Inspire EX VIPs Going Places with the Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum (the museum) was thrilled to welcome 40 VIP Hosted Buyers to be the first to experience the newly opened Going Places: Technology of Transport (Going Places) exhibition as part of the Inspire EX Hosted Buyer Program 2014.

The museum kicked off the VIPs’ tour of the museum with an exclusive interactive experience of the Going Places: Technology of Transport exhibition that opened to the public that weekend (16 August 2014 – February 2015). The buyers were immersed in the maritime experiences at the museum with the help of expert curators, who took them on tours of the Endeavour replica and the submarine HMAS Onslow. They were also treated to a sumptuous three-course lunch, prepared and served by the museum’s newly announced catering partner, Laissez-faire against the backdrop of Sydney’s stunning harbour.  

Colin Ennor, Event Director of Orange Productions expressed his excitement on discovering what the museum has to offer for events, “It was such a pleasure to be taken around the museum and uncover everything they have to offer for events. I was aware of their harbour side position; their extensive event venue collection but not the extent to which we are able to incorporate exhibitions into events – this is a truly unique event option,” Mr Ennor said.

“To be the first to see, touch and feel the Going Places exhibition was very special and to get to taste for ourselves just what was possible with the cuisine prepared in-house at the museum, offered a total experience of the venue. I am already looking at potential bespoke events in my calendar to take advantage of this largely undiscovered venue,” Mr Ennor added.

In relaying the museum team’s enthusiasm at the opportunity to host the VIPs, Deanna Varga, Acting Assistant Director said, “The museum team were thrilled to showcase to this very important group of hosted buyers what’s really possible at the museum, rain, hail or shine. Our team prides itself on creating unique event experiences and working with our clients to host truly memorable events.”

“The team have had the pleasure of organising VIP dinners on the HMAS Vampire; Corporate Family Days and more formal conferences with a touch of maritime incorporating our many exhibitions – a number of which are interactive. We’re also very lucky we have the support of our catering partner Laissez-faire to bring our clients’ event ideas to life,” Ms Varga added.

The museum team were also present at Inspire EX for the duration of the tradeshow, meeting with the very many qualified buyers and interested event organisers that attended across the two days.

For a new addition to event experiences, the Going Places: Technology of Transportexhibition, developed by SciTech in Perth WA, is on now until February 2015. Going Places is proudly supported by the Transport for New South Wales and Australian Marine Safety Authority. Coming soon is the museum’s new interactive exhibition Voyage to the Deepwhich will commence in December 2014 and run through until April 2015.