SOPBiz NOVEMBER 2010

Acer Arena finalist in Top Venue

Acer Arena holds its global position amongst the top arenas in the world on the back of the nominations announcement of the 2010 Billboard Touring Awards.

Acer Arena is again a finalist in the Top Arena category alongside Madision Square Garden in New York and 02 Arena in London.

Winners will be announced at the Billboard Touring Awards on November 4 in New York. All awards are judged on a time period between October 1, 2009 – September 30, 2010.

Acer Arena is the #1 Australian Entertainment venue, the must play venue hosting some of the biggest artists and entertainment shows that come to the city of Sydney. Famous for its diverse entertainment acts Acer Arena will play host in 2011 to the return of Cirque du Soleil with its much-loved show Saltimbanco.

The short list of finalists recognizing Australian venues, promoters and tours are;

TOP ARENA
-Acer Arena, Sydney
-Madison Square Garden, NYC
-O2 Arena, London

TOP INDEPENDENT PROMOTER (International)
-Chugg Entertainment,Australia
-MCD
-T4F, Sao Paulo, Brazil

TOP TOUR
-AC/DC Black Ice
-Bon Jovi
-The Circle U2 360

TOP BOXSCORE (single act – venue ticket sales)
-AC/DC ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Feb. 18, 20,22.
-AC/DC Etihad Stadium, Melboune, Feb. 11, 13, 15.
-Download Festival, Donington Park,Castle Donington, U.K.June 11-13.

Accor are good sports!

The recent Accor Extreme Challenge to Cure Kids Fiji Islands consisted of 34 teams of two from Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.

In total Accor raised $382,000 Fijian dollars towards medical equipment and the make over of the Nadi Maternity Ward in a mammoth effort to help Fijian children. At times it proved to be a very moving and emotional experience for those involved. Sydney Olympic Park was represented by Marcus Hanna (The Pullman), Jane Broadhead and Rafael Ruiz Taboada (Novotel).

The 'Green Machine' takes out the title.

Our own Marcus Hanna, General Manager of The Pullman (second left) paired up with his counter-part at the Swiss Grand, Richard Holt (second from right) to be part of the overall winning team for the four day event. Well done Marcus!

Australia Towers - 24 Storeys in 24 weeks

You will have noticed a lot of activity happening on the Australia Towers site recently. Since moving above ground level the construction of the towers has moved ahead in leaps and bounds.

Over the next six months the formation of the towers will happen at the staggering pace of a floor a week. As the framework of the tower is built, internal fit-outs will also commence on the lower levels, around 10 floors below (or 10 weeks behind) tower construction. The attached images show the towers and site works to date (late Oct). Everyone is welcome to visit the showroom to view the Australia Towers model and floorplans. It is open 7 days on the corner of Australia Avenue and Herb Elliott Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park, or call 02 9746 0386 or Louie Bechara on 0418 402 210.

Australia Towers 22 October

Titan's Rugby League Wrap Up.

Titan Management's rugby league division wrapped up highly successful campaigns in both the northern and southern hemispheres recently, with a host of players winning individual and team awards in addition to representative honours.

NRL Dally M winner Todd Carney's celebrated return to the top flight was rounded out with selection into the Australian side for the current Four Nations tournament, where he is joined by Paul Gallen, Premiership winner Brett Morris, Cameron Smith and Willie Tonga. The 2010 tournament also includes James Graham for England and Adam Blair, Greg Eastwood, Fuifui Moimoi and Frank Pritchard for New Zealand.

For further updates on Titan's stable of stars visit www.titanmanagement.com.au

Travel Counsellors is on your doorstep for all your travel needs

Simon Clancy is celebrating his first anniversary with Travel Counsellors, serving the travelling needs of the Sydney Olympic Park, Newington and surrounding areas.

In that time he has booked clients on European coach tours and riverboat cruises, tropical island holidays, cruises, ski holidays, a couple of train trips, motorhome hire, car hire, grand itineraries and honeymoons. Simon has also booked corporate travel, five conferences and three sporting team tours overseas.

So if you’re planning to travel anywhere, for work or holidays, please give Simon a call or send him an email.

Simon Clancy- Travel Counsellors Telephone: 0403 760 041 or Email: simon.clancy@travelcounsellors.com.au

AND THE WINNER IS!!!

