Non Surgical Gala Dinner at Hyatt Regency Sydney

What did you love about the venue for creating an event?

The staff! From sales and event management, through to banquets, all the staff were all amazing to work with.  Hyatt Regency Sydney has spectacular views of Darling Harbour, a large event space with easy access and brilliant location.

 How did you decide on the theme for this event?

It was a concept that I had envisioned for a while.

What inspired you with this event?

The English Countryside

What was your favourite part of styling this event?

The operating fountain, 5m cherry blossom trees and the 5m x 20m projection map of English Manor on the back wall.

 What part of this event was unique?

 The vinyl decal on the dance floor to create a ‘great lawn’, bordered by boxed hedging and topiary trees.

What are your favorite themes to work with?

Cultural themes exploring foreign cityscapes and landscapes.

What are your tips for ensuring an event runs seamlessly?

Great suppliers! Making sure that all stake holders are well briefed and have a full understanding of the client’s expectations.

What are your 5 tips for planning an event?

1. Only work with suppliers that you can trust and rely on.

2. Ensure you are clear and concise in your communications to all stakeholders.

3. Have a clear vision of what you are trying to achieve.

4. Be a strong team leader. It takes a small village to create a memorable event.

5. Love what you do and have fun!

Who were the clients you worked with for this event?

-          Live Productions - AV and production

-          The Styled Co - Stylists

-          Bermuda Social - Entertainment

 Where do you gain inspiration from for look and feel of events?

Everywhere. Sometimes an idea can stem from an everyday object, colour, sound or even smell. Always be open to possibilities.

What has been the most outrageous item you have been asked to have at an event?

To cover a 290 degree glass wall, overlooking Auckland in a transition film that switches from opaque to clear in less than a second, whilst projecting an aircraft flying around the room and landing on the stage.

What are the current trends?

I prefer to follow my own instincts, not trends.

 What does your typical customer look like?

 Corporates, private societies and associations.

 What has been your most expensive event?

 $1.2M budget

 How early do you need to start planning for an event?

 Most of the time we have the luxury of at least 12 months, but at times this can be reduced to weeks prior!

 What could typically go wrong at an event?

So many things can go wrong, the important thing is how you manage it and minimalize the impact on the overall event.

Images by The Production House Events and Clinical Images.

ARN Innovation Awards 2018 at Hyatt Regency Sydney

What did you love about the venue for creating an event?

The grand hotel entrance, along with the location. The venue is also reliable, has high ceilings and offers accommodation.

How did you decide on the theme for this event?

We work with The Collaborative, a creative alchemists and event engineer’s team.

What inspired you with this event?

Fashion Week.

What was your favourite part of styling this event?

Stage backdrop and ceiling installation.

What part of this event was unique?

The theme and backdrop.

What are your favourite themes to work with?

Anything new and exciting.

What are your tips for ensuring an event runs seamlessly?

Attention to detail, communication, problem solving, negotiation, multitasking, budgeting, creativity, set your staff up to succeed, use technology to streamline event logistics, plan ahead and plan for the unknown.

What are your 5 tips for planning an event?

1. Plan ahead and plan for the unknown

2. Start with the dream then get real, it’s easier to edit than to add.

3. Know your budget and be strict with the budget, choose a reliable venue, deal in detailed contracts.

4. Minimize on last-minute changes.

5. Embrace multitasking whilst keeping a sense of humour.

Who were the clients you worked with for this event?

The Collaborative and Encore.

Where do you gain inspiration from for look and feel of events?

Pinterest, social media (Instagram) and Fashion Week.

What has been the most outrageous item you have been asked to have at an event?

A client once asked for all the lights on the cruise ship to be turned off, as it was interfering with the ambience of the event. The event wasn’t on the cruise ship.

What are the current trends?

1. Meaningful Diversity in Programmes & Panels | Diverse speakers nurture new views and ideas – engaging a wider audience, fed up with all-male panels.

2. Conversations, not presentations | When attending a presentation, delegates want to vote, ask questions, and add their thoughts in real-time.

3. Extraordinary venues for extraordinary conferences

4. Event app reach the next level | Event apps will begin to incorporate networking, integration, AR and VR functionality.

5. Event apps for data collection | Organisers will use data from every tap, scroll and swipe to improve their next conference.

6. Virtual Conferencing gains ground | Improved live video and VR technology means anybody with a smartphone can attend, or event present at, your next conference.

