The Venue Zone Blog

What better place to enjoy the post ‘Christmas unwind’ than in beautiful Brisbane.  With perfect weather, you’ll be able to set in motion some of those New Year Resolutions to ‘embrace life and make time for a little more fun and relaxation’.  The following are a few suggestions from Brisbane conference centres to start the ball rolling in the month of January. If cultural enrichment ticks your box, then consider these two options.

‘The Hand, the Eye and the Heart’ Exhibition  (Culture)

This fascinating concept is not to be missed! ‘The Hand, the Eye and the Heart’ exhibition combines unique works that comment on the public dimension of private experience. The exhibition incorporates various mediums including video, photography, drawing and sculpture, used by artists to record private aspects of the human experience and provide the opportunity to observe how these acts of remembrance are made both material and spiritual.

• TIMES:    Saturday & Sunday  9am – 5pm,    Weekdays  10am – 5pm

• DATE:     2 Dec 2011 – 4 Mar 2012

• VENUE:  Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art , Stanley Place, South Bank

‘Matisse: Drawing Life’ Exhibition (Culture)

This major exhibition features the works on paper by Henri Matisse the iconic artist of the twentieth century and includes more than 300 drawings, prints and illustrated books. Providing a unique insight into the artist’s daily practice of drawing, the exhibition explores the themes and subjects to which Matisse repeatedly returned throughout his long career.

In addition to several international museums, various private collections have also contributed to this remarkable exhibition in a bid to adequately explore the extraordinary range and depth of Matisse’s engagement with the graphic mark.

This stunning exhibition is sure to have you channelling your inner-Matisse, so come and be inspired.

• TIMES:    Saturday & Sunday    9am – 5pm,  Weekdays  10am – 5pm

• DATE:     2 Dec 2011 – 4 Mar 2012

• VENUE:  Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Bank

Brisbane Moonlight Cinema ( Event)

The Brisbane Moonlight Cinema is the perfect way to kick back and enjoy the cool of a summer’s evening. Consider the great range of popular and new release movies coming your way this month.

Thu 12 Jan                  Jack and Jill (PG)

Fri 13 Jan                    Puss In Boots (PG)

Sat 14 Jan                   The Darkest Hour (M)

Sun 15 Jan                  Red Dog (PG)   Doggie Night – BRING YOUR DOG ALONG!

Wed 18 Jan                 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (M)

Thu 19 Jan                  Monty Python’s Life of Brian (M)

Fri 20 Jan                    New Year’s Eve (M)

Sat 21 Jan                   Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (M)

Sun 22 Jan                  J. Edgar (M)

Wed 25 Jan                 A Few Best Men (CTC)

Thu 26 Jan                  The Sitter (CTC)

Fri 27 Jan                    Midnight In Paris (PG)

Sat 28 Jan                   Dolphin Tale (PG)

Sun 29 Jan                  Buck (PG)

• TIME:       6 pm

• VENUE:  New Farm Park Rotunda, Brunswick Street

Gold Coast Blaze Home Games (Sport)

Take a drive along the beautiful coast to catch the hottest sporting action this summer – Meriton Gold Coast Blaze returns to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) for the team’s fifth NBL Season.  Now mid way through, the season is in full swing, Blaze continues to bring all the adrenalin-packed basketball action, live entertainment and an opportunity to meet players after each game.

• TIME:      7 pm – 11 pm, Saturdays

• WHEN:   through to 25^th March,2012

• VENUE:  Exhibition and Convention Centre, Corner Gold Coast Highway, TE Peters Drive

Laneway (Music)

Be there!

A batch of fresher than fresh young Aussie talent joins the already popular hype bands such as Girls, Cults and M83 for an explosive line-up of newly discovered talent.  That’s right, this will be a big moment for the winners of the triple j Unearthed Muso’s Competition held recently across each state. From melodic indie rockers, The Medics to the hazy garage surf wonders, Drunk Mums, you will want to make sure you are amongst the first to see the best of new Aussie talent at Laneway.

• COST:     $120.00

• DATE:     28 January @ 12:00PM

• VENUE:  Alexandria Street

If you still have a week or two of Summer holidays, why not make the call to a Conference centre in Brisbane and book one last hurrah before the routine of another year begins.

