Venues across Australia are welcoming back in-person events. Here’s how they’re doing it with COVID-safe measures front of mind.
National Wine Centre of Australia, Adelaide, SA
Conveniently located in the heart of Adelaide city, the National Wine Centre of Australia brings together all 65 of Australia’s wine regions in one of the country’s most architecturally stunning venues. It has seven event spaces, including Hickinbotham Hall which is the largest and has an adjoining terrace. From intimate cocktail and dinner parties to large-scale conferences, the centre has the capability to cater to any type and size of event, all the while adhering to current South Australian Government COVID-safe events guidelines. The utmost care is taken to ensure there are QR code check ins on entry to the venue and into the event, hand sanitisation stations throughout, regular cleaning of surfaces, and that COVID marshals are on site as required.
Miami Marketta, Gold Coast, QLD
Inspired by some of the world’s liveliest food street markets, Miami Marketta is a laneway dining experience which celebrates food, music and culture, all under the one airport hangar-style roof. The main laneway area has seating for up to 500 people and can be hired out exclusively for private events, including an offsite dining experience with a difference. For something more exclusive, The Gin Parlour is a private yet versatile space with its own bathrooms, outdoor deck, and gin bar that offers tastings of its ever-growing collection of gins. The newest addition is Mona Lisa’s Lair – an eclectic speakeasy-style champagne bar that is ideal for more intimate events. COVID-safe measures are in place, including ample hand sanitisers placed throughout each of the venues, designated entry and exit points, and regular cleaning and sanitisation.
The Park, Melbourne, VIC
With its stunning lakeside views and close proximity to the city centre, The Park is one of Melbourne’s most sought after venues. The elegant and expansive warehouse space features extravagant glass chandeliers and arched floor-to-ceiling windows affording natural light and views across the lake. Adjustable walls allow for easy configuration to suit more intimate events while the outdoor covered balcony offers a great spot for pre-event drinks. Part of the Australian Venue Co., The Park has implemented new procedures in compliance with government health orders to ensure the safety of staff and guests. Some of these include additional arrival time and access points to allow check-in process; a hygiene officer to sanitise touch points; and serving canapés in individual boxes per guest.
ICC Sydney, Sydney, NSW
Situated at one of the world’s most covetable locations, International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) comprises the Convention Centre, Exhibition Centre, and Aware Super Theatre. Each venue features state-of-the-art technology, world-class culinary offerings, striking architecture and design, and views over Darling Harbour or Tumbalong Park. The centre has had to make significant adjustments to its EventSafe Operating Protocols to ensure they align with the New South Wales Government’s health regulations, but its commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences has not wavered. The centres welcomes delegates back at the one person per two-square-metre rule and with mask wearing requirements in place.
Sydney Showground, Sydney, NSW
Sydney Showground is one of the city’s most spacious and versatile events venues. Located at Sydney Olympic Park, the venue offers a wide variety of flexible spaces to hire including pavilions, exhibition halls, a broadcast studio, and the world- class GIANTS Stadium. Demonstrating its ability to run COVID-safe events, Sydney Showground has successfully delivered a range of events recently, including sporting matches, expos, corporate functions, and the 2021 Sydney Royal Easter Show, which was the world’s largest ticketed event to take place at the time. With 120,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor space and a highly skilled team, the venue provides the flexibility, guidance and support organisers need to accommodate government health regulations and navigate running an event safely and successfully in an ever-changing environment.
- This story first appeared in Spice magazine’s Summer 2021 issue – read it here and subscribe here.
