AS ANTICIPATION builds for the opening of The Star Brisbane and the Queen’s Wharf precinct, travelBulletin sits down with the new resort’s Chief Operating Officer of Hospitality, Kelvin Dodt, to find out all about the event offerings.
The $3.6 billion precinct, which will begin a multi-phased opening from 29 August, will feature an array of unique event and entertainment venues, in addition to new restaurants, bars, hotels, and public spaces.
A dedicated event centre, aptly called just that, will be among the first to open. The 2,000 square metre pillarless building is capable of hosting up to 2,000 (theatre), 1,800 (cocktail), and 1,440 (banquet) attendees, making it ideal for sit-down gala dinners, trade shows, incentives, and cocktail soirees.
The Event Centre comprises a ballroom that can be divided into five separate spaces, a pre-/post-function area, six conference rooms, and boasts market-leading, high definition AV technology and support team.
“Event attendees will be wowed from the moment they enter the dedicated event space, with a striking central glass atrium creating a sense of glamour and grandeur,” Dodt revealed.
“Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the stunning Brisbane City skyline and an exclusive outdoor terrace offers views across the city
to the iconic Story Bridge, perfect for pre and post-event functions.
“From hosting a sit-down gala dinner, cocktail soirée or rooftop product launch, to coordinating a large-scale exhibition, trade show or international incentive, our purpose-designed event spaces provide unrivalled variety and flexibility, enabling us to cater to bespoke events of any scale.”
It’s no surprise that The Star Brisbane has sparked strong interest from the domestic and international market, with several major events already in pipeline. Dodt said the resort is proud to host the Queensland tourism industry’s premier events in November, including Destination IQ, DestinationQ Forum, and Queensland Tourism Awards gala ceremony.
Event organisers can also take advantage of Sky Deck, the precinct’s ‘signature showcase’ – a rooftop space soaring 100 metres above the Brisbane River, with sweeping views from the CBD to Moreton Bay and a capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 people.
“With three bespoke venues suited to private events, this sky-high playground is the ideal locale for unforgettable product launches or sunset soirées,” Dodt enthused.
He also pointed out the endless event possibilities presented by the Leisure Deck, an open-air oasis spanning the size of two football fields, while The Landing, a ‘green wharf’ situated on the river’s edge, is perfect for riverfront activities and offers the ability to board boats and explore Brisbane River, the bay and beyond.
The precinct will also be home to live music venue, LiveWire, which Dodt believes will “bring the soundtrack of Brisbane to life” with a “genre-bending” line-up of live acts and late-night entertainment featuring homegrown talent, as well as a program of special events. LiveWire’s confirmed entertainment will be announced closer to its opening on 29 August.
Event guests can stay at any of the precinct’s four future luxury hotels once complete, including The Star’s own signature five-star hotel, The Star Grand, which is now available to book. There will also be a whole host of places to dine at, including the Sports Bar and a reimagined Fat Noodle restaurant by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen.
