ONE GOOD THING AFTER ANOTHER

Transcription

1 CANBERRA SONYA GONCALVES ONE GOOD THING AFTER ANOTHER Sonya Goncalves shook off her preconceptions of Canberra to take part in its Top Secret weekend. And she wasn t disappointed. Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory, Andrew Barr, probably sums up Canberra better than anyone I ve ever met. It s the place that the world turns to when they think of Australia - the meeting place of our nation. It is a vibrant, confident and bold city where you will find easy access to some of the world s best-known innovation and research centres. Worldclass cultural institutions and attractions, new and exciting precincts, award-winning accommodation options. What s more, the Canberra of today offers a unique and vibrant food and wine scene. Top Secret 2016 hosted by the Canberra Convention Bureau runs on a pretty tight schedule which we were to discover over a three-day period. It was one of the best orchestrated famils I have been on in a long time, and everyone deserves a mention including our driver Robbie from Murrays Coaches. Day 1 (THE PROGRAM) HAS MADE ME CHANGE MY IMPRESSION ABOUT CANBERRA AND WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER AS A CONFERENCE DESTINATION. - ANGELA CURAC, BAKERS DELIGHT HOLDINGS We started the Top Secret 2016 famil lunching at the refurbished QT Hotel sampling their Feasting Menu. This 205-room property has its own dedicated event level which houses the largest hotel ballroom in Canberra and boast its own WiFi system. Combining art, food, wine and fashion and a working barber shop that leads into a bar, once here delegates really don t need to leave. Canberra is nailing it when it comes to boutique style accommodation which is still in its infancy here in Australia. There s a sense of excitement one gets when you walk into the ecochic Hotel Hotel situated in the NewActon precinct. It s not huge, only 68 rooms, filled with an array of eclectic reused, restored and curated Australian furniture with original artworks, objects and furnishings made by true artisans. Hotel Hotel has several event spaces but the standout is the Mosaic Room. Walk outside and look up to see how unique this place really is. MOAD at Old Parliament House is a great venue for conferences, cocktail parties, special events, small meetings and gala dinners that can seat up to 500 guests. This much-loved 54 micenet

2 A stylish vintage store in Braddon. Image courtesy of Visit Canberra. Hip NewActon. Top Secret delegates on an after dinner tour of the National Portrait Gallery. building has hosted its fair share of high-profile political events over the years. Restaurant Associates are the onsite caterers and I m sure they can whip up a special Menzies Martini Cocktail in the heritage-listed Members Bar for your delegates! Another stop was the Australian War Memorial - the heart and soul of the nation. Include this place as a must do on your event social program by giving your delegates a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be a part of the Last Post Ceremony held daily at 4.55pm. Then move onto the Anzac Hall for cocktails or dinner. No theming required here. That night we had the privilege of dining in The Gordon Darling Hall at the National Portrait Gallery on long tables as far as your eye could see. Anthony Stubbs, executive chef at the Trippas White Group had us dining on Gogigui beef rump, asian greens, young kimchi, koshihikarai rice followed by a dessert buffet that was worthy of trying everything once or twice. Day 2 Set over 250 hectares the National Arboretum Canberra boasts a living collection of 94 rare and symbolic forests from Australia and around the world. And since opening in 2013 the Arboretum has had more than 1.6 million visitors and has quickly established itself as a must see destination and the premium venue in Canberra for corporate functions. This is a truly unique venue which has one of the most passionate executive chefs on the planet - Janet Jeffs from Ginger Catering. There is a lot to love about her food philosophy. Our next stop was at Parliament House which is not only home to Australia s Parliament but offers a range of conference facilities for 20 to 1000 people. If you want to seriously impress your delegates book a private tour. With 296-rooms the Crowne Plaza Canberra is only a two minute walk to the National Convention Centre and just minutes from the Canberra CBD. The hotel offers easy access to Canberra s best dining and entertainment precincts as well as iconic attractions. The National Convention Centre is Canberra s leading meetings and events venue. Located in the heart of Canberra s CBD, it is equipped to handle events of all sizes - from small groups to conferences for up to 2400 delegates. This award-winning centre wowed the Top Secret 2016 delegate s by showcasing what was one of the best and most complex meals we ve ever eaten. Chef Nikhill Jain served, The deer s footprints. Prepared with complex techniques, delicious produce and full flavour, it was a unique culinary experience. If this is what the National Convention Centre is serving up to conference and event delegates then we want more! I have the recipe and dare anyone to recreate it! Having opened its door in December 2015 the Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport is less than 10 minutes drive from Canberra s CBD and 50 metres from the airport terminal. The hotel s seven storey atrium draws comparisons to the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Every inch of this hotel is a head turner and makes staying at an airport hotel a sophisticated experience. micenet 55

