So where to next for corporate events and our beloved events industry? We’ve ebbed and flowed with restrictions as they’ve been imposed, loosened and re-tightened again. Along with the uncertainty of what might come next there’s been a forced re-calibration of businesses operating in the event space, Workshop Events included. We’ve jumped on the front foot and assessed what we need and what we don’t and are currently putting in place our new work arrangements for 2021, shaking free from underutilised storage & work space for starters. This is just a small part of our journey towards a leaner, meaner and even more agile existence which will carry us well beyond 2021.
If I were to describe how I’d like to see live events morph this year, particularly with regards off-sites, it would be that we should consider the journey as an important part of the event. All too often we’re focussed on the event destination as holding the key to success, but a well rounded approach to planning that offers up unforgettable experiences before reaching the destination has got to be an appealing point of difference. I’d also like clients to think outside the box and seriously consider looking beyond venues that are ‘conveniently located’ and opt for venues that offer uniqueness in regional centres. We’ve become masters at working remotely over the past 12 months, so why would a conference or off-site management meeting outside a major city location prove a barrier? Unless of-course the internet facilities are rubbish – then again there’s ways around this too!
So in anticipation of getting together again, here are a few ‘off the beaten track’ suggestions to get you thinking about what your next off-site meeting or staff retreat might look like:
Four Winds - Bermagui
Let’s head south to Four Winds located in the small coastal town of Bermagui. Four Winds is an arts organisation renowned for presenting and producing leading national and international musicians and experiences in a pristine natural environment - thirty acres in fact. The experience at Four Winds is one in which the audience is immersed in nature.
Four Winds has a clear vision and commitment to foster community engagement, preserve the natural environment and deepen partnerships with the Yuin Nation’s local aboriginal communities.
With 2 main venues - the 180 seat Wind Song pavilion and 2,000 capacity outdoor Sound Shell - Four Winds is well worth exploring further. Let’s not forget the devastation this region suffered during the horrific bush fires of 2019/20. A CSR component added to your journey will surely feed both mind and soul. While you’re here, a visit to the spectacular ‘Blue Pool’ is a must.
Four Winds, Bermagui
Four Winds Sound Shell, Bermagui
The Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall Of Fame - Bowral
If you’re surrounded by cricket nuts or for anyone interested in history, then the Bradman Museum, Oval and International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral is definitely for your team. This is one of the most exceptionally well curated museums displaying all things Bradman and cricket. Hold your conference in the heritage theatre which sits 100pax, move into the International Cricket Hall which seats 140pax for a corporate dinner and start the next day with a spirited game of cricket on the hallowed grounds of the Bradman oval where The Don himself played in the 1920’s. Smaller meetings can be accommodated in the Bradman Library for 15 or the Cricket pavilion for up to 24.
The Southern Highlands region provides a number of options to add on to your off-site including winery visits, golfing, walks, art gallery visits and much much more.
The International Cricket Hall of Fame, Bowral
The Bradman Museum, Bowral
Bradman Oval, Bowral
Yellow House Events - Picton
Picton wouldn’t ordinarily make it onto the list of must visit conference destinations. My only real experience of Picton is witnessing people parachuting whilst I’m en-route to Canberra, but that’s about to change with the introduction of Yellow House Events run by caterer/stylist Butcher’s Daughter. These guys know a thing or two about creating gorgeous spaces, delicious catering and visually stunning florals and Yellow House will be no different. Slated as a wedding venue, its applications will be much broader and include unique conferences for up to 80 people. While you’re in the area, a skydive may well be in order!
Yellow House Events, Picton
Outdoors at Yellow House Events, Picton
Cooks Co-Op - Sackville
Even closer to home located on the banks of the expansive Hawkesbury River is the Cooks Co-op. The bonus here is owner and executive chef Martin Boetz (formerly from Longrain Sydney and Melbourne) will satisfy the foodie in us all and provide a sumptuous and tailored menu. There’s no reason why your event can’t incorporate a culinary styled team building component overseen by Martin.
