The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is about to overhaul Convention Centre Parkside, creating a new look that will offer more versatility for organisers. Commencing at the end of the year, the revamp includes a facelift for the foyer areas, Parkside Ballroom and the bridge connecting both Convention Centres Parkside and Bayside.

The change will create a bright, vibrant, yet elegant environment, echoing the colour and quality of the recently upgraded Convention Centre Bayside.

Meanwhile, the creation of more flexible zones will allow conferences to be held within a designated area or level, providing a more intimate feel and reducing the walking distance between plenary sessions, breakout sessions and exhibitions.

The refurbishment will continue with Parkside Foyer, the pre-function area adjacent to Parkside Ballroom, which is a premier venue for gala dinners. The space will be upgraded with finishes of a lighter palette, creating a bright and inviting environment.

In other changes, the major Darling Harbour entry point to Convention Centre Parkside will have a new welcoming focus with the addition of an information counter, as well as a cloakroom, to assist events held in this area.

Centre Chief Executive Ton van Amerongen said the enduring popularity of Sydney and the Centre as a meetings destination meant it was important to keep ahead of trends.

“As an industry leader, we are constantly looking for new ways for our venue to evolve and offer our clients new options,” Mr van Amerongen said. “Increasing the flexibility of our rooms means that we can accommodate smaller, more intimate meetings as well as the many major international congresses which are held in our city.”

Mr van Amerongen said the upgrade would continue in 2010/11, with the installation of fully-operable walls in Parkside 110, giving greater flexibility to this area as conference rooms and increased exhibition space to maximise delegate attendance and sponsorship opportunities.