VMS exhibited at the Associations Forum National Conference held at the Crown Conference Centre, Melbourne in late July. The conference attracted 400 delegates of Senior Managers and Board Directors from a cross section of associations, charities, institutes, clubs, and societies. VMS was one of 40 exhibitors from conference and event venues to software suppliers. I must say the new Crown Conference Centre is a fabulous venue and is ideal for medium to large conferences with a multitude of breakout rooms and exhibition space. Mary-Jane Wardrop, Director of Sales

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.

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

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

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.

VMS Event & Conference Logistics participated in this years EAN Expo at Luna Park. The event attracted over 140 PA’s & EA’s to the two day conference and exhibition with another 100 or so visiting the exhibition outside the dedicated break times. We enjoyed the best spot in the Crystal Palace at booth 11 which looked straight across the Harbour Bridge to the Opera House & city. Just glorious!! The PA’s & EA’s were from a number of sectors that include, finance, banking, manufacturing and pharmaceutical, just to name a few. They were extremely professional and very openly discussed their event and conference needs with our team. We certainly look forward to assisting them with their event & conference needs. To view photo’s http://bit.ly/aYw2Lq Mary-Jane Wardrop, Director of Sales 

Whilst in Melbourne during AIME I stayed at the Mantra on Russell. This is a 221 all suite hotel offering one and two bedroom apartments. We stayed in a two bedroom which was ideal to put our feet up & relax after a crazy day at AIME. After a fabulous sleep in their huge king size beds we enjoyed a delicious breakfast in Up One Restaurant located next to the hotel conference rooms on the first floor. The hotel is in an ideal location being right in the heart of Melbourne’s China Town, two blocks from stylish Collins Street and a stones throw from Victoria Markets (for those with time to shop) and a minutes walk to the famous Lygon Street, offering an abundance of fabulous restaurants. Thank you Mantra Group. Mary-Jane Wardrop, Director of Sales

MJ & I ventured down to Melbourne this week to attend the 18^th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Industry Expo (AIME) 2010.  AIME is held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and attracts the most influential buyers and sellers from Australia, Asia & the Pacific.  The exhibition attracts all the big & not so big names in the C&I business. The emphasis is on the domestic conference and event market with representation from most hotel companies, Hilton, Accor, Mirvac, IHG, Mantra Group, Hyatt and Starwood just to name a few.  Many regions pooled their resources to getter bang for their buck which I am sure has been a success for them. Sydney and surrounds were represented by venues such as The Dockside Group, Doltone House, Luna Park, the Opera House and much more. It was extremely encouraging to hear the positive vibe speaking with both buyers and sellers. Bring on 2010. Libby Madden-Schrafft, Managing Director