It is no great wonder why those seeking a venue for concerts and acoustical art performances are drawn to the Hillsong Convention Centre. With its sprawling stages, Front of House and Fold Back audio consoles, and lighting rigs comprised of both static and moving sets, the glamorous venue is often described as “one of the most technologically advanced buildings of its kind in Australia. ” In addition to the plethora of studio quality equipment, supplemented by both television cameras and large video projectors on the stages, fully trained technical personnel are available for hire.
The venue can also provide services for audio/visual projection and recording television editing, and video and audio duplication. The limitations of many other locations are simply non-existent at Hillsong. Core Business and Objective Currently, religious, regional and cultural event services for largely public audiences are the core business of this venue. Additionally, conferences, workshops and seminars are also held. The objective focus of the Hillsong convention hall for the future is the attraction of performing art events.
They hope to develop a repertoire of hosted musical concerts, dramatic plays, and other entertainment events. Stakeholder The Hillsong Foundation is a major stakeholder in the conference centre. The Foundation is a religious based not for profit organization. The primary concern of the stakeholder is to offer a focus on the business of faith based organizations such as church services and Christian Fellowship events. Organization Structure The basic organizational structure of the convention site is divided into four primary departments.
Each of these departments is self-contained. The are the main Centre, Marketing, Production, and Television departments. Governance Structure The policies of governance at the Hillsong Convention Centre are based on the Principles of Best Practice Recommendations and Good Corporate Governance of the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). These are compatible with, and utilized with, the fundamental moral and ethical values of Christianity. Target Market 70% Local Community and members of Cultural and Ethnic groups.
20% Corporate Executives and Organizations. 10% Public Education and Religious Institutions Marketing Tools 1. Database: • Existing email lists 2. Website: • Hillsong Website • Website Link: Sydney Wide Venue, Event Planner Guide 3. Association • SVB: Sydney Venue Bureau • NEA: National Event Association 4. Brochure: • Design on File – Update Yearly 5. Word of Mouth: • Community Events SWOT Analysis Strengths 1. A unique architectural design allowing for superior acoustics. 2. The flexibility of combined use of a Performing Arts and Business Venue
3. Both comfortable, and sanitary conditions provide more security and greater prestige for the client. 4. The elasticity of space allows the venue to provide both huge open spaces and smaller spaces for workshopping and private lectures. 5. There is ample and safe parking. The lot circles the venue with 1,300 spaces for car parking. Weaknesses 1. Hillsong is located outside CBD, decreasing visibility. 2. There is lack of public transportation to the venue. 3. Further facilities are required for large scale catering and banquets. 4.
The religious use of the building takes precedence over private rentals. 5. The venue lacks supporting hotels and accessible business facilities for international travellers. Opportunities 1. A currently planned chapel and art exhibit addition for the convention centre will enhance the current reputation and increase both space and visibility. Threats 1. A recently opened convention centre opened in Homebush offers a 1,000 seat auditorium. Facility Maintenance and Management One of the primary costs in Hillsong is the maintenance of the Convention Centre.
Equipment is the primary cost of maintenance with specific attention given to the vast amount of studio lighting. The lifespan of the numerous bulbs is never fully realized due to a policy of pre-replacement to avoid a blackout. The primary light bulb cost is approximately AU$8,000 each. Another major cost is the television screening. 7 full-time and 6 part-time employees are kept on staff to look after the maintenance of this venue. There are assorted smaller costs, which average out to a substantial bottom line when compiled over time, such as scheduled printing for the building.
Human Resource Management Practices The majority of all employed personnel at the Hillsong Convention centre are recruited at the affiliated church. These employees are familiar with the facilities and have been found to be both capable and committed. Approximately 80% of all equipment operators are from the church. The other 20% are comprised of past customers who have used the facilities and are familiar with Hillsong operations. Primary recruiting for volunteers is during Sunday services, these individuals are then paid for external conference or other functions held in the Hillsong Convention Centre.
When holding Cultural events there is an attempt to recruit individuals from the same ethnic background to facilitate communication and establish a familiarity for the attendees. Ticketing General admission tickets are always the preferred venue to allow for more freedom of movement, and avoid clustering. However there are times that the corporate conferences require reserve seating. In these cases the company is required to provide additional personnel to assist the crowds. In these cases it is normal to see 60% general admission and 40% reserve seating.
Risk Management There are two fully qualified security personnel in-house on a twenty four hour rotation. In addition, there are surveillance cameras and digital storage for the images. Outside event organisers are permitted to bring their own personnel to assist the event, and there is a briefing prior to the event about locations and potential hazards or risks. The maximum number of security personnel for an even of 3,500 people was 12. That particular even had a large band, therefore required additional personnel to assist with crowd control.
For the majority of events there are 2 guards inside and 2 guards outside to assist the flow of traffic. The venue is dry, allowing no alcohol, and has a zero tolerance drugs policy. Operational Plan Key operational plans are arranged and controlled by the venue manager as described below. The venue manager is responsible for the contract with the client renting the venue. 1. Client Agreement • Client of the Centre: permitted area use by the client during the rental period. • Purpose: the client must use the permitted area only for the designated event.
• Rental Fee and Event Expenses: the client must pay the rental fee and event expenses to the venue manager prior to the rental, on receipt of an invoice from the venue manger. 2. Merchandising • The client is not allowed, except with the prior approval of the manager, to market merchandise, programs, or other items in connection with the event. 3. Advertising, Promotion and Publicity • Contents of written advertisements: All advertisements or announcements in all media and other printed material produced in connection with the event which refer to the centre must refer to the Centre as Hillsong Convention Centre.
• Right to Review: on the request of the venue manager, the client should permit the venue manager to review any printed or broadcast material produced in connection with the event. Any disapproved printed or broadcast material must not be used. 4. Staffing • The client must only use staff provided by or approved by the manager. 5. Staging • The venue manager will provides staging equipment and all necessary equipment as agreed in the contract. The venue manager will charge for any additional equipment.