Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/70980
Palais de Congres (AIPC) on three separate occa- sions, this 171,000 sq/m show piece is one of Brisbane's crowning jewels. The Center is located in the bustling arts and cultural community of South Bank, only steps away from major hotels, shopping centers and fine dinning. There are pre- cisely 27 hotels within two kilometers of the BCEC and two directly adjacent. One of the most con- venient features of the BCEC is that all of its facil- ities are housed under one roof, voiding the need for time consuming shuttles or car services. It's all in the details for BCEC. The Centre is home to Australia's first dedicated Tasting Room in a convention center, allowing for guests to taste ronmental excellence. They're strong commitment to eco- nomic, environmental and social responsibility is a core value to the BCEC. The Centre has established management structures and systems to encourage sustainability initiatives and practices throughout the entire venue including; The Environmental Task Force, responsible for identifying and delivering initia- tives that will reduce the Centre's environmental impact, and the Community Cabinet, the strategic driver of the Centre's comprehensive community engagement program. BCEC has introduced a carbon calculator designed to help clients make informed choices to reduce the carbon footprint of their events and provide the opportunity for hosting natural car- bon neutral events. The space also features an electronic 'Dashboard' to measure energy conservation and waste reduction. The BCEC is only growing as a presence in the heart of Brisbane, and the BCEC on Grey Street launched last year as a boutique expansion. The addition of BCEC on Grey Street delivers a new dimension to the industry's offering in Australia. It is designed to meet an increased demand for smaller sized meeting space. The new BCEC on Grey Street features 20 additional meeting rooms, two tiered auditoriums, a sky room and terrace with panoramic city views and an inti- mate ballroom or banquet venue. The newly expanded BCEC is said to enhance Brisbane's growing international profile and existing strong appeal as a leading meetings des- tination. Conveniently located for convention goers, the Emporium Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and perfect their events menu in an intimate room with special attention from the chef. In trib- ute to Australia's rich heritage of artists, Indigenous and contemporary, the space has established a permanent art gallery to house its collection of Australian art, a first for any Australian convention center. Guests may access the gallery space during regular hours, or even rent out the gallery for a smaller scale event with an artistic background ambiance. Green is in, and the BCEC has taken enormous steps to be at the forefront of this movement. The Centre has received the EarthCheck Silver accred- itation for its sustainability practices and the IMEX 2010 Green Supplier Silver Award for envi- Hotel in Brisbane www.emporiumhotel.com.au is a true lux- ury boutique. Located in the heart of Brisbane's Emporium precinct in FortitudeValley, this 5-star venue is situated only minutes from Queen StreetMall, Portside, BrisbaneAirport and the Gateway Arterial Road. At first glance, the Hotel Emporiumappears to be a trendy club or lounge, a breath of fresh air from most typical hotel chains. It stands out with an edgy contemporary design that makes even the most jaded hotel aficionado take notice. The hotel interiors feature an eclectic collection of locally made, custom-designed pieces and antiques sourced from around the world. The Emporium Hotel in Brisbane features 102 luxurious studio suites, boasting state-of-the-art in-suite entertainment & technology, marble kitchenette and in-suite laundry. Guests may enhance their stay with a nightly selection from the Exquisite Sleeps Pillowmenu offering a variety of pillow options. With so many hotel options, a truly remarkable conven- tion center and an airport that ranks in the top 25 worldwide, Brisbane is an ideal location to host ameeting or convention of any size.With competitors such as Sydney andMelbourne right next door,Brisbane stands out as a worthy contender to hold the title as one of the best convention and/or meeting locations in the world. Direct questions or comments to Brienne Herbert at Brienneh@gmail or through Black Meetings and Tourism Magazine. Black Meetings & Tourism May/June 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 25