BESydney Scores $50 Million Nu Skin Mega Incentive

BESydney Scores $50 Million Nu Skin Mega Incentive

Direct selling company, Nu Skin, has confirmed that its 2016 incentive trip will be to Sydney.

The announcement was made at a recent Nu Skin Academy event in Macau.

This is one of the largest incentive wins in BESydney’s 44-year history and one of the largest incentive groups Australia has ever hosted.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said, “It’s a milestone in the making. Sydney shines as a strategically-important destination for Asian corporates looking to reward, motivate and inspire their top sales people. The city is a firm favourite for Asian companies, and this win is testament to this.”

The incentive will see Nu Skin’s qualifying sales people travel to Sydney for a five-day program in April 2016. Delegates will travel from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

Nu Skin Greater China Regional President Andrew Fan said, “Sydney has exceeded every expectation. Throughout this journey its stakeholders have united for a cohesive, whole-of-city approach which we have not witnessed before. I am confident that Sydney will deliver an outstanding incentive program. Our sales people will feel motivated and inspired by Sydney as the 2016 host destination and this is sure to drive sales performances.”

The winning bid was the result of collaboration between BESydney, Destination NSW, Tourism Australia, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Sydney Airport Corporation Limited.

In addition to the 2016 Nu Skin event, BESydney has secured $278 million worth of confirmed business for the future.

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Japan vs United Arab Emirates | AFC Asian Cup - Quarter-Finals Sydney

Japan vs United Arab Emirates | AFC Asian Cup - Quarter-Finals Sydney

Reigning Asian Cup champions, Japan, take on the United Arab Emirates in this crucial Quarter Final clash at Stadium Australia.

Having breezed through the group stage with a straight run of wins, the star-studded Samurai Blue squad are a contender to once again take out the comp.

But the UAE can't be written off just yet, with impressive wins in their group stage, particularly over Qatar. 

Will Samurai Blue progress to the Semi Finals, or will the United Arab Emirates cause a surprise upset? Be here to witness world class football at it's best.

About the AFC Asian Cup Quarter Final 

Sydney will be hosting one of the AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals at Stadium Australia in Olympic Park. Get your tickets early and see two of the greatest teams battle it out to make a semi-final.

The AFC Asian Cup 2015 is one of the most exciting sporting events to come to Australia. It is the largest football tournament in the Asia Pacific region and will be hotly contested by some of the best teams and players in the world.

Featuring Asia's top 16 qualifying teams, this much anticipated competition promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for football and sport fans alike.

EVENT SCHEDULE

TIME	ACTIVITY
6:30PM	Gates Open
8:30PM	Japan v United Arab EmirateS

Venue Address:

Stadium Australia
Sydney Olympic Park
NSW 2127

Find out more at www.afcasiancup.com

25th Art of Sydney Awards Exhibition

25th Art of Sydney Awards Exhibition

The 25th “Art of Sydney” Awards Exhibition is a unique opportunity to view over 300 original artworks. All artworks are offered for sale.

It is an annual celebration showcasing the wonderful diversity of Sydney’s leading local artists and features artworks from 13 Art Societies around Sydney. In addition the “Art of Sydney” exhibition also raises funds for CareFlight.

CASS (Combined Art Societies of Sydney Inc.) is celebrating its Quarter Century! 25 years is an amazing success story especially as CASS is a non-profit group run totally by volunteer lovers of art.

Time: Daily 9.30am to 7pm on Sat 24 & Sun 25 Jan.
From: 9.30am to 10pm on Australia Day, Mon 26 Jan.
From: 9.30am to 6pm on Tues 27 Jan – when Exhibition closes

More Information on the Combined Art Societies of Sydney website

City of Sydney Chases Chinese Business and Tourism

Chinese business and tourism relationships remain a focus for the City of Sydney into the new year with the Lord Mayor visiting the country and speaking at a business forum.

