real-life insights from in-person events
Our region has hosted successful corporate events ranging from multi-day conferences involving site visits and on-location tours to intimate meetings remembered for the right reasons. Don’t just take our word for it- see what others have to say about hosting their events here.
Case study: NATURALIST ASSOCIATION 3 DAY CAMPOUT
Event: Hamilton Field Naturalists Club hosted the annual autumn campout for the South East Australian Naturalists Association (SEANA) to showcase local landscapes, geology and flora and fauna to 135 naturalists from VIC and NSW.
Venues: Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning (HIRL) for registrations, Friday dinner and Welcome to Country, presentations, AGM and afternoon teas. The Grange Burn Motel for Saturday night dinner and presentations.
Transport and Accommodation: Participants booked their own accommodation and all drove, using their own vehicles to convoy to excursions.
Highlights:
- Welcome to Country by Gunditjmara/Boandik Elder, Uncle Johnny Lovett
- 15 excursions within an hour’s drive from Hamilton including wetlands, waterways, volcanic landscapes, the Grampians, a rail trail, the bandicoot enclosure and a Budj Bim cultural tour.
- Launch of HFNC’s Hamilton Region Nature Guide, Second Edition
– Diane Luhrs, President, Hamilton Field Naturalists Club
Case study: 3 Day CEO Conference
Event: Local Government Chief Officers Group (LGCOG) Conference; a 3 day conference for 35 Interstate local government CEOs plus 10 accompanying partners.
Venues: The Hamilton Exhibition & Conference Centre, The Hamilton Gallery, Royal Mail Woolshed & local attractions.
Transport: The majority flew to Melbourne and then drove. We arranged bus transportation by two local companies from delegate accommodation in Hamilton and Dunkeld for the duration of conference.
Highlights:
- Mayors Welcome Reception at the Hamilton Gallery including a guided tour and drinks with canapés.
- Full Partner Program; a Grampians hike, a tour of the HIRL bandicoot enclosure, tastings, tour and afternoon tea with delegates at Pierrepoint Wines and a visit to a working dog training facility.
- Delegates loved their welcome showbag containing local souvenirs, printed guides and a Greater Hamilton Keep Cup for use at the coffee vans we provided each morning before the conference commenced.
– Elise Holmes, Event Co-ordinator
Case study: DISA Festival
Event: 3 day Digital Innovation & Smart Agriculture Festival for local & interstate attendees, sponsors and exhibitors. Event began with a 2-day conference, including Welcome Reception Dinner for 120 guests, trade show hall for 22 exhibitors, 18 presenters covering 2 streams of focus; Smart Agriculture and Smart Communities, and on-site demonstrations on 4 farms. A hands-on community expo showcasing career pathways in digital creative industries, including workshops, talks and 14 stallholders, rounded off the week.
Venues: The Hamilton Showgrounds, Exhibition & Conference Centre & The Hub Shopping Centre.
Transport: Conference attendees predominantly drove to Hamilton, some after flying into Melbourne. We used local bus companies to transport attendees to local farms to see digital innovation in real life.
- Smart Agriculture Farm Tours – 85 delegates in 2 buses
- 250+ students attending the Digital Education & Innovation Hub
- Catering by Jack & Jude, Hamilton – feedback received called it “the best we have ever had.”
- Local businesses contributions delighted the attendees and exceeded their expectations from the catering / bus tours / venues & AV support.
Case study: 9 day Cricket event
Event: Emerging Under 19 Easter Series
Venues: Monivae College: Western Country Region Cricket Hub, Boarding House & Chevalier Centre, & Southern Grampians Cricket Club, Dunkeld.
“The facilities at Monivae College and the surrounding areas made this an ideal location to play the Easter Series against South Australia. The accommodation and hospitality was first class and the grounds were of the highest standard. We are extremely thankful to the ground staff at Monivae College, Hamilton College and South Grampians CC and look forward to a continued relationship.”
– Dean Russ – High Performance Manager, Cricket Victoria.
TESTIMONIALs
“We needed a licensed venue for a private networking dinner and presentation on a Monday night before a Hamilton conference. One local café (Jack + Jude) offered their venue and kitchen for use by another local caterer so we could host clients and prospective clients. Regional Victoria is known for it’s warm hospitality, but this is an example of why we love hosting events in places like the Southern Grampians – the locals go above and beyond to make your event a success.”
"Our club at the end of March had an extremely enjoyable - and educational - four nights in Hamilton on a Getaway. The time was devoted to visiting a very wide variety of places within Hamilton itself and then further within the general triangle of Cavendish, Budj Bim and Dunkeld. Such a diversity of places, sights and settings, but all without exception received a big tick of appreciation from our 36 participants. Our time with you truly set things up for a very happy and worthwhile Getaway by the Club."
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