Issue link: https://digital.meetinreykjavik.is/i/653841
1/26/2016 International Meetings | www.themeetingmagazines.com file:///S:/Marketing%20MIR/PR%20&%20Press/Articles%20on%20MiR/English/International%20Meetings%20_%20www.themeetingmagazines.com.html 2/8 Harbour late 2016. There's the new West Building at Adelaide Convention Centre and a new space accommodating 700 at Star Event Centre in Sydney. The fivestar Mayfair Hotel opened in Adelaide, construction began in January on an onsite hotel at the threeyearold Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane, and Four Points by Sheraton Sydney embarked on a $200 million redevelopment plan that will add substantial meeting and event space, among other things. Australia is a top wishlist destination for North Americans, meaning it can boost attendance. And according to Jane Whitehead, vice president, the Americas, at Tourism Australia, the country easily inspires, motivates and rewards. "We understand the importance of excellent service, and our service professionals are warm and friendly while also being adept at handling events of all sizes and will go the extra distance to ensure perfect event execution," she says. "Australia offers truly inspiring teambuilding experiences, from sailing regattas to surfing lessons to indigenous experiences. Whether you're looking for active pursuits or cultural discovery, we can tailor unique experiences that will create lasting memories and bonds." Australia is so expansive geographically that at any given time of year there's someplace for corporate and incentive groups to meet, and Australia offers some of the best wine and food in the world. Bottom line: "Australia," says Whitehead, "has a proven track record of hosting successful business events." Dubai — On the Move A decade ago, much of the world knew nothing about Dubai. In 2014, 71 million international passengers passed through the city's airport — more than went through London's Heathrow — and today Dubai is an "it" destination for business and leisure travel. As Louise Olson, CMP, president of Zest Events, puts it, "Dubai is beautiful and everyone wants to see it." Dubai is a destination with challenges, and with substantial rewards. In February, Olson helped execute a meeting in Dubai with 80 attendees for UL, the safety consulting and certification company headquartered in Illinois. The meeting was based at The Palace, Downtown Dubai, which Olson says was chosen for its "location, service and beauty." The challenge, says Olson, is that Dubai is "very expensive to get to and rates for hotel, food and beverage can be high." Zabrina Hazeltine, CMP, CMM, president of Hamilton Group Meeting Planners Inc., has brought multiple client groups to Dubai, a destination she likes because it's new and convenient to Europe. But she also experienced challenges, in one case, maybe too much of a good thing. "So many hotels are coming online each month, inventory is constantly growing and new areas of the city are springing up all the time," she says. "It's difficult to narrow down choices." "So many hotels are coming online each month, inventory is constantly growing and new areas of (Dubai) are springing up all the time. It's difficult to narrow down choices." — Zabrina Hazeltine, CMP, CMM