An Introduction

Happy New Year and welcome to the world of EAN in 2016.

Like many organisations, the EAN team reached Christmas feeling elated at the achievements of a very big year, but also most definitely in need of the holiday break. We return now invigorated with plans to make 2016 our biggest year ever in relation to what we deliver for our members, and indeed for other EAs and PAs both here and overseas. As we are still in our 10th year, and therefore still very much focussed on our 10 year celebrations, we really do want to dedicate this year to achieving everything we possibly can for our members so we trust you will enjoy the journey and benefit from what we have in store. From our webinars to our education and training program, our conferences and exhibitions to our Networking events, or our Newsletter to our Chat Room, we aim to ensure that everyone is receiving constant value from your Network throughout the year. In terms of Networking events, our commitment to all our members is that, in any calendar year, we will host a minimum of 7 events in each of ACT, QLD and WA, 8 in VIC and 9 in NSW. Indeed, we will shortly be amending our membership terms and conditions to make this commitment formalised and any year where we fail to deliver that amount of events during a member’s membership period, we will extend their membership for a further 6 months free of charge.

Our Newsletter format has been improved dramatically in the past year and we are now incredibly happy with the layout and style, so to celebrate we have decided to again make a number of commitments in relation to the content that will be in each edition. We want the Newsletter to serve many purposes, from simply being informative and providing industry related news and updates through to it having significant educational benefit and providing tools and guidance to help you in your roles. To that end we are working on a number of areas for improvement. Moving forward, each edition will include a full list of upcoming training and educational events. Each will also have a link to our full detailed list of all upcoming events functions or educational programs on the EAN website where you can see any event or function in any state or territory. And each edition will include detailed articles on past and future networking events, conferences and exhibitions, as well as one from the EAN Training Academy.

In terms of our educational articles, we are working to ensure that more of our speakers and trainers include feature articles in our newsletter but we are also in negotiations with a couple of suppliers in other parts of the world to syndicate content of a more technical nature that would be of interest to any EA or PA. The Grapevine will continue to bring you latest news from the events and hospitality space that you may have missed so you can keep abreast of everything we think is relevant for EAs and PAs who organise corporate events to know. After all, your colleagues have an expectation that you have your finger on the pulse of everything that is going on – our job is to make it easier for you to do that. Further articles will include updates on new or existing Partners of the Network, exciting details of new exhibitors and what you can expect at our upcoming exhibitions, and information on our Free Webinars. Finally, as you would all have realised, The Assistant contains regular updates and articles from our partners who support and work with us over a minimum of a 12 month period. Whilst their content is often incredibly varied, one thing isn’t, their commitment to us and you, and their determination to help our members succeed wherever they can. We know how much they love these articles so we will look forward to ensuring we have even more of these in future editions. Despite it only being early in the year, we are already extremely busy with registrations for our Perth conference, our Sydney conference and our first intake of Diploma students for 2016. If you are keen to attend any of these, then to ensure your place, please don’t leave your registration too late.

Once again, we wish you and yours a very happy, peaceful and successful 2016 and we look forward to working with you all to help you achieve your goals throughout the year.

EAN PERTH CONGRESS

It is only a few weeks to go until the Perth Congress commences on 1 & 2 March 2016 and registrations have been flying in!  We still have a few spaces available, so if you are considering attending, make sure you click HERE to find out more and to register.  The theme of this year's event is 'Executive Assistant Masterclass - Know what it takes to be the best and how to demonstrate the great worth and value you deliver for your business'.  Feedback from EAs that have already attended this series of EAN conferences from around the country has been overwhelming.  With an amazing line-up of topics and speakers including incredible keynotes and some brilliant specialist consultants and panel discussions, this is one not to miss.

EAN SYDNEY CONGRESS

In our 10th Year, 2016 brings our new Conference Program to fruition and we are delighted to have so many EAs already registered to attend the Sydney Congress on 16 & 17 March at Luna Park.  With still a few weeks left until Early Bird ends, don't miss out on the opportunity to register at this discounted rate.  This year's theme is 'Creating Invaluable Partnerships - Own your relationships, Own your value, Own your development'. This conference will assist you finding ways to form a true business partnership with your executive and the EAN EA Partnership model has been developed to aid EAs and their Executives on this journey.  This event is a major step forward in helping any EA or PA succeed at the highest levels with any executive.  Spaces are still available at this 'not to miss' event and with sell out numbers last year and limited capacity, don't hesitate to register as soon as possible!  Click HERE to find out more and to register.

