http://www.spicenews.com.au/ en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss info@spicenews.com.au (The Editor) http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/IXTQUQZQGB http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/02/02/article/MEA-Bans-Bad-PowerPoint-at-National-Conference/IXTQUQZQGB.html Meetings & Events Australia has become the first organisation to ban the traditional use of PowerPoint-style presentations at a major conference. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:35:34 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/SPDJTLMIVJ http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/02/02/article/VIDEO-Aussie-agency-wins-global-accolade-at-Arab-Games/SPDJTLMIVJ.html Digital design and production specialists Digital Pulse has received global accolades for their work on the opening ceremony of the 12th Arab Games, produced to compliment David Atkins Enterprises; visual narrative Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:28:57 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/WXSJBGORDN http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/02/02/article/Dockside-Group-launches-new-deals-website/WXSJBGORDN.html Dockside Group are proud to announce they have launched a brand new deals website for Sydney restaurants and venues. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:32:38 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/SVEUKQHGTV http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/02/02/article/Science-and-medical-conferences-dominate-Sydney-in-2012/SVEUKQHGTV.html In 2012 Sydney will play host to a number of large-scale international science and medical conferences and an increasing number of high-profile lifestyle expos. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:56:33 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/QNQFYRLQPP http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/02/02/article/Avocado-Group-and-Amory-Catering-develop-partnership/QNQFYRLQPP.html Avocado Group has formalised their long standing alliance with Amory Catering to become strategic partners for corporate and event catering. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:07:34 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/JMUXDMBPPH http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/02/02/article/Iceberg-Events-website-wins-IMA-Outstanding-Achievement-Award/JMUXDMBPPH.html Queensland-based Iceberg Events website has taken out the 2011 IMA Outstanding Achievement Award - Events category with a clever website designed by digital agency Vivo Group. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:16:19 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/YSHHERKLQT http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/31/article/Carlsons-CEO-Joly-talks-about-the-Rezidor-merger/YSHHERKLQT.html Carlson Hotels' CEO Hubert Joly says the company's merger with the Rezidor Hotel Group will result in a "more consistent alignment" of its portfolio of brands and the "continued growth" of properties around the world. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:26:58 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/GXGMOXDJGC http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/31/article/Garuda-expands-network-on-back-of-strong-Australian-demand/GXGMOXDJGC.html Garuda Indonesia is launching new routes and adding new aircraft in 2012 on the back of strong demand from Australia and across the region. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:21:52 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/NKAGBZQHCT http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/31/article/Gold-Coast-Convention-and-Exhibition-Centre-offers-free-Wi-Fi/NKAGBZQHCT.html The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre is now offering free Wi-Fi to visitors, delegates and exhibitors, helping them stay connected. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:53:17 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/FWVVLWGOJV http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/31/article/Sydney-gets-Rapt-in-Riesling/FWVVLWGOJV.html Sydneysiders were out in force on Friday January 20 as they shopped, bopped and sipped on some of Australia's finest Rieslings at the inaugural event, Wrapped in Riesling. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:38:22 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/SNXNXELIAL http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/31/article/Sunlover-Reef-Cruises-re-launchs-catamaran-for-tropical-events/SNXNXELIAL.html Sunlover Reef Cruises will re-launch its 400 seat vessel, Tropic Sunseeker which has undergone a $700,000 refurbishment with a special 'on board' event for 100 guests in Cairns this week. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:49:43 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/ZIGZDWUSXY http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/31/article/Emirates-upgrades-Dublin-flights-just-weeks-after-launching-services/ZIGZDWUSXY.html Just three weeks after the launch of flights to Dublin, Emirates has announced a larger aircraft will be deployed on the route from July 1. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:23:30 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/AECLCCHSKZ http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/31/article/Abu-Dhabis-record-year-for-business-travellers/AECLCCHSKZ.html Abu Dhabi has recorded its most successful year ever in terms of hotel guest arrivals with well over 2.1 million people staying in the emirate's hotels and hotel apartments. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:32:50 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/VFWBSDMBJM http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/31/article/QantasLink-adds-200000-annual-seats-in-regional-Queensland/VFWBSDMBJM.html QantasLink is adding over 200,000 seats per year throughout regional Queensland with the introduction of Boeing 717 jet services from Brisbane to Rockhampton, Gladstone and Mackay from mid-March. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:28:55 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/AKAOOXJJLT http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/27/article/Brisbane-Convention--Exhibition-Centre-expansion-Opens/AKAOOXJJLT.html Opened Wednesday to commemorate once year since the Centre re-opening following the Brisbane floods, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on Grey Street - is now officially open for events Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:16:22 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/NBHCOALLYU http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/27/article/Hamilton-Island-welcomes-the-return-of-Business-Class/NBHCOALLYU.html For the first time in eight years, flights to Hamilton Island will feature Business Class and the move to introduce the cabin by Virgin Australia is set to boost luxury traffic to the destination. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:09:31 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/UDVZCGQMGD http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/27/article/Impact-AV-provides-installation-for-new-Merewether-Surfhouse/UDVZCGQMGD.html Impact AV Australia has provided an audio visual design and installation for the new function centre at Merewether Surfhouse in NSW's Newcastle. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:42:32 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/FTTHTVDKTP http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/27/article/2012-season-kicks-off-for-Melbourne-and-Sydney-Event-Showcases/FTTHTVDKTP.html Exhibition and Trade Fairs, owners of Melbourne's and Sydney's Event Showcase, has announced that the Showcase season has commenced for another year. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:34:01 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/BXHBMBWHLE http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/27/article/Emirates-adds-Barcelona-to-network/BXHBMBWHLE.html Emirates is boosting its presence in Spain with the launch of Barcelona flights and the doubling of Madrid services from July. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:00:30 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/GGBGXHNSEG http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/27/article/Unilever-launches-waste-toolkit-for-venues-and-restaurants/GGBGXHNSEG.html Following the growing concerns of consumers about food waste in commercial kitchens, Unilever Food Solutions has launched a global toolkit on food industry waste management to assist restaurants in developing their own sustainable waste management practic Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:07:06 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/EKHSCGQYRV http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/24/article/Emporiums-new-Brisbane-hotel-revealed/EKHSCGQYRV.html Hip design, the latest in-room technology and personalised service will be the starring elements of the Emporium Hotels Group's new 180-room Southpoint, Brisbane hotel, which is set to start construction this month. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:05:01 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/HCAWYIZQWR http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/24/article/Virgin-releases-Sydney-Darwin-schedule-and-pricing/HCAWYIZQWR.html Virgin Australia is selling tickets on its new Sydney-Darwin service for $199 one-way in the lead-up to the commencement of flights on April 2, 2012. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:18:07 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/KVGQIIYAAK http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/24/article/SMAC-Awards-Name-Outpost-Project-Best-Art-Event-for-2011/KVGQIIYAAK.html The FBi Radio SMAC awards named Outpost Project as Best Art Event for 2011 at last Thursday's ceremony, held at The National Art School. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:29:12 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/DRPZSHZBNN http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/24/article/Fijis-Sigatoka-River-Safari-launches-new-Off-Road-Caves-Safari/DRPZSHZBNN.html Award winning Sigatoka River Safari in Fiji has launched a new tour, Off-Road Cave Safari- the only off road safari taking passengers to Naihehe Cave, Fiji's largest Cave system, where passengers learn about its fascinating history. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:14:42 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/LWZTRBWSZF http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/24/article/Carlson-and-Rezidor-finally-unite/LWZTRBWSZF.html Carlson and the Rezidor Hotel Group, owners and operators of a range of brands including Radisson, have announced that they will finally merge and create the unified Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:59:58 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/ZPXPZDTXNR http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/24/article/5000-City-of-Mandurah-Convention-Scholarship-Open-Now/ZPXPZDTXNR.html Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:02:06 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/MCEUBDBFGS http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/19/article/Inaugural-Australian-Open-of-Surfing-comes-to-NSW/MCEUBDBFGS.html Former world surfing champion Mark Occhilupo will make his return to competitive surfing alongside the likes of Joel Parkinson, Jordy Smith and Taj Burrows as Sydney's iconic Manly Beach prepares to host the inaugural Australian Open of Surfing Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:35:07 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/ULBBPHOLIS http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/19/article/Accor-hotels-achieve-Chinese-Optimum-Service-Standards/ULBBPHOLIS.html With Chinese New Year approaching, Accor has announced that 20 of its hotels in Australia have achieved Chinese Optimum Service Standards to enable to them to better cater for the growing inbound market from China. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:54:41 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/PTQGUIXQQU http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/19/article/State-Library-of-Victorias-new-exhibition-offers-corporate-hospitality-options/PTQGUIXQQU.html A upcoming landmark exhibition at the State Library of Victoria featuring Persian manuscripts, has provided event organisers the unique opportunity for corporate hospitality options. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:10:31 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/QGTQDBCAEW http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/19/article/Registrations-open-for-Convene-2012/QGTQDBCAEW.html Organisers of conferences, incentives, functions and other corporate events can now register to experience Convene 2012 at Auckland's new Viaduct Events Centre on May 1. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:00:12 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/WZNRMUJLOY http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/18/article/Oaks-Hotels--Resorts-launch-second-Broome-property/WZNRMUJLOY.html Oaks Hotels & Resorts has started the New Year with a bang, proudly announcing the acquisition of a second property in Broome at Cable Beach; Oaks Cable Beach Resort. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:51:18 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/ISRAYFMMXF http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/18/article/Outrigger-Hotels--Resorts-Return-to-Surfers-Paradise/ISRAYFMMXF.html Surfers Paradise has welcomed back Outrigger Hotels & Resorts after the popular international hotel group officially took over the 23-level Holiday Inn last week. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:18:07 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/PKSXYYVAUG http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/17/article/Air-Asia-X-to-launch-Kuala-Lumpur-Sydney-flights/PKSXYYVAUG.html After years of lobbying, Air Asia X has finally being given the green light from the Malaysian Government to launch flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:23:59 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/FVTFIHXIOV http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/15/article/Skypoint-Climb-welcomes-first-climbers/FVTFIHXIOV.html On Saturday the Gold Coast welcomed its newest adventure experience, SkyPoint Climb, Australia's highest external building walk, taking climbers on a guided journey reaching 270 metres into the sky atop the iconic Q1 resort building. Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:22:25 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/ETDITNBBZH http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/17/article/Qantas-inaugurates-Hong-Kong-A380-flights/ETDITNBBZH.html Qantas has inaugurated Airbus A380 services between Sydney and Hong Kong in a boost to inbound and outbound tourism. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:21:02 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/QWWIZOJYRL http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/17/article/Insiders-Guide-New-Yorks-hip-and-grand-hotels/QWWIZOJYRL.html New York is home to a number of the world's leading boutique and luxury hotels that span the length and breadth of Manhattan. SpiceNews checks-in to five of the top properties to find out what they offer and how they are trend-setting against some fierce Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:04:35 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/PFTDGGEQKT http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/17/article/Surfers-Paradise-Marriott-hosts-Magic-Millions-Hats-and-High-Tea/PFTDGGEQKT.html The newly refurbished Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort played host one of the Gold Coast's most glamorous social events last Thursday-The 2012 Magic Millions Hats and High Tea. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:52:38 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/HMYHLJVROW http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/17/article/Melbourne-to-get-Virgin-Australias-A330s/HMYHLJVROW.html Virgin Australia is bumping additional capacity on flights to Perth and Sydney from Melbourne in a move again aimed at taking a larger share of the nation's corporate and government business from Qantas. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:17:40 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/REIULLFZVW http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/17/article/Accor-buys-management-of-48-Mirvac-hotels/REIULLFZVW.html In the biggest Australasian hotel move of the decade, Accor has entered into contracts to acquire Mirvac Group's hotel management business and a 21.9 per cent stake in the company's Mirvac Wholesale Hotel Fund for AUD$255 million. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:13:37 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/ZOWBDFXTOF http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/17/article/Sofitel-Fiji-finishes-renovations-creating-new-rooms/ZOWBDFXTOF.html Denarau Island's Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, is celebrating the start of a new year with an elegant new luxury room category, including ten new suites. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:34:53 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/CGTVYNAFSO http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/17/article/Air-New-Zealands-premium-lead/CGTVYNAFSO.html James Wilkinson looks at how Air New Zealand is winning over the long-haul traveller with its revolutionary new Premium Economy cabin. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:11:13 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/JZYAKTWKAH http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/12/article/VIDEO-New-mid-market-hotels-the-key-to-IHGs-growth/JZYAKTWKAH.html InterContinental Hotels Group's (IHG) Chief Operating Officer for Australasia, Bruce McKenzie, says the mid-market is the opportunity for growth in the accommodation industry going forward. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:24:07 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/MQMHQUYWDE http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/12/article/VIDEO-How-Starwoods-revitalising-Sheraton/MQMHQUYWDE.html New hotels, refurbished properties and a brand repositioning is helping Sheraton recapture its place as the leading upper-upscale accommodation label in Asia-Pacific. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:09:16 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/PBONNSYRGK http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/12/article/The-Banskia-Awards-recognise-green-initiatives-with-help-from-a-live/PBONNSYRGK.html In late October, 2011 The Banksia Foundation hosted the 2011 Banksia Awards, Australia's most prestigious environmental awards recognising and celebrating the achievements in sustainable environmental excellence and innovation. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:30:43 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/QYSKRHBTJE http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/12/article/Handa-Opera-to-bring-25-metre-floating-stage-to-Sydney-Harbour/QYSKRHBTJE.html Preparations for Sydney's outdoor extravaganza, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour- La Traviata, are well underway including a purpose-built 25-metre stage now under construction in Adelaide. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:16:50 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/OJTKDSABDZ http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/12/article/New-executive-directors-for-Tourism-WA/OJTKDSABDZ.html Tourism Western Australia has announced the appointment of two new executive directors to lead the agency's marketing division and Eventscorp. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:53:00 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/PANTFAXOFE http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/12/article/More-than-just-sake-JALs-new-wine-list-is-all-First-Class/PANTFAXOFE.html Japan Airlines (JAL) might be renowned for serving up some of its home nation's best sake, but now the Tokyo Narita-based airline is taking inflight drinking to another level thanks to a new wine list that includes the renowned Champagne Salon. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:56:48 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/ZBVGJRDAWE http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/10/article/Air-NZ-and-QantasLink-named-worlds-best/ZBVGJRDAWE.html Air New Zealand and QantasLink have dominated this year's Air Transport World awards, taking out the titles of Airline of the Year and Regional Airline of the Year respectively. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:06:12 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/BLWPUNOBDO http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/09/article/Harlem-on-Central-opens-in-Sydney/BLWPUNOBDO.html Now open in Sydney and inspired by the 1920s, Harlem on Central is the latest addition to the Manly bar landscape. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:51:38 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/QMZTLDOSSR http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/10/article/Air-Pacific-almost-doubles-Sydney-schedule/QMZTLDOSSR.html Air Pacific is adding an extra six flights per week from Sydney to Nadi from Monday (Jan 15), almost doubling the airline's current offering and introducing a new, convenient schedule. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:59:01 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/LAIJEPDQXM http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/09/article/A-taste-of-South-Africa-on-offer-at-AIME/LAIJEPDQXM.html Organisers of the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo have welcomed South African Tourism as the 2012 sponsor of Globe, the show's restaurant and meeting hub. Giving attendees the opportunity to sample South Africa's unique cuisine. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:50:30 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/XPRJSSTSLP http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/09/article/Accor-launches-e-planner-for-event-and-meeting-venues/XPRJSSTSLP.html Accor has launched a user-friendly interactive e-planner site that allows professional conference organisers to find the perfect hotel for their next event quickly and easily from the comfort of their desk Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:28:00 +1100 http://www.spicenews.com.au////article/DQXZCZCZOB http://www.spicenews.com.au/2012/01/10/article/Emirates-launches-Dublin-flights/DQXZCZCZOB.html Emirates has inaugurated flights to Dublin in a significant boost to tourism between Australia and Ireland. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:49:09 +1100