Red Bull Air Race zooms into town

This extraordinary event attracts hundreds of thousands of local and international spectators who line the banks of the Swan River to watch the world's best pilots push themselves to the limit in a contest, where hundredths of a second can mean the difference between winning and losing.

Perth's spectacular skyline provides the perfect backdrop for the race, with the Swan River aerial track located just metres away from the city's Langley Park race landing strip.

Perth has been home to the Australian round since 2006 and is the only host destination within the Asia Pacific region.

The system gathers energy from the sun and stores it in a specially designed battery bank. Also located within each villa is a power monitor allowing guests to monitor their own power consumption during their stay.

Located one hours drive from Broome, the retreat has been designed with sustainable values in mind and constructed in such a way that there is minimal impact on its breathtaking natural surrounds.

A unique incentive destination, Eco Beach is perfect for CSR conscious meeting and event planners looking to use venues and services which can make their events more sustainable.

The Australian Traveller Magazine last week published its 100 Greatest Australian Gourmet Experiences with two Margaret River operators making the prestigious list.

Entering the list at number 78 was Margaret River Providore, described by Australian Traveller as "an irresistible combination of cellar door, pantry, organic café, orchard and olive grove". Cullen Wines Restaurant, which is known for its exquisite meals prepared with fresh, biodynamic and organic produce sourced from the Cullen's garden and select local producers, came in at 81 on the list.

As well as gourmet haven, famous for wine, surfing and spectacular cave and forest experiences the region is a popular choice for meetings and events. For a copy of the new guide to business events in Margaret River click here.

Recently the coastal city hosted the Bendigo Bank National Conference at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre for 650 delegates, and later this year will be hosting the Australian Learning Communities Network National Conference for more than 150 delegates.

The City is actively promoting the area's conference capabilities through campaigns, road shows and working collaboratively with local hospitality businesses. With new infrastructure including the 800 seat Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, an award winning Marina, new 4 star accommodation, restaurants and cafes, and an exciting events calendar including the popular Channel 7 Crab Fest, Mandurah has much more to offer the business events market.

The design will feature calm colours and textural contrasts of Tasmanian Oak, clear glass and cool stainless steel. Energy-saving initiatives will also be incorporated.

Save the date

• Brisbane — 15th June
• Sydney — 16th June
• Melbourne — 17th June

11 pieces of business were confirmed in the month of February with event topics ranging from urology to anti corruption. Among the recent conference wins was the International Global Gas Trade and Technology conference which is expected to attract 1000 delegates in 2011.

Other recent significant wins include the Australian Public Sector Anti Corruption Conference 2011 (550 delegates), Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Biennial Conference 2012 (400 delegates) and the Australian Institute of Project Management National Conference 2013 (600 delegates).

Coordinated by the Perth Convention Bureau the stand featured for the first time the new business events branding for Western Australia, with imagery depicting the fresh, vibrant and friendly characters of the destination.

The stand represented Western Australia's strongest presence at AIME ever, with 23 exhibitors showcasing some of the best infrastructure, product, services and experiences available in the State.

Says Bureau Managing Director Christine McLean: "There was some fierce competition in Melbourne and it is a real coup for the destination to be recognised as one that is innovative and stands out from the crowd."

Reports so far show that 714 people visited the stand and 260 events leads were gathered, all with the potential to come to Western Australia.

This offer is available on application, for new business events anticipating over 100 delegates (55% from outside of WA), with a minimum 3 night stay. For more information please contact the Perth Convention Bureau.

The Energy Cities Alliance (Perth, Abu Dhabi, Calgary and Aberdeen) will be holding their regular 'Energy Breakfast' at the show on 26 May. Meeting planners and associations interested in attending should email Perth Convention Bureau to ensure they receive an invitation.

For a full list of conferences coming to WA visit the PCB website