The team at Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC), located in North Queensland, headed to Canberra recently to spread the word about the benefits of meeting in regional Australia.
Canberra-based associations and PCOs gathered at The Parlour, located in the capital’s historic NewActon cultural precinct, where they networked and enjoyed a presentation from MECC’s Nicky Hansen.
Guests included Association of Australian Convention Bureaux CEO Andrew Hiebl and Professional Conference Organisers Association president Barry Neame.
According to Hansen, positive feedback from the event attendees indicates many associations are now including regional venues in their rotation mix.
“We believe our centre offers the required capacity and expertise, coupled with impressive nearby accommodation options, interesting off-site function venues and local financial and in-kind support,” she said.
Attendees were also updated on the latest additions to Mackay’s business events portfolio, including the refurbished 250-pax cocktail area at the Rydges Mackay Grand Suites and its new informal dining venue, Moss on Wood; Note Park Grazing Company’s new off-site venues catering for up to 200 guests and the newly opened Ashtart, a waterfront venue serving Mediterranean cuisine
Guests were also treated to local delights, such as rum, fudge and jam from Mackay business Sarina Sugar Shed.
“Strong surging business and industry sectors such as agribusiness, mining and engineering add ‘sweeteners’ to Mackay’s proposition, as does the support of venues like the Sarina Sugar Shed,” said Hansen.
