Organising a conference at an inspiring destination can transform a regular meeting into a memorable experience for delegates. In 2026, business travellers increasingly crave fresh settings, immersive experiences and opportunities to combine work with leisure. Choosing the right destination and venue removes day‑to‑day distractions, deepens engagement and reinforces your event message. This guide outlines why a destination conference could be the ideal option for your next event and highlights some of the exceptional venues offered by AVPartners across Australia.

Fewer distractions and greater focus

One of the most compelling reasons to host a destination conference is the absence of everyday distractions. Off‑site meetings allow participants to focus on the topics at hand without the interruptions of routine work, errands and chores. Fresh surroundings stimulate creativity; stepping out of a familiar environment helps attendees think more strategically and connect to the big picture. According to meeting experts, changing scenery revitalises teams and encourages more productive collaboration. Moving a conference to a resort or cultural destination provides a neutral ground where colleagues can interact more openly, encouraging authentic dialogue and new perspectives.

Higher commitment and engagement

Traveling to a destination takes effort and signals that delegates are willing to invest their time in your conference. This commitment often translates into higher engagement with the programme. People who travel for an event are more likely to attend every session, participate in discussions and network with other attendees. Being away from routine encourages attendees to focus on learning and connections rather than leaving early to get back to their office. Host venues that provide seamless logistics and professional audiovisual production can make the experience effortless; AVPartners’ Event Technology services combine sound, lighting, staging and streaming to ensure every session is seen and heard clearly.

Combining business with leisure (“bleisure”)

Bleisure—combining business travel with leisure—has become a major trend. Studies show that around two‑thirds of travellers have taken a bleisure trip. Destination conferences tap into this trend by offering attractive locations that double as holiday destinations. When your venue is near beaches, wineries or cultural attractions, attendees can plan a short holiday before or after the conference. This not only boosts attendance but also enhances satisfaction; exploring local landmarks, cuisine and culture makes the event memorable. For instance, Hamilton Island in Queensland offers stunning beaches alongside a 1,000‑seat convention centre and a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces. Delegates can attend plenary sessions in the convention centre and then enjoy sailing, snorkelling or dining by the water.

Making the event memorable

A new setting adds a sense of adventure and ensures the event stands out in participants’ minds. Changing the environment stimulates creativity, fuels better thinking and creates lasting memories. Destination conferences often integrate local culture and experiences, whether it’s exploring local cuisine, learning about indigenous traditions or participating in outdoor activities, which helps attendees connect more deeply. Participants return home energised and inspired, having formed stronger bonds with colleagues. To maximise impact, choose venues that combine memorable settings with state‑of‑the‑art facilities. At the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, AVPartners installed a 16 m × 4 m LED screen and colour‑changeable pinspot lighting in the Grand Ballroom, creating a high‑impact backdrop for presentations, ceremonies and entertainment.

Reaching new audiences

Hosting a conference away from your headquarters encourages participants from other regions or countries to attend. Destination conferences attract local communities and new customer segments, expanding your network and brand reach. Selecting a destination with a major airport and reliable transport infrastructure makes it easier for both domestic and international travellers to join. You can also use the location itself as a marketing tool; attendees may be more willing to register if the conference is held somewhere they have always wanted to visit. For example, The Ritz‑Carlton, Perth offers more than 2,000 square metres of event space overlooking the Swan River and pairs luxury accommodation with local experiences. This venue can attract delegates from across Australia and overseas who want to explore Western Australia while attending a world‑class conference.

Incorporating local culture, wellness and sustainability

Destination conferences in 2026 are not just about location; they embrace immersive experiences, sustainability and wellbeing. Event planners increasingly incorporate cultural excursions, local cuisine and community projects into their programmes Attendees want authentic interactions with their host destination, whether through indigenous storytelling, art workshops or farm‑to‑table dinners. Wellness is also a priority: many destination meetings offer yoga, meditation or nature walks to help guests recharge. Sustainability matters too; initiatives such as sourcing food locally and reducing waste demonstrate environmental responsibility. When choosing a venue, ask about its sustainability policies and ability to deliver eco‑friendly events. Venues like The Ritz‑Carlton and Four Seasons are known for high standards of service and environmental stewardship, ensuring your conference aligns with modern values.

Selecting the right venue

The venue you choose can make or break your destination conference. Consider capacity, available spaces, technological capabilities, proximity to airports and attractions, and the support offered by your audiovisual partner. AVPartners offers a range of venues across Australia to suit every event style.

• Hamilton Island, Whitsundays – Perfectly situated on the Great Barrier Reef, this venue features a 1,000‑seat convention centre as well as intimate meeting rooms and outdoor spaces. It’s ideal for conferences that combine business sessions with beachside leisure.
• Four Seasons Hotel Sydney – Located steps from Sydney’s Circular Quay, this elegant hotel features a recently refurbished Grand Ballroom with a 16 m × 4 m LED screen, colour‑changeable table pinspot lighting and a concert‑ready sound system. It’s suited to high‑end conferences and gala dinners.
• The Ritz‑Carlton, Perth – With over 2,000 square metres of event space, including the Elizabeth Quay Ballroom and intimate meeting rooms, this hotel combines timeless luxury with a local spirit.

These are just a few examples. AVPartners’ venues page lists locations in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia. Each property offers flexible spaces, modern audiovisual technology and on‑site expertise. When researching venues, visit in person if possible, and confirm that the venue can support your event’s scale and technical requirements. Integrate themes, staging and styling elements through AVPartners’ Event Theming, Staging & Styling services to create a cohesive look.

Planning considerations and next steps

Effective destination conferences require detailed planning. Begin by defining your objectives, target audience and budget. Research destinations that align with your goals and appeal to attendees. Look for locations with strong transport links, reliable infrastructure and a range of accommodation options. Incorporate local attractions and experiences into your agenda, and build in wellness breaks to keep attendees energised. Consider hybrid components to accommodate those who cannot travel; AVPartners’ Live Streaming Services for Virtual & Hybrid Events enable remote participation without sacrificing production quality. Above all, collaborate with an experienced audiovisual partner to ensure every technical element, from sound and lighting to recordings and livestreams, is expertly managed.

Destination conferences offer far more than a change of scenery. They provide opportunities for deeper engagement, creative thinking and lasting memories. By selecting the right destination and venue, incorporating authentic local experiences and partnering with a trusted audiovisual expert, you can deliver a conference that resonates with attendees long after they return home. To explore venues and plan your next destination conference, visit AVPartners’ venues page or contact us.