Saturday, February 8, 2025

MICE NEWS: Destination Australia 2025, Field of Light Uluru and more

Welcome to our weekly wrap-up of MICE News, which covers meetings, incentives, conferences, and events across Australia and around the world. If you are in the MICE industry, this is what you need to know as our writers stay on top of the latest developments. 

If you have any MICE news, please send it to editor@travelmonitor.com.au 

Register to attend Destination Australia 2025

Tourism Australia will host the annual Destination Australia conference on Wednesday 19 March 2025 at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney). This year, with a theme of ‘We are the Australian tourism industry’ the future evolution and growth of our sector, will be the focus of the day. At the event, industry leaders will share insights and updates, we will explore how we can continue to evolve the depth and breadth of our tourism offerings, and we will look again to how we collaborate to ensure the sustainable growth of our sector. As always, a range of topics will be covered from aviation to marketing trends, the future distribution landscape to agritourism, and so much more! Find out more and register here.

Uluṟu’s Iconic “Field of Light” Installation Refurbished, Extended to 2027 

Uluṟu, NT: Uluṟu’s Field of Light, the internationally acclaimed art installation by famed British-Australian artist, Bruce Munro, has undergone a major refurbishment and been extended until at least April 2027, Ayers Rock Resort announced today.  The revitalisation saw Munro’s team replace all the luminous and fibre optics that make up the installation. The revamp ensures the award-winning artwork — which has been visited by over 730,000 people since its 2016 launch and is Bruce’s longest standing work — remains a huge drawcard for regional tourism.  

Named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakunytjaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ in the local Pitjantjatjara language, the installation was designed to symbolise the desert blooming after rain. It features 50,000 solar-powered spindles of light covering more than seven football fields, which breathe and sway as they change colour through a spectrum of ochre, deep violet, blue and white.  

Fresh spaces at the Hilton Cairns   

The team at the Hilton Cairns have been hard at work undertaking exciting renovations to transform both their Ballroom Garden space and The Hub. These modern and versatile spaces are suitable for a range of events and offer a blend of modern elegance and functionality. Be sure to check them out for your next event!           

New Chair for BEIA approved

Rachel Cook has been appointed Chair of the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Approved Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Group. She is the Business Director of Conference Innovators (CI) and since joining CI 20 years ago has been instrumental in the company’s continuing growth and success. Rachel plays a pivotal role in building and supporting the talented CI team, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture that underpins the delivery of high-quality events.

“It is a privilege to step into the role of Chair for the BEIA PCO group, representing a network of professionals who uphold the highest standards in the conference and event management industry. This group is a cornerstone of our sector, ensuring that every conference, event, or meeting is managed with excellence, reliability, and trust,” she says.

BEIA Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins says the 16 companies accredited to the BEIA Approved PCO Group are qualified to handle the most complex of domestic and international association conferences. “Not only are BEIA Approved PCOs required to meet strict criteria on an annual basis, they are bound by a Code of Ethics, Rules and Responsibilities determined by BEIA,” Hopkins says.

Cirque du Soleil Debuts ‘Auana, Its First-Ever Resident Show in Hawai‘i

Cirque du Soleil premiered ‘Auana, its groundbreaking first resident production in Hawaii, to a sold-out audience at the OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel on 17 December. A dazzling homage to Hawaii’s heritage and Cirque’s iconic artistry, the show combines breathtaking acrobatics, multimedia projections, and mo‘olelo (stories) inspired by the islands’ rich culture. Performances run Wednesday through Sunday at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., exclusively at the OUTRIGGER Theater.

This monumental occasion was marked by a star-studded red-carpet event, where celebrities, cultural icons, and community leaders including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, gathered to honour this innovative fusion of art and storytelling from the internationally renowned entertainment brand. The evening underscored the seamless synergy between Cirque du Soleil’s creative vision and OUTRIGGER’s deep-rooted commitment to preserving and sharing the aloha spirit.

Kate Webster
Kate Websterhttp://www.travellerkate.com
Kate Webster is a world traveller, ocean lover and conservation warrior who is determined to make every moment count for herself and the world around her. She translates those moments and shares them through her storytelling. An adventurer at heart with a curious spirit to explore, her work has taken her to the edges of the Earth. Kate has delved into the world of wildlife and conservation travel to bring awareness. www.travellerkate.com

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