The Conference Shop and All the Goss

Season 3 is done — and this week the TCS team sit down to give their honest verdict on every destination we covered. Carla, MJ and Den share the standouts, the most underestimated destinations, the grants planners are leaving on the table, and two destinations that didn't make the season but absolutely deserve a spot on your radar.

A lot of planners haven't looked at Christchurch since the earthquakes. That's exactly the problem — because the city that exists now is something else entirely. Edwina Fitzsimon, Business Development Manager at ChristchurchNZ, joins Carla to set the record straight: a brand new stadium that just opened with a 1,500-person dinner on the field of play, a Sheraton arriving in 2027, and experiences y...

Auckland is three hours from the East Coast, with 200+ direct flights from Australia daily — and a brand new convention centre that just opened in February 2026. Charlotte Mills, Business Development Manager at the Auckland Convention Bureau, joins Carla to make the case for Auckland: a walkable, scalable city with two hotel openings on the horizon and a cultural experience that gives delegates ge...

Perth is further away than Sydney or Melbourne — and that's exactly why it works. Emily Kelly, Senior Business Development Manager at Business Events Perth, joins Carla to unpack what WA actually offers corporate groups: a captivated audience, serious venue infrastructure, and experiences delegates don't forget. Plus the inside word on what's opening in 2026. If WA isn't on your shortlist yet, it...

In this episode, we head to Tasmania with Laura Curtain, Head of Client Relations at Business Events Tasmania, to uncover what makes this destination so unique for corporate events. From easy access and new developments to truly local, immersive experiences, Laura shares why Tasmania continues to surprise planners — and how its connected community helps create events that feel personal, memorable,...

From boardrooms to beachfront experiences — this is the Gold Coast. In this episode, we sit down with Brooke Campbell from Experience Gold Coast to explore what makes it one of Australia’s most versatile event destinations. From major hotel developments (Hyatt Andaz!) and unique venues to outdoor experiences your delegates won’t forget, this is your inside look at how to make the most of the Gold...

What if your next conference didn’t feel like one? In this episode, we sit down with Ali Thompson, Head of Business Events at Visit Sunshine Coast, to unpack why this fast-growing destination is becoming a go-to for corporate events. From seamless access and new hotel openings to “boardroom to board shorts” experiences, this is your inside look at a destination where business meets genuine downtim...

From last-minute briefs to record-breaking conferences, 2025 has been a year of growth, surprises, and a few unforgettable stories. In this special season wrap-up, Carla sits down with venue sourcing specialists Mary Jane (MJ) and Denielle to talk about what really happened behind the scenes — the trends that defined the year, the destinations that stole the spotlight, and the moments that reminde...

With 25 years in hospitality — from cooking school in London to sales leadership across Asia-Pacific — Elliott Miller has seen every side of the industry. Now as Director of Sales for Meetings & Events, Entertainment, Sport and Groups, Pacific at Accor , he oversees one of the largest and most diverse hotel portfolios in the region. In this episode, Elliott and Carla dive into: ▪️ Accor’s stan...

Dean Jones, Vice President of Commercial for East Asia & Pacific at IHG Hotels & Resorts, oversees one of IHG’s most dynamic markets. In this episode, Dean Jones shares: ▪️ The openings and refurbishments shaping IHG’s portfolio in 2025 — including Voco Gosford & Regent Melbourne ▪️ Why IHG’s “culture of firsts” matters for planners ▪️ How their Meeting for Good program makes sustainab...

Kate Cooper, Group Account Director – MICE at EVT Hotels & Resorts, joins Carla to unpack one of the most diverse hotel portfolios in the country. From five-star QT rooftops and reimagined Rydges properties to regional standouts like Rydges Hunter Valley, Kate shares what planners should know, what’s changing in 2025, and how EVT helps you do more with one point of contact. We talk standout ve...

Omar Herrera leads Meetings & Events sales for Hyatt across Australia and New Zealand — representing 30+ brands and 1,400+ hotels globally. In this episode, Omar and Carla cover: ▪️ Hyatt’s expansion in the upscale and lifestyle market ▪️ New openings like Hyatt House South Melbourne & Caption by Hyatt Sydney ▪️ What sets Hyatt apart when it comes to global event planning ▪️ Emerging trend...

Cristina Guevara is a dynamic sales leader with 20+ years in hospitality — and in this episode, she shares what it’s really like leading business event partnerships across TFE Hotels’ 70+ properties in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. You’ll hear: ✔️ Cristina’s take on 2025 trends (from sustainability to smarter budgets) ✔️ New openings like The Eve Hotel Sydney and Adina Town Hall ✔️ What plan...

Carla is joined by Ben Greenwood, Director of MICE for Minor Hotels Australia & New Zealand — leading strategy and sales across a portfolio of 13+ meetings and events properties across the region. From 600-person gala dinners to a new five-star NH Collection hotel coming to Sydney, Ben shares: ✔️ What’s new across Minor’s portfolio (including Cypress Lakes and Elysia) ✔️ Why regional venues ar...

Morag Ritchie knows a thing or two about premium event spaces — she heads up Sales for Salter Brothers Hospitality, overseeing 20 luxury resorts and retreats across Australia and New Zealand. In this episode, she joins Carla to talk: What sets a luxury venue apart (hint: it's not just the decor) Behind-the-scenes access to exciting refurbishments at Milton Park and Lilianfels How her team curates...