ean pERTH expo

The Perth Expo is shaping up to be a sensational event with nearly 30 companies exhibiting this year!  If you are unable to attend the Congress, make sure you make time to visit the expo over the two day period.  You will be busy reconnecting with some of your existing contacts but also discovering some new and exciting companies and the services they provide. We have a number of wonderful hotels on site to assist you with your conferencing, meeting and accommodation requirements, not to mention a number of venues.  There's a team building company, winery, caterer, AV company, travel supplier, cruise company, gift solutions including a promotional gift company to name a few!  Come and sample some of Taste Budds delectable treats or try some of Ferngrove Wines and there is always some great giveaways and prizes to be won!

Exhibiton Opening Hours

The exhibition is taking place at Hyatt Regency Perth, 99 Adelaide Terrace and opening hours are: Tuesday 1 March 2016 - 10.00am to 5.30pm and Wednesday 2 March 2016 – 9.30am to 4.00pm

Perth Networking Event

If you are unable to attend the Congress and can't escape work to visit the expo during office hours, why not register to come along and join us at the Networking Event on the evening of the 1 March.  It starts from 5.30pm through to 7.00pm and is a chance to mingle with other EAs & PAs as well as to meet many of the exhibitors in a relaxed format! There is always plenty of entertainment and some great prizes drawn on the night.  Click here to register.

How Do I Get There?

Hyatt Regency is located a short walk from the city in Adelaide Terrace and is only a few moments in a Taxi.  Buses will also take you almost to the door! For those of you who wish to drive, Hyatt Regency is pleased to offer those attending this event a discount voucher for the SECURE Parking facility located underneath the hotel.  A flat rate of $15 for a maximum of 15 hours is payable and to take advantage of this offer, simply enter the car park via Terrace Road and you will receive a ticket upon entry.  This ticket MUST be exchanged by the hotel's Event Service Staff for a discount voucher to be used upon exit.

EAN SYDNEY Expo

The EAN Sydney Expo (essentially sold out 2 months prior) is shaping up to be a fantastic show. With over 70 businesses and a diverse range of companies exhibiting this year, you will be busy reconnecting with some of your existing contacts but also discovering some new and exciting companies and the services they provide. We have the brand new Gambaro Hotel on site, including a number of wonderful hotel and venues, team building companies, caterers, gift solutions, tourism bureaus, venue finders to name a few! There is representation from companies in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA and the ACT. Hard Rock Café will be rocking the house down along with P&O Cruises showcasing their new ocean liners! Trippas White will be there to assist you on all things catering as well as showcasing their amazing array of venues! And why not meet the local Water Taxi Company to learn how they can get you to the many fabulous new locations you will discover.

Exhibition Open Hours

The exhibition is taking place at Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point and opening hours are: Wednesday 16 March 2016 - 10.00am to 5.30pm and Thursday 17 March 2016 – 10.00am to 4.30pm

Sydney Networking Event

Remember if you are unable to attend the congress or visit the expo during working hours, why not register to come along and join us at the Networking Event on the evening of the 16 March. It starts from 5.00pm through to 7.00pm and is a chance to mingle with other EAs & PAs as well as to meet many of the exhibitors in a relaxed format! There is always plenty of entertainment and some great prizes drawn on the night.  Click HERE to register.

How Do I Get There?

Luna Park is located at Milsons Point, under the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s super easy to get to by train, ferry, bus or car. If you are travelling by CAR, Luna Park has its own car park! Entry to the car park is via Paul Street, just off Alfred St South, Milsons Point and rates are so much cheaper than city parking! Check the Luna Park website for rates. If it is easier by BUS, Sydney buses run regularly and reliably. Many North Shore bus routes pass the nearby North Sydney Station and/or terminate at Milsons Point (just a five minute stroll from Luna Park) so they’re a fast and easy way to get to Luna Park. You can also arrive via FERRY. There are regular Luna Park services to and from Circular Quay on the following routes: Darling Harbour/East Balmain, Woolwich / Balmain and Parramatta. Another easy option is the TRAIN. Milsons Point train station on the north side of the Harbour is the closest to Luna Park. Travelling north Milsons Point Station is the first stop after Wynyard station in the city. Travelling south it’s immediately after North Sydney station. Milsons Point station can be found on both the ‘Northern Line’ and ‘North Shore and Western Line’. From the station, Luna Park is an easy five minute stroll downhill towards the Harbour. We look forward to seeing many of you at the event over the two days!

