Hotel Achievement Awards

Conferencing Hotel of the Year

Submission by Greg Brady

General Manager, Mercure Sydney

T: 9217 6603

E: H2073-AM01@accor.com

OVERVIEW:

Mercure’s conference space has undergone an extensive renovation, with a “Modern French” image providing an edgy and innovative look. The large balcony area – which overlooks Railway Square – has also been upgraded, making it an ideal venue for stylish alfresco group dinners, breakout sessions and cocktail functions. The hotel’s 8 diverse meeting rooms offer the flexibility to accommodate events ranging From small intimate board meetings to large conferences for up to 300 delegates. The Dedicated conference floor, pre-function area and dedicated restrooms gives event organizers the ideal space and layout for trade displays and breakout rooms, while the hotel’s 517 accommodation rooms give any sized event ample accommodation options. Accommodation rooms have adopted a fresh approach to styling, and feature a warm colour palette of purple and grey interiors with dark marble bench tops, creating a relaxed, yet contemporary look. The sleek new rooms also feature new-look bathroom suites, including chic mirrors, glass shower screens, new basin fixtures and tiling, providing a dramatic face lift and energising the room’s vibe.

Situated on Railway square next to Central Station in Sydney’s CBD, Mercure Sydney offers An ideal location and easy access for delegates. Multiple public transport options are at the doorstep and the 7 levels of underground parking will suit those who prefer to drive. The Mercure Sydney’s dedicated conference floor, naturally lit meeting rooms and prefunction area offer an idyllic setting for any event no matter what the occasion, while drinks on the outdoor terrace overlooking the city is the perfect finish to any day. As well as being the closest CBD hotel to Sydney Airport (15mins) and close distance to Darling Harbour. The Majority of the hotel’s 8 versatile meeting rooms can be transformed in an instant to suit the ever changing needs of clients using modern operable walls. Recent upgrades to conference facilities also include the installation of the latest audiovisual equipment in all meeting rooms.

The Business Events Team consists of 4 members:

- Sales Manager Events - Business Development Manager – Events - Sales Coordinator – Events - Events Executive

Conference Room Facilities: • 8 function rooms • Natural light • Wireless internet • Outside terrace to break out onto • Dedicated restroom facilities on each floor • Wireless internet • Business centre located on the conference level • On site audio visual supplied by Fairchild Multimedia

Conference Rooms and Capacity:

Level 2 Level 1

Technical Support:

We work with Fairchild Multimedia, our audio visual partner, to provide our guests with the most advanced audio visual technology; along with specialist support to ensure that our guest’s event runs smoothly. Fairchild Multimedia has an experienced on-site team who are able to assist in the planning stages of our guest’s conference.

They can help you in areas such as:

• State of the art integrated function room audio visual systems • Staging, theming concept and design • High speed Broadband internet- Full time on-site AV team

Example of Mercure Sydney Event Package:

MERCURE SYDNEY DAY DELEGATE PACKAGE

ON ARRIVAL

• Freshly brewed coffee and tea

MORNING TEA

• Freshly brewed coffee and tea with Chef’s choice of 2 items; sweet, savoury and healthy items to tempt all delegates

LUNCH

• Chef’s daily gourmet buffet lunch

AFTERNOON TEA

• Freshly brewed coffee and tea with Chef’s choice of 2 items; sweet, savoury and healthy items to tempt all delegates

YOUR ROOM

• Venue hire (9:00-5:00 PM) • Mercure pads and pens • Bottled water and individual snacks • Wireless internet

SCREEN

• Flip chart with markers • Whiteboard with markers

Food & Beverage Unique Upgrade Options:

EVENT PACKAGE UPGRADES

COFFEE

• Continuous coffee and tea • (8.30-AM- 5.00 PM)

HUNGER BUSTER

• Gourmet meat pies • Gourmet petite sausage rolls • Mini wood fired pizzas

ORGANIC EXPERIENCE

• Fruit smoothies • Dried fruits & nuts • Organic cereal bars • Selection of organic fruit and vegetable juice

