The Bureau's results this year certainly reflect the confidence of the meetings sector as we have already exceeded our annual target and are eager to launch in to next year's activities. You'll hear more about this and the 2010/11 co-operative marketing opportunities at our upcoming business plan launch.

Life at the Bureau continues to be full of activity with initiatives aimed at generating more business for Western Australia such as the East Coast Roadshow, Local Health Sector Forum and a refreshed Ambassador Program. To read more about these initiatives plus an update on how the PCB is working with the Government on the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting 2011 please click here.

You will have recently received your membership renewal invoices for the next financial year. There has never been a better time for you to maximise your return on investment from the Bureau. I encourage you to be active in co-operative marketing opportunities, networking and engaging with the PCB team to ensure that your business prospers and that we, as an industry, maintain our reputation for being cohesive, innovative and dynamic.

Thanks for a great year!

Regards

Christine McLean
MANAGING DIRECTOR

The Bureau partnered with Perth Convention Exhibition Centre and Business Events Australia on the Australia stand along with other Australian convention bureaux and venues.

At this year's event Tourism Australia and the Australia Stand partners launched a new marketing toolkit for associations. The toolkit is just one activity to so far come out of a $1.8 million three year partnership, between Tourism Australia, the Australian Association of Convention Bureaux and major Australian convention centres, with the aim to raise Australia's profile as a destination for international association meetings.

Also at the show, the PCB once again helped host a successful Energy Cities Alliance (ECA) 'Energiser Breakfast' with partners Calgary, Abu Dhabi and Aberdeen. 14 buyers and nine media representatives attended.

Delegates mingle at the ECA 'Energiser Breakfast' at IMEX

PCB European Representative, Rethi Scaife, said that for WA IMEX 2010 proved a platform for reconnecting with clients. "The need for a WA presence at this important industry show was reinforced this year more than ever as a means for international clients to connect and communicate with WA face to face.

"The quality of international association queries was high, especially from the UK/Europe markets, and clients spanned the areas of medical research, oil and gas, resources and engineering, tying in with WA's strength industries."

Just last week another seven East Coast buyers joined the Bureau on a three day familiarisation to the South West. Hosted by Quay West Bunker Bay and Bayview Geographe Resort the group also visited Mandurah en route to inspect the new Sebel Mandurah.

Coinciding with the South West Famil the Bureau conducted the annual South West Business Events Forum at Wyndham Vacation Resort on June 10. 40 people attended including representatives of the Bureau's Board of Directors, the SW famil attendees and members from the region.

Pictured from left are Indigenous Guide at Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat Ayeesha Cox with Broome famil delegates Naomi Pirhonen (Flight Centre Group Travel), Sarah Dixon (Catalyst Event Solutions), Tracey Cinavas (Perth Convention Bureau host), Susan Twigden (Destination Matters) and Gail Cummins ( Services for Rural and Remote Allied Health)

Ten $5,000 scholarships — presented at a breakfast function at the Art Gallery of WA last month— were awarded to two representatives from each of Perth's five leading metropolitan universities. A separate $10,000 scholarship sponsored by the City of Perth was also awarded.

Each of the winners plans to use their scholarship to attend international conferences or symposia in subjects ranging from engineering and preventative medicine to law and geology. Several will lodge bids for future conventions while the others will canvass support for Perth to be a future meeting destination.

This year's program alone has identified potential convention business worth more than $55.60 million in estimated direct delegate expenditure.

City of Perth scholarship winner, Associate Professor Judith Fordham (centre) with Deputy Mayor John Tognolini and PCB MD Christine McLean

Through digital publishers Realview, who created the online version of the guide which can be viewed via the PCB website, the publication can now be read by meeting planners anywhere, anytime using the iPad.

	New buffet experience

Guest rooms will feature lush upholstery and ultra-comfortable furniture representing a whole new level of luxury in Western Australia.

In the lobby, the Atrium Restaurant is currently being refurbished with a re launch scheduled in December. Redefining the buffet experience, the new restaurant will be set up to stage live cooking demonstrations — adding a theatrical dimension to dining.

A new lobby bar is also set to open this December.

