The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre
(SCEC) kept the surprises coming during a visit by European PCOs last week, enlisting a little theatrical flair to show off the venue’s technology and expertise.
Welcoming five conference organisers brought to Australia by Business Events Sydney and Virgin Atlantic, the Centre turned an evening site inspection into a performance of music, lighting, food and wine.
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Chief Executive Ton van Amerongen was the first to make a surprise appearance, welcoming the guests from among the 3500 seats of the Bayside Auditorium as the lights came up.
He was followed by the Centre’s Certified Sommelier William Wilson who appeared on one of the auditorium’s video screens and gave a live report on the fine wines he was about to uncork for the group.
The guests were then shown to the Parkside Auditorium where a specialised fly tower allows staging and sets to be lifted off stage instantly - a capability demonstrated with dramatic effect when a backdrop and video screen were drawn away to reveal a chamber orchestra performing on stage.
Having arrived at the Centre by boat from Circular Quay, the group was able to fully appreciate its central waterfront location.
“To have 5000 hotel rooms within walking distance and to be 15 minutes from the airport is great,” said Congrex UK Managing Director Sarah Fitzpatrick. “The Centre has a huge amount of flexibility.”
AIM Group Head of International Affairs Michel Neijmann said he was impressed with the Centre’s creativity and service.
“One thing I like is that it has such an easy flow between the session halls and the exhibition halls,” Mr Neijmann said. “It’s nice and spacious and has lovely light and views.”
Other guests in the group included executives from Kenes International and MCI International. At the end of their tour, the group was joined by more than a dozen of Sydney’s events industry leaders to sample the Centre’s fine food and wine in one of its harbour-view Bayside rooms.
Image: Visiting the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (from left): Sarah Fitzpatrick (Congrex UK), Michel Neijmann (AIM Group), Sue Allen (Virgin Atlantic), Ton van Amerongen (SCEC), Richard Torriani (MCI International), Charlotte Boskila (Kenes International), Kimberley Wood (SCEC), Betty Sax (Kenes International), Amanda Anker (SCEC), Sue Wilkes (BESydney).
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