1 W Brisbane has opened its doors . 2 Howard
Smith Wharves is set to open later this year .
“ The Brisbane 2022 New World City Action Plan commits to winning more conventions and business events , and to be globally recognised in the top 50 cities for international association conferences ,” he says . “ The Lord Mayor ’ s Convention Trailblazer Grant is just one strategy we have to achieve this .”
Alabaster says the application process sought to identify innovators , pioneers and ground-breakers passionate in equal measure about their area of expertise and Brisbane .
“ We hope that through the connections , knowledge and insight gained from the grant recipients attending relevant international conferences , the Bureau can successfully bid to attract these events to Brisbane in the future ,” she says .
“ Along with the economic benefits , the grant recipients will offer considerable insight into Brisbane ’ s industry strengths , which is a key selection criterion for conference organisers when choosing a destination .”
The Novotel Brisbane South Bank kicked off the new hotel openings lined up this year . Positioned on the southern banks of the Brisbane River , surrounded by 17 hectares of parklands , the 4.5 star hotel offers 238 rooms , meeting and conferencing space with banqueting facilities for up to 100 people and an outdoor heated swimming pool .
General manager Jean-Phillippe Lagarde says food and beverage will be a big focus for the hotel . “ Our restaurant , Spice Central will offer modern Australian cuisine with an influence from cultures all over the world ,” he
says . “ A major feature will be our open dining experience . Our chefs will be on display , with a completely open kitchen in the heart of the restaurant .”
Matt Young , AccorHotels vice president of operations for Queensland and Northern Territory , says over 12 million people visit the area annually for conferences and business events . “ This makes city accommodation highly sought after ,” he says .
Among the new hotel offerings none has been anticipated as much as the return of W Hotels to Brisbane . W Brisbane has just opened its doors , marking the return of the Marriott brand to Australia after a lengthy hiatus . Boasting a prime riverside location opposite the Brisbane Convention Centre , the design-led hotel embodies the theme of “ A River Dreaming ”.
W Brisbane features 312 guestrooms including 32 suites , signature restaurant Three Blue Ducks , Living Room Bar and its rooftop bar WET Deck . The hotel also offers 1100 square-metres of event space including a 595-square-metre Great Room .
Bruce Ryde , vice-president for luxury brands and brand marketing , Marriott International Asia-Pacific , says Brisbane is quickly evolving into one of the world ’ s greatest cities “ which is why W is kicking off the brand ’ s return to Australia here in the Sunshine State ”.
Another eagerly awaited luxury hotel opening is Emporium Hotel South Bank which is putting the finishing touches to its offering ahead of its July opening . Located in the $ 600 million mixed-use Southpoint development on Grey Street , the 143-suite property has been designed and developed by the same independent owner-operators who guided the Emporium Hotel in Fortitude Valley , which is set to be rebranded to an Ovolo Hotel in mid-April after being sold . The hotel features a rooftop bar and infinity edge pool with views to Brisbane ’ s CBD and beyond , while meeting space inludes a grand pillarless ballroom and three state-of-the-art boardrooms . The signature restaurant Opal is helmed by ex-GOMA executive chef Josue Lopez who is bringing his signature touch to the best local ingredients .
Another eaterie sure to attract serious foodies is the Greek Club ’ s new signature restaurant Nostimo Restaurant Bar . The Greek Club has just unveiled its $ 3 million refurbishment with 11 new meeting and events spaces on offer . The Greek Club ’ s largest event space is the 1000 square-metre Grand Ballroom , which features ceiling to floor glass doors and a dedicated dance floor , in addition to the very latest digital entertainment and audio-visual equipment .
The refurbishment program has taken six months and represents a new era for the venue , according to Greek Club general manager Andrew Tambakis .
“ The club stands as one of the most versatile event space offerings in Brisbane and now , with this renovation program complete , it raises the bar again ,” he says .
“ Over and above the spaces , The Greek Club brings something very special to events and meetings , a real sense of Hellenic hospitality , and that ’ s why we
16 Convention & Incentive Marketing , Issue 3 , 2018 www . cimmagazine . com