YUM CHA

• ASIAN EXPERIENCE • (3 pieces per person) • Pork Siu Mai • Har Gow • Yi Chee Gow • Seen Har Fun Koh • Chai Gow • Served with dipping sauces

HIGH TEA

• Scones with jam & cream • Assorted finger sandwiches • Sweet treats • Freshly brewed coffee and selection of Dilmah • Exceptional Teas

Example of other Menus Available:

TRAINING:

In 2013 the Business Events Team went through a comprehensive restructure seeing the team specialise into two different areas, Business Events – Sales, and Event Management were prior this was a combined approach. With this came the extensive training regime of the following components:

- So You think you can Sell – Accor Training program equipping sales professionals to understand the principles of selling and Negotiation

- Fast Track to Sales – Business Events – Accor training specializing in reactive sales in Business Events. Key components include tailoring to clients, follow up and conversation aids

- Project Business Events: Director of Sales and Marketing issued 3 key ongoing projects for Sales Manager to work on for career development and coaching. 1. Business Events Brainstorming – Involves operations and sales to brainstorm

proposals and initiate creative solutions on how we can convert or execute the event 2. Conversion Upsell Offerings – A list of options that can be used as conversion tools

empowering sales team to close the deal. This is changed seasonally 3. Project Repeat – Consisting of a structured checklist on how we are servicing clients

from an Event Management perspective ensuring that guest will choose to return to Mercure Sydney. Example: Meet and Greet client from Sales Event Management to introduce to Operations Manager

- YMEA Educational Events attendance from BDM and Event Executive

FINANCIAL IMPACT

Increase conversion rank year on year by 3%, good result.

Revenue figure of $2,294,563 represents 40% total F&B revenue for Mercure Sydney in 2013

BUSINESS EVENTS MARKETING CAMPAIGN Mercure Sydney has seen some extensive campaigns in market in 2013. Below are the outlines of 2: NSW Nurses PR Campaign – ‘Nurses Express’ Aim: Generate brand awareness in domestic residential business events market through innovative concepts Value: $10,000 in PR exposure

NSW Accor Business Events Campaign Mercure Sydney Brand campaign – Your Event, Your Choice Aim: Generate 5% increase in residential demand Target Market: Corporate EA’s, Associations and Government Residential Channels: Paid Digital, Social, Client Famil Programs and PR Exposure Time Frame: Leads Generation up to 9 months

SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCES AND TESTIMONIALS:

“I would like to mention that we all thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Mercure and your service was excellent. Your staff are absolutely first class and went out of their way to help us where ever they could.

Even though this was a small conference everyone connected really well and I am surprised at how many people have remarked what an excellent venue and conference they experienced.”

Client: IMIA (Asia Pacific) Region

“I just wanted to send you a message to say thank you so very much for the fantastic way you looked after me whilst I was running my workshops with you last week!

I had a ball – you made it fun and light and bright, but more than that, the room and service, food and extra care was brilliant!

I hope you both have a wonderful week ahead. I look forward to being back with you soon!”

Client: Infinity Sponsorship

“Just some feedback from the staff that the venue was fantastic, accommodation was excellent and that the lunch was simply amazing. I would also like to pass some comments onto yours and Natasha supervisor. From myself personally, I would like to thank you both have provided me with above and beyond service and met all the requirements and expectations for my conference. “

Client: Defence Housing Australia

“During the preparations Shannon Star went above & beyond her duties in helping me organize our Xmas Party on a limited budget for 200ppl. She is a very amazing & understanding young woman. On the day, Michael & his team were absolutely brilliant making sure everything ran smoothly. He also made sure to keep me informed of what was happening throughout the lunch & checking regularly that I wasn't about to have a nervous breakdown :) The event was a huge success, everybody had a wonderful time. Thank you to everyone at the Mercure, this is one Xmas party my team will never forget”

Client: UTS

SUSTAINABILITY POLICY AND PROCEDURES:

MERCURE MEETINGS CARBON NEUTRAL: