Tailored Events Catering Fort Denistone

Tailored Events Catering have just got the contract to provide catering on Fort Denistone.

Last night was their launch cocktail party and it was interesting.

We arrived at the Wharf near the MCA at 6:05pm and lined up at what seemed liked the right place- no signage, no welcome party.

The guests were even asking each other: Are you going to Fort Denistone?

After waiting about half an hour we got on a water taxi, by which time another 200 guests had lined up behind us. An hour later they were still arriving.

Once at the venue, things went a bit more smoothly- though again there wasn't anyone officially greeting guests. Rather we walked along the wharf and found a dark table where name tags were scattered in no apparent order ( the young girls behind the table said they were in alphabetical order- but they weren't).

The venue was laid out in cocktail style with a clear marquee at one end. Inside the marquee, a seven piece band (too loud) and several food service areas (all crowded together at one end of the marquee- why?).

OK, so the food and drink was well done.

But why do caterers continue to pretend that they understand the dynamics of event production?

There was a speech from Mrs Tailor (I think) and then it was time to move on.

Luckily we hadn't had that many drinks and getting onto the rocking beast of a water taxi was fun (if hazardous) and the trip back was pleasant.

BUT the venue has some issues.

Apart from the access problem, once you are on the island you really can't see much of the harbour sights due to the odd sightlines and if you want to smoke you have to stand on the wharf.

Plus, of a nighttime, this venue is not suited to an international group. As part of a daytime event for perhaps a lunch drop off, maybe.

Selling a Hotel as a Cricket Pitch

Back in the 80's there was a group of PCO's (Professional Convention Organisers) from the States who came here on a 'famil' to be sold our great resources.

The Sheraton Wentworth went to a production company (since defunct) who sold them on the idea of a Cricket Breakfast to show these people how creative and exciting the hotel would be for them.

So 40 people get to have breakfast in a darkened ballroom, covered in astroturf and draped in camouflage nets, while watching a game they didn't understand with a backdrop of clever projections they weren't interested in.

The breakfast cost $40,000 for the staging, plus catering.
The 40 guests (I don't think they ALL turned up but hey!) to my knowledge referred absolutely no business to the hotel as a result.

But then again, don't all Americans like sitting in the dark watching cricket for breakfast?

Hmmm... Think again.

THE LESSON:
Don't be flummoxed by kid producers. Rather, listen carefully to what your audience is looking for, and give it to them. And if you are really clever, give them even more than that.

Never less.

Ubud, A Safe Place in Bali

Will there be another bomb attack this October?

It was the first week of October that the last two occurred.

The only smart thing to do is avoid Bali around that time.

At the same time it might be wise to consider Ubud as a destination.

High up the mountainside it is a lot cooler than the coast and the people are a lot more laid back.

Also, so far there has not been any trouble up there.

On the downside the largest resorts only have about 60 rooms but there is a conference facility being finished as I type...

Worth considering.

I love working in Bali- such a commitment to style and enjoyment.

And an understanding of service that we often lack in Terror Australis.