Northstar

Global Updates 8 MAY-JUN 2018 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MCMAG-ASIA.COM A cross Australia, new developments are oering more allure for meetings. And, the airlines are connecting the dots with easier access: Virgin Australia and Qantas began service between Los Angeles and Melbourne in 2017; United is launching daily ights between Houston and Sydney this month; and in June, Air Canada will start service from Vancouver to Melbourne. Also, four Qantas Dreamliners will begin service this year from Brisbane to destinations yet to be announced. Melbourne The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre's US$154 million expansion should nish in mid-2018. The project is adding nearly 216,000 square feet of event space, including new exhibition halls and meeting rooms, increasing the venue's size to more than 756,000 square feet. Among the details are a multipurpose area with a retractable 1,000-seat theatre and a balcony that will hold 150 for receptions. The 347-room Novotel Melbourne South Wharf Hotel, which opens in March, will be connected to the convention centre and within walking distance of the heart of the city. Melbourne Park, home of the Australian Open, is being refurbished, while a 5,000-seat arena and an event centre are being added. Perth Coming in 2019 is the 205-room The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, with 22,000 square feet of meeting space. On-site will be four restaurants and bars, and a courtyard with tropical gardens. The 368-room The Westin Perth debuts April 27 with about 25,000 square The 312-room W Brisbane will open for business on March 15 along the Brisbane River. feet of meeting space, including an 8,600-square-foot ballroom. Sydney Sheraton On The Park's 558 rooms and public spaces are undergoing a US$30 million revamp. The new design aims for a residential style. The property features more than 27,000 square feet of meeting space The 509-room InterContinental Hotel Sydney is planning a US$150 million renovation throughout. A new 9,720-square-foot ballroom will be built, oering views of Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. City views from the Sky Room at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Australia speeds up Brisbane Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has joined forces with Rydges Hotel South Bank opening up new opportunities for smaller and medium-sized conferences wanting a convention centre experience but with the added convenience of a single point of contact for accommodation and conference facilities. South Bank Conferences is an exciting initiative that will simplify the process with organisers beneting from the convenience of premium on-site accommodation and access to the dedicated boutique conference facilities of the World's Best Convention Centre. BCEC and Rydges have enjoyed a A ramp-up of new flights, hotels, and exhibition and convention centres to woo groups. WORDS SARAH J.F. BRALEY AND IAN JARRETT (TOP LEFT) LLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES

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