"There’s a few things, actually three things that I need each day. One of them is something to look up to, another is something to look forward to, and another is someone to chase." - Matthew McConaughey

In 2014, Matthew McConaughey delivered an interesting acceptance speech when he won the Oscar for his performance in the film: "Dallas Buyer’s Club". The speech was emotional, symbolic and rather brilliantly articulated. No doubt, a far stretch from what we have associated with him in recent years: the simple, romantic comedy male-lead who needed to take off his shirt 7.8 times per film. But the McConaughey that we are seeing now is casually weird and much darker than expected. He seems unshackled after a decade of trying to be a matinée idol, an affable, guileless human glass of sweet tea. He has changed. He has changed his "market’s perception". That new perspective is about change and transformation. And it’s no doubt familiar. How do I move from one stage of my career to the next? How can I better manage perceptions of me, my team and my executive? Will they remember my low points? You know, those craptastic films you starred in? - Sahara? Fool’s Gold? The Wedding Planner anyone? One way is to not just train, but educate yourself.

As I have stated in previous articles, Education for me is a perspective, a viewpoint, a rationale. For McConaughey, it’s the chase of one’s hero – in this instance himself...10 years from now: “I’m never gonna be my hero. I’m not gonna attain that. I know I’m not, and that’s just fine with me because that keeps me with somebody to keep on chasing" Are you your hero yet? Probably not. But it’s all good. In 2016, you can start developing your hero. Designed and Delivered by us, EAN’s Diplomas and Short Courses talk a lot to this philosophy. Last year, we witnessed some brilliant EAs and PAs engaged throughout Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth and Brisbane. And 2016 diplomas and courses are heating up to start in March! And if you’re interested? We’re happy to talk.

So jump online or call us on 02 8402 5000.

Shane Garrott is EAN’s Education and Training Manager. And apparently loves edumacation.

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Our Diploma Programs

Following on from the success of last year’s Diplomas, EAN is pleased to announce the dates for our first intake of our 2016 series of qualifications. Our Diploma qualifications are designed to develop your management academia, skills and rhetoric to forge and develop a successful and sustainable partnership with your Executive and teams. Find out more about our qualifications by downloading one of the brochures below.

Our Professional Development Series of 1 to 2 day training courses have been enhanced and refined to meet your ongoing development needs and advance your skills.

The Art of Minute Taking & Business Writing Excellence (Combined 1-day Course)

Who should attend? Those wanting to develop their individual skills in writing and analyse, interpret and present information more efficiently. Those wishing to continually improve their written communications and learn about the differing styles of communication and the psychology of communications. For more information or to book a session click here

The EA vs the World - an Advanced Communication Workshop

Who should attend? Those who deal with strong and challenging personalities and those who wish to assert themselves in the workplace with a strong understanding of communication theory and technique. For more information or to book a session click here

Understanding Corporate Finance

Who should attend? Those wishing to learn basic finance, financial terms and language used by executives along with understanding the implications that finance has on your organisation’s performance. For more information or to book a session click here

Event Planning & Event Management Masterclass

Who should attend? Those wishing to learn practical tools and techniques to manage and execute events, as well as the understanding and implementation of risk management strategies. For more information or to book a session click here

Strategic Planning & Project Management Masterclass

Who should attend? All EAs and PAs dealing with ad hoc projects to manage and desire a better understanding of strategic planning and project managing. For more information or to book a session click here

Self Management and Self Leadership

Who should attend? All EAs and PAs who manage more than just their own inbox and are responsible for ensuring the smooth handling of vital information. All EAs and PAs who want to improve their conflict management skills, and create smart routines and improved task managing. For more information or to book a session click here

All of our educational programs, including our qualifications, can be offered as in-house solutions for larger groups and we can customise content as appropriate to suit your particular needs.If you have any queries or questions please contact our office on (02)8402-5000. EAN offers a wide range of ready to use training programs from Microsoft Office courses through to First Aid programs. To see our full suite of programs which can be purchased online click here.

EAN are proud to introduce 5 Accor properties as our newest NSW regional partner: the Sebel Hawkesbury Resort and Spa; the Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, the Pullman Magenta Shores Resort; Mecure Kooindah Waters Central Coast; and Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. Read more below!

