With 2023 proving to be a robust year of events and incentives, wellness, comfort, indulgence and style top the agenda when it comes to delegate experience. Well thought out events that prioritise delegate wellbeing whilst delivering the wow factor are the ones that will stand out for all the right reasons. Striking the right balance starts with where your groups are hosted, and Marriott’s four Brisbane properties – W Brisbane, The Westin Brisbane, Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane, and Brisbane Marriott Hotel – have got it down to a fine art.

Business meets pleasure

As the first brand-new 5-star hotel to open in Brisbane in the past 20 years, W Brisbane has become a firm trendsetter, setting the bar high as a prime destination for modern and chic events.

Known for its vibrant and fun-loving style, the hotel knows how to mix business with pleasure and lives by its modus operandi of “Whatever, Whenever”, allowing guests to have whatever they want, whenever they want it – within reason, of course! From organising fireworks on the Brisbane River to curating company themed cocktails, imagination and a little creativity go a long way at W, especially when there’s collaboration with cool friends involved. W Brisbane’s passion for art, culture and cocktails have led to some impressive partnerships, including with number one bar in the world Paradiso in Barcelona, which now features its famous award-winning cocktails at W’s Living Room Bar, a lively space made for mixing and mingling.

Living Room Bar is also home to the ‘Eat Your Art Out’ high tea, born from W’s partnership with QAGOMA, which includes tasty art-themed morsels like paint your own pannacottas, an experience that is sure to sweeten up your delegates and get their creative juices flowing.

To balance out the sweets and cocktails, W Brisbane participates in Marriott Bonvoy’s CONVERGE program. Created in partnership with renowned psychologist and author Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, the program is based on the principles of positive psychology and Marriott’s eight pillars of mindfulness, such as sleep, nutrition, kindness and gratitude. W Brisbane has incorporated the program into a suite of experiences for MICE guests that range from specially designed team-building activities and outdoor breakouts to healthy menus and gratitude cards to promote mental and physical wellbeing during busy conferences and events.

W Brisbane has a dedicated conference and events floor offering more than 1,100 square metres of dynamic event space, including eight meeting rooms and world-class AV facilities. All spaces on this floor have access to the outdoor wraparound terrace overlooking Brisbane River. Its largest space is The Great Room (400 pax) which features state-ofthe-art tech, including a huge LED screen, and can be split into three separate spaces.

The WET Deck with pool and rooftop bar makes for a highly versatile space, ideal for hosting cocktail functions for up to 200. It leads out to the SUN Deck which offers a huge amount of outdoor space for everything from barbecues and festivals to launches and activations, hosting up to 600 depending on the style of event.

A great hotel for incentives and buyouts, W Brisbane offers a resort experience right in the CBD, with 312 guestrooms and suites overlooking the Brisbane River alongside a host of excellent facilities including the popular rooftop oasis, FIT Gym, AWAY Spa and renowned Blue Ducks restaurant.

Laidback luxury

Conveniently located right in the heart of the city, The Westin Brisbane and Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane complex spoils for choice with an array of out-of-the-ordinary event spaces, such as The Westin’s resort-style pool deck, Nautilus. It boasts the only swim-up bar in the city and gives event planners the opportunity to create their event around the hotel’s various themed pop-up concepts that bring international destinations to Brisbane, providing a distinct event experience.

The Westin offers 930 square metres of flexible event space, complete with natural light and the latest technology. The largest indoor event space is the Westin Ballroom which can host up to 450 seated or 500 standing or be divided into two separate spaces. It also features a spacious pre-function area and easy street access with its own dedicated elevator.

For smaller meetings and events, the Chairman’s Lounge is an intimate speakeasy bar style venue offering a private space for 30 seated or 40 standing and comes complete with a fully stocked bar and views overlooking the city and pool deck.

At Four Points, the rooftop venue on Level 30 offers a flexible space that allows event planners to create an exclusive event for up to 150 guests, complete with city and river views, while leveraging The Westin’s luxury facilities and food and beverage offering. Planners can also have one seamless chargeback across the two hotels, no matter what hotel they are staying in or meeting at, which makes the complex an easy and appealing choice for MICE groups that want to conference in one hotel and play in the other.

After reopening in 2022 following a refurbishment and brief hiatus during the pandemic, The Westin Brisbane has wasted no time in re-establishing itself as a premier MICE destination. Laid back and sophisticated in style, the five-star hotel offers groups an urban oasis with a big focus on incorporating wellness into business events, ensuring delegates are well rested and well-nourished to tackle whatever the day may throw at them.

Designed to get attendees moving and focused, meetings and event programs can include a range of wellness offerings such as an Eat Well Menu of focus-enhancing foods and activities like pre-event runs, boot camps, stretch exercises, poolside yoga and a pamper session at Heavenly Spa – a major highlight of the hotel.

Guests will also love the newly opened Settimo by Guy Grossi Italian restaurant and the generously appointed Highlight Renewal Suites with balconies, separate sleeping and lounge areas, spacious bathrooms and Club Lounge access.

Classic conferencing

It’s difficult to look past Brisbane Marriott Hotel for classic comfort and style, both for incentive groups and conference buyouts. With its ornate marble tiles, gold-framed elevator and cascading chandelier greeting guests in the lobby, the hotel truly sets the tone for a grand experience.

Perched alongside the Brisbane River, Brisbane Marriott is one of the best-located hotels in the city and easily enables event organisers to plan a fully tailored experience for any group. There are two entry points, with Howard Street providing ample space for coach bus drop-offs and easy access to the vibrant Howard Smith Wharves precinct, just a short stroll along the riverfront.

The hotel’s sophisticated and versatile spaces include nine meetings and event spaces and eight breakout spaces, with the Grand Ballroom accommodating up to 250 people in a stunning space filled with natural light and views out to the river. There are also VIP-style conference rooms to facilitate roundtable and executive meetings, and all spaces feature a full suite of AV capabilities, including LCD panels and videoconferencing equipment. This is all backed by a full catering service, provided by the hotel’s stand-out food and beverage options.

Accommodation options include 263 well-appointed guestrooms and four suites, all featuring marble bathrooms and sprawling views of Brisbane River and Story Bridge or the city skyline. On-site you’ll also find an undercover outdoor pool and terrace, fitness centre, Executive Lounge on Level 26 and Motion Dining restaurant and M Bar on the ground floor.

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