With so much entertainment to choose from over the festive season, don’t forget to firstly book your accommodation with a conference centre in Brisbane. Then it’s onto the business of choosing which of the many celebratory offerings best suit your holiday vision.  Here are just a few for your consideration:

With its delightful climate and impressive outdoor venues, Brisbane lends itself perfectly to a variety of summer activities.  Surely the jewel in the city’s crown is the premier recreational, cultural and leisure precinct of South Bank. Here is what’s on in the lead up to Christmas.

Made with Love: A South Bank Christmas, under the trees – engaging and delighting the whole community.

It’s time to slow down and rediscover the real meaning of the season by indulging in some heartfelt generosity this Christmas. Join people from all walks of life as they design, indulge and celebrate –  whether it is having new experiences, creating memories or handmade gifts.

Choose from art and craft classes at the Christmas Craft Studio, where skilled craftspeople will help you to create meaningful presents for your loved ones or perhaps just kick back and enjoy the company of friends and family at the Under the Trees picnic. A dedicated space for dreaming and relaxing has been set up with lounging areas, acoustic music and a themed marquee to set the scene.

If you still have energy to spare after the Christmas shopping and you feel like stretching your legs, why not gear up for some giant lawn games or a spot of croquet to help you wile away the hours. There will be dedicated instructors to teach you the ropes.

South Bank’s Made with Love Graze Menu will, most certainly, enliven your tastebuds and no doubt, urge you on to greater indulgence.

The Under the Trees picnic lawns will be open daily from 10am to 10pm with drinks and music kicking off from 6pm each day.

When : Everyday – 10 Dec 2011 – 23 Dec 2011
Venue: South Bank

South Bank Lifestyle Markets

The South Bank Lifestyle Markets trade three days per week, 52 weeks per year, every Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday. With the reputation as one of Australia’s most-fashionable market destinations, you can expect  a variety of special events at the market including  public art projects, young designers markets, Full Moon parties and produce as well as good week markets. So why not treat yourself to a final splurge for 2011 and uncover a design original  from  an upcoming Brisbane designer to see in the  new year.

When: Every Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday

Venue: Stanley Street Plaza
South Brisbane
TEL: 07 3867 2051

South Bank Cineplex

The former Imax cinema offers major movie releases at this time of year and at great prices.  With a good chance of seeing your movie on the big Imax screen, this a must do during the holiday period.

When: Ph: 07 3846 5188 for timetable of movies

Venue: Corner Ernest and Grey Streets,
South Bank

South Bank – Wining & Dining

If variety is the spice of life, then you will truly spoilt for choice with the range and quality of dining opportunities at South Bank.  Choose from:

• Stokehouse – Contemporary Australian design meets relaxed, vibrant fine dining.
• Bamboo Basket – Offering quality Chinese cuisine.
• Cove Bar and Dining – Cove Bar and Dining offers both beautiful river views and an unbeatable selection of oysters and champagne.
• 5ifth Element Bar & Dining – Award-winning wine bar, boasting innovative and contemporary cuisine.
• The Sardine Tin – Sardine Tin’s food is straightforward and tasty. With matched wines this dining experience offers something a little different.
• Ahmet’s Turkish Restaurant – Enjoy a trip to Turkey with authentic food and supurb service.

Be sure to contact a Brisbane conference centre should you require any further details on the delightful South Bank precinct.

It would be a rare thing for someone to return from a conference in Brisbane and be disappointed with their stay. Thanks to the magnificent climate and landscape, the diverse entertainment and culinary choices as well as the professional staff at hotels and conference centres in Brisbane, your event is in bound to be an unqualified success.