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, part of the distinctive MGallery Collection is situated on the edge of the Blue Mountains wilderness offering breathtaking panoramic views of the awe inspiring Jamison Valley. Nestled in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, Fairmont Resort delivers memorable experiences by tailoring each event to your specific needs. Located only 90 minutes from Sydney, this 4.5 star resort boasts 15 flexible, pillar-less conference spaces catering for up to 850 delegates with several naturally lit spaces and unique outdoor options.

As the largest conference resort in the Blue Mountains, it is the perfect venue for your next conference whether you are looking for a private getaway for a small strategic think tank or a large scale product launch with a dedicated events team to meet your every need. Call our conference and events team today on 02 4785 0097 or email us to book in a visit and experience the unique charm and tranquillity that is Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains.

The multi-award winning golf and spa resort is a purpose built conference venue offering 83 accommodation rooms (Standard King, 1,2 and 3 Bedroom Apartments), two executive boardrooms and four spacious meeting rooms all with natural light. This all-inclusive resort boasts an 18 hole championship standard golf course (ranked in the Top 100 resort courses in Australia), endota day spa, Karinyas Restaurant and Wine Bar and a host of leisure activities and teambuilding options. It’s the perfect escape without all the usual distractions!

Book your next conference in 2016 at Kooindah Waters Golf and Spa Resort and you select which special best suits your event. Choose from a variety of offers, including complimentary breakfast and wifi, teambuilding activities, 5% off the total bill, return coach transfers and many more. PLUS Book your conference within 7 days of receiving the proposal and also receive an overnight accommodation voucher in a Golf View Deluxe Room including buffet breakfast for 2. (*T&Cs apply)

Mercure Kooindah Waters Golf and Spa Resort
40 Kooindah Boulevard Wyong NSW 2259
P: 02 4355 5777
E: kooindahwaters.conf@kooindahwaters.com.au
www.mercurekooindahwaters.com.au

An icon in the world-famous Hunter Valley, The Sebel Kirkton Park, is set to unveil a chic and opulent new look thanks to a major $2.5 million refurbishment of all 70 guest rooms and the all-new Locavore Dining and Epoche Lounge Bar, which will see guests invited experience the eco-friendly 'Farm. Forage. Graze' initiative. Kirkton Park is delightfully rural and peaceful, while only two hours drive from Sydney CBD and forty five minutes from Newcastle. It is an ideal escape from daily life, perfectly representing Hunter Valley splendor and grandeur through locally sourced and produced cuisine utilizing the grounds of the Estate, magnificent accommodation and old-world charm and hospitality. 6 recently refurbished meeting and events room all with natural light and break out space, conference facilities cater for 12 to 300 guests allowing for intimate, boutique events or exclusive use privacy. The 70 acres of surrounding grounds are perfect for team building activities, break-out spaces or picnic-style meetings.

Book your next event at The Sebel Kirkton Park and every delegate* a scenic helicopter ride over the beautiful Hunter Valley (*min spend applies). Hot dates are still available for last minute meetings in February, with accommodation rates from $165 per room, including breakfast for one.

Pullman Magenta Shores Resort is an exceptional 5 star resort set on 52 acres just 90 minutes drive north of Sydney on the NSW Central Coast. Nestled between the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean, Tuggerah Lakes and surrounded by National Park, this resort has been designed to complement its spectacular location. Catering for up to 400 delegates, the resort has 7 different meeting spaces with lots of natural light, many opening onto terraces and spectacular views over the golf course. Offering modern Villas all featuring views over the golf course, lagoon pool, rock pools or gardens.

Generous Villa style accommodation featuring open plan living areas, fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and private courtyards, the predominantly 2 and 3 Bedroom Villas are the perfect retreat. Enjoy playing Golf at the exclusive Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club, indulge in a Spa treatment at Vie Spa, choose from 2 Tennis Courts, 3 swimming pools and direct beach access. Dining offers a range of locations and menu styles, from al a carte at Barretts Restaurant and Terrace, alfresco dining at Shallows Bar including Tapastry and a wood fired pizza oven, with Lakeside Lawn the perfect location for unique outdoor themed events.

Click here to view some images of the Pullman Magenta Shores Resort.

Pullman Magenta Shores Resort
1 Magenta Dr Magenta NSW 2261
T. +612 4352 8100
h8791-sl1@accor.com

Resort factsheet download
Read more about the Pullman Magenta Shores Resort

EAN are extremely excited to introduce our newest VIC regional partner, TheVenueShop. Please see below an introduction and more information on what they have to offer.

