From last-minute briefs to record-breaking conferences, 2025 has been a year of growth, surprises, and a few unforgettable stories.

In this special season wrap-up, Carla sits down with venue sourcing specialists Mary Jane (MJ) and Denielle to talk about what really happened behind the scenes — the trends that defined the year, the destinations that stole the spotlight, and the moments that reminded us why we love the events industry.

They share what’s changed in client behaviour, why timing matters more than ever, and how The Conference Shop continues to help planners cut through the noise.

📩 Got an event brief? Let us do the legwork: enquiry@theconferenceshop.com.au

With 25 years in hospitality — from cooking school in London to sales leadership across Asia-Pacific — Elliott Miller has seen every side of the industry. Now as Director of Sales for Meetings & Events, Entertainment, Sport and Groups, Pacific at Accor, he oversees one of the largest and most diverse hotel portfolios in the region.

In this episode, Elliott and Carla dive into:

▪️ Accor’s standout venues for meetings and events — from Manly Pacific MGallery to Novotel Sunshine Coast

▪️ Exciting new openings and refurbishments, including Mondrian Gold Coast, 25Hours Sydney and Sofitel Wentworth Sydney

▪️ Why loyalty programs like ALL Meeting Planner are changing the way clients book events

▪️ How Accor is leading on sustainability, from eco-certification to eliminating single-use plastics

▪️ And the time a major keynote turned into an “unplugged” presentation after an AV fail

🎧 The Conference Shop and All the Goss is brought to you by The Conference Shop — a free venue finding service helping busy event planners find the right venue, fast. 📩 Got an event brief? Let us do the legwork: enquiry@theconferenceshop.com.au

Dean Jones, Vice President of Commercial for East Asia & Pacific at IHG Hotels & Resorts, oversees one of IHG’s most dynamic markets.

In this episode, Dean Jones shares:

▪️ The openings and refurbishments shaping IHG’s portfolio in 2025 — including Voco Gosford & Regent Melbourne ▪️ Why IHG’s “culture of firsts” matters for planners

▪️ How their Meeting for Good program makes sustainable events easy

▪️ The industry trends smart planners are acting on now

🎧 The Conference Shop and All the Goss is brought to you by The Conference Shop — a free venue finding service helping busy EAs and planners find the right venue, fast.

📩 Got an event brief? Let us do the legwork: enquiry@theconferenceshop.com.au