The job has obvious perks – travel, great food and wine, housekeeping on call, and the opportunity to experience our diverse and beautiful country. Ultimately though, the reward for Roberts is matching the client and their requirements with the perfect venue.

“It’s definitely a great feeling to be able to speak with the organiser, find out their needs, and provide them with the best options without charging them for it,” she says.

Roberts understands the time and detail involved in putting together a successful conference. After completing her tourism degree, she moved into the hotel industry and worked for some of Australia’s leading chains in a myriad of roles from basic food and beverage service and hotel reception, to event and conference management and group reservation management. Roberts has also been employed as executive personal assistant to the director of an international creative company.

“It was a great experience to be on the other side of the coin, giving me a true understanding of the pressures and time constraints often experienced in support roles. Being able to offer a free service which assists in relieving some of that pressure is a very rewarding experience,” she says.

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1300 VENUES works with hundreds of Australia’s best hotels and function centres, and can provide options for all types of venues, from five star hotels to venues with a difference. Otherwise, if you have a particular venue in mind, 1300 VENUES will also contact that venue on your behalf and assist in negotiating the best package available within your budget.

“There are some great deals to be had in this current climate. Venues are really working for their dollar. Now more than ever, it’s important to show confidence in your business and conferencing is an effective way to express this,” says Roberts.

1300 VENUES is able to provide a free service because they receive a booking fee from the venue. And there are no hidden charges - the venues will quote exactly the same prices through 1300 VENUES as if you were to book with them directly. As Roberts says, there is absolutely nothing to lose by using the service and you will get the perfect venue with minimal stress.