October 2008 CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW i

CONFERENCE FEATURE

Conferences and special events play an important role in business operations. Current industry trends show that the company-wide annual sales conferences which characterised corporate life in the 80s and 90s have given way to frequent small group meetings.

Why are events so important to business? Marketers and man-agers know that a well organised event can achieve goals on sev-eral levels through face-to-face contact with employees, custom-ers or potential customers. Events open opportunities to build relationships that other forms of marketing cannot achieve.

Top ten tips for productive events1. Set measurable goals. Whether you decide to use the services of a professional conference organiser or co-ordinate the events yourself, it’s important to know what you want the event to achieve before you begin to make any plans.2. A small meeting is a good meeting. You don’t need a large number of people to warrant an off-site meeting. Taking time out to work on your business instead of in your business is vital. A meeting away from phones and other interruptions can be very productive.3. Site inspections are important. Visit the venue, ask for floor plans with dimensions so you can plan your layout. If it’s not possible to visit potential venues, maybe they have websites with video “walk throughs” of the function areas that will help to visualise your event in their venue.4. Cater for special needs. Ask your delegates or guests about their dietary requirements and other needs (eg disabled access, hearing assistance). Venues and caterers are able to cater for

most diets and your event will be much more productive if your participants feel comfortable and that their individual needs are cared for.5. Double check technology. Run through audio visual pres-entations before the event and know where to locate technical assistance of you need it.6. Have a ‘Plan B’. Have a back-up plan for everything – a wet weather alternative, an understudy for the keynote speaker, an adjustable menu if attendee numbers suddenly increase or decrease.7. Be mindful of the menu. A sumptuous three course lunch may look sensational but lighter and more healthy options will keep your audience attentive throughout the afternoon. Work with the chef to provide food that won’t weigh your delegates’ minds and bodies down.8. Avoid OHS disasters. Just because you are away from your workplace doesn’t mean you can relax about OHS. Advise your delegates where emergency exits are located, tape down loose extension leads, use event specialists to decorate the room and connect lighting and electrical equipment. Responsible service of alcohol is the law even for private functions. 9. Capture the event on film. Remember to take your camera or engage a professional photographer if your budget permits. Photos (and video) are a great way to remember event highlights and are useful in post-event communication, publicity or to pro-mote your next event.10. Evaluate. Ask your event participants for their feedback – ideally via a brief survey where responses can be used to improve your next event and testimonials can be used to promote it!

Top ten tips for productive events

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The Central Coast... more than just a pretty beach!

Central Coast Tourism and Convention Bureau offer complimentary assistance to make planning any conference or event on the Central Coast easy!

With a wealth of local product knowledge the professional team can provide assistance to make your next conference memorable and completely unique. Call us for assistance with your next Central Coast conference.

Phone:1300 362 169

Email: conference@centralcoasttourism.com.au

Web: www.visitcentralcoast.com.au & Convention Bureau

by Jayne Hutchin

ii CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW October 2008

Mantra Ettalong Beach delivers a unique experience on the Central Coast combining superbly appointed beachfront accommodation with superbly appointed conferencing facilities in the adjacent Ettalong Beach War Memorial club.

Overlooking the entrance to the Brisbane Water and surrounded by National Parks, the club on ground level offers conference facilities for up to 700 delegates.

The 236 room resort offers a choice of studio, one and two bedroom suites designed to take advantage of the panoramic coastal and hinterland views, large lagoon-style pool, gym, in-house broadband services.

For more information about your next conference contact the conference coordinator on (02) 4343 0121 or conference@ebmc.com.au

Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club, 51-52 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beachwww.ettalongbeachclub.com.au

My new Mantra: Conference at Ettalong!

CO NFE R EN CE FEATURE

Renowned for our impeccable service, Crowne Plaza Terrigal is a premium venue choice for conference meetings, training courses and special events such as weddings and birthday celebrations. With 12 dedicated meetings rooms, 4 with natural light and vehicle access to the ballroom, you won’t need to travel to Sydney to host a spectacular event.Our professional and dedicated staff aim to make every meeting or event a complete suc-cess.Your personal Crowne Meetings Director, will become your one point of contact, able to handle all your needs including the finer details, leaving you free to achieve your meetings’ objectives.As your time is valuable, we guarantee a response within 2 hours to all meeting enquires.Within 24 hours our meetings team will develop a detailed proposal that you will agree offers excellent value for money. Contact our Crowne Meetings Team to book your next meeting or event now.Why not join our Biggest End of Year Parties and make your festive season celebration unforgettable? We are offering a Seafood and Seasonal Buffet including a 5 hour beverage package for only $120 per person. For details go to www.seasaltrestaurant.com.au