Acer Arena named National Caterer of the Year and Venue Caterer 2010!

Acer Arena was the major winner at the 2010 National Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence held in Melbourne at Peninsula, Docklands recently.

Acer Arena won the prestigious awards of National Caterer of the Year and Venue Caterer of the Year. Acer Arena conducts the catering operations in-house, which is standard practice for its venue operator, AEG Ogden.

Acer Arena’s General Manager, Paul Sergeant was ecstatic about the win.

“I have just started here in the GM role and I am completely blown away with the professionalism and enthusiasm of the team. There are many venues around the world that would give anything to have catering of this calibre. The awards are well deserved and they reinforce the standards that have been set at Acer Arena that places it amongst the top arenas in the world”.

These awards come after Acer Arena’s success at the Catering NSW Metropolitan Awards for Excellence held earlier this month, where it took home the gongs for the state titles of Caterer of the Year and Venue Caterer of the Year.

BULLDOGS NEWS

Bulldogs 2011 Corporate Partner Program

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have a very loyal group of businesses that form the foundation of our Corporate Partner Program. At no stage do the Bulldogs take for granted the support each business provides to the Bulldogs Corporate program. The Bulldogs Corporate team endeavours to understand your annual objectives for making the partnership work best for your business.

Whether your objectives are entertaining clients, rewarding staff, networking with other businesses or engaging members, the Bulldogs Corporate team believe that there is a ‘Club’ package for you.

The fundamental principles used to develop the ‘Club’ package include receiving the best in class value, access to outstanding venues (ANZ Stadium and Doltone House), opportunities to attend marquee events in the best seat available and to be embraced by one of the most welcoming and open professional sports franchises in Australia. These principles will be realised through the benefits available in each package.

The vehicles available range depending on the package but include entertainment, events, merchandise and memorabilia, ticketing, awareness and inner-sanctum experiences.

To enquire about 2011 Corporate Packages please contact their team on 02 8762 6800 or email on corporate@bulldogs.com.au.

Pictured is the expert Bulldogs panel at their 2010 Grand Final function at the Novotel.

2011 Membership Drive

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2011 Membership campaign continues to gain momentum, with almost 3000 signed up in less than three weeks.

To be a Member of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs is to be a part of something special. They are immensely proud of their reputation as the ‘Family Club’, they are inspired by the great loyalty of our supporter base and are driven by the desire to remain one of the most successful Clubs of the modern era. They are also proud of their long running association with Sydney Olympic Park.

The Bulldogs provide a range of Membership products that accommodate the needs of every Bulldogs fan and are asking all friends of SOPBA to join the Bulldogs Family in 2011.

Membership provides access to between two and 12 matches at ANZ Stadium and there is even the Belles Cheerleader Membership for aspiring dancers.

Become a Member by November 26 and you will be invited to the Member Christmas Party, held in the precinct.

Visit bulldogs.com.au and consider all the great options available to you and show your support for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs by becoming a Member for 2011.

UPCOMING PARK EVENTS

Melbourne Cup at the WatervieW - 2 November

A very special Melbourne Cup extravaganza will be held at WatervieW in Bicentennial Park tomorrow.This inaugural event in support of Special Olympics Australia will be hosted by Channel 10’s Natarsha Belling. Country Western singer, song writer Amber Lawrence will entertain with a stunning fashion show sponsored by the newly opened Myer Top Ryde Store.

Prize donations from Park businesses include tickets to the Eagles Concert, U2 tickets, Medibank International tennis tickets and hospitality, accommodation packages at Accor’s five star Pullman Hotel, V8 Supercar package and much, much more. Complimentary coach transfers are being provided courtesy of Sydney Luxury Coaches.

With the entertainers and race callers on the day in from around the nation, this event is sure to give WatervieW’s privileged guests the 'wow factor' they deserve.

For information about staging events at the WatervieW contact: The WatervieW team on E: events@waterveiwvenue.com.au T: (02) 9764 9900 W: www.waterviewvenue.com.au

Have you got talent? - 6/7 November

"Australia’s Got Talent", Network Seven’s hit entertainment program, is back on the road searching for anyone of any age with any special skill or talent . They are conduction audition on Saturday, 6 November 2010 - Sunday, 7 November 2010 at Sydney Showground.

