That’s how the city is marketing itself and while I’m sure the answer comes down to your opinion of what Brisbane has to offer, after recently expanding my knowledge of this city, in my personal opinion I dare say it comes close!
Brisbane certainly hit the world stage in terms of awareness since hosting the G20 Summit in November 2014 and by all accounts (not just those of Australian’s but those internationally also) that highly important event was a huge success. So what makes Brisbane such an appealing city and why would you consider holding your next event there?
If there was short answer I would say it’s because it’s a surprisingly diverse city, that has the ability to offer a wide range of options in a relatively short radius, BUT, let me give you some further insight into this potential “new world city”.
30 minutes is all it will take to transfer your guests from the airport to the city CBD, which after a short domestic flight from most interstate ports in Australia means your guests aren’t wiped out from a day of travel before they even start the event.
Large conference or intimate special event, there are a great selection of venue’s to meet your needs.
The Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC), Brisbane City Hall and the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) can meet the demand of a large scale conference or event with ease. Through personalised service, luxuriously restored function rooms and world class audio visual capabilities your needs will be met at every turn.
Victoria Park with its stunning views, Stokehouse Q with its contemporary and relaxed style open decks with sweeping views over the Brisbane River and CBD or the Treasury Hotel and Casino which combines old-world charm with modern convenience will all cater beautifully to the more intimate special events.
Unique or classic, urban inspired or luxurious, high tech and intuitive or modern business – whatever style suits your group, there is a hotel that will look after your guests in total comfort.
Whether it be at the Capri by Fraser, urban, high tech and Pete Evans managed catering,
the Sofitel Brisbane, luxury and refined French elegance,
the NEXT Hotel, designed for the modern business traveler,
or the Pullman Brisbane King George Square, one of Brisbane’s largest conference hotels, you’ll be well taken care of from check-in to check-out.
When it’s time to get out and about, the question is what method and style will you choose?
Does “pedal-power” sound appealing? Take your intimate group through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens nestled into the carriage of a 3 wheel bike while your rider/driver does all the hard work,
or stick to the more natural form of transport, walking, taking your partner program for a VIP personal shopping experience in David Jones at Queen Street Mall,
For something a little more active, breakfast and a touring experience at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary may be more up your alley. This is the largest Koala sanctuary in the world and the only place you can still hold a Koala,
If you want to really get adventurous glide, twist and spin your way around Brisbane on a Segway, it’s a skill to learn but so much fun once you get the hang of it,
And for something a little more relaxed and cultural, a visit to the Artisan Gallery and Bakery Lane will provide your group with some insight into the local makers, bakers, potters and ceramists home grown in Brisbane.
Needing some sustenance after all that activity?
Consider taking your group to Eagle Street Pier, an iconic waterfront precinct with world-class dining and unrivalled views of Brisbane River. With restaurants such as Jellyfish, ARIA and Il Centro just to name a few, the hardest part is choosing which experience you don’t want your guests to leave without having.
For that high end dining experience give your guests a culinary memory to last a lifetime at Urbane Restaurant. The divine degustation menu with matching wines reflects the restaurants philosophy of providing the highest quality food and service.
And for something exciting and fun don’t let your group leave without experiencing the Eat Street Markets. This exciting new dining destination at Hamilton Wharf sees 60 shipping containers reconfigured as mini restaurants offering a selection of delicious international dishes created by the best local chefs – it’s an experience not to be missed!
Saving the best for last…
Can you keep a secret? Howard Smith Wharves – remember these three words. This site will be THE place to hold an array of events when completed. The location is culturally and historically significant and is one of the last undeveloped riverfront locations in Brisbane. The site is being transformed into a riverside precinct through mixed-use commercial and community facilities. Including a new riverside parkland, funky hotel, brewery and a blank canvas function space there won’t be much you can’t do at this amazing location when it’s completed.