Sydney Showground officially launched its recently refurbished Badgery Pavilion in July, when NSW Premier Morris Iemma and 350 business and government representatives gathered at the venue for the 2007 State of the Region Address for Western Sydney.

Boasting a $1 million refurbishment complete with new carpet, furnishings and state-of-the-art air-conditioning, the spacious 2,540 square-metre marquee-style venue was the ideal platform for the Premier to present key government strategies and policies affecting business in Western Sydney.

Sydney Showground's recent infrastructure injection to the precinct, including the Badgery Pavilion's million dollar facelift, echoed the strong current and forecasted economic growth for all of Western Sydney.

"Western Sydney is the third largest economy in Australia and Sydney Showground is continuously investing in infrastructure to meet the steady growth of the area," said Kim-Laura Brown, General Manager Event Sales, Sydney Showground.

"The Badgery Pavilion upgrade is one of many steps Sydney Showground is taking to ensure businesses in the region have access to more than 20 world-class event venues and facilities."

Among the superior facilities offered at the Badgery Pavilion is Sydney Showground's award-winning catering service, which recently won the Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) National Catering/Banqueting Award.

On the 15 August, Sydney Olympic Park hosted the ultimate VIP venue showcase for delegates that visited the Sydney Olympic Park stand at the RSVP Trade Show in July 2007. Twenty guests shared an enjoyable day as Acer Arena, Novotel Ibis Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney Showground and Telstra Stadium opened their doors for delegates to view their venues.

The showcase kicked off at Novotel's Observation Deck on Level 17 where guests enjoyed views of the Sydney Olympic Park precinct to the horizon of Sydney's CBD.  Guests were transported throughout the Park on a trackless train and concluded with a superb gourmet cocktail lunch at Telstra Stadium overlooking the enormous Main Arena.

All guests were overwhelmed by the precinct and how diverse Sydney Olympic Park is for business events, teambuilding and leisure activities.

If you would like the opportunity to attend our next VIP Showcase of Sydney Olympic Park venues, register your interest with Sydney Olympic Park Authority. Contact Elisabeth Carlino, Business Development Manager, Business Events on 02 9714 7921 or email elisabeth.carlino@sopa.nsw.gov.au

After four years in the making, Asia-Pacific's International Mining Exhibition returns to Sydney Showground from 4-7 September 2007.

AIMEX is Sydney's internationally-recognised platform for Australian and overseas suppliers to showcase their mining technology, equipment and services.

With Australia's mining industry undergoing its biggest investment program since the 1960s, the role of AIMEX 2007 in bringing buyers and suppliers together will be more important than ever in 2007.

An unprecedented number of new products and services - from large capital equipment items and ancillary equipment, to software and services, along with safety-related products - will be released at this year's AIMEX.

This year's event will be the biggest ever, with more than 450 exhibitors taking part, covering more than 17,000 square metres at Sydney Showground - over 10% larger than previous editions of AIMEX.

For more information visit the AIMEX website www.aimex.reedexhibitions.com.au

A bobcat took centre stage on Centre Court at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre this month as the first phase of a state-of-the-art facelift.

All sixteen courts at the centre are being resurfaced with Plexicushion, a cushioned acrylic surface which has received world-wide support from leading players, including four-time winner of the Medibank International, Lleyton Hewitt.

Tournament Director Craig Watson, pictured with Wally Masur, National High Performance Academy (Sydney) Head Coach, expects the new surface will attract an impressive world class field of men's and women's players to the 2008 Medibank International which will be played from January 6-12, 2008.

"The players will be keen to hit out on the Plexicushion surface as the ideal preparation for the first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open which will also be played on Plexicushion for the first time next year," he said.

Wally Masur said, "The advantages of the Plexicushion surface are its consistency in pace and bounce; its suitability to Australian conditions because it retains less heat; and its comfort which lessens the risk of injury."

Information about corporate hospitality packages for the Medibank International 2008 can be found at www.medibankinternational.com