The Venue Zone Blog

What’s not to love about Adelaide at Fringe time.  From  late February through to mid March, Adelaide is the jewel in the crown of Australian capital cities where entertainment is concerned.  Conference centres in Adelaide are right in the thick of it as the city swells with the throng of revel makers looking to party. Artists from around Australia and across the globe entertain with all manner of art forms spanning cabaret, comedy, circus, dance, film, theatre, puppetry, music, visual art and design.

Adelaide Fringe literally takes over the city with 800 events staged in fittingly creative venues.  Everything from  parks, warehouses, lane-ways and empty buildings to the more  conventional spaces  such as theatres, hotels, art galleries, cafes and town halls are required to house such unique talent.

With over 100,000 tickets sold already for the performances of 3000 plus artists, 2012 is looking to be the biggest and boldest yet.  Certainly worth making a call to Adelaide conference centres in the hope that there might be ‘ room in the Inn’ for a few more celebration seekers.

Comedy

8th March 2012 – 5th April 2012. Thursday Nights at 8pm.

Balmain Exchange hotel

(A tip for your Autumn entertainment from Sydney Conference Centres)

‘Not Quite Cabaret’ is the opportunity for a brilliant night out with your friends.  Come prepared for a whole lot of fun right in the heart of Balmain.  Best described as pub entertainment with a twist, it’s a crazy dinner theatre show. In conjunction with the Balmain Exchange Hotel, ‘Not Quite Cabaret’ presents a variety of short funny plays for a refreshingly different Thursday night out for only $28 per person or just $24 per person for bookings of 4 or more.  If you think you’ve ‘been there, done that’, think again!  Our special brand of dinner theatre has been dreamt up by some of the best in the business with one very simple criteria – our plays must make the people of Balmain laugh ….. a lot !  With a proven track record alreadyin Sydney’s Eastern suburbs and the northern beaches, we are thrilled to now bring ‘Not Quite Cabaret’ to Balmain for hysterical fun on a Thursday night

We hope to see you in March 2012 at the Balmain Exchange hotel. It’s Not Quite Cabaret but it sure is a whole lot of fun. Why not check into a conference centre in Sydney and make an extra long weekend of it.
To book tickets please see below, just scroll down or call Deborah on 0424782863.

Pristine Perth, the sunniest capital in Australia boasts, majestic architecture, fascinating marine history, sumptuous food and revels in the ‘good-life’. Conference centres in Perth offer a cool and comfortable haven from the sometimes souring temperatures that the region delivers, so why not experience ‘The West’ this Summer.

This Summer, life in WA will transform for 3 weeks as part of the 2012 Perth Festival when a total of 200 events will be presented by more than 700 international, national and local artists.

You will be delighted at the wonderful art installations in unexpected places and prepare to stay late into the night for performances by some of the world’s best emerging and established and contemporary music artists at the Festival Gardens.  An exciting line-up of Lotterywest Festival Films is also playing and will continue through to 15^th April.

Contact a Perth Conference Centre and secure your front row seat for a Summer celebration.

Celebrate the new year with artistic flair – what better way to usher in the new year than with breathtaking encounter at the Opera.  2012 sees a changing of the guard with Lyndon Terracini’s taking the helm as Opera Australia’s new Artistic Director. Being his inaugural year, he plans to make an impact and signals his intention to bring a program that is more in tune with 21st-century Australia.  His vision is one of ‘opera events’ – Broadway-style music theatre, opera experiences that are family friendly and sensational new productions. In addition, he also has in place, projects that take opera to the people involving wide national touring, and community-specific collaborations and community choirs.

Sydney Conference centres are kept well informed of the full spectrum of arts and cultural events happening around their city.  Here is a brief look at the exciting opera program.

SYDNEY SUMMER 2012: A SUMMER OF SPECTACLE

The 2012 Season opens in Sydney with a new production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. With a new English translation, it features handmade silk puppets, loads of special effects and stunning costumes, it is aimed at a family audience, with reduced ticket prices for some performances over the school holidays.

The Magic Flute opens at the Sydney Opera House on 6 January 2012.

Puccini’s magnificent final opera, Turandot, returns to the Sydney Opera House.  With an exciting international cast, this classic production is bound to delight

Turandot opens at the Sydney Opera House on 17 January 2012.

An exciting new production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. Benedict Andrews makes his directorial debut with the Company offering this modern take on Mozart’s revolutionary classic features an ingenious shifting set.

The Marriage of Figaro opens at the Sydney Opera House on 6 February 2012.

Complete the summer trio of Mozart operas with the romantic comedy Cosìfan tutte.  With wacky costumes and delightful visual special effects, a quartet of young singers take the central roles.

Cosi fan tutte opens at the Sydney Opera House on 8 March 2012.

Contact a conference centre in Sydney to secure your accommodation for one of these exceptional experiences and kick-start 2012 with a touch of class.

