The Conference Shop and Minor Hotels have delivered an outstanding COVID-safe famil to the Hunter Valley with eight event planners in attendance.
The Conference Shop Director Carla Offord says, “It was wonderful to see our clients in real life after such a long time in lockdown. It was great to showcase the stunning Hunter Valley region and Cypress Lakes and Elysia Wellness Retreat. Most of the clients had not been to property so it was great for them to see it person, as opposed to on a screen. Business events has always been a relationship-based industry so it was heartening to get back out there and reconnect in person.”
Minor Hotels MICE ANZ National Sales Manager Ben Greenwood says, “With 2020 delivering a swathe of uncertainly and change, impacting every facet of the MICE industry, it’s great to have the opportunity to celebrate any opportunity to meet and converse face-to-face after such a long lime in lockdowns. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to collaborate with the amazing team at The Conference Shop; and be able to host our corporate event bookers once again, showcasing the very best of not only the Hunter Valley region but also celebrate the diverse offering, events in regional destinations can offer.”
Famil attendee Natalie Keffenick from NK Events says, “After months of the industry being devastated by COVID, it was beyond thrilling to be able to go to venues again and start to think of what events could be held and what different venues could offer. Cypress Lakes is an amazing all-inclusive venue and we were able to also get a taste of other businesses in the area can offer. Balloons Aloft and Peter from Draytons Wines showcased their business and got me excited for the possibility of future events in the area.
“Carla from the Conference Shop has always organised memorable famils and kept the industry going during the lockdowns by putting on virtual site inspections, but nothing quite beats getting out there and meeting the teams at the venues and experiencing the venue and the area and understanding what unique experience each can offer. I look forward to many other site inspections and the uplift in events within NSW.”
The famil, which took place on Tuesday 3rd – Wednesday 4th November, included a Champagne golf experience and buggy tour of Cypress Lakes, dinner at the Oak and Vine restaurant, an early morning hot air ballooning experience and a garden tour at Elysia, as well as site inspections of both properties.