The Brisbane central business district lies in a curve of the picturesque Brisbane river and covers only 2.2 km2   making everything very accessible within its compact city centre. Central streets are named after members of the royal family, Queen Street being Brisbane’s traditional main street. Organisations and businesses occupy many of the tall office buildings within the CBD, while all three levels of government are centred around the Executive Building and also in some of the other well-defined precincts. A legal precinct exists around the various court buildings located near the intersections of George Street and Adelaide and Ann Streets and a financial district known locally as ‘The Golden Triangle’ is forming in the area around Eagle Street. The retail precinct can be found primarily around the Queen Street Mall and Adelaide Street. The CBD is flanked by many exciting accommodation options ranging from the quaint boutique 31/2* to the lavishly large 5* properties. Though the city is compact in size – there are several very large conferencing facilities that service this busy city – with over 6 “hotel” style venues that can seat in excess of 400 people – its known for its “bigger than Ben Hur” capabilities as a conferencing city.

Tourism plays a major role in Brisbane’s economy, being the third-most popular destination for international tourists after Sydney and Melbourne.  One of the most popular tourist and recreation areas in Brisbane is the South Bank Parklands where some fabulous accommodation can also be found. Located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River, Southbank Parklands are directly opposite the City. The parklands are connected to the City by the Goodwill Bridge which leads to the Botanic Gardens at the southern end and the Victoria Bridge at the northern end. They are a carefully thought out combination of rainforest, water, grassed areas and plazas and are dotted with restaurants, shops and fountains. Features such as the riverfront promenade, the Streets Beach, the Grand Arbour, the Suncorp Piazza, the Nepal Peace Pagoda and the Wheel of Brisbane make this a diverse and exciting place. The parklands are also home to the Queensland Conservatorium and are one of Brisbane’s most important cultural precincts. Regularly hosting large scale festivals and events they attract approximately 11,000,000 people each year. There has been a shift in recent times to move away from the inner city conferencing and accommodation, and Southbank has become Brisbane’s answer to this. With easy parking options, and beautiful surrounds – many of the small to mid-sized conferencing facilities that are dotted throughout this area take full advantage of their location and the views that go with it.

Brisbane has an extensive transportation network within the city, as well as connections to regional centres, interstate and to overseas destinations. The CBD is the central hub for all public transport services with the focus on Queen Street Bus Station, Roma Street and Central railway stations as well as various city ferry wharves. Operating services along the Brisbane River and popular with tourists and commuters, Brisbane’s CityCat offers a high speed ferry service. Indeed, one of the best ways of seeing Brisbane is on the extensive 27km network of pedestrian and cyclist pathways that have been created along the banks of the Brisbane River to form a Riverwalk network. Brisbane conference venues will be able to assist with maps and suggestions for this enjoyable pastime.

With so much to experience in and around this magic destination, don’t neglect contacting a conference venue in Brisbane today for further details on this exciting city.

Take a lush sub tropical climate and a warm easy-going attitude and mix it with world-class art galleries, a fabulous café culture, and a booming live music scene and you have the perfect recipe for a very memorable corporate event.  Brisbane conference venues contribute to this reality by adding professional expertise to ensure their city enjoys a high percentage of return business from the corporate sector.
Like any hospitable Australian city, Brisbane loves a backyard party and this creative city has done this on a grand scale.  Each Spring, local residents provide their backyards and the Brisbane Festival supplies the music in a series of intimate events.  All that is required of you is to bring the esky and a sense of fun for a day of live music.
Brisbane was voted among the Top 5 Hotspots for music by the world renowned ‘Billboard’. Caxton Street in Petrie Terrace and Eagle Street in the CBD along with Fortitude Valley offers the most vibrant  band culture and nightlife. The city’s two Casino’s offer a fun alternative for an evening out.
It is almost impossible to create a top ten list of Brisbane’s best restaurants that everyone is going to agree with.  For some it’s all about atmosphere, for others service is paramount, and of course, for everyone, it’s about the food. From silver service to relaxed alfresco dining in this balmy climate, it seems that just about any cuisine and style of dining is possible in Brisbane.
Situated just 7 mins walk from town, along the beautiful South bank of the Brisbane River, you will find the impressive Queensland Cultural Centre, home to many of the city’s performing arts venues, it has a restaurant and café and is a very pleasant place to stroll along the river. This complex houses the very attractive Queensland Art Gallery which exhibits the likes of Renoir, Picasso, and van Gogh, and also showcases diverse modern Australian sculptors, painters and other artists. The adjacent Gallery of Modern Art features indigeneous Australian, Asian and Pacific Art and the works of modern and contemporary artists. The Austalian Cinematheque can also be found within this complex and boasts 2 cinemas in which it presents retrospective and thematic film programs.  There is another cinema dedicated solely to screen- related exhibitions.
Musicals, opera and ballet are presented at the 2,000 seat Lyric Theatre, while the 1,800 seat Concert Hall features orchestral performances. A 315 seat theatre-in-round at Cremorne Theatre hosts cabaret and experimental works. Conference centres in Brisbane are well versed in the many cultural events that take place in the South Bank precinct. Whether they be casual, relaxed affairs that take place in this picturesque location or the more high-brow occasions the city offers, you will find the city a friendly and welcoming destination for your next corporate event.
If atmosphere and entertainment feature in the vision you have for your corporate event, contact a Brisbane conference centre and they will be happy to assist in making it a memorable and successful conference.

