Event Highlights

Date: Aug - Sep 2015

Event Type: Annual Meeting, Conference and Workshops

Delegates: 600

Introduction

SMC Conference & Function Centre’s (SMC) versatile spaces provide an elevated level of accessibility to all types of events via extensive accessible design, including direct access for unassisted entry, and indirect access compatible with assistive technology such as hearing loops.

Accessibility initiatives include, but are not limited to: • Specialised AV and equipment hire such as access to ramps for stages, hearing loops, Auslan interpretation, large font and downloadable print options and clever lighting • Providing guidance and information regarding transport options – public and private – and accessible parking • Private access for ease in drop off and pick up • Lift access to all floors of the building • Clear directional signage • Wheelchair accessible, flat, street level entry to the building • Male, female and disabled bathrooms on the ground, 1st, 3rd and 5th floors • Lower tables available for catering • Extensive information and advice on hotels with accessible accommodation

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Essential Briefing

Date: 11 August 2015

Event Type: Annual Meeting

Delegates: 600

Key achievements: Efficiently facilitated NDIS update briefing; a national roadshow.

Brief

Hosted by National Disability Services (NDS), the event objective was to update and brief attendees on the progress of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and provide information for individuals and service providers on how NDIS’ progression will affect them.

A roadshow event, NDIS Essential Briefing sessions were held across 8 capital cities and required 3 months of advanced planning. For NDS, an organisation specialising in disability services, it was paramount that the chosen venue had complete accessibility, and SMC delivered on this exceptionally.

For the second year running, the event was successfully hosted in the Banquet Hall for 600 guests, illustrating their, flexibility and outstanding levels of accessibility. Having held the event previously at SMC, no site inspection was necessary as NDS trusted SMC’s ability to meet their brief in a timely manner, making it “an easy planning process”.

“SMC are a great venue to work with and we wouldn’t hesitate using them again,”
─ Olivia Bulluss, National Events Coordinator, NDS.

NSW Health Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) Workshops

Date: 7, 11, 14 and 15 September 2015

Event Type: Workshop

Delegates: 4 consultations, 20 pax per session

Key achievements: Successful consultation sessions regarding the NSW Health Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)

Brief

Hosted by independent consultant, Urbis, four sessions were carried out across a series of workshops involving people with disabilities, their carers and family members, and peak bodies, to provide firsthand information and input to the NSW Health Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

Urbis made it clear from the outset that accessibility was paramount to the successful execution of the event. This meant that close contact was a priority as SMC worked together with Urbis to ensure all accessibility requirements were addressed.

SMC seamlessly provided catering and AV support, including specific accessibility requirements for all four small scale consultation sessions, in addition to hire of the venue space.

SMC’s superior reputation in the accessibility space was clearly illustrated through Urbis’ choice to use the venue for concurrent years. Urbis did not require a site inspection as they trusted SMC’s ability to exceed expectations. The live captioning and Auslan interpretation supplier also confirmed that SMC are more than adequately equipped to meet their communications needs, and have an industry reputation for their accessibility initiatives.

“SMC is a go-to venue for accessible events. We feel confident they not only have the facilities, but more importantly, the support to provide an accessible experience. This adds enormous value in terms of managing the risk and ensuring the event is run smoothly,”
─ Sidonie Roberts, Economic and Social Advisory Consultant, Urbis.

NDIA ICT Industry Information Session

Date: 20 August 2015

Event Type: Theatre/Conference style

Delegates: 60

Key achievements: Enabled a successful information session aimed at making the ICT Industry aware of the NDIA’s technology direction

Brief

Following a glowing recommendation from a mutual contact, SMC was Deloitte’s venue of choice to host their industry information session. The venue’s extensive accessibility and positive reputation were major factors in the decision.

Taking place in the Banquet Hall, accessibility was crucial for Deloitte as the keynote speaker required mobility assistance including ramp access to the stage and AV equipment with hearing loop. Regular communication ensured that all such challenges were resolved seamlessly and in addition to providing access to accessibility features, SMC also catered the event and facilitated video recording.