Your 'ultimate' FREE & unbiased total events resource!

Enquire, compare & book: any venue, any function, any location! PLUS team-building, speakers, suppliers & more... all in one place.

• Because we care
  Our venue expert consultants extraordinaire will fast become your new BFFs: the "secret weapon" of the savvy EA...
  With the hassle-free convenience of one contact throughout, whilst you remain in total control.
• Fast turnaround & accurate, like-with-like presentation-ready information you can count on!
• Best available rates guaranteed, plus claim your exclusive value-added offers and rewards*

EAs are busy people! Enjoy a level of unrivalled knowledge & service, as an EAN 2016 Gold Industry Partner other benefits to loyal EAN subscribers include:

Even if rebooking your favourite venue, remember our best rate guarantee! You will never be disadvantaged booked via Ultimate Conferences & thevenueshop! Enquire to sales@thevenueshop.com.au or call 1300 843 836  We're here to help!

Learn more about us & our story here

EAN are thrilled that View Hotels Australia have come back on board as a Partner for 2016. They have a great offer for you below.

Our lives heavily revolve around food and beverage, and so they should! It gives us energy to face the day ahead, helps to keep us focused and can even serve as a way to sustain our emotions - like a glass of wine and some cheese after a stressful day in the office! There is nothing worse than trying to accomplish a task, pay attention or enjoy the day with an empty or un-satisfied stomach! Even though it is so simple, providing dietary requirements was the most common thing that conference organisers forget to check. Just because you like seafood, doesn’t mean that everyone else in the room will too. Your guests may have dietary requirement for a number of reasons including religions practices, food allergies and intolerances or lifestyle choices (it’s not because we are fussy eaters). We have listed a few below; In saying all this, we know that it is hard to get a response from all of the attendees and it is their responsibility to inform you of any requirements, but at least you asked!

EAN Early Bird Special Offer

If you book your event with us for April, May or June during the month of February, you will receive a $100 discount for each thousand dollars confirmed. For example, if you confirm an event for $3000 and quote this special, we will then take $300 off! *New Bookings only, terms and conditions apply, subject to availability.

We know business events are of significant value to regional Victoria injecting an estimated $1.2billion into local economies annually. Business Events Victoria (BEV) has been operating since 1996 which means this year the organisation celebrates 20 years of service to the industry and they have a full calendar to recognise this milestone this year. BEV represents over 200 spectacular conference venues, accommodation providers, local councils, regional tourism organisations and service providers who recognise the need for a coordinated and cooperative industry approach to the marketing and promotion of business events for regional Victoria. BEV provides a free and comprehensive service for business event organisers looking to host an event in regional Victoria. The quality service and tangible benefits of the organisation are reflected in the long serving commitment by staff and members with Executive Officer Chris Porter having been involved with the organisation for 8 years and some members having been on board since the organisations inception.

"BEV is a unique asset for Victoria, we are the only state in Australia that has state-wide collaboration of regional venues and destinations," - Chris Porter

'This collaboration provides a competitive advantage over other like destinations will a collaborative approach and a full time Sales Executive who can assist domestic business event organisers.' Julie Jewell, from Mildura Rural City Council has been a board member for over 10 years representing some long serving members including Mantra Lorne, Craig's Royal Hotel, Lancemore Hill and Cumberland Lorne Resort plus many new members to the regional business events industry. Kicking off the celebrations of the 20th year, BEV will be present at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) 23-24 February 2016 where meetings, events and incentives industry decision makers will meet to plan business adventures across Australia, Asia-Pacific and the rest of the globe.

In May, BEV will host the Regional Showcase which brings suppliers from across Victoria to Melbourne to meet with prospective event organisers. This was a hugely successful event when run for the first time in 2015 and will see hundreds of event organisers speak directly to venues and attractions. BEV will take the show on the road and head to Sydney in August to deliver the same style event to attract interstate business. Regular famils will continue to be delivered on a monthly basis attracting interest from prospective event organisers and media to showcase member venues and services.

In July BEV will launch the 10th edition of the Regional Victoria Planner's Guide, a valuable directory to regional Victoria's events venues, accommodation and service providers and celebrate achieving another significant milestone with this publication. For more information about Business Events Victoria and the calendar of events contact info@businesseventsvictoria.com

Meetings and events are a breeze at Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach.

