December Famil Knocks Clients Socks Off

21-Dec-2009 | Relaxation, Adventure and a Touch of History. On December 2, seven corporate clients and one journalist touched down in a Rex jet at Wynyard Airport on Tasmania’s North West Coast. Over the intercom the pilot announced “Can all guests of the Tasmanian Convention Bureau please remain seated”. The other passengers left the plane.

Words: Claire McLaren, Images: Tiger Media

When it was their turn, the guests were greeted by airport manager Mike Wells who lead the clients down the stairs to their waiting limousines and they are whisked away up the tarmac. Arriving at an aeroplane hangar at the back of the airport the limos glided to a halt in front of Tom Cruise wearing a full fighter pilot flight suit and his aviator sun glasses... sorry, did I say Tom Cruise? I meant Dan Duggan from Top Gun Tasmania.

This was the beginning of the Tasmanian Convention Bureau four-day Tasmania Familiarisation. A familiarisation (or ‘famil’ for those in the know) is the Bureau’s opportunity to showcase the state to potential clients that have business events that they could be hosting in Tasmania. The objective? Knock their socks off with all that Tasmania and the Tasmanian Convention Bureau members have to offer. And we did.

The Tasmania Convention Bureau hosts two famil’s per year, in different locations around the state. This famil showcased the North West Coast, Cradle Mountain and Launceston.

After driving through the patchwork quilt of lush pasture, crops and red soil of the North West Coast the convoy made its way to the Table Cape lookout where they were met by the Mayor, Kevin Hyland, a glass of bubbles and an airshow above the North West Coastline. Priscilla, from event planners was onboard the Top Gun warbird with Dan Duggan, a flight won earlier at the airport.

Travelling North West, the limos then flanked right down a windy “village” road before emerging in front of the most idyllic white sand beach being caressed by turquoise water. Azzure Beach Houses at Boat Harbour Beach – the accommodation for the evening. The clients dined on a seafood feast created by master chef Waji Spiby before retreating to the decks of their Azzure Beach House. Who would have thought this was only an hour from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne.

Waking up to the sound of the waves, 30 minutes of thai chi preceded a delicious breakfast before the drive to the Mountains.

At Cradle Mountain, the group was split into three after lunch at Dove Lake. One group hiked the Dove Lake bushwalk, one group headed into the wilderness with renowned Tasmanian master photographer Richard Bennett for a wilderness photography workshop, the others head back to Cradle Mountain Chateau for an afternoon of indulgence at the spa.

Dinner was non traditional. A moving feast – for the eyes and the taste buds. Wandering through the Wilderness Gallery at the Chateau, guests were treated to a different flavour (both wine and food) in each room before reclining in the bar for a night cap. It is fair to say the clients were blown away by this innovative take on a degustation.

The next morning it was off towards the city. But not before exploring the North’s stunning living history. First stop – Quamby Estate. Homemade lemonade on the sandstone balcony, a peak at the luxuriously appointed accommodation rooms, a snippet of golf and a delicious afternoon tea. This was a place to spend an afternoon... but there was more to see.

A famil is a fine balance between showcasing as many member products and venues as possible and allowing the clients to relax into the destination and actually get a feel for the place.

Brickendon and Woolmers were next. A true farm experience is found at Brickendon. Proud mother hens are often hurriedly encouraging their downy little chicks across the path in front of you as you enter. Here, the guests were treated to a shearing demonstration before wandering through the grounds and finding a pianist playing and singing from the stained glass chapel. Then on to the bake house to get their hands dirty learning the art of damper. Lunch was served in the barn atop white linen table cloths – a stunning contrast to the raw timber walls.

Woolmers is just around the corner. A time capsule of Tasmania’s colonial past captured by one family in exquisite detail. The private tour of the house ended with a Devonshire tea in the courtyard– naturally!

The afternoon was spent exploring Launceston Hotels - The Sebel Launceston, Peppers Seaport Resort, Clarion Hotel City Park Grand and the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston. After checking in to their accommodations, guests were greeted with a feather boa, masquerade mask and a note... “wear me tonight.”

A pillow gift each night is customary on a famil. Usually this might consist of some local produce, chocolates, a cheese plate and a small bottle of wine with a hand written note from the Venue’s general Manager. But this night the gift had a dual purpose.

The gala dinner at the Albert Hall was a grand affair. After being led up the stairs of the main entrance the doors swing open to reveal... darkness, broken only by the penetrating glow of a hundred candles. A long table stretched out into the hall and the dramatic song of the organ playing Phantom of the Opera pierced the silence. This venue truly is breathtaking. Drinks were served before the organ concluded its piece and a spot light found another target on the balcony above... “I am the ghost of Albert Hall...” the illuminated figure bellowed. Michael Edgar, in full Shakespearean brilliance, recounted the history of Launceston and the Albert Hall. A three course dinner was then served by the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston as the clients chatted and laughed on into the night. It was certainly a night to remember.

The last day began with breakfast and activities at the Country Club before splitting into two groups for the day’s activities – Hollybank Treetops Adventure and the Tamar Valley Wine Route.

Flying through the treetops or sampling Tasmania’s stunning Tamar Valley wines is not a bad send off from Tasmania. Coming together at Josef Chromy Vineyard, the clients were exhausted! With just enough energy to toast Tasmania and say our goodbyes we made our way to the airport. “So, what do you think of Tasmania?” we asked.

Here are what some of the clients had to say:

You guys "nailed it".........

What can I say except that you ,Christie S, & Claire Mc, provided a carefully managed & documented tour that provided the events dudes with a range of activities that took us mainlanders on a tour & journey of discovery. .....great fresh & natural food & wine, locations & venues that stopped us in our tracks, of which the WOW factor was evident..

Now as for the Tasmanian salmon, I think that I am now addicted to this new for me taste sensation & have sent my guys out on a mission this morning to not come back to the office until they have secured "the product" for a post work taste tonight with an appropriate Tasmanian white.....

SO CONGRATULATIONS, to all the team, as not only was it great & certainly more than I ever expected, but the level of energy that the team of 3 expended with us all was impressive, & thank you all for kindly laughing @ my puns in a polite manner........

OK onwards & upwards & keep the energy flowing in 2010.

Richard

This was the best planned famil I’ve attended and I’ve attended a few! Congratulations on taking on board the needs of a diverse group and incorporating into the program. Thank you for a worthwhile and enjoyable experience.

Aghi

Fantastic, Fantastic, Fantastic!

I have to say that that was the best (and most exhausting) famil I have ever been on! I hope you all had some time to recover and rejuvenate once we all left!

Thank you again for such a great opportunity to get a taste of what we can offer our clients and delegates in the future. It was truly an eye opening experience and I am extremely grateful to have learnt and seen what Tassie can offer!

Priscilla

I wish all famils were like the one I just had!!!!.....

Looking forward to working in Tassie next year.

Mila

Congrats on another entertaining and well-organised visit...

Graeme Kemlo

Thank you for looking after us so well and showing us such exciting products and destinations. You and Claire and Christie all did a superb job and your enthusiasm was infectious.

I look forward to working with you in the future.

Johanna

Click here to see the Advocate Newspapers coverage of the famil.

More Famil images from Tiger Media (click to launch and view gallery):