What do I need to do before the event?
Prior to the 2024 Better Together Conference you will be required to complete some pre work via Workday. You can access the course via this link: Bunnings Conference Pre Work.
The pre work will provide some background information that will set the scene for our Conference presentations and some surveys where your responses will help inform our discussions. Please review and complete these materials by Monday 22 July.
Can I attend the Conference remotely?
The Conference will be an in-person event only and will not be broadcast or livestreamed.
Where is the Conference?
24th July: Networking Event will be held at Marvel Stadium, Docklands.
Most hotels for the interstate and regional team will be within walking distance to Marvel Stadium (you will be advised on your final confirmation if transfers are included). Victoria team parking information will be shared closer to the event.
Further information on getting to the venue is available below:
Uber/Taxi
Entry to Marvel Stadium will be via Gate 9. We recommend asking to be dropped off at AFL House, Docklands and then you can access Gate 9 from the stairs.
Public Transport
Marvel Stadiums closest train station is Southern Cross Station. Please refer here to alternate public transport options.
Vibe Hotel – Walk to tram stop D11-Waterfront City/Docklands Dr and get on Tram 70 Wattle Park it will be 3 stops. Disembark at D3 Stadium Precinct.
Marriott Docklands - Walk to tram stop D11-Waterfront City/Docklands Dr and get on Tram 70 Wattle Park it will be 3 stops. Disembark at D3 Stadium Precinct.
Crowne Plaza - Walk to tram stop D6-Victoria Police Centre/Flinders Street and get on Tram 70 Waterfront City Docklands or 75 Central Pier Docklands it will be 3 stops. Disembark at D3 Stadium Precinct.
Hyatt Centric – Walk to tram stop 1 Spencer St/Flinders St and get on Tram 70 Waterfront City Docklands or 75 Central Pier Docklands it will be 4 stops. Disembark at D3 Stadium Precinct.
Parking / Carpool / Driving
Those who elected to carpool or self-drive to Marvel Stadium for the Welcome Dinner will be able to use the carpark. Please enter the carpark and take a ticket. You can redeem this ticket by bringing it to the Conference Registration team at the conclusion of the Conference and they will provide an exit ticket.
Please note: The cost of a public transportation, uber/taxi cannot be claimed as an expense.
25th July: Conference will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds – Victoria Pavilion, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032.
Transfers will be provided for the interstate Team to the venue. Regional Victoria & local Victorian team will be able to park for free at the Showgrounds. Further information on getting to the venue is available below:
Uber/Taxi
Entry to Melbourne Showgrounds will be via Gate 1a.
Public Transport
Melbourne Showgrounds closest train stations are either Ascot Vale or Broadmeadows. Alternatively, Tram 57 stops outside the Showgrounds on Epsom Road. Please refer here for public transport options.
Parking / Carpool / Driving
Parking has been pre-booked on your behalf. Please enter the car park via Gate 5. Whilst the cost of parking is covered, we strongly encourage you to carpool with other team members from your area if you intend to drive.
Please note: The cost of a public transportation, uber/taxi cannot be claimed as an expense.
What is the Conference dress code?
24th July | Networking Event: Smart Casual (no REDs)
25th July | Better Together Conference: Please wear your REDs during the Conference (aprons are not required).
A name badge will be provided for you to wear during the Conference.
What food is provided at Conference?
24th July: Dinner will be provided.
25th July: Breakfast, Morning Tea, and Lunch will be provided.
What is the travel dress code?
Please ensure that all travelling team members (excluding Melbourne metropolitan team members) wear casual clothes and not REDs when travelling. You can wear your REDs if travelling on a coach or public transport.
Can I extend the dates of travel?
You are permitted to extend your travel to Melbourne for either business or personal reasons (see details below). However, the Bunnings FCM Meetings & Events team will only change your flights. They are not able to assist with any additional travel arrangements outside of the Conference dates, such as accommodation, for those eligible for accommodation during Conference. You will need to make these arrangements yourself.Flight Change Rulings:
Business extensions: Flight changes for business purposes are permitted. In order to alter your flight for business purposes you must first gain approval from your BLG leader in writing. Once you have this approval, please then register, and upload a copy of the approval email within the online registration portal.
Personal extensions: You will be able to request extensions to your travel for personal reasons, however any additional costs/cost implications will be at your own expense. You will be able to request this via the registration site and a FCM Meetings & Events (our external events partner) team member will be in contact to discuss your options.
Can I choose my flights?
Your flights will be selected and booked on your behalf by Bunnings via our travel partner FCM Events in line with the Conference timings. You will be able to view the options from your home port when you register.
How long prior to departure do I need to be at the airport?
Due to recent delays, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to departure. Check-in closes 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time of departure. Please ensure that you allow enough time to check-in and make it through security.
Please note: Passengers who arrive after check-in has closed will forfeit the ticket and will have to purchase a new ticket for a new flight, at their personal expense. Please contact the FCM Meeting & Events team in this case to ensure your return flight is still valid.
All flight bookings have been made as part of a group allocation. Therefore, online and mobile check-in may be unavailable, and you will be required to check-in at the airport. Additionally, you will be unable to make any flight changes online. Seating requests will be confirmed by the airline at time of check-in.
Can I park at the airport?
Yes, you may choose to park at the airport. Please keep your receipt and use your store codes when claiming back expenses in Workday.
Do my flights include baggage? If so, how many kgs?
Please ensure you label your luggage with your full name and mobile contact number. Please see below the baggage allowance per airline:
- Virgin Australia: Carry up to 2 pieces of hand luggage weighing no more than (combined) 7kg. Check-in luggage of 1 piece up to maximum 23kg.
- Qantas Airways: Carry up to 2 pieces of hand luggage, neither of which can weigh more than 7kg. Check-in luggage of 1 piece up to maximum 23kg.
Is there allocated seating on the flights? Can I select my seat?
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to select or change your allocated seats. They will be allocated as a group.
Will there be a ‘Bunnings’ team member at the airport that I need to meet / check in with?
There will be a representative from FCM Meetings & Events at Melbourne airport when you arrive. They will be there to meet and greet you and assist you with coach transfers as required. There will not be a representative at interstate airports for your departure.
What happens if I miss my flight, or my flight is delayed / cancelled?
The FCM Meeting & Events will manage all changes and missed flights. You will be provided with contact details in your final confirmation in case you miss your flight. If a flight is cancelled or delayed, FCM Meetings & Events will contact you.
What do I wear on the plane?
Interstate arrivals on the 24th of July: If flying, please wear casual clothes on the plane and do not wear your REDs.
Can I extend my accommodation?
No, you cannot extend your accommodation through the Conference team. If you wish to extend your accommodation, you will be required to contact the hotel to make extension accommodation plans yourself. *Note your final hotel selection will not be advised until 10 days prior to the Conference.
Will I have my own room?
In line with the Bunnings travel policy all accommodation will be booked as twin share. You will have the opportunity within your registration to advise your preferred accommodation share partner. If you have no preference, please leave this section blank and a partner will be allocated to you.
Can I choose my hotel?
Your hotel will be selected by Bunnings and will not be able to change once your booking is confirmed.
What time is check in?
Check in time is between 2pm and 3pm and will depend on your hotel. Some team may arrive earlier than this time. You will have the opportunity to store your bags should your room not be available when you arrive.
What is the check in process, and do I need to provide anything upon check in?
You will check in at your hotel and will need to provide credit card details to cover any incidentals incurred during your stay.
How will I get to the Conference from the airport and to/ from my hotel?
Ground transfers will be arranged to get all team members on group flights from the airport to your hotel, and then to and from Conference and back to the airport.
Can I park at the hotel?
If you reside in Victoria and live more than 1.5 hours away from the venue, overnight accommodation will be provided to you. You are able to park at a self-car parking facilities close hotel and this cost is covered by Bunnings. Details will be provided in your final confirmation email.
Is transport from my home to the airport provided? If you are traveling from interstate, you will be required to make your own way to the airport. Please carpool where possible.
Is there parking available at the Conference venue?
Car Parking will be available for Bunnings Team at Melbourne Showgrounds. Whilst the cost of parking is covered, we strongly encourage you carpool with other team members from your area if you intend to drive. We will pre booking this service so please ensure you have selected "Carpool" or "Self-Driving" when registering.
Will my car mileage be reimbursed?
Mileage reimbursement will only be considered if traveling outside of your normal travel to and from work. Please discuss this with your manager before submitting a claim in Workday.
Is there travel insurance cover?
All Bunnings team members will be covered in the standard Wesfarmers travel insurance policy.
When will I receive my travel itinerary/ Conference program?
You will be sent a final confirmation outlining your itinerary and Conference program approx. 10 days prior to the Conference, to your email address provided during registration and will be sent to you from bunningsconference@fcmtravel.com.au.
Is there a cloak room at the Conference venue? There will be a cloak room at the Conference venue, however, please note that availability is limited as we will be required to store bags for those heading to the airport.
On departure day (25th July) all team members who will be leaving after the conclusion of the Conference will be required to take their luggage from the hotel to the Conference venue that morning. A dedicated bag storage area has been arranged for Conference Day. Team members can leave their bags during Conference and take them after the conclusion onto their departure coach.
Am I able to park at the Swan St Support Centre?
If you wish to park at Store Support (Swan Street) you will be required to pre-book parking via the normal Wayleadr booking process or alternatively park on Yarra Boulevard. Team members are also encouraged to make use of the shuttle service provided by building management: shuttle from Hawthorn and Burnley stations.
What if I am unwell
We ask if you are unwell you take the time to rest and recover at home and do not attend the conference.
