Defence & Industry goes virtual at National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC)

The Annual Defence + Industry Conference goes virtual in 2020 at NCCC

In 2020, the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC) has had to adapt to all things COVID and this has meant working with our clients and partners more closely than ever, in producing first-class events that have carried a different look and feel this year. In conjunction with our inhouse AV partners, Encore Event Technologies, the NCCC was delighted to welcome back the Annual Defence & Industry Conference in 2020, again delivering a highly successful event in a fresh-faced format this year. Here is a brief description of the event itself and how strong relationships, state-of -the-art technology and exemplary venue delivery, were testament to this great success:

The Premier Event on the Canberra Business Chamber calendar

Working together with industry partners strengthens the overall outcome of events. The Annual Canberra Business Chamber Gala Dinner is the premier event on the Chamber’s calendar, and for the second year in a row the spectacular event was held in the Royal Theatre, creating an inviting, five star, warm and welcoming atmosphere for each and every guest.

The guests were ‘wowed’ as soon as they walked through the door by a stunning chandelier installation hanging from the ceiling, created by our in house AV Company - Encore Event Technologies. Using hundreds of interlinked Scenic Panels in contrasting designs, illuminated with purple lighting the Scenic Panels’ laser cut shapes cast stunning reflections around the venue walls for a truly unique and impactful focal point.

The surprises didn’t stop there; the meal was served by a professional team and was fresh and deliciously created by the expert Executive Chef at the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC), Nikhil Jain. Using fresh seasonal ingredients is important when creating a menu, as is choosing the matching wine.

Thankfully a well-regarded supplier and partner of the NCCC, Shaw Vineyard Estate, had this under control and paired and supplied the wine for the evening which was enjoyed tremendously with the meal.

Working together with industry partners strengthens the overall outcome of events at the NCCC, both for local and interstate business representatives. Each team are individually experts at what they deliver and service they provide, however when we work together the outcome is greater than the parts.

This was the third year that Encore has delivered the event for the Canberra Business Chamber and Stuart Buchanan, General Manager of Encore ACT was delighted with the result saying, “The team went over and above to deliver on the brief to wow guests. This was the first time we have created a giant chandelier using our beautiful Scenic Panels product. The team continue to come up with unique and beautiful displaying using them in different ways. The clients and guests loved the effect.”

“I would like to thank you and the team for a great job last night! I would especially like to congratulate the chef for a fantastic dinner – we received great feedback about how delicious it all was!” said Kate Holland Member Services Manager

See more of the set up here: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=7cL4qWGRhkR&brand=0

Shhhh... Top Secret 2018

Canberra reveals its incredible business meeting and event possibilities to a hand-picked group of event organisers as part of its annual Top Secret event.

Following on from being voted the third must-see city destination for 2018 by Lonely Planet, Canberra reveals its incredible business meeting and event possibilities to a hand-picked group of event organisers as part of its annual Top Secret event.

Organised by the Canberra Convention Bureau and showcasing its members, the Top Secret event is a ‘best of the best’ highlights package of Canberra staged over three days. There are many reasons to book business events in the nation’s capital, and the city has changed dramatically in the past few years. Top Secret aims to introduce or re-introduce Canberra and its brilliant possibilities for national and international business events.

The Top Secret program consists of visits to national institutions, icons, leading education institutions, accommodation providers and inspiring venues throughout the city. Each stop showcases a different aspect of Canberra’s charm and character, often exciting and over-delivering on the expectations of the group.

“We have here in Canberra the nation’s leading museums and galleries, our top-ranked universities and access to decision makers. New vibrant food precincts, impressive accommodation and ease of travel join this exceptional mix. This is a city designed for meeting and collaboration with something new for everyone.” said Canberra Convention Bureau CEO Michael Matthews.

The National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC) was thrilled to host the Friday lunch with an extravagant and decadent menu incorporating two of the largest spaces in the Centre, the Ballroom and the Royal Theatre.

Guests mingled in the Ballroom entrance enjoying refreshments and canapes before being welcomed through the exciting curtain reveal where a striking table, splendidly set was waiting. After a short welcome from Stephen Wood, General Manager NCCC, guests were treated to a modern interpretation of the French Classic Coq au vin, created especially for the occasion by award-winning Executive Chef, Nikhil Jain.

