Discover the latest news shaping Lutruwita/Tasmania’s business events scene — from award-winning venues and sustainable hospitality to groundbreaking innovations and immersive cultural experiences. Our Winter 2025 roundup showcases what’s new, noteworthy, and inspiring across the island.
As winter settles over Lutruwita/Tasmania, the island continues to shine with fresh achievements, creative partnerships, and stories of innovation that elevate its reputation as a premier business events destination.
In this edition of New & Noteworthy, we celebrate highlights ranging from Launceston’s Peppers Silo Hotel winning gold at the Australian Tourism Awards, to Hamlet’s inspiring model of socially inclusive catering, to world-first maritime and sustainable design milestones. From immersive Dark Mofo collaborations to eco-conscious accommodation and culinary journeys, these stories reflect the depth, diversity, and distinctiveness of our island’s offerings in 2025.
Peppers Silo Hotel claimed gold in the Business Event Venues category at the Australian Tourism Awards, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre in March.
Located in Launceston, the hotel features a state-of-the-art conferencing and events venue, offering flexible spaces for everything from intimate meetings of 20 to large-scale functions hosting up to 500 delegates.
Guests can also enjoy luxurious accommodation in beautifully appointed rooms, many views overlooking Launceston and the Kanamaluka/Tamar River. The hotel’s central location allows easy access to Launceston’s city centre and off-site venues, all within walking distance.
Hamlet, a café just outside the Hobart CBD is making a meaningful impact by combining event hosting and group catering with their strong commitment to social sustainability. At the heart of their approach is inclusive employment, providing valuable opportunities for people with disabilities within the local community. By creating a supportive and accessible workplace, Hamlet empowers individuals often underrepresented in the hospitality sector. This dedication extends beyond their kitchen, fostering genuine connections and promoting diversity at every event they cater. Through these efforts, Hamlet sets a powerful example of how business events can embrace social responsibility while delivering quality service.
DoubleTree by Hilton is set to make its debut at Lutruwita/Tasmania’s iconic winter festival, Dark Mofo 2025.
The hotel brand promises to bring a fresh and sophisticated edge to the festival, partnering with Tasmanian whisky distillery, Overeem to deliver the Hidden Whisky Room.
A second partnership with local winemaker, Dr Edge, for an exclusive five course wine dinner on 13 June. The dinner will feature exceptional cuisine, with local produce on show, and paired with Dr Edge wines. These vibrant collaborations showcase Tasmania’s capacity for unique, immersive events, inviting organisers to explore innovative ways to captivate their audiences in this extraordinary setting.
Local glassware company, Uprising Glassware, has captured more than just light on a recent product photoshoot — they managed to capture the elusive Aurora Australis. Founder, Kurt Menzies, shared this incredible image with BET after a very special product shoot with fine art photographer, Marc James.
They were visiting the real-life inspiration behind the company’s Old Fashioned Twin Set featuring a 3D imprint of Cradle Mountain, when the sky erupted in one of the most vivid auroras either of them had ever witnessed. “After six years living together in Canada, we’ve seen our fair share, but this night in Lutruwita/ Tasmania rivalled the best Northern Lights we’d ever seen,” says Kurt.
Lutruwita/Tasmania’s natural beauty is at the heart of Uprising Glassware. Their glasses celebrate our iconic landmarks and support them too. 5% of every sale is contributed to Tasmanian Land Conservancy, with over $13,000 raised since launching in 2024.
Tasmania has reached a groundbreaking milestone in maritime manufacturing with the launch of the world’s largest fully electric ship at Derwent Park, just 15 minutes out of Hobart, last month.
Constructed by Incat – a globally renowned Tasmanian shipbuilder and pioneer in zero-emissions technology – Hull 096 is destined for the River Plate in South America.
This remarkable vessel will carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles and sets a new global standard for clean, sustainable maritime transport. The launch of Hull 096 further cements Tasmania’s reputation as a world leader in maritime innovation and zero-emissions technology.
X-Hemp is a pioneering, female-founded company based in Cressy, Tasmania, specializing in sustainable building materials made from industrial hemp.
Established in 2020 by BET Visionary Andi Lucas, X-Hemp transforms agricultural waste and purpose-grown cannabis crops into the eco-friendly hempcrete—a breathable, lightweight, fire-resistant, and carbon-negative building material.
Now, guests can experience the full potential of this remarkable material firsthand. Harvey Hempcrete Houses are luxury eco-friendly holiday homes that have been built with X-Hemp’s signature product.
Overlooking the scenic D’Entrecasteaux Channel, these unique retreats offer more than just beautiful views. Guests can relax in native gardens, take a dip at the nearby beach, and sleep soundly on high-quality, handcrafted mattresses dressed in luxurious hemp linen.
Adventure.com, powered by Intrepid Travel, is an online magazine that inspires responsible travel through ethical, inclusive storytelling. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, it launches a new mini-series this month spotlighting the state’s sustainable gastronomy and agritourism.
The series follows Tasmanian chef Lilly Trewartha as she journeys across the island in a Jeep Avenger electric vehicle. She meets with local producers and chefs and takes in road journeys such as the Tasting Trail in the north-west.
Highlights include Mudbar, Lobster Shack and Palawa Kipli – an indigenous owned and operated food experience.