 In November finance company executives, leading academics and government officials met for the fourth annual Sydney China Business Forum. Lord Mayor Clover Moore opened the forum of 200 business and political leaders from the two countries by saying Sydney must compete with the Asia-Pacific for Chinese investment.

“Sydney is competing to be the top location for business in the Asia-Pacific and our work to bring together industry and political leaders from Australia and China is a crucial part of that,” Moore said.
“We are the gateway to Australia’s financial, education, creative and tourism sectors and we are delighted to back an event that shows off our city’s credentials. The Free Trade Agreement between our two economies means growing business connections now presents huge possibilities, and the City is determined to help businesses seize them,” a spokesperson for the Mayor’s office said.

 Following visits to Chinese cities Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xi’an and Wuhan the Lord Mayor also hosted Chinese delegations, including the Governor and Deputy-Governor of Hubei Province in Sydney.

 The signing of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) between the countries, the text of which was concluded in November 2014, is due to take place later this year. This will mean the removal of tariffs on commodities exported to China including energy resources, dairy, iron ore and the delicacy that is Tasmanian rock-lobster.

 An announcement at last year’s G20 summit that Sydney would be the global infrastructure hub has significant repercussions for the city’s financial relationship with China. Chris Johnson, the CEO of Urban Taskforce, said the endorsement could lead to extensive offshore opportunities for developers across Asia, particularly in digital, technological and creative industries.

“As well as the potential for increased markets for developers there is the increased work potential for consultants like project managers, planners, engineers and architects, ” Mr Johnson said.

 The ongoing strength of Australia’s bilateral partnership with China has particularly strong implications for the higher education trade. International students are a significant source of revenue for the Australian economy, with course fees being significantly higher for international students than for domestic students.

 A 2011 report by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship stated that the highest number of applications for a student visa came from China, with 49,852 visas granted in 2010-11.
Professor Kerry Brown, Executive Director of the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, said that a good quality lifestyle and good economy are amongst the main incentives for Chinese students coming to Sydney.

“With so many Chinese students having graduated from largely business and economic based degrees in recent years, it is not surprising that finance has been able to employ good quality students to work particularly in centres like Sydney and Melbourne,” Prof Brown said.

“Expanding trade links to China [mean] that in the future, [links to Australia] are useful for Chinese students in their careers,” Prof Brown said.

Although study costs are high, it is more financially accessible for Chinese students who can afford to study overseas to do so in Australia than in other global cities.

At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), tuition and course fees are approximately AUD$64,000 per annum for undergraduate courses. Kings College London, offer clinically-based courses such as medicine and dentistry at a cost of approximately AUD$67,000 per annum. 

For international students, the expense of studying courses such as dentistry and engineering at the University of Sydney is approximately AUD$39,700 per annum. A science degree at UNSW costs approximately AUD$37,440 per annum.

 Considering comparative affordability for international students, Sydney is particularly attractive. “With so many Chinese students having graduated from largely business and economic based degrees in recent years, it is not surprising that finance has been able to employ good quality students to work particularly in centres like Sydney and Melbourne,” Prof Brown said.

Rates of Chinese tourism to Australia remain strong and Sydney continues to have strong appeal for travellers, the majority of whom come from Shanghai and Beijing.

 A major research project by Tourism Australia, the findings of which were published in May 2014, found that 57% of Chinese respondents ranked ‘world class beauty and natural environments,’ as two of the most important factors when selecting a travel destination. The availability of good food and wine, safety, and ‘spectacular coastal scenery’ were also considered.

 According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), rates of short-term tourist arrivals from China have grown at a pace faster than that of any other country to Australia, climbing from 2.4% (of the total proportion of visitors to Australia) in 2000 to 7.7% in 2010. Notably, this figure jumped to 24.7% by the end of September 2014.

 Destination NSW has implemented a comprehensive tourism strategy, the China Tourism Strategy and Action Plan (2012-2020), to continue to cater to the large Chinese market. The strategy is aimed at capitalising on the existing market and ensuring ongoing growth for the industry.

