Amway Korea returns to Cairns

Challenges This was the second incentive held in the Great Barrier Reef region by Amway Korea, following their first seminar in 2001. Amway wanted a similar format, but points of difference were essential so delegates would leave with a greater sense of what the area had to offer. Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina Cairns was the host for the event, which presented some interesting challenges for the hotel. Groups of 500 delegates were booked back to back, so all rooms had to be ready within hours for the next group's arrival. One hotel room was transformed into a hospitality lounge and three more into spa treatment rooms. To smooth operations and administration, the hotel also installed 20 computers and an extra 22 telephone lines. Amway Korea had their own team of 17 chefs, who worked closely with 35 of Shangri-La's chefs to create a mix of Western and Korean dishes. Execution There were 2,500 delegates divided into five waves of 500 delegates per group. The programme was divided into a series of events, including one business seminar and two days of activities to experience tropical north Queensland. Tours included the Great Barrier Reef, whitewater rafting, a wildlife park, some leisure time and group functions. For the reef trip, the Quicksilver Group was able to comfortably transport the large group there and back in just one luxurious boat. At the farewell function, delegates met a range of Australian native animals, including baby crocodiles and koalas, from Cairns Tropical Zoo. The dinner venue, Cairns Convention Centre, created a table-top buffet service, thus maximising the chances that delegates had to mingle. The five-course meal was served within 60 minutes. Transport for the large groups was provided by Down Under Tours, which included 125 coach movements a day and kept ten coaches in full use. Seven tonnes of kimchee was ordered from Korea and prepared, and the Koreans showed their love of seafood, consuming 5.5 tonnes of Australia's best. In addition there were 18 tonnes of fruit and vegetables and 4.5 tonnes of beef consumed. Verdict The Amway Korea Leadership Conference was a very successful event for the region with many operators working collaboratively to ensure the overall success of the event. Amway Korea conference organiser, SY Paik, CEO of Sharp Travel Korea says: "The Amway management wanted to pass on their sincere thanks for a fantastic event. The service, staff and organisation of the farewell night was outstanding." Charles Calthrop