With sunshine lifting our spirits and the anticipation of holidays ahead, good will is displayed in abundance and Sydney is ready to celebrate.  As the most adventurous of our Australian cities, Sydney boasts exhilarating exhibits, experiences and entertainment like no other and in the festive season, options are at their creative best – here are just a few suggestions from those in the know at Sydney Conference centres.

Christmas Lights & Projections

• Sydney Town Hall and St Mary’s Cathederal become a canvas for spectacular Christmas Lights & Projections that will set the tone for a truly magical festive season.
• Venue: Sydney Town Hall
• Date: 24 November to 25 December
• Time: 8.30-1am

• Venue: St Mary’s Cathederal
• Date: 8 to 25 December
• Time: 8.30-mid-night with Carols from 7.30-8.30  (Thursday to Sunday only).

The Rocks Village Bizarre at Markets by Moonlight

Sydney’s favourite moonlight market takes on a magical mood as the secret alleys and hidden rooms of ‘The Rocks’ area  transform  into another place and time. Unique spaces set the stage for fascinating encounters with intimate performances, burlesque beauties, strange stories, puppetry, poetry, music and interactive art.

Kick off your shoes and take a dance class, learn to hula hoop or bust a move or two at the silent disco. Perhaps you’d rather chillax in the outdoor lounge and just absorb the theatrical mayhem of the moment.  Whatever mode you find yourself in, don’t miss this treat.

• Venue: The Rocks , cnr George & Argyle Streets The Rocks
• Date: Between Friday 04 November and Friday 23 December .
• Time: 5.30 to 10pm

Christmas Party Cruises, Sydney Harbour – , Lunch and Dinner

Brilliant entertainment, great food and dancing, a chance to mingle with colleagues. These are surely the essential elements for your annual Corporate Christmas celebration.  Be sure to talk to a Sydney Conference Centre about organising an exciting fun filled cruise to thank your staff for a productive year.

Choose from various other themes and entertainment:

Sing along to the Abba Tribute Show,  Dance with the Elvis Tribute Show, dress up for the Retro 70’s 80’s Disco or swoon over the Salsa Latin Floors Show.

• Venue: Darling Harbour
• Dates: 7 days during November & December
• Time: lunch & dinner

Jersey Boys

Broadway’s smash hit musical, JERSEY BOYS is the inspiring story the iconic Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons – four boys from  nowhere special who’s passion for music led them to become one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time.

With a unique talent for creating original sounds as well as writing their own songs, the band sold 175 million records worldwide.  Relive hit songs such as “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, “Oh What a Night” ,“Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Rag Doll”.

• Venue: Theatre Royal, 108 King Street MLC Centre Sydney
• Date: Saturday 01 January and Sunday 18 December
• Time: Various sessions

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2011

As some 500,000 people converge on Sydney Harbour foreshore and millions more tune into the action on TV and online, no regular annual yachting event in the world attracts such huge media coverage than does the start on Sydney Harbour

One thing is for sure, you’ll want to be in prime position when the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race begins at 1pm on Boxing Day, 2011. While the entrants for this year’s race jostle for position on twin start lines just north of Shark Island, you’ll find the ultimate vantage point on North or South Head or, to really feel the action, you may like to join the colourful spectator fleet that take to the water in their crafts of all shapes and sizes.

There is no better place to spend Boxing Day than to stand side by side with fellow Aussies and celebrate our country’s sunshine, lifestyle and culture.

• Venue: Sydney Harbour
• Date: Boxing Day, 26^th December
• Time: 1pm

With the festive season looming you will find that spirits are high, entertainment options have broadened and the temperatures are beginning to soar.

Of course, water takes centre stage as we head into an Aussie Summer, so be sure to take a break from conferencing and experience some of Sydney’s famous beaches. Conference centres in Sydney are well equipped to assist you with weather forecasts, transport suggestions and of course the prime locations to indulge in one of our most prominent pastimes.  Why not incorporate a harbour cruise from the delightful Circular Quay and check out the iconic Bondi Beach.

If your delegates are into something a little more active, you may like to consider a drive down the South Coast for a spot of fishing or for those looking for a serious challenge, try your hand at deep sea fishing Sydney’s reef systems on a charter boat – Sydney Conference Centres will arm you with maps, contacts and suggestions to ensure your adventure is a resounding success.

Take Kite-boarding lessons just south of Sydney Airport on Botany Bay and maybe complete the day with a company picnic in the Botany Bay National Park. You are bound to have some delegates keen to try their hand at surfing – check out the famous Manly Beach and nearby surf spots in the Sydney Northern Beaches area. If you have any energy to spare, may we suggest hang-gliding and paragliding at Stanwell Park.

If all this activity has you yearning for a tranquil and serene interlude, seek out one of the Sydney’s award winning, harbour side restaurants and indulge your senses with the tastes, sounds and smells of a Sydney Summer.

WELCOME TO THE VENUE ZONE BLOG !!

Finding a suitable venue for your event can take much time, energy and know how.
What are the ways you can save time, energy and money in the process,
and how can you be sure you’ve made the right selection when it comes to the crunch?

