Spice caught up with Joanna Hillier, conference and events sales manager at Ovolo Woolloomooloo, to find out how the event industry needs to adapt.

Here are her five tips for keeping things fresh:

1. Food is everything
In the age of social media everyone is a foodie and can use a hashtag to influence the network around them. Food needs to look and taste great more than ever before. At Ovolo we work with great brands whose products speak to our clients and reiterate the Ovolo style. Food is anything but ordinary for us and our culinary master Gavin Berrecloth, leads the Ovolo team. Gavin has worked with and headed up some of the world’s most awarded fine dining venues, set up cooking schools, represented the British Culinary Olympic Team and collaborated with Neil Perry to create the QANTAS First Class menu.

2. Audio visual systems and technology
Having the basics is just the beginning. Event planners are constantly looking to elevate their events with new technology and you need to be keeping up. All of our delegates have access to free super speed WiFi throughout their stay with us and AV is included within the rooms at no additional cost. We also like to make the AV experience as user-friendly as possible and offer ClickShare technology in our main conferencing suites. Clickshare enables you to wirelessly send the display content of your computer, laptop or mobile device in High Definition over a WiFi signal to a display or projector of your choice.

3. Location, location
Event planners are a well-travelled bunch, as are their delegates, so we need to ensure we create meeting environments that match their worldly expectations. Whether it’s for work or pleasure, or even a bit of both, the most memorable of occasions typically take place in the most memorable of locations. We are fortunate to be located on the historical Woolloomooloo Wharf but it’s really about making the most of what you have and drawing out key aspects from your surroundings an incorporating this into your event.

4. Personalise and create individual experiences for your clients
It’s important to offer a wider range of services to match more creative and personalised client needs. Rarely does a meeting take place in the sole confines of a boardroom these days. That’s why we offer guests unique experiences throughout the hotel and local area. We can make guests feel extra special with exclusive use of our enormous split-level ‘Rockstar’ Ultraroo suites that offer wharf and city views.

5. Develop relationships with inspirational vendors
With the industry heading towards a tailored approach for each client, developing relationships with vendors who are also thinking outside of the box is an amazing way to develop creativity and to help with planning for future events. We have a fantastic team here who are creative and passionate about hospitality, developing strong relationships with like-minded vendors is key to supporting our team.