3 All set for Top Secret delegates at the Hyatt Hotel. BOOKING TRAVEL FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER. QANTAS GROUP TRAVEL CAN ASSIST. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT TRAVEL.COM. But wait, there s more 191 soundproof rooms, six spacious meeting spaces and the option to relax and have a meal in the very stylish Helix Bar knowing that you will make your flight on time as the airport is only metres away. This hotel has set a high benchmark for luxury hotels in and around airports. You cannot walk through Pialligo Estate without taking deep breaths. If you love food, and in particular bacon, just walk past the smokehouse which has won more than 52 national awards. The gardens are exquisite and fruit and vegetable produce are picked fresh each day. Pialligo Estate is a truly unique place to host a corporate meeting or special event or to simply take your group out there for lunch. Our Top Secret 2016 group stayed at the Realm Hotel. Doma Hotels is the largest hotelier in Canberra s Parliamentary district located in the Realm Precinct on the footsteps of Parliament House. Doma Hotels within the Realm Precinct consist of the five-star Hotel Realm, 4.5-star Burbury Hotel & Apartments, four-star Little National Hotel and the heritage listed Brassey Hotel offering more than 500 rooms. The precinct also includes chef hatted restaurants, a casual lounge bar, café, health club, hair salon and day spa. National Gallery of Australia No words can describe how very spoilt we were. Friday night supper, consisting of shared dishes such as crispy skin barramundi with native pepper beurre noisette and lamb with wattleseed jus and mastard leaves and wines from Canberra s wine region were served to Top Secret 2016 delegates in grandeur by The Big Group, exclusive caterers at the National Gallery of Australia in the Gandel Hall. Australia s largest privately-owned catering company treated us to an exceptional dining and event experience. Could things get any better? A picture perfect and mouth-watering dessert buffet in the Members Lounge and a couple of coffee martinis topped off a fabulous evening. The National Gallery of Australia is home to more than 160,000 artworks, including a roll call of some of Australia s leadings artists. In terms of event spaces, the gallery offers a range of venues and services and is the perfect venue to house your next conference, product launch, cocktail, corporate or private event. The highlight of the evening was an exclusive tour of the Tom Roberts Exhibition. Business Events at the AIS The Australian Institute of Sport. The AIS. Boasting Canberra's largest multi-purpose function venue, AIS Arena not to mention an experienced events team and award-winning catering from Trippas White Group the AIS will ensure your conference, function or gala dinner is one to remember. Situated just minutes from Canberra CBD, the AIS delivers champion events. Phone: (02) sales@ausport.gov.au 56 micenet

4 Day 3 Enjoying one of the best locations in Canberra right on the water s edge of the Acton Peninsula, the National Museum of Australia is a venue with a spectacular difference. With stunning architecture and a magnificent location, it s an ideal venue for conferences, corporate events, gala balls, lakeside dining and cocktail functions. The museum boasts sweeping decks, expansive Top Secret showcase dinner at windows and imposing indoor and outdoor the National Portrait Gallery. Image courtesy of the NPG. spaces with mountain, lakeside and city views, providing a versatile and memorable setting for any occasion. With its high ceilings and curved walls, the museum s hall provides an impressive cocktail or dinner venue that requires minimal theming. Other event spaces, including the Museum Café and the Peninsula Room which features decks with lake-view frontage that remains unmatched in Canberra. The museum is proud to have an award-winning caterer to provide guests with a truly memorable experience. Broadbean Catering creates contemporary menus that reflect local produce and the freshness of the season. The Australian Institute of Sport is situated on a 65-hectare campus just minutes from Canberra s CBD. It not only inspires excellence in sport, it sets the same expectations on delivering champion events. While sport is our raison d etre, the facilities and venues at the AIS are available for your next meeting, conference, expo, event or function, says Craig Fairweather, assistant director of marketing. The AIS campus boasts 11 exceptional event venues and spaces with capacities ranging from 10 to This includes Canberra s largest function and entertainment venue, the AIS Arena, which can roll out the red carpet for gala dinners of up to 900 guests or conferences for up to 4200 delegates theatre-style. The AIS s exclusive catering partner, Trippas White Group, is committed to creating tailored, seasonal menus using quality Australian produce in a contemporary food style. They were recognised at the recent Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence 2015 THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE WAS A HIGHLIGHT. I COULD NOT SPEAK MORE HIGHLY OF CANBERRA AS A CITY AND AS A VENUE TO HOST AN EVENT IN. THE PROGRAM HAD A GREAT RANGE OF VENUES THAT COULD CATER TO A RANGE OF EVENTS. THE TWO EVENING DINNERS AT THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY AND THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA WERE VERY SPECIAL EXPERIENCES. ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT WAS THE BREAKFAST AT THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM. - CAROLINE BENNISON, SOIL SCIENCE AUSTRALIA. micenet 57