It is important to have the basics intact when making your enquiry to the venues.
This will ensure that they can advise availability and quote accurately

LOCATION CONSIDERATIONS:

Where are your guests coming from?

If they are flying in, would it be best to have the event near an airport?

What will make it easy for them to say yes to your invitation based on the location you are considering?

Will they need accommodation? Consider asking for a group rate if your guests will be staying at a hotel.

Will there be travel costs involved for them? How can these be reduced?

Will their attention be captured well enough if there are distractions around, like in a cbd area or would you be better taking them to the country?

What are the group activities that might best benefit your group? Could it be a night at a city theatre or could it be a wild team building adventure in the country?

Is it best to stick with the same proven venue year after year, or try something new and refreshing for your guests?

DATES FOR THE EVENT

It’s always best to book the venue first as other things can fit around this. Unless of course you are flying in a top company executive and you’ve been given the orders relating to the dates.

How can this best be juggled? Always ascertain all date options at the beginning, so these can be presented to the venue at initial enquiry time. This will save you running backwards and forwards to check availability, and knowing the company high flyer, he/she is likely to have a change of plan anyway and the dates could change again. Be prepared !!

ACCESS TO THE VENUE

Ok, so you know what time your event is being held, but what time do you need access for set up and pack up? This information is vital to the venue as they will need to hold space for you leading up to the event and after the event where necessary.

NUMBER OF GUESTS

It’s always best to advise the minimum and maximum number of guests and the seating style. Sure you may think that there will be 200 guests, but what if numbers blow out. Could the venue handle 400? Then again, what if the numbers drop to 100. Is there a minimum number of guests required to secure the price you’ve been quoted, or will the venue charge additional for lesser numbers. Be careful !!

Are there other room requirements? Do you need foyer space, breakout rooms, display space? Don’t forget to mention this at initial enquiry time.

 SEATING

To sit or to stand?

What type of guests will be coming? Do many of them know each other? Only the really outgoing person feels comfortable in a room full of strangers, making their way around the room. The average or quieter person may prefer to be seated at a table full of people that he/she can get to know on that level. It can be much more comfortable.

On the other hand, if you have a room full of people who all know each other, will you be able to keep them at the table at a sit down meal, or would you be better off with a standing cocktail style event? Know your guests !!

CATERING – FOOD

You may like Salmon, but what about the guests? Sure it looks impressive but it’s not good for the guests to go hungry. Chicken and beef are always the favoured choice of two and don’t forget the vegetarians. Be sure to discuss this with the functions coordinator so they get a nice choice. If you want to add some delicacies, what about a two course meal with canapes on arrival. Then you can go crazy and satisfy the gourmet tastebud as well !! Who says it has to be a three course sit down to get that variety?

CATERING – BEVERAGE

What are your guests likely to enjoy drinking? Are you better off which a package price, a bar tab or full bar? Speak to the venue about your requirements and come up with a solution that fits your group.

 ACCOMMODATION

Will your guests require accommodation? Will they be booking their own? What about asking for a group rate for them. Or if you are going to secure a block, know how many rooms you will require as there may not be much room for guesswork here. On one hand you could be locked into booking too many rooms and on the other not enough and the guests have nowhere to stay. If it’s difficult to know, how about checking out some other local options just in case.

What about the style of room? Do the guests need single or would twin be ok? Do they need a bathroom each? What about apartment style. You may be able to secure a 3 bedroom apartment with twin share rooms, reducing the overall cost.

AUDIO VISUAL

Most venues will have a standard pricelist for these requirements and additional items can be ordered in. Cost is something that should be considered here, and is it possible to provide some of your own equipment or your own supplier so as not to blow out the budget.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Disabled facilities, parking facilities, public transport facilities. These may not be particularly important to you, but these may be vital to your guests. Check it out !!

BUDGET

Naturally, it’s always best to know what you’re aiming for. If you’re a bit rusty and lost touch with pricing you could try just enquiring as to the standard sorts of prices from a variety of places so that you know where your group needs to fit. Once you’ve worked this out, then have the venues put together a full proposal for you.

TO HOLD OR NOT TO HOLD· HOLD !! There’s no harm and it gives you peace of mind !!

Venues are generally happy to do this and will give you a call if they get another enquiry for your date. There is no obligation to go ahead with the booking should you change your mind. But once you’ve made up your mind not to go ahead, be sure and give the venue a courtesy call so they can release the date. They will love you for it !!

NOW YOUR EXPERIENCES

We’d love to hear your comments from your recent experience when looking for one of the following:

• Conference Venue Melbourne
• Function Centres Melbourne
• Wedding Venues Melbourne
• Party Event Venues Melbourne
• Corporate Event Venues Melbourne
• PLEASE SHARE …

Let us know your experiences.

Did you enjoy the process? Did you find what you were looking for?

How long did it take? How far in advance did you book?

Was there much or little availability? Did you find the staff helpful?

Anything else?