CMW asked three UK buyers and agents attending Dreamtime 2023 to share their impressions
Gavin Farley CEO, Assembl
Australia truly is a destination that has everything to offer and, yes, it is a long way, so you actually have to commit to being there. Do book yourself in Premium, or Business Class if you can and take the stress out of the flight.
Gavin Farley, CEO, Assembl
If the best beaches in the world, some of the best food and drink and truly unique experiences aren’t enough reasons to consider Australia for your big event, then how about the ‘bang for your buck’ – it’s literally half the price of doing anything in the UK right now, so now is the time to make the move.
My favourite part of the trip? Was it witnessing the world’s largest daily drone show in front of the awe-inspiring Uluru, was it dining under the stars with a star gazer around a camp fire? Was it the sunrise breakfast witnessing Uluru change colour more times than I knew there were colours? Impossible to choose.
Adelaide didn’t disappoint. I got to stay at the Oval Hotel, part of one of the world’s most famous cricket grounds.
Then it was off to visit some of the world’s best vineyards in the Adelaide Hills to have some of the best lunches ever. Even time for a cuddle with a koala.
The travel is a challenge, there’s no getting away from that, but as an international meeting place, Australia is connected to all the major hubs. The destination also offers value for money and a once in a lifetime experience, although you may need more than one lifetime to experience Australia to the max. My advice would be to get started now.
Martin Ellis, director, Team Umbrella
Dreamtime 2023. In hindsight it does all seem like a dream. The content was plentiful, as were the continuous tables of food. Highlights would have to include seeing sunrise over Uluru and the Field of Lights.
But that’s not to take anything away from climbing on the roof of the Oval cricket ground, or feeding a selection of kangaroos. In between there were a number of gourmet lunches, visits to vineyards, a selection of Aboriginal craft demonstrations, a street carnival, and more. Oh, and the main event – the Dreamtime business meeting, the reason we were all there. A well managed, day of meetings with quality suppliers.
Martin Ellis, director, Team Umbrella
One thing that became obvious was just how huge Australia is. Having been shown a “small cattle station” of million acres (for reference my home county Berkshire is under half of that size), and seeing from the sky the vast open spaces, it became clear that visiting Australia is not a chance to see everything. It’s my own fifth trip and everything was a new experience. In Uluru there are some truly sensational hotels, especially if you’re looking for remote, retreat-like events. And there’s a surprising amount to do. From seeing a nocturnal drone show of lights depicting native legends, to a sunset dinner complete with didgeridoo player.
You need to plan well to make the most of your time. Prepare also for the conditions – heat and flies are omnipresent. And make sure your transport is comfortable.
Zak Roby, commercial director ACA Live
Zak Roby, commercial director, ACA Live
Dreamtime thought of every detail during my time with them. Staff were welcoming and knowledgeable. Breakfast at Uluru during Sunrise will be a moment I remember for the rest of my life. But then everything I saw and experienced during my time in Australia, every single moment seemed to be made up of a blend of smaller moments, all of which were unforgettable.
Australia is now not only a destination I would recommend to my own client base, but one I would insist upon.
