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Technology proves picture perfect

Rather than handing out brochures, opening a presentation on a laptop or offering a photo portfolio for visitors to flick through, staff on the

Dolton House/Atlantic Group [V] stand at ABEE in Sydney used an iPad for client presentations. With its LED backlit display, the joint Sydney and Melbourne venues were able to quickly and easily show clients photos to the best advantage. "Clients just loved it," says Atlantic marketing manager Sarah Seddon. "With its wide viewing angles, the technology allowed a crowd to gather around and still get a great view." Pictured on the stand showing clients photos on the iPad is Doltone House business development manager Nerissa Worwood.

Newspaper service for hotel guests

Sofitel Luxury Hotels is launching an iPad application (pictured) that offers daily newspapers from six countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US) as well as specialist magazines for guests. Sofitel plans to eventually roll out “The Kiosk” across its worldwide network as new services are added. Meanwhile, guests in selected Sofitel properties in Brussels, London, Munich and Paris are being provided with iPads during their stay.

Recycling is in the bag

Close to the Great Barrier Reef and surrounded by tropical rainforest, Cairns Convention Centre plays its part in protecting these World Heritage icons by continuing to improve its commitment to sustainable practices.

It holds EarthCheck benchmark status based on practices instituted when it opened in 1996, and two years later it won EIBTMs Most Environmentally Conscious Congress Centre Award. The centre has from day one captured and stored rainwater for use in its cooling systems and gardens, while its water is solar heated.
One of its most heartwarming projects has been to send excess delegate satchels to be used as schoolbags in child soldier rehab centres in Uganda and the MAF Kids Program in Papua New Guinea and Arnhem Land.

A taste of the tropics

A group of business events experts had a river cruise

and Aboriginal art workshop while on a famil to Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa<http://www.daintree-ecolodge.com.au> in Tropical North Queensland.

With Svetlana Jovanovic of UniqueTourism Collection< http://www.uniquetourism.com> in Sydney, Jessica Francis (CCM Travel), Louisa Haynes (Quintessentially) and Gloria Nykl (Axis Events) also had a guided Aboriginal walk and were able to sample the spa’s own range of products, developed at the resort using ingredients from the surrounding environment.

Pictured are Jovanovic and Haynes ducking under a low bridge during the Daintree River cruise during which they saw tree snakes, a crocodile and a wide range of birds.

New home for orchestra – and conferences

Conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy will conduct the Iceland Symphony

Orchestra at the official opening next May of Harpa, a combined concert hall and conference centre in Reykjavík. As well as being the orchestra’s home, Harpa will be a tourism and business hub as part of a redevelopment of the historic harbour and waterfront area.
Technologically advanced sound, staging and presentation systems are part of the 28,000sq.m. complex, which will host international business and trade events. Based on a co-operative model, it will allow for a mix of conventions, receptions, concerts, exhibitions and public programs that can all happen simultaneously. There will also be restaurants with harbour views. On the first level will be two meeting halls as well as smaller meeting rooms.

Bookings made easy

Of interest to incentive organisers, Small Luxury Hotels of the World has

developed a free iPhone app. making bookings easy for its 500-plus properties in more than 75 countries. The app. includes images, information and nearby points of interest including cultural and culinary experiences.