A number of new developments are still to be announced, however we can reveal that among the exciting changes planned is the launch of a new signature restaurant in early 2011. Details are under wraps at this stage, yet whispers are that it will bring the culinary talents of an internationally renowned Australian chef to town.

Plush refurbishments of guest rooms

An investment of $10 million was undertaken to improve traffic flow into and out of the domestic precinct and completed works include the construction of dedicated lanes for taxis, buses and passenger pick-up/drop-off, covered canopies providing greater protection from the weather and landscaping.

The waiting time for taxis has reportedly been reduced to around 10 minutes in peak times and an upgraded Fasttrack premium business parking facility has been reopened with 220 covered bays.

The next stage of development will take place within Domestic Terminal 3 and includes the addition of new retail and food and beverage outlets and the expansion of the departures lounge.

The upgrade is part of a global relaunch for Holiday Inn to create a new contemporary image for the brand. The new brand features now visible at Holiday Inn Burswood are a redesigned logo, improved signage, new outdoor lighting and landscaping and a redesigned lobby.

Holiday Inn Perth Burswood's new branding

During the 2-3 hour cruise over the azure waters of Roebuck Bay guests have the chance to spot Turtles, Dolphins and Manta Rays, and from July to October the world's largest population of humpback Whales frolic in the area.

The full day Eco Sailing Cruise includes a return cruise from Broome, relaxing lunch and tour of the resort. Overnight guests of Eco Retreat can also use the cruise as a unique mode of transfer to and from the retreat.

Eco activity: cruising the pristine waters of Roebuck Bay

Choc full of fun
PCB members got their hands dirty at a chocolate networking event in April. Hosted by PCB and Sweet Soul Sisters in the kitchens of the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre, participants were schooled in the fine art of chocolate making.

Member marathon effort
PCB member Grace Kendrick from Rydges Perth Hotel took part in the 11th Great Wall of China Marathon last month. Raising more than $6000 for WA charity Youth Focus the event involved 1800 people from 53 countries and more than 2700 steps.

Presenters Mark Olsen, Earthcheck; Peter Balsarini, Carbon Conscious and Carol Shannon, Perth Zoo will provide a clear understanding of green credentials, the tangible benefits and case studies.

When:	Wednesday 7 July 2010, 8.00-8.30am Breakfast 8.30-10.00am Forum
Where:	The Perth Zoo 20 Labouchere Rd South Perth
Cost:	$50 per person
RSVP:	By 30 June to Catrona McAteer.

Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts 51st Annual International Conference
20 - 24 June 2010
Perth Convention Exhibition Centre
Est. Delegates: 500

Australian Historical Association Biennial Conference 2010
5 — 9 July 2010
University of Western Australia
Est. Delegates: 350

The 5th Asia-Pacific Conference of Transducers and Micro-Nano Technology
6 — 9 July 2010
University of Western Australia
Est. Delegates: 350

13th International Meeting on Chemical Sensors 2010
11 — 14 July 2010
University of Western Australia
Est. Delegates: 730

Royal Australian Navy Junior Recruits Golden Anniversary Convention 2010
12 — 16 July 2010
Burswood Entertainment Complex
Est. Delegates: 1000

Australian College of Health Service Executives National Congress 2010
14 — 16 July 2010
Esplanade Hotel Fremantle
Est. Delegates: 510

Cancer Nurses Society of Australia 13th Winter Congress 2010
29 — 31 July 2010
Hyatt Regency Perth
Est. Delegates: 350

Marine Safety Conference 2010
22 — 24 August 2010
Burswood Entertainment Complex
Est. Delegates: 370

Provincial Surgeons of Australia 46th Annual Scientific Congress 2010
1 — 4 September 2010
Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa
Est. Delegates: 245

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

Corporate Theatre gets top gong
Perth event production company Corporate Theatre was recently recognised at the Meetings Events Australia National Awards by being awarded the prize for Technical and Creative Production. The category is one of MEA's most competitive.

Guys Grooming gives back and gets rewarded
Guys Grooming, a supporter of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia,was honoured alongside other individuals and businesses at Government House with an award presented by the Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency Dr Kenneth Michael, AC.

TCWA calls for submissions
The Tourism Council of WA is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Western Australian Tourism Awards. Information on how to enter can be accessed via the TCWA website. Following the State event WA will play host to the national awards.