Let’s face it business is always better when mixed with a bit of leisure, that’s why Geelong is the perfect location to give delegates a bleisure trip they will never forget.

Whether soaring in a helicopter, sampling some of the region’s finest wine or delighting in the Asian fusion offerings of Wah Wah Gee there is plenty to keep people entertained outside the boardroom.

A hugely important development for Geelong is the addition of an AirAsia hub at Avalon Airport. This will provide a direct link for clients in the growing Asian market via AirAsia with direct flights to Kuala Lumpur.

And for those travelling domestically, Geelong is easily accessible via the Port Phillip Ferry, which will be adding an extra service in December from Docklands, Melbourne directly to Geelong.

A planner’s dream – GMHBA Stadium

Not only the home turf of nationally revered AFL team the Geelong Cats, this is a multi-faceted events space that is ready to cater to just about anything!

It is the largest events facility within Geelong and Greater Victoria and even better it’s getting a makeover. The stadium has been undergoing a full refurbishment, with renovations making their way around the entire arena.

The Stadium consists of 32 uniquely appointed function rooms, from smaller corporate suites, boards rooms and full-scale conference spaces catering to up to 2,450 guests

The beauty of these spaces is the versatility and functionality they have been built with. Thoughtfully designed with in-built bars, movable walls (to make spaces bigger or smaller) and huge floor-to-ceiling windows that give the spaces an airy outdoor quality you don’t normally find in MICE world.

Downstairs you will the cafe Charles & Co. is open to the public throughout the week, closing between 3 and 4 for functions. It also caters to the meetings upstairs.

The wow factor:

• There’s something to look at, a huge stadium of green grass at that. How often do business events feel cooped up, stuffy with a blank wall for a view? Not here!
• Free Parking – a huge benefit for delegates and organisers alike.
• Fresh air and natural light
• Versatility – The Cat’s hospitality team make use of literally every aspect of the stadium from the concrete stands, the boardrooms, and the field itself.

We can’t say more for now but stay tuned because there is exciting news due to be released on 1 March.

Meet and Stay: The Novotel Geelong

The Novotel is the ideal location in the heart of the waterfront precinct and makes for the perfect location to explore the region, catering for up to 250 delegates.

Conference facilities include a total of five meetings rooms, the largest at 200m squared and hosting 220-banquet style or 250 cocktail.

The stunning view onto the Geelong bay makes it an ideal venue for weddings, conferences or any special event.

With huge renovations completed last November, this waterfront property has that fresh feel that every guest is looking for.

Fly in and stay a while  – Jack Rabbit Estate

Ever thought to plan an event on a helipad? No, we hadn’t either, until we laid eyes on the brand new helipad installed at The Jack Rabbit Estate.

This quirky vineyard has held it’s enviable position since 2010 with a stunning panoramic view across Geelong Waterfront.  If your guests can’t arrive by chopper there’s an easy service from Melbourne to PortArlington and directly up to the vineyard.

So back to the helipad – it’s sleek and simple with a fully functioning bar and coffee machine and the most insane natural backdrop.

Mix business with beer at Little Creatures

One of Australia’s most notable craft beer companies, the founding partners stumbled upon the Geelong location through a chance stop over. With hop flowers growing by the plenty in Victoria, the old mill in Geelong was the perfect fit.

Why not impress delegate with a trip to Little Creatures, what could be better than business inside a brewery? The Furphy function room caters for up to 600 people and is the ideal space for a presentation or a party.

Fun fact:

Little Creatures is named for the key ingredient namely Yeast – a live culture or ‘little creature’. The cherub picture was linked to the business being akin to a cherished baby for the creators.

Let them eat dumplings! at Wah Wah Gee

Wah Wah Gee sits majestically above the water at the end of the Geelong pier. This huge restaurant venue can cater for up to 300 guests and not only that but it can serve them all dumplings! That’s a win in our book.

Mix it up from the usual canapés found at MICE events and instead serve up some exotic and foreign delights from the East. Not to mention the interior of bold colours injects some much-needed fun and glamour to any business trip.