Prevue July/August 2014 - (Page 59)

Auckland Exhilarating adventure and scenic beauty in a foodie's paradise A [ON LOCATION] LAUREL HERMAN & GRISEL DIAZ-ORS Auckland is an international crossroad of the world that is perfectly situated and suited for meetings and incentive groups because of its cultural diversity, world-class food and wine plus a vibrant and friendly city vibe. Dubbed the largest Polynesian city in the world, it gives planners plenty of options for immersing groups in art, music, theater, culinary events and active adventures. The central business district (CBD) is compact with everything groups would need from convention facilities, accommodations, eateries, museums and nightlife-all within a 15-minute walk. "Welcoming incentive and corporate groups is always exciting," says Keri Davis, managing director of ICEworks, a luxury DMC. "With over 120 miles of coastline encircling two beautiful harbors, a heritage rainforest, world-class wineries, a sophisticated dining scene and adrenaline-powered activities our clients are spoiled for choice." SOFITEL LUXURY We arrived in Auckland on Air New Zealand's nonstop service from LA (nonstop from San Francisco service as well) for a site inspection designed by ICEworks. Our home base was the 172-room Soﬁtel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, which is conveniently situated on the fringe of the CBD in the waterfront Wynyard district with vibrant waterside restaurants and bars. This 5-star property welcomed us with its open-air atrium and natural light. The hotel has seven unique meeting and event venues. Boardroom meetings are held on the top ﬂoor with cocktails on the Marina Terrace or in the Boulevard Room, which overlooks the terrace with ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows. Rooms are spacious and modern with black, chocolate and soothing neutral tones and all have large bathrooms with separate tubs and showers and private balconies. SKY CITY Nearby to the Soﬁtel is Sky City, a world-class entertainment complex that offers planners a convention center, two hotels- the Sky City Grand and Sky City-a casino and the tallest sky tower in the Southern Hemisphere. The nearly 54,000-sf convention center includes 21 meeting rooms, some with retractable walls, and an on-site technical production company. The 53rd ﬂoor of the Sky Tower, one of three viewing platforms, offered stunning 360-degree views of the city. We dined at the Sugar Club, which is owned by renowned London restaurateur Peter Gordon. Flavors from around the world make up the restaurant's creative fusion style, which is well suited for sharing and group exploration. Peter's menu is comprised of "small plates" so you can prevuemeetings.com | 59 59-60_Auckland.indd 59 7/2/14 9:28 PM http://www.prevuemeetings.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue July/August 2014

Planner’s Pick: The Franklin Institute
Fresh Meets: Marriott Hotels
Bureau Buzz: Bermuda Tourism Authority
Good Business: Anaheim/Orange County CVB
Sea Shores: Table for 2 (Hundred)
Table Talk Creativity and engagement add flavor to culinary events
SPECIAL SECTION: THE CARIBBEAN More than a vacation spot, paradise for meetings
IRF INVITATIONAL Secrets Puerto Los Cabos hosts the biggest incentive forum yet
On Location: Dominican Republic
On Location: Westin Hilton Head
On Location: Vancouver
LOUISIANA Culture, dramatic venues and immersive tours surround the Big Easy
ORLANDO AIBTM host city is a top draw for meetings
On Location: Auckland
SUSTAINABLE MEETINGS GMIC helps planners minimize their footprint
Checkout: Thompson Chicago

Prevue July/August 2014