This was one function that I was quite looking forward to.  The official Welcome Function event was being held at Movie World this year and I haven’t been there since I was a kid!

At the end of the first day’s events, there was the option of being bussed out to Movie World as a free service for those attending the event, which I thought was a great idea!  Given that the event was being held a fair way from the convention centre and its surrounding hotels where most people that I’ve spoken to were staying, you can imagine how catching a cab would have been a real pain.

I was tempted to catch the bus with everyone else, but due to some late meetings, I once again jumped into the trusty rental car and began the drive down to Movie World.  Thanks to the modern technology of GPS I was able to find the way without getting too lost!

Once I parked the car I was just in time for the arrival of all the buses from the convention centre and was lucky enough to see the “arrival” entertainment.  As we passed through the ticket booths, getting our passes scanned, we were ushered onto the red carpet entrance of movie world itself.  Screaming fans were present, yelling out our names as flashes went off blinding us to what was happening.  The sights and sounds as you entered Movie World was a little overwhelming and made us all feel like movie stars!

As amusement parks go, Movie World isn’t exactly on par with Disneyland, but it was good fun mingling with everyone and catching up for a few drinks and a gossip session while you had Batman and Robin, Catwoman and Austin Powers  (just to name a few of the “celebs”) all eagerly listening in to your conversations!

From the hours of 7pm-8pm we were able to head onto the rides.  This was a lot of fun and it really did feel like we had Movie World all to ourselves.  I managed to get into the theatre to see Shrek 4D and that was fantastic - as an avid Shrek fan, it was a bit of a highlight for me.

Next up was the Superman rollercoaster.  I’ve been on plenty of roller coasters around the world and so naturally I was a bit sceptical.  But that was soon to be dispelled!  As I was waiting in line, I had a chat with a few brokers who had come to Movie World a few days before the conference with the family and was informed that we were in for a treat!  Boy were they right.  This was one fun coaster!

By the time we finished up on the rides, it was time to head over to the main function area where we could get some dinner and a few drinks.  Some functions that you go to you tend to think - I hope it’s not just little canapés for dinner.  I was thinking that maybe I should have eaten before I left the hotel, as were a few of the people I was with, as we walked up to the area with the big screen; that would have been a tactical error on our behalf!

The function itself was excellently done!  There were buffet style food tables everywhere and food to cater to all tastes!  We immediately headed over to the buffet for a much-needed dinner after the day’s events and proceeded to sample everything in sight!

Once food was done, it was time to watch the rugby!  State of Origin was on and I think it was a good move by the function co-ordinator to ensure that this was playing.  While I’m a Melbourne lad, I still love my rugby - not nearly as much as our NSW and QLD function goers and I can imagine that many people wouldn’t have turned up if the rugby was not going to be shown.

The night from here on in was quite fun with a stage show at half time of the rugby with singers and dancers and of course an appearance by Austin Powers.  One interesting point to note: Did those who attended get to see the real-life bat flying around?  Caused a bit of commotion down the street opposite the TV and of course everyone decided that it must have really been Batman!

As the function began to wind down, there was of course the usual number of private parties that were being held, many of which we were invited to (but that’s another story altogether).  I was told subsequently that some of the sponsors held private dinners on the opening night, but as I didn’t get to run into too many of them, I can’t confirm this.  The turnaround for the night was a good number, which you can see in some of the photos and was a good mix of delegates and sponsors and of course, us media types!

By 10pm the night was ending and I decided that the fact that we were told the busses would be leaving soon, was my cue to leave.  So, I finished my soft drink (I was driving after all), said my farewell’s to friends, colleagues and clients and began the drive back to my hotel, trusty GPS guiding my way.

Overall, I would have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the event.  It was great for me to be able to network with everyone and from a business point of view; it was great for Lending Central too!

Here’s some photos from the night - as I keep saying, the photos aren’t the best, but you can get a feel for the event at least.  Just click on the image below and it will take you to the album on our photos page!

Till next update!  Keep reading and spread the word!