After enjoying the main course, guests were invited to the Royal Theatre for dessert, where a Rubik cube like dessert delighted the mind and the taste
buds.

An International Bidding Seminar, hosted at NCCC was a new element in the Top Secret 2018 Program. The subject of ‘The Benefits of Hosting an International Conference in Canberra’ was presented and aimed at research and academic staff from Canberra’s major universities. It provided an introduction to bidding for, and winning international conferences, the benefits of hosting a conference in Canberra, and the support provided by Canberra Convention Bureau as a bidding partner. A panel of speakers were invited as strong supporters and ambassadors for the benefits that business events can bring to a city, its academic institutions, including the greater economic and social legacies that eventuate from these events.

Canberra Convention Bureau is now accepting expressions of interest for the 2019 Top Secret familiarisation program. The scheduled has been confirmed for Thursday 21 March to Saturday 23 March 2019.

Rush in your expressions of interest via canberraconvention.com.au

2017 Canberra Region Tourism Awards

One hundred per cent of guests recently surveyed say they would consider holding their next Canberra conference or event with the NCCC. The National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC) has won award for Business Event Venue at the Canberra Regional Tourism Awards 2017. The win recognises venues providing high-quality facilities specifically designed for business events.

The annual Canberra Region Tourism Awards provide an opportunity to showcase the best of our region’s tourism operators as well as promote, encourage and reward tourism excellence.

‘Our vision is to be Australia’s greatest event venue by creating great experiences guest love. This requires a great team that loves what they do.’ says Stephen Wood, General Manager.

The NCCC is no stranger to winning awards, having won Business Event Venue at the Canberra Region Tourism Awards in 2016, the Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism 2015 and Best Business Events Venue at the Australian Hotel Association ACT Hospitality Awards three years running. Executive Chef, Nikhil Jain, won Chef of the Year, 2016 Australian Hotel Association National Awards for Excellence.

The Centre is Canberra’s largest, purpose-built conference, meeting and events venue, offering more than 15 flexible spaces over two floors (8,200 m2). This includes the Royal Theatre, the largest multi-function, tiered-seating theatre in the capital, an exhibition hall, four theatrettes, a ballroom, five breakout rooms and foyer areas. Unique to the Centre is that all spaces are pillar free, offering a free line of sight. Most are flooded with natural light and generous ceiling heights, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors, instead of the closed-in feeling experienced in so many conference centres.

The National Convention Centre Canberra is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, one of the world’s leading hotel companies with more than 5,000 hotels in nearly 100 countries and territories.

2017 ACT AHA Hospitality Awards

The National Convention Centre Canberra is awarded at the 2017 AHA ACT Hospitality Awards for the Best Meeting and Events Venue – General Division for the third year in a row.

Receiving this award for the third consecutive year is a great achievement for the Centre, and also serves as a reflection of the consistency in offering great facilities and delivering great service. Here at the National Convention Centre Canberra, we place value on creating great experiences for all our guests.

Our facilities include the Royal Theatre, four theatrettes with tiered seating, a large exhibition hall, the Ballroom as well as meeting rooms that allow flexibility to be suitable for different functions and events.

2016 Canberra Region Tourism Awards

The National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC) has won the top award for best business event venue at the Canberra Regional Tourism Awards 2016. It’s the third time the Centre has secured the top win in the category, which recognises venues providing high-quality facilities specifically designed for business events.

The National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC) has won the top award for best business event venue at the Canberra Regional Tourism Awards 2016. It’s the third time the Centre has secured the top win in the category, which recognises venues providing high-quality facilities specifically designed for business events.

One hundred per cent of guests recently surveyed say they would consider holding their next Canberra conference or event with the NCCC.

The Centre won in part for the quality of and inspiration behind its $5.4-million renovation, including a major facelift and many improvements to its functionality. Australian timber and the rich colours of autumn feature and most of the work involved local operators. ‘An economic impact study reported that the two-year refurbishment would result in $31.5 million in extra economic activity for the ACT over a five-year period,’ says General Manager Stephen Wood. ‘The timing is perfect with the arrival of international flights linking the capital with Singapore and New Zealand.’

The NCCC executed more than 215 events, concerts, expos, conferences, meetings, gala dinners and venue experiences during the awards period. It was also the venue of choice for FASHFEST, Canberra’s largest red-carpet fashion event, with six shows being held over three nights in 2016.

