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Client: Hagemeyer Australia Connections Macau 2008
Venue: The Venetian, Macau
Group Size: 960 attendees
Organiser: Incentive House Australia
Date: April 6 - 12
   
   
 

Hagemeyer Australia Connections

  
   
 

The Brief

Hagemeyer Australia is a B2B distributor of electrical maintenance, repair and operations products to building contractors in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Each year, Hagemeyer Australia holds an incentive, conference and trade expo called Network Connections that brings together customers, suppliers and staff.

Challenges

This year was the 10th anniversary of the Network Connections event. Pre-planning began a year before. The event has an emphasis on education and networking, striking a rare balance with entertainment. A main challenge was the Welcome Cocktail event at St. Mark’s Square, The Venetian. “This was probably our biggest challenge, but we got through it with only about ten people even knowing there was problem. The acoustics could use a bit of help as not all could hear the Operetta,” says Adrianne Lynch.

  

 
The Venetian-Macau-Resort-Hotel

 

Execution

A 13,000 sqm space in the Venetian Convention and Exhibition Centre was fitted out with a 1,000-seat, raised-tier stadium, an 80-booth trade expo, plus an area where delegates could relax and network. Trade exhibitors included well-known international brands who are direct suppliers to Hagemeyer Australia. Hagemeyer Australia brought in great keynote speakers for the event, including dual Olympic gold medallist Kieren Perkins and former Australian politician Jeff Kennett. Other entertainment included a toga party at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf and a Rock ‘n’ Roll evening with an exclusive performance by American artist Suzi Quatro. Phantom of the Opera star Tom Griffiths also sang alongside a 17-piece orchestra on the final evening of the event. A number of delegates left after the final Gala Dinner at 1.45am with a “grab and go” breakfast bag and a coffee to catch their 9am flight back to Australia from Hong Kong.
   

 

Verdict

“There is not enough praise I could give about the Venetian. They have exceeded our expectations and Incentive House’s. Everyone had limited expectations because they all knew we would be working with a new hotel. We were waiting for something to go wrong and nothing did.”

NOTE: This case study was originally published in CEI Asia-Pacific, June 2008.

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