process was simple, time efficient and aligned to the client’s travel policy to support compliance and maximise savings. Ticket reissue and revalidation is automated, enabling round-the-clock access to flight changes online.

“This new enhancement is totally transparent, with all change fees displayed up front so there are no hidden costs; the price displayed is the price you pay” Mr Wheeler  said.

Mr Pherous said CTM continued to invest in developing industry-leading products and services which add value to clients’ travel programs and improve efficiencies for business.

Mr Pherous said CTM employs more than 500 staff across Australia, New Zealand and the US with offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Toorak, Perth, Gold Coast, Auckland and Denver. CTM is a Queensland Leaders Partner Company, helping to mentor the next generation of leading companies based in Queensland, and is the first IPO to come out of the Queensland Leaders network.

www.travelctm.com

ENDS

POSTED APRIL 2014

 

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show helps re-float Australian marine firms

 

THE ACTIVITY at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show heartened Australia’s recovering commercial marine industries over the weekend. By day three, sales had surged towards $20 million as marine enthusiasts were greeted to spectacular weather on the Gold Coast and more than 300 motivated exhibitors.

Official visitor figures confirmed a 20 percent increase in people through the gate to last year, with close to 20,000 visitors on Thursday and Friday, traditionally viewed as quieter ‘trade’ days. 

“From a sales perspective, this is one of the best boat shows we’ve had in some years,” said Mulpha Sanctuary Cove head of events Johan Hasser.

“The boating industry ebbs and flows with economic conditions and the upward curve we’ve experienced at this year’s show reflects wider economic improvement. 

“There’s no doubt the atmosphere is great, that is the resounding feedback from both visitors and exhibitors.”

Rachel Haynes of Multihull Solutions said the company had an extremely successful show, noting a positive change in the market.

“There’s no doubt this year is better than last,” Ms Haynes said.

Multihull Solutions has sold a Fountaine Pajot Hélia 44 for $925,000 and two syndicate shares in another of the same model, worth $162,000.

“We’re also expecting to seal the deal on a Mahé 36 tomorrow,” she said on the Saturday.

While there was movement at the top end of the market, with a string of multi-million dollar deals from luxury brands Maritimo and Riviera, the trailer boat and personal watercraft sectors also proved strong.

JSW Powersports, which had jet skis available from $7,700, eclipsed its sales result from the 2013 Boat Show, clearing 20 units in the first three days.

“And we sold most of our units on Sunday last year, so we’re in good stead to smash our sales record,” said dealer principal Jeff McNiven. “There’s a great atmosphere this year, people are here to buy.”

Alan Whittley, from Whittley Marine Group, was at the show with dealer Northside Marine and echoed the sentiment that 2014 was overall a stronger event.

Whittley launched its 2600 and SL 26 models at the show, and already had several sales runs on the board by Saturday and “bulging” quote pads. 

“We’ve got a high profile position so that has delivered a lot of foot traffic,” Mr Whittley said.

“More importantly, we’ve been able to convert enthusiastic browsers into buyers which is ultimately what the Boat Show is all about.”

The champagne was flowing on the marina at Integrity Motor Yachts, with new owners Russell and Kim Dah taking the keys to their Aspire Motor Yachts 45 Sedan.

Integrity Motor Yachts managing director Brett Flanagan said the show had presented great leads and the hand-over was a great start to the weekend.

The unseasonably warm weather was a blessing for Telic, which sold 400 pairs of its thongs and flip flops by Saturday.

Gold Coast resident Leanne Harris walked away from the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show with a $50,000 Ultimate Boating Experience win, courtesy of Maritimo and 92.5 Gold FM. Ms Harris and three friends will taste the Sanctuary Cove boating lifestyle, spending four nights at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort and their days aboard a skippered and fully catered 58ft Maritimo.

SCIBS is a key event on the national and international marine industry calendar and has injected millions of dollars into the Gold Coast economy over the past 25 years with last year’s show generating more than $148 million. Figutes have not been released for the 2014 event yet.

www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com

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POSTED MAY 26, 2014.

 

Sunshine Coast’s ships come in

P&O Cruises has listed four more new cruises from Sydney to Mooloolaba, in addition to the announced cruise in August -- and the Sunshine Coast region is delighted.

The new cruise dates, which are already taking bookings, occur in July, August and October of 2015, and March 2016, sailing on the 11-deck Pacific Pearl. 

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said even before the first cruise had arrived from Sydney, P&O Cruises and its parent company Carnival Cruises were showing confidence in the short-cruise market to the Sunshine Coast.

“This is really wonderful news,” Cr Jamieson said.

“When we first heard P&O was considering a trial cruise to Mooloolaba we were naturally excited and honoured – but this news is truly fantastic, and it shows great confidence in the Sunshine Coast as a viable destination even before the first ship has sailed.”

Cr Jamieson said festivities surrounding the inaugural cruise – arriving on August 16 – were building up.

“We are planning an outrigger boat race – the Carnival Classic – which will see competitors race from Mooloolaba out to the anchored ship, around it and back to shore,” the Mayor said.

“In addition a big market with music and other entertainment will operate from the wharf.

“A lot of local businesses are making special arrangements to give the 1800 Pacific Pearl passengers a wide range of options to enjoy our attractions.

“Our future as a potential regular cruise destination is now a real consideration and a major boost to our economy.”

www.pocruises.com.au

www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

 

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POSTED MAY 23, 2014.

 

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show casts off for new records

 

THE 26th annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is poised to break new records as Australia’s marine industries shrug off the receding global financial crisis.