Whether you are looking for heart thumping activities or more gentle pursuits to incorporate into your conference, the professional staff at Brisbane conference venues can point you in the right direction.  This adventure wonderland with it’s perfect climate, relaxed population and unmistakable holiday feeling is the perfect location for the ultimate conference experience. Consider some of the following diverse activities when designing the ideal itinerary for your delegates. Contact a conference centre in Brisbane for further details.
For the energetic – Climb the Story Bridge. This 2 ½ hour bridge climb is both exhilarating and rewarding with 360o views of this spectacular city and surrounds. Dawn, day, twilight and night climbs are offered 7 days a week so there is no excuse for missing this one. Another popular activity for those with a little energy to burn is the rollerblade sessions and bike rentals available through Riverlife Adventure Centre.
Adrenalin Junkies are not forgotten with Riverlife Adventure Centre also offering kayaking and abseiling the Kangaroo Cliffs. Feel the thrill with adventure trike tours or head out to sea on a fishing charter. Explore the nearby North Stradbroke Island or Moreton’s Island beaches by 4WD or experience the ultimate adrenalin rush with an afternoon of skydiving. Pumping surf and open beaches are only a short drive away for those who want waves. Brisbane conference venues have information on the many options available in this natural paradise.
Riverlife and Southbank – See Brisbane from another perspective with a leisurely river cruise or by speedy ferry. Relax with some evening canoeing while you enjoy the sunset and city lights or dine at one of the many river-side restaurants and café’s. The unique area of Southbank is situated along the banks of the Brisbane River and features markets, museums, man-made beaches and lagoons and a giant TV screen. It makes for a lovely stroll after an intense day of conferencing.
Shopping, Live Music Scene and Nightlife – Brisbane is an ideal shopping destination. Queen Street mall, Portside Wharf, and the Fortitude Valley are where most of the popular shopping stores and boutiques are located. Fortitude Valley along with Caxton Street in Petrie Terrace and Eagle Street in the CBD offers the most vibrant nightlife and band culture. Brisbane was voted among the Top 5 Hotspots for music by ‘Billboard’ a world renowned music magazine so be sure to experience live music at it’s best. The city’s two Casino’s offer a fun alternative for an evening out.
Nature Lovers – For animal lovers, Alma Park Zoo, with it’s wide range of endangered and exotic animals and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary at Fig Tree Pocket, the world’s largest Koala sanctuary are both worth a visit and located very close to the city. In addition to the many beautiful walks that allow you to appreciate the great outdoors, the celebrated Botanic Gardens are situated along the river and are open 24 hours a day with free informative tours daily. Roma Street Parklands, the world’s biggest subtropical garden is situated in the CBD and has themed gardens and recreational centres.
The Unique – More unusual tours include specialist art tours with fine food and wine, ghost tours, eco tours and historic walking tours. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city as you dance with the lights on Story Bridge or take a champagne breakfast balloon flight over the city.
Brisbane facilitates a perfect lifestyle and without a doubt, it’s lazy and subtropical climate helps make up its overall appeal but it is also a sleek and thriving cosmopolitan city that holds it’s own in the professional world of business. It is not surprising that Brisbane conference centres are highly sort after for as the unique combination of business and pleasure is surely the recipe for the ultimate corporate experience.

