Cockatoo Island’s Mega Event

Below is an extract from Spice Magazine April 2011 covering a successful event run for ATE by cievents.

The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) is Australia's premier tourism trade event and the largest international travel trade show of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The closing party for 2,500 guests was held on Sydney's Cockatoo Island on March 4.

The event, organised by cievents, was catered by Bayleaf Catering with cocktail bars by MONDO Bartenders.  With the focus on NSW Tourism there was a variety of iconic and much loved Australian produce and dishes for guests to enjoy. Bayleaf's interactive food station with elaborate theming allowed guests to taste first hand the best of what NSW has on offer. From gourmet olives and cheese from the Hunter Valley, to a Sydney Fish Markets stall hosted by Oyster Shuckers and Suashimi Chefs with an ice boat, guests enjoyed a taste of the Sydney Night Noodle Markets, an Aussie BBQ complete with Hills Hoist. There was a curry house and a wood fired pizza stall with Pizza Chefs throwing dough. The delicious dessert station with freshly rolled lamingtons, mini pavlovas and a macaroon tower was a photo opportunity and a highlight of the event for many.

Roving performers and live performers offered entertainment also. Fast action painting, chalk art, a photobooth opportunity, stilt walkers and giant bounding kangaroos as well as a trapeze champagne service had the gests captivated.

MONDO provided a unique mobile bar service with 2 themed illuminated bars. As guests arrived at the island they crossed the main apron lawn and enjoyed cocktails designed specifically for the event from the 'Waratah Bar' MONDO's team of beverage professionals features some of Sydney's best bartenders showcasing their flair cocktail skills which kept the guests entertained and offered advice on which NSW wine to try and information on local boutique beer. Staff wore banded aprons and drinks were served with branded napkins.

The event required a waitstaff of 120, with 60 chefs, a 30-person production team, 65 entertainers and 50-strong security team for approximately 2,500 guests. The venue, Cockatoo Island, is steeped in history. From its early days in 1840 as a convict prison to the Turbine Shed which is the largest building on the island built in 1946. It was the largest building in the Southern Hemisphere at the time.

There are a variety of events spaces on the island and Bayleaf had to transport all equipment and produce on multiple barge movements over 4 days. Food was transported in refrigerated prime movers along with pallets of alcohol and a chartered vessel for staff.

While the remote location proved to be a chore, Bayleaf Catering's general manager Bridget Seaman said that the entire event ran well with the venue location being one of the more exciting aspects of the unique event.