Accor, the largest hotel operator in Australia and New Zealand, has unveiled its elevated meetings and events offering, bolstered by major refurbishments and the launch of new hotels.
The recently opened, dual-branded Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport is redefining airport meetings and events, combining convenience and cutting-edge facilities all just steps away from Melbourne Airport terminals.
The 248-room Novotel and 216- room ibis Styles provide diverse accommodation options for event attendees. The hotels feature a range of meeting spaces, including a grand ballroom that accommodates up to 330 guests, dedicated boardrooms, and the ultra-modern Aerofoil Workspace – a two- floor flexible working environment ideal for collaborative and break-out sessions.
Versatile Food & Beverage
In addition, there are three versatile food and beverage venues that can be transformed into event spaces after dark, and secure undercover car parking available onsite. Beyond meetings, guests can unwind at Higher State, Melbourne’s first airport health and wellbeing club, featuring a pool, sauna, fitness centre, and spa services.
This year, Ennismore, a lifestyle hospitality company in which Accor holds a majority stake, will debut its 25hours and Mondrian hotel brands in Australia.
Scheduled to open in mid-2025, Mondrian Gold Coast at Burleigh Heads will introduce the brand’s signature forward-thinking design to Burleigh’s iconic coastal landscape. Blending bold architecture with immersive experiences, the property will offer 208 luxurious studios, suites, homes, Beach Houses and Sky House, alongside two-levels of destination dining, pool club, a bio-wellness spa, and 20 versatile event spaces that redefine meetings and celebrations.
The highly anticipated 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia, opening in mid-2025, will transform the heritage-listed Olympia Theatre into a creative hub. Its distinctive design, infused with cinematic nostalgia and the vision of Sydney artist Kubi Vasak, will feature more than 100 guest rooms, three concept suites, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, and a variety of dining options. The hotel promises a fresh approach to meetings and events, and will feature two meeting rooms on the lower ground floor with the largest accommodating up to 80 people for a banquet style.
Event Spaces
In addition to these new hotels, Accor hasd announce the transformation of several iconic properties, ensuring they continue to set the benchmark for exceptional event spaces.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has unveiled its $70 million refurbishment, redefining luxury hospitality and elevating the conference and events landscape in Sydney.
The extensive transformation includes a multi-million dollar investment in state-of-the-art technology by Encore, one of Sydney’s largest LED screens 16.5m x 3m in the iconic Wentworth Ballroom.
Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach has undergone a remarkable refurbishment of its conference floor, now offering 11 versatile event spaces. These include two grand ballrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame stunning views of Botany Bay, creating an idyllic setting for large-scale gatherings. Mantra Lorne has revitalised its event facilities with a fresh, modern design inspired by the surrounding coastal environment, incorporating ocean-inspired Indigenous artworks, freshly painted interiors, and upgraded furniture, resulting in a contemporary and inviting atmosphere. Meanwhile, Peppers Marysville in the Yarra Valley has introduced the Chalet Lounge, a stylish new space perfect for private events such as cocktail receptions and intimate dinners, complementing its existing facilities with added charm and versatility. These refurbishments highlight Accor’s commitment to enhancing guest experiences through thoughtful design and innovation.
Face-to Face Meetings
Research conducted by Accor reveals that face-to-face meetings remain crucial for driving business success in the digital age, with 85% of professionals anticipating significant financial benefits from in-person interactions. High-stakes moments such as contract negotiations, client engagements, and sales discussions continue to favour face- to-face settings, offering a depth of connection and trust unmatched by virtual alternatives.