This year’s SCIBS will host more than 250 international and Australian exhibitors showcasing the very latest in international and national boat launches, marine products and trends while offering four days of family fun and entertainment.

Mulpha Sanctuary Cove head of events, Johan Hasser said this year’s show brought together an impressive line-up of boating brands including Fairway, Grand Banks, Hanse, Bavaria, Lagoon, Seawind, Ocean Alexander, Meridian, Light Wave, Outer Reef and Kadey-Krogen “with tinnies to superyachts and everything in between on show”. 

Mr Hasser said leading brands including Australia’s own  Maritimo, Horizon Motor Yachts, Riviera and Clipper Motor Yachts were among the big-name brands to sign up.

“SCIBS is not only a major event on the international marine industry calendar but is also a key economic driver for the Gold Coast and Queensland economies,” Mr Hasser said.

“Last year the show injected almost $150 million directly into the city, which is a huge boost for a wide range of local businesses.

“SCIBS is a focal point for the industry, puts boating enthusiasts in touch with what is new and exciting and gives the general public a great day out at the world-class venue that is Sanctuary Cove.”

Other exhibitors include Palm Beach Motor Yachts, Sunseeker, Multihull Solutions, Lagoon Catamarans, Stefan Boating World, Northside Marine, Queensland Marine Centre and Sirocco.

Following on from its successful debut in 2013, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show team has expanded on its exclusive VIP Lounge concept for this year’s show.

This year’s VIP pass entitlements include exclusive entry to the comfort of the SCIBS VIP Lounge, VIP parking, food and beverages provided by the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort and plenty of luxury extras courtesy of Mulpha and SCIBS partners.

The 2014 SCIBS entertainment program is jam-packed with plenty of activities to keep boaties and everyone else in the family occupied.

The Channel 7 stage returns with Creek to Coast stars Sally Jenyns and Dean Miller cooking up a storm twice daily, while My Kitchen Rules favourites Paul Bullpit and Blair Tonkin will appear on Saturday and Sunday.

Channel 7 News weather, beach, boating and fishing expert Paul Burt will be on hand to offer some of his helpful and entertaining seafood handling and preparation tips.

In a unique treat, women are being invited to embark on an afternoon luxury cruise, High Tea on the High Seas, as part of the Women on Water program, while the children can let loose for hours in The Kids Zone with an interactive jumping castle, rock climbing wall and face painting fun.

The Queensland Water Police will be there to showcase operational vessels, including their tactical response boat, jet skis and the Brett T Handran 22m catamaran.  

World record-breaking rower Andrew Abrahams returns to the show to share his adventures after rowing the 5000km Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge solo in January. 

In the Marine Village precinct there will be a host of daily live music acts including various local and national artists as well as roving musicians and artists.

Sponsored by Club Marine and Euromarque Maserati Brisbane, SCIBS 2014 will run from May 22 to 25.

In 2014, SCIBS has partnered with Translink to offer free train travel to and from the boat show on all regular Queensland Rail City Network trains when users display a pre-purchased ticket to the event.

Free Park ‘n’ Ride’ services will operate for all self-drive visitors from Helensvale.

The 2014 Boat Show will showcase a wide variety of international boating brands, products and technologies alongside the superb backdrop of the award-winning Sanctuary Cove marina and The Marine Village.

Tickets are on sale now through the SCIBS website and through Ticketmaster. Adult day passes start at $20, with concession passes available for seniors and students. Children under 18 are free. 

www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com

 

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POSTED MAY 19, 2014.

 

Sydney’s Lighthouse Gallery officially open for business

 

THE Australian National Maritime Museum has launched its newest venue – one of the most atmospheric available to the business events industry – Lighthouse Gallery.

More than 350 business events industry professionals were treated to a spectacular launch on April 3, arriving along a red carpet to be welcomed to the event by fire twirlers stationed on the majestic vessel and unique event space HMAS Vampire.

As they entered the Lighthouse Gallery, the evening’s formalities commenced with one of Australia’s most likeable master of ceremonies, Darren Isenberg, introducing the venue and getting the crowd in the nautical spirit with a range of one liners including encouraging guests to say to their neighbour, “I like the cut of your jib” – causing the room to erupt with laughter.

Robyn Holt, councillor of the Australian National Maritime Museum and former editor of Vogue Magazine, officially opened the new venue, stating that after five years as a member of the board she was thrilled to be a part of a very exciting phase of the museum and to witness the transformation of the Lighthouse Gallery.

Ms Holt pronounced Lighthouse Gallery officially open for business and then handed over to Australian National Maritime Museum representative Deanna Varga to expand upon the event capabilities of the museum to planners. 

With the support of the event’s partners Decorative Events, AV1 and Laissez Faire Catering, the venue was transformed into a classically styled lounge bar, equipped with a chocolate and cognac stand, a cocktail bar and delectable canapés.

Increasing the museum’s portfolio of event venues to eight, Lighthouse Gallery offers a complete waterfront position, with enviable views of Sydney Harbour and resident Cape Bowling Green lighthouse.
Lighthouse Gallery is pitching for product launches, gala dinners, cocktail events and conferences – offering one-of-a-kind event experiences.

The all-new venue is also equipped with state of the art in-house audio-visual, award winning cuisine from catering partner Laissez Faire and opportunities to incorporate some of the museum’s world class exhibitions, such as the current Amazing Whales – Evolution and survival,  and tours into venue packages.

www.anmm.gov.au/venues/

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