They are looking for solo acts, group performances, singers, dancers, illusionists, circus & stunt acts, instrumentalists, comedians, novelty acts, animal acts, child performers, and whether amateur or professional, our doors are open to everyone!

Sydney auditions - Southee Complex, Showground Road Sydney Olympic Park. Registration: 8.30am – 3.30pm.

Sydney's 10km Fun Run in the Park - 7 November

Don’t miss the second annual Rebel Sport Run4Fun presented by The Sun-Herald, held at Sydney Olympic Park on Synday 7 November.

The 10km course is designed to suit everyone from beginners to experienced runners, from racing wheelchairs to prams.

Supporting the leading children’s hospitals in NSW, entrants can raise vital funds to help sick children across the state. With more than $10,000 in prizes on offer everyone is encouraged to join in the fun of this family-friendly event. The event finishes inside ANZ Stadium.

November 2010-January 2011 Events

The event calendar for November 2010 to April 2011 is attached in two pdf's from SOPA for your information and that of your staff, suppliers and colleagues.

Please also note that road closures will be in place in November - further information is available on the website:

http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/Visiting/transport/road_closures

Events Calendar Nov-Jan

February-April 2011 Events Calendar

In the attached PDF is the second three months of events in the Park. These are updated on a regular basis.

Feb-Apr 2011 events

V8 SUPERCARS UPDATE

Week 3 bump-in information from HMRA

Here is the latest advice from the Homebush Motor Racing Authority of works associated with the temporary overlay for the Sydney Telstra 500 V8 Supercars race, taking place on 1-6 November 2010 and 8-13 November 2010 .

It is in everyones best interest to review the information and contact Chris Bastic should you have any concerns or require clarification.

Picured is one of the pedestrian bridges already erected over Australia Avenue.

Latest schedule of works

Event-full time for Paralympics

Hartung reflects on Sydney's Paralympic legacy 10 years on

Australian Paralympic Committee President Greg Hartung says it was much more than success on the medal tally that made the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games so momentous in the history of Australia’s Paralympic movement.

For more than 1.16 million spectators who attended the Games from October 18-29, it was the first time many had seen Paralympic sport.

“The Sydney Paralympic Games gave so many Australians their first opportunity to experience Paralympic competition at its finest. That remains one of the greatest legacies of the 2000 Games,” Mr Hartung said.

The Sydney Paralympic Games set records in almost all areas including athlete and delegation attendance, ticket sales, broadcast rights, media coverage and merchandise sales.

It was also the Games in which Australia become the world’s leading Paralympic nation. The Australian Paralympic Team finished on top of the medal tally for the first time by winning 149 medals - 63 gold, 39 silver and 47 bronze.

“From the volunteers, to the many supporters in attendance, and the countless people who played a role in helping to stage the Games, Australia set the standard for staging a successful Paralympic Games which all future host cities will be measured by.”

Rahles-Rahbula is Paralympian of the Year

On a night that marked the 10th anniversary of the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony, alpine skier Cameron Rahles-Rahbula was crowned 2010 Australian Paralympian of the Year at a gala ceremony at the Waterview Convention Centre, Sydney Olympic Park on October 18.

Rahles-Rahbula, 27, was presented with Australian Paralympic sport’s highest accolade following his outstanding achievements at the 2010 Vancouver Paralympic Winter Games. A left leg amputee from Victoria, Rahles-Rahbula won bronze medals in the men’s slalom and super combined events at the Vancouver Paralympic Games in March. His two medals made up half the Australian Team’s overall haul of one silver and three bronze.

Australian Paralympic Committee President Greg Hartung said Rahles-Rahbula’s performances were deserving of the honour, one that has previously been afforded to Paralympic legends including Louise Sauvage, skier Michael Milton and swimmer Matthew Cowdrey.

The Awards Ceremony was a special occasion for Australian Paralympic sport, as it also celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the first Paralympic Games, held in 1960 in Rome, as well as the 10th anniversary of the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.