7. Create a community & extend the conference | Organisers will create platforms to engage and connect delegates, all year round.

What does your typical customer look like?

APAC, channel professionals (Vendors, Distributors and Reseller Partners).

What has been your most expensive event?

EDGE, is an action packed 4 day conference. High-level content and compelling insights, keynotes from inspirational leaders, business presentations, workshops and sessions, formal 1;1 meetings, ice break sessions, informal networking, activities and the EDGE cup.

How early do you need to start planning for an event?

Depends on the size of the event and all the elements, the average would be 8 months.

What could typically go wrong at an event?

Unexpected weather, attendees drop out or no shows, a speaker drops out, speaker goes way over time, scheduling is off, technology failure, event is short staffed, delayed flights, major transport disruption.

Insight from our Senior Director of Sales for MICE Hyatt

MAGGIE DIASINOS

Senior Director of Sales - MICE

Hyatt Sales Force Pacific

M: +61 413 053 445 E: maggie.diasinos@hyatt.com

What is your position at Hyatt? And how long have you been in this position for?

Senior Director of Sales – MICE (Meetings and Events). I have worked in the global sales office managing the events market for 4.5 years

Where did you work before Hyatt?

Previous to Hyatt I worked in the corporate sales offices for IHG and EVT (formally AHL) managing the meetings and events market.

What does a usual day look like for you?

I never have a usual day which is why I love what I do. I have days where I am meeting with event planners, to discuss how we can partner on a program to create a memorable experience for their delegates. The following day I could be on site with a hotel team watching an event in full flight. Working in the global sales offices, I also have days meeting with tourism bureaus to discuss a destination and review how we can curate programs, in that destination that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world.

What do you love about your job?

I love having the opportunity to create a memorable experience for clients on a daily basis. I love working in a creative industry, filled with industry professionals that are passionate at what they do, and we all have fun doing it!

What are some impressive and memorable events that Hyatt hotels in Australia have hosted?

We recently had an event at Hyatt Hotel Canberra to gather industry professionals across the country to discuss the meetings and events industry. The hotel worked with key local suppliers to take the attendees on a journey of Canberra as a destination as we didn’t have time to leave the hotel based on limited time for the program. Our guests started in a courtyard that was transformed into a farmer’s market where they could meet the owners of local brewery’s, distilleries and produce suppliers to discuss their local delicacies. We then moved into a ballroom for dinner were guests dined on an elevated stage and finished with dessert in the presidential suite. Take a moment to view our video of the evening to see the event in full flight here.

Hyatt Hotel Canberra

Hyatt Hotel Canberra

Hyatt Hotel Canberra

Hyatt Hotel Canberra

Hyatt Regency Danang

Hyatt Regency Danang

Grand Hyatt Beijing

Grand Hyatt Beijing

What are some interesting incentives ideas that clients could or have used at each hotel?

At Hyatt hotels we love working with agencies to push the envelope to deliver experiences unique to each destination. Some recent events we have curated is as follows:

o   Dinner on the Great Wall of China

o   Converting a warehouse in Shanghai for a luxury car launch

o   Closing down a key boardwalk in Sydney in front of Park Hyatt Sydney to create a runway with views of the opera house for a fashion launch

o   Barefoot gala dinner on the beach in Danang, Vietnam

What has been your favourite meeting or event to work on?

Recently the team at Park Hyatt Sydney created a dinner around the four elements, earth, wind, air and fire! The chefs created a floating amuse bouche where guests found their meals floating on helium balloons. Seafood dishes served on dry ice and entertaining dessert displays where guests were spoilt with an abundance of indulgence. Every course had a story and an element of surprise. It was enjoyable watching our guests’ reaction to every course and they could not wait to see what would be revealed next!

What are your 5 tips for planning an event? 

1.   Know your audience

2.  Know your audience’s objective for meeting

3.  Surround yourself with a strong team who understands the purpose of the event and the outcomes the end client wants to achieve

4.  Partner with a venue who has the same desire to deliver a successful event and ensure they are aware of the key outcomes for the event.

5.  Have fun during the process. By doing what you love you will inspire and awaken the hearts of others!

What is the most outrageous request from a client you have received and haven’t been able to deliver?

The beauty of having clients who are creative is they love to think out of the box, we love to work with most ideas where we can. As a company we try to accommodate all requests, the only limitations at time can be the budget for a project. I always think, imagine what we could create if we had endless budgets and time to play with!