We understand that a key component of a successful event is a stimulating environment to facilitate networking, whether it’s putting a face to a name socially or making a new business connection. At Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach, we’ve harnessed ocean breezes, exhilarating views and expansive skies to provide the backdrop for each of our open-air networking spaces. We have more outdoor networking spaces than any other Sydney beach hotel affording delegates the unique opportunity to connect and re-energise within an open-air environment. To book your next event or for more information contact our team on +61 2 9315 9121 or meetings.coogee@ihg.com. Visit our website for more.

Looking for something other than the usual uneventful function space?

Crowne Plaza Terrigal offers limited opportunities each year to event organisers to book the whole hotel for private use. The hotel’s broad facilities footprint includes 13 imaginative indoor and outdoor event spaces, 199 cleverly designed rooms and suites and a creative selection of 3 ocean-view restaurants and bars. The hotel becomes a blank canvas on which you can design for your delegates the most powerful communications strategies to drive home your key messaging. To book your next event or for more information contact our team on +61 2 9315 9117 or meetings.terrigal@ihg.com. Visit our website for more.

Choose Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges for your next function, meeting, gala dinner or networking event! The vibrant city of Fremantle blends old with new, creating an enriching cultural experience only 20 minutes from the Perth CBD and 30 minutes from Perth airports. Maritime, convict and colonial history can be explored while buzzing markets, lively bars and casual street cafés give you a taste of the ‘Freo’ lifestyle. The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle is an ideal place to visit and a dynamic hub to host your next team get together, strategy day, product launch or awards dinner. Home to one of Western Australia’s largest convention and exhibition facilities, the Hotel offers an outstanding choice of venues perfect for all types of events.

Guest Services

World-class Accommodation
The Hotel offers 300 guest rooms and suites with resort-style facilities. Special conference rates are available.

Dining and Bars - The Harbour Master
Experience great service and a fantastic seasonal menu featuring a delicious grill selection, fresh seafood and tapas complimented by a walk-in wine cellar. Cosy up inside, book a private lunch or dinner in the Calista Room or relax in the sunny alfresco area overlooking the park.

Atrium Garden Restaurant
Enjoy fresh seafood, crisp salads, hot international dishes, and tempting desserts in the buffet restaurant for lunch and dinner. Try a fresh new approach to breakfast – RISE combines the best of contemporary hotel breakfast with the latest café offerings.

Marine Lounge Bar
Stop in for a coffee and bite to eat in the spacious and stylish bar, or stay to enjoy the extensive range of wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, aperitifs and champagne by the glass. A great spot to get work done or meet up with your colleagues for Happy Hour.

Ball & Chain
This historic pub dates back over 100 years, housing convicts before Fremantle Prison. A must see in Fremantle, get down to meet the amazing team, while you enjoy WA’s widest range of Matilda Bay craft beer, tasty pub grub and extensive whiskey and spirit range.

Day Delegate Package $79 per person per day* (Minimum 20 delegates) Main Plenary room hire Arrival tea and coffee, morning and afternoon tea, working style or buffet lunch Whiteboard, flip chart and screen Wi-Fi access

Boasting clear skies, a choice of unique venues and a wealth of natural attractions, Australia’s South West is the natural place to meet. The open space, fresh air and friendly locals offers your delegates a fresh perspective to connect, learn and generate new ideas. There is no better place to hold your conference, meeting or staff and client incentives. Guests can be spoilt with the finest in food and wine experiences, get immersed in a rich historical heritage or get up close and personal with a local artisan. There are a feast of experiences through the region to ensure that ‘down’ time is equally engaging as the meeting time. Australia’s South West is easily accessible from Perth and it offers an incredible standard of infrastructure region wide. The South West economy is booming with agriculture, mining and tourism being the lynch-pins embracing others such as the arts, education, science, and environment. Our Interactive Conference and Incentive Guide invites you to discover the incredible variety of opportunities in Australia’s South West. It introduces you to venues, tourism operators and service providers who can help you create an outstanding meeting, conference or event. Visit our website or download the guide to help you plan the ultimate event in Australia’s South West.

Products in focus

The Epicurean Tour, Vasse Felix

Explore the world of food and wine at Margaret River’s founding wine estate through Ultimate Winery Experiences. This tour takes you behind the scenes on winemaking at Vasse Felix, followed by a tasting of the wine collection. Then step into the world of food and wine matching, where you’ll gain insights into Margaret River’s local produce, and the philosophies that guide the creation of dishes to match with regional wines. Enjoy the ultimate treat of a three course paired menu. Contact Erin O’Neil 9756 5016.

