ASOFIA makes the most of Sabah

Its conferences are used as industry networking events because the geographical spread
of the membership across Australia prevents it from getting together on a regular basis.

Challenges
The event took about six months to plan and organise. “Much of our workload was based around the coordination of international air travel for our delegates,” says Gerard Ryan, executive director of ASOFIA. “The actual arrangements on-site were made very easy by the Nexus Resort’s conference staff.”

One of the main challenges was moving members from five different Australian cities,” says
Ryan, “especially with so many stopovers planned at Kuala Lumpur Airport en-route to
Sabah and then back into Kuala Lumpur on the way back.

“Flights were heavily booked around that time because of the end of Ramadan. Therefore
securing flights that suited our specific needs meant travel requirements had to be confirmed
well in advance of our event.”

Once in Sabah, ASOFIA also had to divide its members into groups for activities. “Breaking
our members up into four or five different groups and coordinating their optional activities to various parts of Sabah on the Saturday afternoon also took some organising,” says Ryan.

Execution
The event was held over four days with many members staying on for further time to enjoy the resort and the location. The association’s gala dinner was the most notable highlight of the programme.

“It was an extraordinary evening held in a rainforest themed ballroom at the resort,”
says Ryan. “The themeing was sensational and I believe is a must for any group conferencing at Nexus Resort.”
The main focus was a number of important award presentations.
Special activities included visit to Sepilok Orang Utan anctuary and also the Australian
War Memorial in Sandakan.
Optional activities also included hitewater rafting, an island BQ and snorkelling at the
Tunku Abdul Rahman park nd Mengkabong Water Village.
On Sunday the Golf hallenge was held at the Nexus arambunai Golf Course.

Verdict
“Our conference at Nexus Resort was the best that we have ever held,” says Ryan. “I have organised the past seven conferences and we always lean towards the larger five-star resorts.
“The venue was sensational, the pricing was very reasonable and the range of facilities first class.
Given the size of the resort, I think that it could easily accommodate a group of almost any size.”
Ryan was also pleased with the surrounds. “The beachfront area is huge for outdoor events and the versatility of the ballroom is great,” he says. “There are different levels of accommodation that would suit different group expectations and many varied eating options.

“Sabah is a great place and is extremely safe to visit. The feedback from those who did
attend was so positive.”
“Nexus Resort and its friendly staff delivered to our people probably the best conference
they have ever attended.