5 A view of the National Museum of Australia from the sky. for their food service at the AIS, winning the prestigious Site-Contract Caterer award. So much has already been written about Jamala Wildlife Lodge. To get a sense of what this place is all about you need to stay here. Experience the thrill of a close encounter with some of the world s most dangerous and endangered animals such as lions, tigers and bears. Jamala Wildlife lodge offers luxury five-star lodges built within the heart of the zoo. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience only available in Canberra. Our farewell lunch was hosted by the Hyatt Hotel Canberra a Park Hyatt Hotel in the Rose Courtyard located in the hotel s original 1920s heritage-listed section. The hotel has 252 guest rooms including six Park Suites, six Diplomatic Suites and a Presidential Suite which boast a very secret guest list (we did find out the US President Barack Obama stayed there). This award-winning hotel is synonymous with style, and has more than 1300 square metres of event space available in many different configurations and locations throughout the hotel. Any stay at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra must include a decadent afternoon tea in the heritage listed Tea Lounge. DELECTABLE, MEMORABLE AND BESOPKE EXPERIENCES AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA events@nga.gov.au / That s a wrap Event planners these days are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a destination. After spending three days exploring Canberra, the Top Secret delegates discovered just how easy it is to do business in our nation s capital. Top that with the opportunities to connect with influential people, world experts, senior executives, federal politicians, business leaders, media figures and leading researchers including Nobel Prize winners has earned Canberra the title as the Knowledge Capital. So go on and choose Canberra. You won t be disappointed. m 58 micenet

6 With its architecture and magnificent location, the national museum of Australia is the for your next corporate event Image: Adam McGrath, Hcreations For enquiries call OR

7 5 TOP BEST CANBERRA BITS We asked some people in the know what to do to get the most out of your Canberra experience. 1 Visit Canberra Glassworks. What it offers that s different to most institutions in Canberra is that it brings you close to artists and the making of art. You can feel the heat from the tank furnace as the glassblowers gather glass in the hotshop. 2 Head to the Parliamentary triangle for national institutions. I love Canberra for its closeness. Visitors can get close to the very best of Australian art and culture in the many national institutions. I particularly love a regular trip into the Parliamentary Triangle to explore them. 3 Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve & Namadgi National Park. In Canberra you can also get close to nature. A trip to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve or Namadgi National Park, will reveal historic Aboriginal rock art, koalas, platypus, and don t forget to look up for the wedgetail eagles. 4 Swimming in the Murrumbidgee River. I live in the south which is close to Canberra s swimming spots along the Murrumbidgee River like Point Hut Pond or Pine Island. Who needs the beach? 5 Visit Corin Forest Recreation Park. I love Canberra winters, embellished by tips of white on the Brindabellas. This place is nestled in the mountains and provides a great picnic area, tobogganing in summer or snow play in the winter months. BEVERLY GROWDEN GENERAL MANAGER CANBERRA GLASSWORKS Image by Mark Ollman LIZ BENDEICH GENERAL MANAGER CANBERRA CONVENTION BUREAU 1 Join a Sunday morning yoga class in Glebe Park followed by breakfast at the Cupping Room, where world barista champion, Sasa Sestic and his team produce seriously good coffee. Afterwards, browse through the homewares stores and vintage op shops along Lonsdale Street, Braddon. 2 Long Saturday lunch in a private pavilion at Pialligo Estate, a farm with an awardwinning market and herb gardens, vineyard, olive groves and smokehouse. Just a 15 minute drive from the city centre, the Pialligo area is a little pocket of country life and ideal for browsing through garden nurseries, orchards and homeware gift shops. 3 Cycle around Lake Burley Griffin with a stopover at the National Portrait Gallery for afternoon tea. A bit more cycling before finishing up with a glass of wine and taking in the water views from the deck at the National Museum of Australia. 4 Truffle hunt and visit to a cellar door nearby. Go and experience a real truffle hunt where you have the opportunity to dig for a truffle. Be sure to go to one of the local restaurants for a delicious truffle lunch afterwards. Canberra Truffles can organise a Twilight Hunt or Weekend Hunt and cook for groups. 5 Give your group a unique team-building experience at Canberra Glassworks where they can make their own stylish paperweight or glass tumbler. Then take them to BrodBurger for the best burgers in Canberra! 60 micenet