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Thriller Live | Sydney Lyric Theatre 2015

THRILLER LIVE, a spectacular theatrical production now in its record breaking 6th year in London’s West end, celebrates the career of the world’s greatest entertainer, Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five.

THRILLER LIVE is over two hours of non-stop hits that pays homage to Michael Jackson’s legendary live performances and the magic of his 45 year musical history.

Featuring all of Jackson’s favourite songs including: I Want You Back, ABC, Can You Feel It, Off The Wall, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, Bad and Thriller!

Australian star of Michael Jackson 'Thriller' show says it's a dream come true

It's not impersonation, it's celebration. That's the heavily underlined message from performer MiG Ayesa and executive producer Torben Brookman about Thriller Live, a touring stage show featuring the songs and stylings of pop great Michael Jackson.

"We don't want to impersonate Michael Jackson. First of all I'm not black so it's a different thing," said Filipino-born, Sydney-raised Ayesa, who is one of five singers taking on Jackson's legacy.

"I'm not pretending to be Michael Jackson, I'm being MiG singing Michael Jackson songs with four other singers and 16 dancers. Having said that we need to hint at his style, try and emulate his flavour without ever mimicking. It's a really careful balance because of course he has those serious fans who will know if you've hit the wrong angle on a particular dance move."

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes (including a 20 minute interval)

Show Dates: 26 February - 16 March 2015

Latest Tripadvisor Reviews on Metro Hotel Sydney Central - Jan 2015

Reviews on Metro Hotel Sydney Central

“Sydney weekend with the girls!”

Reviewed 3 days ago by AussieBunchNEW

Spent one night here when we went visited Sydney to see Dirty Dancing at the Lyric Theatre. Hotel has been renovated and the room was clean and tidy, bathroom clean bit only partially renovated, toilet was old, tiles regrouted but old. Hotel is in an elegant location, opposite the Capitol Theatre, waking distance to Central, Paddy's Markets, Chinatown and Darling Harbour. Would stay there again no problem, got a great deal on Agoda, book 3 rooms, each had a Queen and Single bed.

• Stayed January 2015, travelled with friends

“Great week away!!”

Reviewed 5 days ago by Tayla RNEW

Loved our stay here!! Close enough to walk to so many attractions, like Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, Central Station is 100m walk away and bus stops dotted every couple of metres. Staff were fantastic, excellent and helpful. Room itself was beautiful and clean when we arrived. Only downside was the TV was a bit staticky with some channels but it didn't impact our viewing much. Would definitely stay here again 10/10 recommend!!

Stayed January 2015, travelled with friends

Australia Day 2015 | Darling Harbour Sydney

Darling Harbour is home (and host) to the nation’s biggest harbourside party every year on 26 January.

The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority is proud to once again bring Darling Harbour to life for you on Australia Day, as part of our commitment to supporting the NSW visitor economy.

There are so many ways to be Australian; celebrate them all at Darling Harbour with our program of family fun, festivities and fireworks!

We’re all about free entertainment! The kids will love the colourful Circus Playground at Palm Grove, where they can learn to juggle, hula hoop and stilt-walk.

Enjoy live world music as artists from the Culture Beats program return to the stage, showcasing sounds from traditional Cretan music to West African rhythms.

Watch out for musical lifeguards and kangaroos on stilts around the bay, and look out for a Bollywood flash mob, lawn-bowling swing-dancers and contemporary Indigenous performers busting out their best moves at Pier 26.

Witness a heart-warming twilight concert from The Voice’s Darren Percival, enjoy the official NSW Australia Day ceremony, catch international superstar DJ Havana Brown performing live at Darling Quarter, then be wowed by spectacular fireworks and music shows lighting up Cockle Bay and NEW location, Tumbalong Park.

With all this and more on offer and so many bars and restaurants to choose from, Darling Harbour is the only place to celebrate our nation’s day with your family and friends.

Event Accessibility:

An accessible viewing area is available at Palm Grove located at the southern end of Cockle Bay, opposite IMAX.

View accessibility map