‘We’re a major player in tourism here, says Stephen. ‘Our vision is to be Australia’s greatest event venue by creating great experiences guest love. This requires a great team that loves what they do.’

The NCCC is no stranger to awards, having won the Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism and Best Business Events Venue at the Australian Hotel Association ACT Hospitality Awards. Executive Chef, Nikhil Jain, won Chef of the Year, 2016 Australian Hotel Association National Awards for Excellence. Nikhil created ‘The Deer’s Footprints’ menu for delegates of the Canberra Convention Bureau’s most recent ‘Top Secret’ familiarisation, introducing interstate and international businesses to what the capital offers for business events. The menu received a standing ovation.

The Centre is Canberra’s largest, purpose-built conference, meeting and events venue, offering more than 15 flexible spaces over two floors (8,200 m2). This includes the Royal Theatre, the largest multi-function, tiered-seating theatre in the capital, an exhibition hall, four theatrettes, a ballroom, five breakout rooms and foyer areas. Unique to the Centre is that all spaces are pillar free, offering a free line of sight. Most are flooded with natural light and generous ceiling heights, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors, instead of the closed-in feeling experienced in so many conference centres.

The National Convention Centre Canberra is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, one of the world’s leading hotel companies with more than 5,000 hotels in nearly 100 countries and territories.

2016 AHA National Awards for Excellence

The shining stars of Australia’s hospitality and accommodation industry were honored in a glittering national function. Our Talented Executive Chef - Nikhil Jain took out the top award 'Chef of the Year' at the Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence dinner.

Nikhil is the ultimate professional, maintaining IHG’s high standards.

2016 AHA ACT Hospitality Awards

The National Convention Centre Canberra took out two top awards at the 2016 AHA ACT Hospitality Awards held last night - Best Restaurant Cookery Employee, and Best Meeting and Events Venue, General Division.

The National Convention Centre Canberra took out two top awards at the 2016 AHA ACT Hospitality Awards held last night—Best Restaurant Cookery Employee, and Best Meeting and Events Venue, General Division.

The Centre—the ACT’s largest conference and events venue—combines strengths from being managed by a global company, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), with strong local roots and deep connections in the capital.

Best Restaurant Cookery Employee Award, General Division, went to Nikhil Jain, Executive Chef, who has worked in Australia, India and the United Kingdom for some of the best hotels in the world. Nikhil’s team of ten provides unique culinary experiences for more than 130,000 guests a year, with all catering provided in-house.

Nikhil prepares intimate dining experiences up to conference gala dinners for 1,400 guests, designing creative culinary experiences that showcase all Canberra has to offer, including award-winning produce and wines. ‘This requires maintaining reliable and long-lasting relationships with local producers and makers, guaranteeing quality and consistency,’ says Nikhil who scored 90% on guest satisfaction in 2015.

The Centre also runs a sustainable kitchen, processing organic waste, using certified sustainable fish, recycling fryer oil, managing food wastage (including through vermicomposting) and providing rescued food to OzHarvest. The kitchen has been recognised five years running by the ACT Government for ‘Actively Recycling’.

The Best Meeting and Events Venue Award, General Division, celebrated the Centre’s services and facilities, which include an auditorium with 2,460 seating capacity, four tiered-seat theatres, an exhibition hall, ballroom, and workshop rooms with flexible and dynamic meeting layouts.

Stephen Wood, General Manager, says recent major renovations were a major influence. ‘The injection of $5.4 million over two years from the ACT Government to improve customer experience has created tremendous opportunities for The Centre,’ says Stephen. ‘We have a fantastic new look and feel; a stylish backdrop that suits the caliber of events we hold. The renovations have also enabled us to strengthen the brand position in the highly competitive convention centre market.’

In the past 12 months, 229 events, meetings and conferences were held at the Centre, contributing more than $60.6 million into the Canberra economy.

The renovation project has delivered new carpet, upgraded the star dressing room, reception, foyer and conference office. Projects to be completed by the end of 2016 include upgrading digital signage and other technical and security components.

‘The strength of team members was integral to the Centre winning two top awards, as was the Centre’s commitment to being very much a part of the Canberra community,’ says Stephen. ‘We don’t operate in isolation here. We support the local community in a myriad of ways and are proud to be part of the capital’s innovation and growth.’