Everything you've been told about venue sourcing agents is about to get tested. Does it really cost more than going direct? Do you lose control? Are they only worth it for big events? Carla, Den and MJ set the record straight on all of it — including where AI actually helps, where it falls flat, and the one thing sixteen years in the business has taught them that no algorithm can replace.

"Just book it later" is the advice that quietly derails events. Carla, Denielle, and MJ get into why timing decides everything. How early booking wins your first-choice venue, unlocks extras like upgrades and networking drinks, and spares you the last-minute scramble. Plus the seasons that catch planners out, why Christmas parties book in March, and how to make the case for early sign-off internally. Get in early—everything else gets easier.

Season 3 is done — and this week the TCS team sit down to give their honest verdict on every destination we covered.

Carla, MJ and Den share the standouts, the most underestimated destinations, the grants planners are leaving on the table, and two destinations that didn't make the season but absolutely deserve a spot on your radar.

A lot of planners haven't looked at Christchurch since the earthquakes. That's exactly the problem — because the city that exists now is something else entirely.

Edwina Fitzsimon, Business Development Manager at ChristchurchNZ, joins Carla to set the record straight: a brand new stadium that just opened with a 1,500-person dinner on the field of play, a Sheraton arriving in 2027, and experiences you genuinely won't find anywhere else.

Auckland is three hours from the East Coast, with 200+ direct flights from Australia daily — and a brand new convention centre that just opened in February 2026.

Charlotte Mills, Business Development Manager at the Auckland Convention Bureau, joins Carla to make the case for Auckland: a walkable, scalable city with two hotel openings on the horizon and a cultural experience that gives delegates genuine goosebumps.

Perth is further away than Sydney or Melbourne — and that's exactly why it works.

Emily Kelly, Senior Business Development Manager at Business Events Perth, joins Carla to unpack what WA actually offers corporate groups: a captivated audience, serious venue infrastructure, and experiences delegates don't forget. Plus the inside word on what's opening in 2026.

If WA isn't on your shortlist yet, it probably should be.

In this episode, we head to Tasmania with Laura Curtain, Head of Client Relations at Business Events Tasmania, to uncover what makes this destination so unique for corporate events.

From easy access and new developments to truly local, immersive experiences, Laura shares why Tasmania continues to surprise planners — and how its connected community helps create events that feel personal, memorable, and different.

From boardrooms to beachfront experiences — this is the Gold Coast.

In this episode, we sit down with Brooke Campbell from Experience Gold Coast to explore what makes it one of Australia’s most versatile event destinations.

From major hotel developments (Hyatt Andaz!) and unique venues to outdoor experiences your delegates won’t forget, this is your inside look at how to make the most of the Gold Coast for your next event.

What if your next conference didn’t feel like one?

In this episode, we sit down with Ali Thompson, Head of Business Events at Visit Sunshine Coast, to unpack why this fast-growing destination is becoming a go-to for corporate events.

From seamless access and new hotel openings to “boardroom to board shorts” experiences, this is your inside look at a destination where business meets genuine downtime.

From last-minute briefs to record-breaking conferences, 2025 has been a year of growth, surprises, and a few unforgettable stories.

In this special season wrap-up, Carla sits down with venue sourcing specialists Mary Jane (MJ) and Denielle to talk about what really happened behind the scenes — the trends that defined the year, the destinations that stole the spotlight, and the moments that reminded us why we love the events industry.

They share what’s changed in client behaviour, why timing matters more than ever, and how The Conference Shop continues to help planners cut through the noise.

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