Newcastle, Port Stephens and Hunter Valley Launch New 'Altogether Perfect' Campaign in the Nation’s Capital!

23 July 2014

Regional Group Attends Two Major Business Events in Canberra

More business travellers could soon be a reality in Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley following the first two showcases for the region’s new ‘Altogether Perfect’ campaign which aims to boost high-yield business tourism across the greater Hunter Region.

Representatives of the Altogether Perfect team from the Newcastle Convention Bureau, Destination Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association – travelled to Canberra for the Associations Forum National Conference on July 16 and 17 and will travel to the national capital again for the Executive Assistant Network Congress on July 24 and 25.

Drawing more than 500 delegates from Australia and NZ, the Associations Forum National Conference is a premier event drawing together industry and charity associations, with many seeking new destinations and venues for their own conventions and events. Meanwhile, the Executive Assistant Network is the only national membership organisation for senior EAs and PAs (Personal Assistants) in Australia with over 4900 members from over 2500 companies. Company executive assistants are commonly tasked to source destinations and venues for conferences, with the Canberra expo providing fertile ground for Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley to showcase their appeal under their new ‘Altogether Perfect’ umbrella.

Altogether Perfect spokesperson, Mr Danny Eather – Marketing Executive of Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association, said the group manned booths at both Canberra trade shows to promote the region as the ideal destination for business events for up to 1200 delegates.

“We expect both shows – our first for the Altogether Perfect campaign - to heighten awareness and desire of the unique qualities our region can offer. We anticipate more business events for our areas will flow from these two key events,” said Mr Eather, who attended the two trade exhibitions in partnership with Cassie Mackay from the Newcastle Convention Bureau and Rebecca Morley from Destination Port Stephens. “The new $4 million Hunter Valley Conference & Events Centre opening later this year for up to 1000 delegates is one of our key selling points. The group is also promoting the soft adventure and relaxed seaside appeal of Port Stephens and the many historic, large-scale venues we can offer beachside in Newcastle. Of paramount importance is the education of direct air access to the region from major interstate hubs via Newcastle Airport,” Mr Eather said.

He said the $270,000 Altogether Perfect campaign would target more business trade shows over the next year to grow the appeal of the greater Hunter region as the leading business tourism destination.

Launched this year, the ‘Altogether Perfect’ campaign is the name for the collaborative marketing efforts undertaken by regional partners in the Hunter Region to attract and secure business events tourism. Backed by Newcastle Convention Bureau, Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association and Destination Port Stephens and supported by dynamic industry operators, the joint marketing group attends trade fairs and sales missions and host visits to the region by key conference organisers and media to build the appeal of the Hunter region as THE number one business tourism destination. The campaign received funding through the Regional Visitor Economy Fund (RVEF) which is managed and administered by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Altogether Perfect Representatives:

Newcastle Convention Bureau

Georgia Lazarri

Business Events & Conventions Developer

Phone: 02 49742827

Mobile: 0411 709 786

Email:
glazzari@ncc.nsw.gov.au

Destination Port Stephens

Rebecca Morley

Meetings, Incentive, Conference and Events Manager

Phone: 02 4980 6949

Mobile: 0401 720 120