Seven of the eight living members of the 1960 Australian Team, including Australia’s first Indigenous Paralympian, Kevin Coombs, and Australia’s first female Paralympian, Daphne Hilton, were in attendance. They were joined by scores of Paralympians from Games that have followed including some of the stars of 2000, who returned to Sydney Olympic Park to celebrate the anniversary of the Paralympics that saw Australia finish atop the medal tally with 149 medals.

In other awards on the night, Rahles-Rahbula was also recognised as the Australian Male Athlete of the Year while fellow Geelong skier Jessica Gallagher was named Female Athlete of the Year.Gallagher made history as Australia’s first female to medal at a Paralympic Winter Games, claiming bronze in the women’s vision-impaired slalom.

Australian Winter Paralympic Team head coach Steve Graham was named Coach of the Year while Australian Paralympic Medals, the APC’s highest accolade for non-athletes, were awarded to Rod Kemp and Paul Bird, for their individual contributions to the Australian Paralympic movement.

The other major award on the night, the APC President’s Award for Excellence in Sportsmanship, was presented to Toby Kane.

And to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Sydney Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony on this day, the Australian Paralympic Committee flag flew atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

2010 Australian Paralympian of the Year Award winners:
Australian Paralympian of the Year: Cameron Rahles-Rahbula (Alpine skiing)
Male Athlete of the Year: Cameron Rahles-Rahbula
Female Athlete of the Year:Jessica Gallagher
Coach of the Year: Steve Graham, Australian Winter Head Coach
APC President’s Medal for Excellence in Sportsmanship: Toby Kane

Paralympic medals:
Rod Kemp, former Federal Minister for Sport
Paul Bird, APC Vice-President, 2000 Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission

Paralympic Achievement Award
Steve Mason and Belinda Green
David and Pamela Baker
360 HR

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Greg McCallum - on and off the field

A new feature each month puts the spotlight on a familiar face around the Park and we kick off with Greg McCallum.

Greg is a familiar face around Sydney Olympic Park and a well known and respected identity in the Rugby League. He is currently the Director of Referee Development for the NSW Rugby League Referees' Association who hold all meetings now at Sports House in the Park after 80 years at the NSW Leagues Club in Phillip Street. The NSWRL Referees Development unit is also based within Sports House.

Greg is responsible for the policy implementation and coaching structure of the NSWRL Junior Representative Squad - the group of identified talented referees taking their first steps into the elite of referees.

The second tier group into which these young referees aspire is based along with the NRL Squad of fulltime referees at ANZ Stadium. Through his role as the NRL Match Review Chairman, Greg has a wide appreciation of referees at all levels of the game in Australia.

Away from Rugby League, Greg is also active with his company MC Speaking Services and is an experienced Master of Ceremonies and Event Host. Now a fully qualified Civil Celebrant Greg officiates off the field now, assisting couples prepare their special ceremony and officiating as they exchange their vows. For further information visit -www.mcspeakingservices.com

OFFERS

Medibank International Tennis corporate hospitality

For a limited time you have the amazing opportunity to receive a FREE VIP Package for 2 guests to the medibank international sydney!

Crowd favorites and Grand Slam champions Kim Clijsters and Juan Martin Del Potro, along with defending champion Marcos Baghdatis and Australia's No.1 player, Samantha Stosur, will all headline the Medibank International Sydney, 9 - 15 January 2011.

All you need to do to receive this free offer is book a Gold Premium or Silver Premium hospitality package by 30 November 2010*.

This exclusive and limited offer includes*;

-2 FREE premium Ken Rosewall Arena (centre court) seats to any session of your choice (excluding the Mens and Womens finals sessions)
-Unlimited access for 2 guests to the fully air-condionted exclusive Coopers VIP Bar (not open to the general public)

The Gold & Silver Premium hospitality packages can be booked by either companies, groups or individuals looking for a whole new level in hospitality excellence, whilst watching the superstars of the sport descend on Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre for one week of spectacular tennis action at this internationally renowned event.

For bookings, a detailed brochure and further information on this limited offer please contact;

Rebecca Duncan, IMG Hospitality & Entertainment Manager, NSW - Ph: 02 9260 2315 or M: 0433 829 442 or Email: rebecca.duncan@imgworld.com

For all event information please visit www.medibankinternational.com.au

* Conditions apply and this offer is limited, for an expression of interest please contact us ASAP