FREE from the stresses and strains of the city, the Hunter Valley offers event organisers a range of options for hosting events from small business gatherings to large-scale conferences.
Just a two hour drive from Sydney and less than 50 minutes from Newcastle Airport, the Hunter Valley provides a blend of distance and accessibility that makes it an ideal location for business events.
The Hunter offers a broad selection of experiences that can be paired with a diverse range of accommodation and venues, with premium resorts to intimate hotels and boutique guesthouses.
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is the home of the Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre, the region’s largest, boasting 4,600m2 of events space and a capacity for 1,675 delegates.
The resort has the flexibility to cater for a variety of events from large-scale conferences to small meetings, with 20 events spaces and 14 meeting rooms, and a range of accommodation options from deluxe hotel rooms and villas to the heritage-listed Glenmore House.
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Area General Manager Lachlan Walker said the venue aimed to let businesses “escape hustle without the hassle”.
“We believe our perfect distance, world-class wineries and gourmet produce can stimulate better thinking, eliminate distraction and immerse people with inspiring experiences to contribute and gain more with their attendance,” he said.
The resort partners with a number of event specialists, including Scene Change, which equips the centre with state-of-the-art technology and Pinnacle Team Events, which offers conference organisers the option to run professional and fun experiential learning events.
Event planners can also use the resort’s partnership with Vineyard Shuttle to arrange airport transfers from Sydney and Newcastle, or to and from restaurants and vineyards throughout the region.
Within the resort, Hunter Valley Golf provides an 18-hole championship course set amongst the vineyards, offering conference delegates the opportunity to unwind, while getting the chance to network.
Event organisers looking to host their meeting or conference at the Crowne Plaza before 31 August, can secure the Winter Day Delegate Package for $80 per person.
Estate Tuscany
Estate Tuscany, previously known as The Tuscany Wine Estate Resort, offers organisers a tranquil establishment to stimulate creativity and innovation.
The resort has a number of function rooms for events from conferences to workshops or private business meetings, with a total capacity for 300 people.
With an on-site cookery school, groups of 10 or more conference delegates can take part in one or three-hour cooking challenges designed to build teamwork skills, cooperation and leadership, while getting hands-on experience in the kitchen with the resort’s Executive Chef.
Alternatively, groups can take on the Wine Olympics, which takes delegates on a series of wine-based challenges, including grape stomping, wine spitting, cork popping, a waiter relay and an array of other winery-related activities.
The boutique venue features 38 rooms offering accommodation for a maximum of 76 guests.
Chateau Elan
Chateau Elan at The Vintage Golf Club offers another high-quality events centre, with a variety of meeting rooms available for event organisers to choose from.
The venue offers a range of accommodations options from studio villas to one- and two-bedroom apartments.
A dedicated Golf Group Coordinator can help preparations for corporate golf days.