Crowne Plaza Terrigal, Pine Tree Lane, Terrigal 2260For further information or to make a booking please call +61 2 4384 9111 oremail meetings@crowneplazaterrigal.com.au

Successful Meetings at Crowne Plaza Terrigal

Nestled in pristine wetlands only 90 minutes north of the Sydney CBD, Mantra Kooindah Waters Golf & Spa Resort presents you the chance to host the perfect event. Suitable for groups from 10 to 200 the resort offers a vast array of choices.At Mantra Kooindah Waters we have a dedicated Meetings Manager to ensure that your conference is a success. Offering a prompt response to all requests for availability & rates; and a guaranteed next working day delivery of a full proposal our Meetings Manager is on hand to guide you through the process of co-ordinating all your requirements. No matter how unique your requests may be they will take it on board and deliver your requirements with a smile. While at the resort your delegates can choose to indulge from a range of luxury spa treat-ments, a quiet round of golf on the stunning championship course, delicious E or just to relax by the fireplace sipping fine Australian wine.A new resort with a range of spacious light filled conference rooms overlooking the golf course Mantra Kooindah Waters is also home to Karinyas restaurant and bar. The intimate bar area and fireplace are open until late at night and are suitable for pre or post dinner drinks. In summer the large terrace overlooking the spectacular wetlands is the perfect place to watch the sunset, have morning tea or partake of a quiet breakfast.

Phone 02 43 555 777 Fax 02 43 555 701 Email conference@mantraresorts.com.auWeb www.kooindahwaters.com.au

Conference in style

October 2008 CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW iii

CONFERENCE FEATURE

If you are looking for a unique and inspiring conference experience, Noonaweena may be your answer. Blending style and comfort with magnificent natural surroundings, this boutique retreat is the ideal venue to reinvigorate your work team.

With as little or as much help on hand as required and full catering services available, our aim is to make your stay with us as memorable as possible.

Whether you are organising a unique conference or team retreat, an event package will be tailored to your needs including team building workshops, on-site massages or off-site activities.

Overlooking Yengo National Park, the beauty of Noonaweena lies not only in the sur-roundings but also in the privacy and exclusivity the boutique retreat has to offer. You will feel miles away from the rush of city life.

After a long meeting rewind with a swim in the pool, a hit on the tennis court, or sim-ply relax by the fire and enjoy the company.

Discover the rewarding experience of Noonaweena by arranging your tailored event package today.

Phone: 02 4376 1290 Fax: 02 4376 1429Address: 1442 George Downes Drive, Kulnura NSW 2250 www.noonaweena.com.au

Located an easy 90 minute drive from Sydney & 60 minutes from Newcastle, The Reef Restaurant is situated in the beachside village of Terrigal on The NSW Central Coast. Tucked neatly in The Haven, The Reef offers spectacular 180 degree ocean views & beachside dining second to none. An abundance of natural light from the floor to ceiling bi-fold windows and clean ocean air combined with 5-star luxury accommodation at Star of the Sea Resort allows for a truly unique event or conference location.The Restaurant & Conference Centre can accommodate a maximum of 60 people classroom style & up to 80 people theatre style & has the ability to cater for functions of up to 160 people sit down or 200 people cocktail. Our flexible beachside private dining area can cater for groups of up to 40 sit down or 90 guests cocktail. The Reef offers an excellent standard of service and catering that you could only expect from an award winning venue. Current winner of the 2008 Restaurant & Caterers award for ‘Best Restaurant Caterer’ in Regional NSW.Located within close proximity to all Central Coast & Hunter Valley attractions your delegates are assured a professional yet relaxing stay. Our dedicated and professional on site function & conference coordinator will be able to assist in every step of planning and executing your conference or function to ensure it’s success.So why not change the view on your next conference and enjoy the natural beauty & serenity of The Reef Restaurant & Conference Centre.Ph: (02) 4385 3222 Fax: 4385 1983 www.reefresturant.com.au

Beyond the Boardroom

Change the view on your next conference

Enjoy a range of exciting adventure activities at Glenworth Valley, Australia’s largest horse riding and outdoor adventure centre. Choose from horse riding, abseiling, mountain biking, kayaking, laser skirmish and quad biking or why not try one of our fantastic adventure packages. We have 3000 acres of the finest unspoilt wilderness to explore including lush green valleys and ancient rainforest areas. Whether you are looking for a great day out with family and friends, Christmas party or to reward your team for a job well done, Glenworth is the perfect venue for your next group function.Glenworth Valley is conveniently located only 20 minutes from Gosford or 1 hour from the Sydney Harbour Bridge. See our website for full details. www.glenworth.com.au

Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures

Trojan HQ is an ultra-modern, stylish and unique event space. Located at The Haven Terrigal and boasting scintillating ocean views, Trojan HQ’s contemporary design combines modern décor with a fresh layout to inspire and enthuse your employees. Our modern facilities have been designed to meet a diverse range of needs and meetings and events styles. Trojan HQ can host small meetings and conferences to large scale events and along with our unique location and diverse design and layout we provide an invigorating and refreshing experience. Indulge your employees at your next event at the Coast’s most modern and unique event space, Trojan HQ. Check us out online at www.trojanhq.com.au or contact our Functions Manager Todd Atkins on 4385 9482 or todd@trojanhq.com.au

Trojan HQ

iv CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW October 2008

CO NFE R EN CE FEATURE

Prestige Wedding and Event Hire and Prestige Party Hire are a family business that offers quality equipment at competitive rates and friendly professional service unique to the indus-try. We cover metropolitan and regional NSW. We cater for all hire needs, whether it is a small backyard party, a wedding or corporate function. Prestige has proudly built a reputa-tion for quality equipment and attention to detail, specialising in free-standing marquees, catering equipment, tables & linen, crockery & cutlery, chairs, jukeboxes & karaoke, toilets, carpet & synthetic grass, BBQ’s, Glassware staging and more. 13 Ace Crescent, Tuggerah Ph: 4353 4599 Fax: 4353 4598 www.prestigepartyhire.com.auNewcastle office: Unit 10, 54 Clyde St, Hamilton North Ph: 4965 4000

Quality Marquees & Event Hire Equipment

Book and secure your End of Year Function at The Cowrie or Onda before November 14th 2008 and you could win your party for FREE!How happy would you be if you didn’t have to pay for your Christmas Party this year? All you need to do is book your party, pay the deposit to secure your reservation and you are automatically in the draw! We will randomly select a winner at 5pm on November 14th 2008. If your workplace is selected you will receive the party you have booked for FREE! We have a fantastic selection of set menus, beverage packages and a la carte options for you to choose from and our set menus all include a glass of sparkling on arrival. All Christmas Parties over 10 guests receive decorations and bon bons on your table for FREE.That’s all meals and drinks for FREE!Check out our website for menus and conditions, you can even book on line or call Selena our function manager on 4384 3016.

Celebrate your year in style at one of these multi-award winning Terrigal restaurants.

Free end of year party for 1 lucky workplace

•   FREE Shuttle service (local area)•   Private dining room (Cowrie)•   Fully licensed•   Set menus•   Beverage packageswww.thecowrie.com.au www.onda.com.au

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Function Room hire charges include:• Exclusive use• Water and mints• Flip chart• White Board• Cleaning• Wireless Microphone• Projector and Large Screen• Catering from $9 per person

Function room layout: Boardroom 40 personsLecture 80 personsU Shape 40 personsTheatre 80 persons

Joanne Corry0414 522445

Zenith Business Centre and Function Rooms

At Iguana’s Waterfront event excellence is our passion, from professional corporate meet-ings to memorable weddings, themed events and fun filled celebrations.Enjoy the intimacy of our private room with breathtaking water views as a backdrop to any occasion. Fine food and wine will complement your celebration with a choice of infor-mal finger food, hand made Chefs canapés, enticing buffets and mouth watering menus.Iggy’s is also the perfect venue for your staff Christmas party or end of year celebration. Dates are filling quickly so book early to avoid disappointment. Ask about our mid week (Sunday-Thursday) package specials.12 Dane Drive, Gosford. Tel: 02 4325 2020 Fax: 02 4322 0202 www.iguanas.com.au

This October and November make your conference one to remember! Quay West offers conference and event facilities for over 300 delegates, making Magenta Shores the perfect answer to your conference and event needs. Quay West is surrounded by Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club, ranked number 1 Resort Course in New South Wales. Quay West features villa style accommodation offering a choice of studio guestrooms and fully self contained villas. Recreation facilities include a day spa, indoor lap pool, lagoon pool and two tennis courts.Book an event with Magenta Shores and go into the draw to win a $10,000 home make-over. For booking contact our events team on 02 4352 8106 or events@qwrms.mirvac.com.au

IGGY’S events centre

Spring @ Quay West Resort Magenta Shores