Calibre Event at Park Hyatt Melbourne

What did you love about the venue for creating an event?

It was the perfect location for the type of event we were hosting.  The location was excellent, the staff’s attention to detail was exemplary and I could not fault it at all.  They constantly kept us updated and responded to any and all questions we had in a timely manner. They provided us with many options and worked with us to ensure we had everything we needed for the vent to be successful.

What inspired you with this event?

The ease at which the Park Hyatt Event Coordinators Rina and Maria worked with us tirelessly to get every aspect of the event to run smoothly.

What part of this event was unique?

The attendees and seeing how much in awe they were at the way the function was run and the attention to details provided throughout the whole night by the staff of Park Hyatt. There was no request that was met without a smile and eagerness to assist us to ensure the event was a success. The best part of the evening was that every one commented how perfect the venue was and how much they enjoyed the evening, food and service and company.

What are your 5 tips for planning an event?

1. Choose the best suited location and venue for the type of event you are planning

2. Book the venue early – this is a must

3. Ensure that the venue Event Co-ordinator understands exactly what you need them to do so that your event is perfect

4. Check in with the Event Coordinator regularly, ensuring that plans are going to the schedule

5. Make sure all attendees are informed about the venue, the location and make sure you check any dietary requirements with those attending, as this is vitally important that all attendees enjoy the event and are adequately catered for.

What are the current trends?

Depending on the type of event you are hosting, some maybe formal whereas others may be more casual. Park Hyatt can accommodate for all levels and styles of events. Nothing would be out of their reach to set up an event of whatever your choice is.

How early do you need to start planning for an event?

To get the best venue for your event, you must start planning at least 12 months in advance.

Skye Lifestyle Q&A

When did you start Skye Lifestyle?

January 2009

What inspired you to create Skye Lifestyle?

I saw a gap in the meetings and incentive market, while working for Tourism Australia in Los Angeles, as Business Events Manager.  No-one was offering a wellness component to their conference and incentive itineraries, which prompted me to create my business to bridge this gap.  I wanted to create the opportunity, to offer conference and incentive delegates the chance to maintain a life and work integration while travelling on business. 

What wellness experiences do you offer?

Skye Lifestyle is a national team of fitness and wellness instructors, that offer activities including but not limited to Yoga, Chair Yoga, Stretch, Relaxation, Massage, Meditation, Tai chi, Zumba, Pilates, Running, Walking Tours, Boxing, Circuit and Boot-camp.  Other activities can be included, and Skye can create these experiences on an ad hoc basis. 

 What is the most popular wellness experience you offer?

Chair Yoga and Meditation are the most popular.

Chair Yoga is very popular due to the fact the conference delegate do not need to change their clothes, and they can enjoy this session in their corporate attire.  This session can easily be achieved in a 30-minute breakout window at either morning or afternoon tea.  

Meditation has become more popular, as there is much more understanding around the benefits of learning how to breathe, and manage stress in everyday life. 

What are the benefits of your classes?

Many companies are starting to realise the enormous benefits of corporate wellness. By introducing yoga, fitness and other mind body programs, companies create a positive, happy, productive and more alert conference group.    

What is the importance of corporate wellness programs?

As the needs of travellers evolve, it has become evident that when wellness activities are included, delegates are more alert, retain more and are more likely to attend future conferences.

Mindfulness and well being are hot trends in Australia right now, how do you incorporate this into business conferences?

Working closely with Hyatt Hotels around Australia, Skye Lifestyle can customise the wellness and fitness needs of the client within the conference agenda. This ensures delegates have the chance to integrate a life and work balance.  We work closely with the booking agent or client directly, to determine what the theme of the event is. Or what is the desired outcome for the staff at the end of the conference is, allowing us to customise the wellness event accordingly.

Do you cater to all levels of fitness?

All our wellness programs are accessible and can be tailored to all levels.  Students with pre-existing conditions or injuries are also catered for.

Our aim is to encourage all delegates to participate, and we welcome people who may never have tried fitness or group exercise before.  We often find it is these people who see the greatest benefits.

What makes addressing wellness different from other event trends & activities?

If the human element of a business breaks down, then the business breaks down.  Companies are only as strong as the health and well being of their employees. It is important to address the human element, while taking into account the practical needs of the business.  By incorporating wellness in a holistic approach within a conference event, should improve overall performance of the staff and the business.