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?
The Conference will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds – Victoria Pavilion, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032 on 28 May & 29 May.
The Networking Dinner will be held at Forum Melbourne – 154 Flinders Street, Melbourne 3000 on 28th May.
Overseas, interstate and regional Victorian team will be transferred directly to the Forum Melbourne from the afternoon’s conference sessions. If you have arrived from interstate your baggage will be taken directly to your nominated hotel whilst you are at the Forum.
Metro Melbourne team can self-drive, catch public transport or take a coach transfer from the Store Support office.
How do I get to the Conference?
Coach Transfers
Coach transfers will be provided for overseas and interstate team members to and from the venue. Regional Victorian & local Victorian team members will be able to park for free at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
Coach Hub
There will be a coach hub transfer to and from the venue available from the National Support Office.
Full
details on coach transfers (for all) & parking information (for Victorian
Team) will be shared closer to the event.
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.
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 or taxi cannot be claimed as an expense.
Where is the dinner held?
28th May: Dinner will be held at Forum Melbourne – 154 Flinders Street, Melbourne 3000.
Team members will be transferred directly to Forum Melbourne from the Melbourne Showgrounds. If you have arrived from overseas or interstate your baggage will be taken directly to your nominated hotel whilst you are at dinner.
Metro Melbourne team can self-drive, catch public transport or take coach transfer from Showgrounds to Forum Melbourne.
What is the Conference dress code?
28 May | Conference Day 1: Smart Casual (no Reds)
28 May | Networking Dinner: Smart Casual (no Reds)
29 May | Conference Day 2: Please wear your Reds during the Conference (aprons are not required)
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 may wear your
Reds if travelling on a coach or public transport.
Changing into and out of your Reds
Please
note there will be changing facilities at the Melbourne Showgrounds to change out of your reds on departure day before you travel to your next destination. Please ensure you have the required
clothes in your hand luggage on Thursday. A cloak room will also be available to store your hand
luggage. (Main suitcases will be left on the coaches during the day).
What food is provided at conference?
28 May: Lunch, afternoon tea & dinner will be provided.
29 May: Morning tea, afternoon tea and lunch will be provided (please note for those being accommodated at a hotel will have breakfast at your hotel, information about this will be provided prior to the event).
Can I extend the dates of travel?
You are permitted to extend your travel to Melbourne for either business or personal reasons. Please note that the Bunnings Conference Team at FCM Meetings & Events will only be able to assist in changing your flights. Additional arrangements for dates outside of the conference such as accommodation, will need to be made by yourself.
Flight Change Rulings
Business extensions:
Flight changes for business purposes are permitted. In order to alter your flights for business purposes, you will need to gain written permission from your BLG leader. Once you have obtained this approval, please email events@bunnings.com.au a copy of your email.
Personal extensions:
You will be able to request extensions to your travel for personal reasons. Please note that there is a change fee of $99 per person, plus any related airline costs, these additional costs/cost implications will be at your own expense. You will be able to request this change via the registration site and an FCM Meetings and Events team member will be in contact with you to make these arrangements.
Can I choose my flights?
Your flights will be selected and booked on your behalf by Bunnings via our travel partner FCM Meetings & 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?
We recommend arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to your departure and check-in will close 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 their ticket and will have to purchase a new ticket for a new flight, at their own 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. If you require a
flight change you will need to contact FCM Meetings & Events, as you
will be unable to make these changes online. Your flight will appear in your
app approximately two weeks prior to departure.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 your luggage is labelled with your full name and best 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?
Yes, you will be able to access your booking via the airline app approximately 2 weeks prior to departure. Once you are able to view the flight in your app, you will be able to select your preferred seat and check in online.
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 team will manage all changes and missed flights. In your final confirmation, you will be provided with contact details in case you miss your flight. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, FCM will be made aware of these changes and will reach out to you to inform you of new arrangements.
What do I wear on the plane?
Interstate arrivals on the 28 of May: If you are flying, please wear casual clothes on the plane and do not wear your Reds.
Interstate departures on the 29 of May: If you are flying home on the 29 May there will be changing facilities at the Conference venue for you to change out of your Reds, so please ensure you have a change of top to easily access.
Can I extend my accommodation?
If you wish to extend your accommodation, you will be required to contact the hotel to make extension accommodation plans yourself. The FCM Meetings & Events will not be able to assist you with these extensions.
* Please 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. Upon registration you will have the opportunity to request a room share partner. If you have no preference, please leave this section blank and a partner will be allocated to you. If you do not wish to share a room, you will have the opportunity to request a single room. Please note that this will be an additional cost at your own expense and single rooms are limited.
Can I choose my hotel?
Your hotel will be selected by Bunnings and changes or requests for other hotels are not permitted.
What time is check-in and what is the check-in process?
If you are arriving at Melbourne Airport on the 28 May, you will be taken straight to the Melbourne Showgrounds and your bags will be taken directly to the hotel on your behalf. Hotel check in will be handled for you as you will not arrive at the hotel until later in the evening following the Dinner. During the dinner your room key will be available for collection.
Will my car mileage be reimbursed?
Mileage reimbursement will only be considered if you are traveling outside of your normal work commute. 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 program approximately 10 days prior to the conference. This confirmation will be sent to your email address provided during registration and will be sent 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.
On departure day (29 May) all team members who will be departing at the conclusion of the conference, will be required to take their luggage from the hotel to the conference venue that morning. Your luggage will remain on the coaches during the day, and you will then be required to reboard the same coach to transfer to the airport at the conclusion of the conference.
Am I able to park at the Swan St Support Centre to take the coach shuttle to Showgrounds?
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 on Conference dates?
Please take the time to rest and recover at home and do not attend the conference.
