Port Stephens to host major Rotary Conference in 2016

Rotary International has announced Port Stephens as the host of a major regional conference in 2016, with the event expected to attract more than 500 delegates and boost the area’s economy by an estimated $377,000.

Destination Port Stephens helped win the annual 2015/2016 convention for Rotary District 9675, a branch of Rotary International which embraces 67 Rotary clubs in central, southern, eastern and western Sydney and also the Macarthur, Sutherland Shire and Illawarra regions.

The three-day conference, which was announced at Rotary District 9675’s 2014/15 conference in Canberra, will be held at the Wests Diggers Nelson Bay Club from March 4-6, 2016. While staying in Port Stephens, delegates will enjoy local activities such as golf and dolphin cruises.

Rotary District 9675 Governor for 2015/16, Graham Wilson, said Port Stephens was selected as the venue for the next conference because of its outstanding attractions and scenery and also its convention infrastructure and support network.

“Port Stephens is a very beautiful destination and will provide the perfect setting for our delegates and partners to get away and combine business with pleasure,” Mr Wilson said. “As one of the world's oldest, largest and most respected service organisations, Rotary plays a key role in many and varied humanitarian efforts throughout the world so during our conference in Port Stephens in 2016 we will discuss our latest community projects including important programs to eradicate diseases such as polio.”

Mr Wilson said that the conference would include public display areas for clubs and residents of Port Stephens.

The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) Manager for Destination Port Stephens, Rebecca Morley, said the 2016 conference provided an invaluable opportunity to showcase the appeal of Port Stephens. “We look forward to hosting the conference which we estimate will represent a $377,000 boost to our region’s economy,” Ms Morley said. “This win confirms Port Stephens has the state-of-the-art infrastructure, spectacular setting and warm welcoming mat needed to attract major business events like this. We are confident our extensive range of attractions will enhance the experience for the delegates during the event and we look forward to securing more conferences for our region in the future.”

sourced:traveldailynews.asia