That quintessential glamorous Sydney lifestyle: waterfront dining, the famous Rocks Markets, tall ships,
cocktail parties and fireworks over the Opera House were showcased in one fabulous evening at Sydney’s biggest
International Congress Dinner event this year.

The Congress Dinner of the XXII International Congress of The Transplantation Society attracted nearly 4000 internati
onal delegates on a brilliant and clear August evening in an event crowned by many as Sydney’s business event of 2008.
Orchestrated by Corporate Special Events (CSE), a division of Tour Hosts Pty Limited the event brief was to provide an “unforgett
able unique event that showcased Sydney in all its glory”. 18 months in the planning, the events team of staff took
care of every detail to; take over 6000 square metres of The Rocks precinct, organising over 30 event
suppliers, 100’s of staff and 10 000 plates to immerse delegates in a smorgasbord of exclusive Sydney unique experiences.
Delegates loved the “Congress Money” chips to spend on food or market shopping and were still there long after the midnight closing time wrapped up with excitement and
energy from the buzzing live atmosphere and fireworks display earlier that night.

The event was a resounding success, made possible from the collaboration of some of Sydney’s best restaurants at The Rocks, caterers, tourism providers, waterfront venues
and government organisations. Hailed “event of the year” by many on the night, the concept is set to become an integral part of Sydney’s bids for major international
business events and is certain to attract more events of this size and calibre. “For such a big event that encompassed so many suppliers and services, it went off
without a hitch – a testament to the skills of our team of organisers. It provided the right ambience, the matrix of entertainment, food and beverages to satisfy a range of
nationalities and cultures. We were particularly pleased that we could cater for the Spanish who dine late and for others who wanted to dine early. The fireworks gave a touch of New Year’s Eve excitement and brought to life what our delegates view on television around the world as the new year breaks here in Sydney. It was a very special
evening and we have had overwhelming praise.” Jeremy Chapman, Director of Renal Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Chair of the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry
and President of The International Transplantation Society.“The Congress Dinner at the Rocks was a unique showcase for the best of what Sydney and Corporate and Special Events have to offer!
We are absolutely delighted with the operations on the night and the fantastic delegate response”.