20 minutes down the road you’ll find your accommodation and additional conference facilities at the newly refurbished Crown Plaza Hawkesbury Valley with 105 refreshed rooms and conferencing facilities, this property sits adjacent to the Rum Corps Barracks golf course - just saying!
The Cooks Co-op, Sackville
The Cooks Co-op, Sackville
Chef, Martin Boetz
Willinga Park – Bawley Point
This world class equestrian centre was opened in November 2019 and is a breathtaking, architecturally designed event space. Located on the south coast at Bawley Point it’s a 1/2 hour drive south of Mollymook. The adaptable Conference Hall, boardroom and break out spaces cater to a range of small to medium scale conferences, corporate retreats, meetings, functions and expos with luxury on-site accommodation, tailored catering and authentic local experiences for up to 300pax. An off-site dinner at Rick Stein’s Bannisters restaurant in Mollymook - would definitely top off a unique experience. Rick is one of the first international celebrity chefs on the scene having produced countless television series, and written a number of celebrated cook books.
Willinga Park, Bawley Point
Willinga Park, Bawley Point
Bannisters, Mollymook
Chef, Rick Stein
The Valley Events Centre
Communing with nature is the theme at the new Valley Events Centre located in the breathtaking Glenworth Valley – located 1 hour from the CBD, the Valley Events Centre is just the place to unwind, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the country life. There are a number of conference rooms available plus a marquee that can seat up to 500pax theatre style. Activities to recharge include quad biking, horse riding, kayaking or axe throwing. On-site accommodation for smaller groups comprises a range of cabins, glamping or camping options – alternatively, accommodation is available at Mantra Ettalong Beach just 17km away. Maybe a pit stop at Glenworth Valley, welcome session, lunch and activities followed by dinner and overnight stay at the Mantra. A breakfast plenary session, breakouts and farewell lunch session before heading home would constitute a well balanced meeting or staff retreat with an adequate amount of R&R.
The Valley Events Centre, Glenworth Valley
Horse riding, Glenworth Valley
Glamping, Glenworth Valley
Mantra, Ettalong Beach
Mantra, Ettalong Beach
Destination - Dubbo NSW
Dubbo was never on my list of conference destinations, however, I’m looking at it more closely as it offers some exciting adventures and well appointed event spaces. Your meeting could take place in one of the theatres or rooms on offer at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre – where they can accommodate up to 750 in their largest convention space. When down-time approaches, The Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a must see where you can cycle, drive or walk around the zoo’s 5km circuit and experience some 4,000 resident animals. This is also the home to the Savannah function centre. For a special and unique experience, a drive to the Warrumbungles to experience the first ‘Dark Sky Park’ in Australia is highly recommended.
https://www.drtcc.com.au/venue-hire/conventioncentre
https://taronga.org.au/dubbo-zoo#
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/conservation-and-heritage/our-parks/dark-sky-parks
Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, Dubbo
Aboriginal Cultural Tour, Dubbo
Dark Sky Park, Warrumbungles
Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
Destination - Griffith NSW
Located in the beautiful Riverina, head to Griffith to explore world class wineries, consume fresh produce and learn about its fascinating heritage. The Italian influence in this town is strong with over 60% of residents claiming European heritage and this influence is celebrated with a rich food and wine culture.
The Griffith Regional Theatre auditorium has a capacity of 520, the venue complete with a smaller room and foyer/bar area. Tours of local wineries such as Calabria Family Wines or De Bortoli offer alternatives to the traditional Hunter or Barossa wine regions.
https://www.griffith.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/theatre/page.asp?p=DOC-AXT-78-62-44
Calabria Family Wines, Griffith
Regional Theatre, Griffith
So what will your next off-site team meeting, staff retreat or internal conference look like?
Let us work with you to design an unforgettable regional experience.
Workshop Events isn’t just your Sydney Event Management Specialist, WE can assist with your event sourcing, design, management and production, whether it’s LIVE, ONLINE OR REGIONAL!
Thinking Regional by Kathy Ferris, Senior Event Producer, Workshop Events (Corporate Event Management Sydney)