SYDNEY�S leading group of function venues, Dockside Group, is harbouring plans for an exciting phase of development in 2008.

From its beginnings with the original venue WatersEdge, later adding Dockside to the venue portfolio, the expanded Dockside Group has gained a reputation for hosting some of Sydney�s most sensational events.

The company�s owners and management felt that the time was right to leverage the existing brand equity of Dockside, with a brand extension to Dockside Group to better reflect the strong brand position and unique profile of the venues within the geographic CBD marketplace.

The re-launched Dockside Group, previously involved with Venues of Australia, will have fresh new logos, marketing collateral and imagery as part of the roll out of new branding, but the company�s strength remains with a reputation as a dynamic team with immaculate service.

The Group have already added the prestigious Italian Village at the Rocks to its list of elite venues.

And with a marketing slogan, �Venues with a Difference�, water views remain the key for each remarkably unique property.

Dockside, Star Room, L�Aqua and Ice Cube restaurant, are at Cockle Bay Wharf, and WatersEdge is at Pier One overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Italian Village takes in sights of the only iconic landmark missing from the group�s impressive list of views, the Sydney Opera House.

In a New Year�s resolution to further establish the group�s reputation for excellence, all five harbourside venues and one restaurant will be managed under the same Dockside Group brand.

New plans are the brainchild of the group�s managing director Mr Chris Drivas whose hands-on management style and strong vision has helped lead the company to the top of the industry over the past 10 years.

A new logo and dynamic market presence at events such as AIME 2008 are expected to drive further growth.

Such is the commitment that Mr Drivas has announced a new position of Group General Manager, a role appointed to Mr Philip Beauchamp who has more than 30 years experience in the hospitality industry.

Arriving most recently from a role as Director of Operations to reopen the Hilton Sydney; ten years with Four Seasons/Regent in the US, Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland and ten years in London, including the Savoy, Le Meridien and The Churchill, Mr Beauchamp takes responsibility for leading business development, along with managing its conference and catering team.

�Philip�s strong background and hands-on experience within the hospitality industry will prove invaluable in leading the team to develop new markets and opportunities, with a focus on service quality and great food,� Mr Drivas said.

Mr Drivas said business focus would remain on the competitive MICE and corporate markets with weddings also a primary focus for the expanded team.

The Dockside Group was briefly involved with Venues of Australia, which will remain as operators of Waterview Convention Centre and Hurstville Entertainment Centre at Sydney Olympic Park.

Most significantly, the management and teams of all six venues under the Dockside Group brand name are committed to exceed client expectations.

For further media information please contact: Maree Reason-Cain � C4 Marketing & Communications Pty Ltd +61 (0)438 730 752 or maree@c4marketing.com.au