Dreamtime 2023
What they said
CMW ASKED THREE UK BUYERS AND AGENTS ATTENDING DREAMTIME 2023 TO SHARE THEIR IMPRESSIONS
Gavin Farley Martin Ellis
million acres ( for reference my home county Berkshire is under half of that size ), and seeing from the sky the vast open spaces , it became clear that visiting Australia is not a chance to see everything . It ’ s my own fifth trip and everything was a new experience . In Uluru there are some truly sensational hotels , especially if you ’ re looking for remote , retreat-like events . And there ’ s a surprising amount to do . From seeing a nocturnal drone show of lights depicting native legends , to a sunset dinner complete with didgeridoo player .
You need to plan well to make the most of your time . Prepare also for the conditions – heat and flies are omnipresent . And make sure your transport is comfortable .
Gavin Farley CEO Assmbl : Australia truly is a destination that has everything to offer and , yes , it is a long way , so you actually have to commit to being there . Do book yourself in Premium , or Business Class if you can and take the stress out of the flight .
If the best beaches in the world , some of the best food and drink and truly unique experiences aren ’ t enough reasons to consider Australia for your big event , then how about the ‘ bang for your buck ’ – it ’ s literally half the price of doing anything in the UK right now , so now is the time to make the move .
My favourite part of the trip ? Was it witnessing the world ’ s largest daily drone show in front of the awe-inspiring Uluru , was it dining under the stars with a star gazer around a camp fire ? Was it the sunrise breakfast witnessing Uluru change colour more times than I knew there were colours ? Impossible to choose .
Adelaide didn ’ t disappoint . I got to stay at the Oval Hotel , part of one of the world ’ s most famous cricket grounds .
Then it was off to visit some of the world ’ s best vineyards in the Adelaide Hills to have some of the best lunches ever . Even time for a cuddle with a koala .
The travel is a challenge , there ’ s no
getting away from that , but as an international meeting place , Australia is connected to all the major hubs . The destination also offers value for money and a once in a lifetime experience , although you may need more than one lifetime to experience Australia to the max . My advice would be to get started now .
Martin Ellis , director Team Umbrella Dreamtime 2023 . In hindsight it does all seem like a dream . The content was plentiful , as were the continuous tables of food . Highlights would have to include seeing sunrise over Uluru and the Field of Lights .
But that ’ s not to take anything away from climbing on the roof of the Oval cricket ground , or feeding a selection of kangaroos . In between there were a number of gourmet lunches , visits to vineyards , a selection of Aboriginal craft demonstrations , a street carnival , and more . Oh , and the main event – the Dreamtime business meeting , the reason we were all there . A well managed , day of meetings with quality suppliers .
One thing that became obvious was just how huge Australia is . Having been shown a “ small cattle station ” of 1.1
Zak Roby
Zak Roby , commercial director ACA Live : Dreamtime thought of every detail during my time with them . Staff were welcoming and knowledgeable . Breakfast at Uluru during Sunrise will be a moment I remember for the rest of my life . But then everything I saw and experienced during my time in Australia , every single moment seemed to be made up of a blend of smaller moments , all of which were unforgettable .
Australia is now not only a destination I would recommend to my own client base , but one I would insist upon . n
ISSUE 128 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 33