A busy fortnight coming up with ABEE at the Sydney Convention Centre Thursday & Friday. Our theme for the show is “Let us rescue your next event” including a genuine lifesaver to rescue you (cute boy!). Be sure to visit us on our Stand E33. Go into our lucky draw or participate in ABEE 2010 Special Offer!

We will be in Melbourne on the following Tuesday - Wednesday exhibiting at the Association Forum Conference being held at Crown Towers, Melbourne. Be sure to visit us on our Stand 10. Take advantage of our Association Forum 2010 Special Offer and participate in our online survey for the opportunity for us to prepare An Event - Just For You!   And ther is more….visit our stand an enter the Lucky Draw. We are there to have fun, come join us! Libby Madden-Schrafft, Managing Director.

Well another very successful conference was held at the Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach. One of our clients enjoyed a two day intense educational conference with keynote speakers and numerous workshops where they were able to get down to the nitty gritty of the content. Over 350 delegates savoured the delights of the Novotel Brighton with sumptuous buffets and the utmost of comfort when they retired to their rooms for a well earned rest. This venue’s location is ideal for any conference or event with delegates flying into Sydney with the airport only a stones throw away. The relaxing view of Botany Bay is a great way to get delegates inspired for a busy conference day. I’d recommend this hotel for any event especially for conferences of up to 500 delegates with numerous breakout sessions required. Libby Madden-Schrafft, Managing Director.

I am thrilled to share with you that we have recently updated our online delegate registration system RegoDirect. The system has some fabulous new features that include links to social media sites and your outlook calendar. Please visit our website and click the link to RegoDirect. The system is easy to use and you can customize the site to suit your specific requirements. You can capture your delegate information all in one go. The system offers access and reporting 24/7 with a secure payment gateway that accepts credit card, EFT and cheque.  Reports include hotel rooming lists, workshop choices, dietary requirement, name badge lists etc all at the touch of a button. Our delegate helpline is your difference!! Libby Madden-Schrafft, Managing Director 16/6/10

VMS will be exhibiting at the Australian Business Events Expo being held at Darling Harbour on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd July 2010. We’re planning on having a lot of fun on our booth so please come and visit us on E33. I’ll forward some additional info closer to the date. Mary-Jane Wardrop, Director of Sales. 8/6/10

The winner of our Moet Chandon newsletter prize draw is Margaret Rae from Downer Edi. Congratulations Margaret, your iced cold Moet is on its way!!!

NSW Meals on Wheels recently held their annual conference at the Novotel Northbeach Wollongong. The 190 delegates took shelter in the hotel for three days whilst the rain and wind battered the south coast. The delegates arrived leisurely and enjoyed a seafood buffet lunch before the conference kicked off with an official aboriginal welcome to country ceremony followed by two days of presentations and workshops with a site visit to the local Flagstaff premises. The hotels pre conference area is the perfect exhibition space. With over 20 booths set up the delegates were able to stroll amongst their suppliers and get to see new product first hand. All in all the conference was a great success. Mary-Jane Wardrop, Director of Sales. 8/6/10

What an afternoon. East Sail along with IHG invited us out for a sail on Sydney Harbour. The weather was menacing when we “geared up” and set sail from Rushcutters Bay. After a ½ hour boat familiarization (which side is what etc…) we launched into the first race with our fearless leader at the helm (see photos on facebook), won the start and slowly pulled away to comfortably win the first race. The second race we unfortunately changed skippers, that “man” took over, was last off the start and never looked like improving our position. Bugger, it’s a bloody womens world! However, we boarded the East Sail cruiser for canapés and drinks while the heavens opened. What a great way to spend an afternoon for team building and/or simply having fun. Our thanks to Mark & Maggie for looking after us so well. Mike Schrafft, Executive Director. 8/6/10

VMS recently hosted a famil/educational to Kooindah Waters, Wyong and Peppers Anchorage Port Stephens to show case these venues and their destinations to a select number of clients. There was no better way than to kick the weekend off at Kooindah Waters with a very relaxing putting competition whilst sipping bubbly and enjoying the most amazing oysters as the sun set. That was followed by the most indulgent Degustation Menu, the soufflé was amazing. After a wonderful night’s sleep a visit to the Day Spa was a must before heading off to Peppers Anchorage Port Stephens. 

The sun was shining and the water glistening when we arrived at the Anchorage. We all checked into our loft suites that overlook the marina and the bay. After a relaxed lunch by the pier we hit the water with some parasailing. There was a few screams but overall everyone had a great time. A little rest was followed by a sunset cruise and a delicious dinner in the hotels restaurant. 

Both venues are ideal for residential conferences or executive retreats with each destination offering numerous team building opportunities near by.  

Thank you to Paul, Alison and the Mantra Group team for their support and effort in ensuring the weekend was a fabulous success. Thank you also to Image Cruises and Port Stephens Parasailing. To view famil photo’s http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=286170521753&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=286170521753&v=photos

Last Thursday I was invited on a hard hat tour of the new Gibraltar Hotel Bowral. Located within 90 minutes of Sydney this hotel and conference centre is built within the Gibraltar Country Club with sweeping views over the golf course and Mount Gibraltar as your perfect back drop. The hotel features 76 deluxe rooms (sleeping up to 110 guests) with a roof top Day Spa and a purpose built conference centre that over looks the golf course that can cater for groups of 10 to 300 delegates.  This hotel opening September 2010 is certainly a welcome addition to the Southern Highlands.

A client of mine recently asked me about the Kangaroo Valley Golf & Country Club. This was one venue I didn’t know much about so last weekend I ventured down to Kangaroo Valley to take a look. Wow what a fabulous property. It’s an easy 2 hour drive from Sydney tucked away between the Southern Highlands and the South Coast. The property has a mixture of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom cabins & villas scattered within the most picturesque setting of rolling hills and a Jack Newton designed golf course. The function room, restaurant and bar are all housed in a rustic building with open fire places that gives you the warm welcoming feeling. If you’re looking for a venue for around 40 delegates and want to get away from it all why not give this venue a go. Visit our venue search for more information.