Stay right in Margaret River Town

Margarets Forest is situated in Margaret River, where the towering forest meets the gourmet town of Margaret River. These four star fully equipped apartments are walking distance to the river, bushwalking trails and the café strip. For more information, email stay@margaretsforest.com.auor call +61 8 9758 7188.

Fervor, Australian Pop-up Restaurant

Harnessing fresh ingredients, with a focus on native and locally sourced produce, presented in a unique location to create an unforgettable degustation dining experience. Crafted with passion, it is an Australian experience unlike any other. For upcoming dinner locations or to check out some of their videos from previous dinners, visit their webpage or for private enquiries, email Paul and Steph at bookings@fervor.com.au

Southern Skydivers

See the beautiful South West from a birds eye view with a tandem skydive from 15,000ft over the Busselton Jetty! Feel the rush as you freefall at 200km/hr for up to 66seconds, before your Instructor opens the parachute and flies you expertly back to earth. Take in the amazing summer views over Cape Naturaliste and Geographe Bay, before landing safely on the sand of the Busselton foreshore. Contact Amy 0420 438 323. Visit the website

Riverglen Chalets

14 self-contained chalets, 7 acres of forest bushland and gardens yet just 10 minutes stroll to town. Couples, families and groups enjoy relaxing setting without giving up the modern way of life. Enjoy the warmth of a wood fire or seasonal summer gardens. Stroll to the new whisky distillery then return to relax in the house deck Jacuzzi while you wait for pizza to cook in wood fire oven. Email Amanda or Lorraine or call 08 9757 2101.

Howard Park’s new Wine Chapel a top spot for meetings

Architecturally designed and luxuriously appointed, the Wine Chapel features a main tasting room equipped with state of the art audio-visual equipment, a lounge area and a temperature controlled cellar filled with museum release wines from the Burch Family Wine collection. Reward a high achieving team with an exclusive tour and tasting experience, venturing behind the scenes to discover the wine making process from fruit to bottle. Or follow your next board meeting with a private chef prepared lunch, overlooking stunning views of Leston vineyard and the hills beyond. All Wine Chapel experiences are bespoke, so please email Rebecca Knox or call 08 9756 5200 to customise your unique corporate event.

Howard Park & MadFish Wines, Margaret River

Proudly family owned and operated, our architectural cellar door has spacious grounds to bring a picnic, borrow a blanket and a bocce set and enjoy a glass or bottle of our wine under the sun. Taste MadFish, Howard Park andMarchand & Burch wines from Margaret River, the Great Southern and Burgundy. Visit their website or call (08) 9756 5200 for more information.

Seashells Yallingup

Set in beautiful extensive gardens by the sea at Yallingupbeach, just 2.5 hours’ drive south of Perth, offering a choice of Studio Spa Rooms and one and two bedroom fully self-contained apartments with kitchen and laundry facilities. All are luxuriously furnished with private balconies with garden views, spa baths in most, free Wi-Fi and free onsite car parking. Contact Stephanie Lang +61 8 9245 3135 or visit the website

Geographe Maritime Charters

Come aboard for your Whale Watch experience of a lifetime on the Kerra Lyn. Their marine biologist crew have a wealth of information about whales and the Geographe Bay marine area. These graceful gentle creatures are so inquisitive you will be amazed at their size as they play and swim around our Kerra Lyn. Contact Anne-Marie 0439626383 or visit the website.

Oakway Estate Winery, Donnybrook

Enjoy trophy winning wines in a picturesque rural setting. Relax, overlooking the dam, whilst sampling some of Geographe's finest wines. Located on the Capel River, just 15 minutes from Donnybrook. Wine tastings, gourmet pizzas and cellar platters available all weekend. Open 11am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Contact Ria 9731 7141 or visit the website.

Dunsborough Central Motel

Nestled in a tranquil garden setting in the heart of town, Dunsborough Central Motel is ideally located on the doorstep of world renowned beaches, dive sites, premium wineries, art galleries, wildflowers, caves and the incredible coastal scenery of Cape Naturaliste. Just a 600 metre stroll to the beach or a short drive to surf beaches. Contact by email or call 08 9756 7711. Visit the website.

Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre

BREC is the arts hub of the South West, showing the best of live theatre, music, comedy, contemporary dance, ballet, film, pantomime, drama, acrobatics and circus events. It is a place to have fun and relax, but above all, a place that supports the local Bunbury and South West vibrant arts scene. Visit their website to find out what’s on, or contact Box Office staff on 1300 661 272.