8 CANBERRA BRAD FOSTER STEPHEN WOOD MANAGER NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE 1 Explore the relatively undiscovered secrets of one of Australia s best emerging wine regions. The Canberra wine region is only 35 minutes drive from the town centre. Be sure to include Poacher s Pantry and their Wily Trout vineyard, Clonakilla and their amazing Shiraz Viognier, and Gundaroo s Capital Wines with the award-winning Grazing Restaurant. 2 Award winning Pialligo Estate. They truly deliver a paddock to plate experience in their fine dining restaurant; with a winery on the estate, as well as an olive grove, orchard and market garden - it is truly unique. 3 Enjoy what is possibly Australia s best and smoothest airport experience at the new award winning Canberra Airport. Book a high value flight with one of the world s best airlines Singapore Airlines. Direct flights starting in September from about $650 return from Canberra to Singapore. 4 Get outdoors and breathe in the fresh air. Cycle, walk or glide on a Segway around Lake Burley Griffin and take in the national icons - the National Gallery, National Library, High Court, Portrait Gallery and New and Old Parliament House. Get more adventurous on a mountain bike and try out the world-class mountain bike facility at Mount Stromlo. 5 Kick back and relax over a glass of wonderful local cool climate wine or a craft beer at one of the funky new precincts such as Braddon, New Acton or the Kingston Foreshore. 1 Local Wine Heaven I really encourage you to indulge in the Canberra wine scene. Some of my favorites are Nick O Leary White Rocks Riesling, Collector Rose Red City Sangiovese, Mount Majura Vineyard Tempranillo and to top it all off, the well-known Clonakilla Shiraz/Viognier, to name just a few. 2 Stunning Views I am fortunate enough to live five minutes walk from the base of Red Hill. Once I ve finished cursing and swearing my way up the 250 steps and some, I get all the benefits the most amazing views across the south of Canberra and total peace! I recommend this small adventure for a great way to get the heart pumping and for the serenity! 3 Voyeurism The National Portrait Gallery is where you get to stand face to face with people. Perhaps my past life as a psychologist comes into play here, but my mind runs at a hundred miles per hour as I analyze the faces, the clothes, the background, the expression and the feeling portrayed. It never disappoints. 4 A Girl s Gotta Shop! You cannot miss out on my all-time-favorite shop in Manuka called the Department of the Exterior. This small boutique owned by Susan Taylor has been supporting selective Australian and New Zealand labels for 10 years. 5 Hmm Truffles June to August is the official truffle season in Canberra. During this period there are truffle dinners, cooking classes, wine pairings and truffle hunting, Love it! DION BISA ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER EAST HOTEL LEANNE GOLLASCH DIRECTOR CONFERENCE LOGISTICS 1 Kingston Foreshore a vibrant new precinct on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin consisting of elegant restaurants, cafes and funky bars. It is a great place to meet after work with friends or to entertain clients with lunch. The restaurants come to life at night with live music, great food and a relaxing, fun atmosphere. 2 National Arboretum See Canberra from a different perspective with stunning views from the main building. With unbelievable views of Parliament House, Captain Cook memorial fountain and the surrounding suburbs, the arboretum is a beautiful place for a welcome reception on the deck as you watch the sunset over Canberra. 3 Tidbinbilla a short 30 minute drive from the CBD where you can get up close and personal with koalas, emus, kangaroos and maybe even a platypus. A perfect place to bring international guests to see Australia s unique wildlife in their natural habitat. If time is of the essence, the award winning National Zoo and aquarium also offers an up close animal experiences. 4 Wineries and restaurants Pialligo award-winning wineries and restaurants are just five minutes from Canberra s airport. Multiple choice of cuisines to choose from to entertain intimate gatherings to large groups. 5 Parliament House / War Memorial / National Museum/ National Gallery / National Portrait Gallery all these tourist attractions are free. Also excellent venues for events. m micenet 61