Lauren O’keefe – Business Events Victoria

From Ocean Views to Kayaks: Experiencing RACV Torquay Resort

Lauren O'keefe — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:37:50 +0000

RACV Torquay resort recently conducted an exclusive famil for a select group of clients, with BEV invited to participate as a guest. Lauren attended the program alongside 13 other invited guests. The 2-day 1-night itinerary highlighted the resort’s extensive business event offerings, featuring private dining experiences, venue tours, and interactive activities such as sunset kayaking.

The day started with a beautiful lunch in the stunning Spring Creek Retreat private dining room, where we were joined by Liz Price, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism. Liz guided us through a unique sensory journey of the region that really set the tone for the stay.

A highlight of the day was the guided resort tour, which included a look at the newly refurbished bedrooms and the extensive conference facilities — complete with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the golf course and out to the ocean. The natural light and sweeping views made it easy to see why this is such a standout venue for events.

Then it was time to zip up the wetsuits for a team-building adventure — Sunset Kayaking with Go Ride A Wave. What began as a relaxed paddle soon revealed a competitive streak amongst the group, with event planners racing to the finish line and proving they can hold their own on (and off) the water.

After a quick refresh, we headed into the heart of Torquay to experience a delicious and thought-provoking dinner at Samesyn 2.0, a low-waste fine dining restaurant. With a strong focus on sustainability — including the remarkable fact that there isn’t even a rubbish bin onsite — the dining experience was as inspiring as it was memorable.

Following dinner, guests enjoyed a lighthearted round of trivia over a nightcap before retiring to the comfort of their bedrooms for a blissful night’s sleep. An early morning yoga session helped stretch out sore kayaking muscles, followed by a scrumptious buffet breakfast to round out the famil experience.

It was such a valuable opportunity to connect, collaborate, and see firsthand everything RACV Torquay Resort has to offer for conferences and events.

The post From Ocean Views to Kayaks: Experiencing RACV Torquay Resort appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

BEV Out and About

Lauren O'keefe — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 01:21:45 +0000

Lauren has been busy visiting more of our members and catching up with the teams on-site in November.

Lauren took a tour of Ballarat with Rebecca from the City of Ballarat, where she was warmly welcomed by several members in the region. Federation University Ballarat, The Goods Shed, RACV Goldfields Resort, Ballarat Function Centre, Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre, and Sovereign Hill

From Ballarat, Lauren enjoyed a scenic drive through the countryside to Daylesford, where she had the opportunity to visit the magnificent properties that BEV proudly works with. Visiting Mineral Springs Hotel, Lakehouse Daylesford, Hotel Bellinzona, and The Amalfi.

The BEV team also recently connected with some of our newest members, including a thrilling visit to Bayside Geelong Hotel & Apartments, where we had the chance to explore their incredible new development that’s set to open in 2025. The stunning Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, which offers spacious, stylish rooms and suites designed for both comfort and convenience. And Port Phillip Ferries where the team experienced an event in action on board and a scenic trip along the Yarra, soaking in the beautiful views and the refreshing atmosphere.

Lauren and Adeline set off to explore the breathtaking brand new Eco Lodges at the Peninsula Hot Springs in the Mornington Peninsula. Recently completed, these sustainable and luxurious lodges offer a serene escape, blending nature with modern comfort for an experience that will leave you completely rejuvenated.

The team had a fantastic afternoon at TARRA Queenscliff for the unveiling of Searoad Ferries the ‘Under the Bay’ Cave Experience — an immersive room showcasing the fascinating creatures beneath Port Phillip Bay.

The post BEV Out and About appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

Lauren Out and About

Lauren O'keefe — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 22:55:35 +0000

During her recent visits to Geelong and The Bellarine, Yarra Valley, and the Mornington Peninsula, Lauren explored over 30 member venues, each offering unique features for business events.

In Geelong and The Bellarine, Lauren & Adeline visited Tarra Queenscliff and Searoad Ferries, which provide scenic transport options for corporate groups. At the VTIC Spotlight event held at Higher Mark, they engaged with local industry leaders to gather insights on tourism trends. They also examined the new development at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, set against a stunning waterfront backdrop.

In Yarra Valley, Lauren was impressed by the newly refurbished accommodation rooms at Balgownie Estate, perfect for overnight retreats. She also discovered Peppers Marysville, an ideal venue for corporate gatherings with its picturesque setting and comprehensive services.

In the Mornington Peninsula, Lauren learned about new accommodation plans for Alba Thermal Springs, which will offer a unique wellness experience for events. She noted the newly built accommodation wing at Hotel Sorrento, great for event attendees, and explored the tranquil Lancemore Lindenderry, perfect for conferences and workshops.

Overall, Lauren’s visits showcased a wealth of exceptional member venues across these regions, each ready to host impactful business events while highlighting the area’s beauty and charm.

The post Lauren Out and About appeared first on Business Events Victoria.