We’ve all had them - good bosses, bad bosses, and well you get the idea. Think for a moment about the best boss you’ve ever had and if I asked you to describe their behaviour you would probably come up with phrases like, “they inspired me with their vision of what was possible”, “they helped and coached me to grow”, and “they gave me latitude to achieve my goals”. You probably remember them warmly, you enjoyed working with them, their leadership style drove your engagement with the organisation and they left a lasting positive memory. This is an exercise we run in our leadership workshops, we ask participants to think of the best and worst leader they have ever worked for. Tragically, some people really struggle to identify a truly great leader they have worked for. In fact, on the odd occasion, we have to suggest they fantasise and imagine what it would be like to work for a truly great leader.

Bad bosses
Alas, most people have no trouble with the second part of this exercise, when they are asked to identify their worst boss. Feedback flows easily with statements like, “they criticised me and my work”, “they micromanaged every detail” and “stole the credit due to others”. People remember these leaders decades after, their experience is painfully burnt into their psyches. Recognising that leadership has both a bright and a dark side is a fairly recent area of leadership research. It wasn’t until the early 2000s after major corporate collapses like ENRON, and of course the GFC, that researchers started studying leadership approaches like destructive, toxic and dark-triad leadership. See insert for more on the dark-triad of leadership.

The Leadership Circumplex
Developed by researchers at the University of Amsterdam, it is the most up to date framework for understanding a leader’s interpersonal behaviour.

Bright and dark-side
Bright-side or Transformation leadership are depicted as the red coloured styles – Inspirational, Coaching and Participative – these are the ‘go ahead’ styles to use a traffic light metaphor. The more you use these styles, the more followers will rate you as a good leader. Dark-side or Destructive leadership are depicted as the red coloured styles – Authoritarian, Distrustful and Withdrawn – these are the ‘stop and reflect’ styles. The more you use these red styles, the more followers will see you as a bad leader. Think back to the best / worst leadership exercise we did earlier, there is a strong chance you will map all of the best leader behaviours onto the green styles - Inspirational, Coaching and Participative - and the worst leader behaviours onto the red styles - Authoritarian, Distrustful and Withdrawn. True? If there were any behaviours that didn’t quite fit, they probably mapped onto the next two styles. The amber coloured styles – Directive and Yielding – are contextual styles. Similar to when you are approaching a set of traffic lights it might be wise to use caution and not overuse these behaviours depending on the context. For example, if there is genuine crisis, leaders need to be Directive and followers will rate their leaders favourably. However, if a leader only uses the Directive style in every situation, they will be rated down as a leader and find themselves with followers that are disengaged and lack initiative. So, The Leadership Circumplex is a comprehensive leadership model that is useful in understanding the full range of leadership behaviour. Take a moment and think about your current and past leader’s behaviour and try and plot them onto the circumplex.

What about my behaviour?
At the same time we introduced the Leadership Circumplex, we were asked about how people that are not in leadership roles could get 360 feedback? To that end, we introduced the Circumplex Behaviour Scan 360 (CBS360) - the same model but able to be used by anyone in any role. Take a look at the CBS360 figure – do you recognise some of your own behaviours – good and bad? (See complementary feedback offer below).

Bridging the gap
Research shows the corner stone of effectiveness is self-awareness, and understanding how we impact on others. In our work with leaders, we use 360 surveys to improve self-awareness by bridging the gap between how a leader thinks they behave and how others see them behaving – their blind spots. Development interventions, such as coaching and workshops, support leaders develop their skills and new behaviours to enhance their effectiveness and bridge the gap between how they are currently and their aspiration. If you’ve never experienced 360 survey feedback, here is an opportunity to contribute to new Australian research in exchange for 3 free feedback reports and a 1 hour debrief with one of our experienced Certified Consultants. If you are interested in understanding your personality and how it gets expressed as interpersonal behaviour and ultimately your performance, contact us. Email: quentin@cls360.com

Author Bio

Over the past 20 years, Quentin Jones has pioneered the concept of leadership behaviour and culture and its links to business performance. His contribution as thought leader, consultant, educator, business and network builder has set Australia apart as a leader in this field. Quentin is currently Managing Director of CLS360 Pty. Ltd. a boutique leadership development company using evidence-based surveys and processes to improve organisational performance through better leadership and organisation culture.

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