When considering locations for your next corporate event, you’ll discover that nothing ticks the boxes quite like a Brisbane conference centre . Dynamic and progressive, sophisticated yet unpretentious, Brisbane and the surrounding region delivers on all fronts with a relaxed and welcoming flair.
Be sure to include in your itinerary some free time to discover the diverse and delightful attractions of regional Brisbane. Some thrilling activities exist for team-building exercises or partner programs with extensive outdoor adventures on offer. Hot-air ballooning, surfing and four wheel drive excursions are just a few of an endless list. One hour from Brisbane, located in the heart of the scenic rim is Boonah, one of Queensland’s most popular places for sailing, fishing, water skiing, parasailing  and paddle boating.  The superb scenery of peaceful lakes and rugged mountains also facilitates wonderful scenic drives, horse riding, mountaineering and sky diving. Picnic spots and seven National Parks provide unsurpassed panoramas of magical mountain peaks. Esk is another adventure playground not to be missed.

If your focus is more toward exploring the history of bygone eras, Moreton Bay and it’s many charming little heritage towns is a wonderful place to start. Also the Moreton Bay Lighthouse, still operating today, was built in 1857 and is situated on the northern point of Moreton Island.  Close by is the Moreton Island National Park information centre which provides a wealth of information on the fascinating history of the region. While you are on the island, be sure to venture west to Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort. There are a total of 75 different tours and activities to choose from and an encounter with some of the 600 Bottlenose dolphins that inhabit the island is bound to create a delightful and refreshing memory for your delegates. Naturally beautiful Bribie Island, the northern most island in Moreton Bay is the only island connected to the mainland by bridge and is separated from Caboolture by the Pumicestone Passage, a protected marine park and offers a safe haven for turtles, dugongs dolphins, a diverse bird life and an extensive network of mangrove swamps. The Bribie Island Ferryman provides excellent tours and fascinating commentary on the way. A choice of surf beaches, excellent fishing, extensive national parks and a number of restaurants covers a multitude of options for a wonderful interlude to the business of conferencing.  Conference venues in Brisbane are both enthusiastic and skilled in assisting you plan a program that will suit your unique company requirements.
For the animal lovers, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary at Fig Tree Pocket hosts the world’s largest koala sanctuary and Alma Park Zoo offers a genuine wildlife experience with a wide range of Australian, endangered and exotic animals. Alternatively, the Riverside Garden setting is also home to a large community of kangaroos, wallabies, emus, wombats and native birds and is located very close the Brisbane city.
Discover Redcliffe’s museum filled with rich and fascinating history, view vintage movies, browse art galleries, enjoy one of the many festivals or just watch whales and dolphins at play. Take a ferry to the premier natural treasure of North Stradbroke Island, a vision with it’s kilometers of pristine white sandy beaches that fringe the island’s eastern side. The popular Caloundra known as the gateway to the beautiful Sunshine coast with it’s captivating hinterlands and glasshouse mountains also makes for an exhilarating trip. You’ll also find this region is rich with creativity, nurturing the talents of acclaimed artists, writers, musicians, fashion and jewelery designers. Be sure to ask the knowledgeable staff at a conference centre in Brisbane for more details.

When considering Brisbane Conference Venues for your next conference, it is worth noting that there are 30 different airlines servicing Brisbane with domestic flights to: Adelaide; Bundaberg; Cairns; Canberra; Coffs Harbour; Darwin, Gladstone; Hervey Bay; Mackay; Melbourne – Tullamarine Airport; Newcastle – Williamtown Airport; Perth; Rockhampton; Sydney-Kingsford Smith Airport; Townsville; Port Macquarie.

Distance from Airport to cbd: Brisbane Airport is conveniently located approximately 15-20 minutes drive (13 km) from Brisbane CBD, 75 minutes drive from the Gold Coast and 105 minutes drive from the Sunshine Coast. Longer travel times may be experienced during peak hour. Transport: Taxis, Buses, Airtrain, Inter-Terminal, AirportVillage Courtesy Bus.

A great number of fantastic Brisbane Conference Centres await your enquiry and with easy access to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coasts, may add unlimited off site opportunities for your conference delegates.