Poolwerx celebrated the company’s 21st birthday with the ‘Keytiki - it’s the key to the future’ Convention at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas. The theme played on the 21st birthday tradition of getting a big key signed by family and friends and going on a Contiki tour to Europe.
Keytiki’s opening function featured Australian swimming coach Laurie Lawrence as keynote speaker followed by a welcome dinner with themed food stalls offering Chinese, Japanese, Australian and Indian flavours and dessert. It was a great networking event to kick off four busy days of awards, workshops and functions.
The conference’s social program was the key to its success with fun and engaging activities to encourage networking. One of the highlights was the Mash Bash at Rainforestation in Kuranda. After a morning of workshopping and keynotes, delegates were treated to a relaxing afternoon travelling on Kuranda Scenic Railway through Barron Gorge National Park.
At Rainforestation a fully themed event was held based on the M*A*S*H television series. Water pistol toting delegates wearing army fatigue t-shirts got to let off some steam while they toured the rainforest in an army duck under the command of professional actors playing the Sergeant Major and Hotlips Houlihan. They then enjoyed an evening of great food and entertainment in a fully decorated mess hall where a themed band kept the crowd dancing.
“I would, without any doubt, recommend to any other company to hold their convention in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. It has some of the best locations in the world for you to utilise and be able to deliver
the wow factor to your delegates.”
A shorter session of workshops and keynotes was held on Day 3 so the remainder could be spent on the Great Barrier Reef with Quicksilver. A barbecue buffet dinner and fireworks display was held that evening at the poolside beach.
On Day 4, the venue was transformed for the Gala Dinner and Awards night which included delicious cuisine and toe-tapping entertainment.
Organisers and delegates proclaimed the conference the best Poolwerx had ever held. Delegate Lyn Wicks said it was the best conference she had ever attended. “For me, it was seamless. You and the convention team provided an incredible memorable, clockwork mind- blowing event,” she said.