Firstly, you'll need to consider what size and type of conference you are planning. Will you be organising a large-scale formal business gathering or a more participatory, education-focused seminar? The type of event will determine the amount of planning and preparation that you'll need to put into it.

Conventions and formal business conferences are usually better suited to the larger locations and can often spread out over a number of rooms, taking place over a longer period. Catering is always a good idea where these types of conference are concerned and you'd be well advised to pick a location that offers available-to-hire staff to help plan and coordinate the event. Many of the more upmarket hotels in Sydney will provide comprehensive conference packages, tailor-made to these kind of large scale business events.

Good transport links are certainly essential to large scale conferences and conventions, so central Sydney affords you perhaps the best place for this kind of conference. Be sure to book this kind of event well in advance, particularly during the summer months when international conferences (not to mention holiday makers) tend to descend on Sydney en masse! Large scale international conferences clearly need to be able to put up their guests, so ensure that enough rooms are available for a conference of this size to avoid any embarrassment.

Seminars and lectures may well take place on a much smaller scale. It would be wise to consider some of the less expensive options and even think about looking beyond the busier areas of Sydney if your audience is likely to be local. International audiences tend to look for impressive locales to justify the journey, often combining a large convention with some sight-seeing or leisure time; if your audience is already very familiar with Sydney, consider somewhere that prioritises utility and cost-effectiveness over any showy gestures. Conference centres are, in this instance, usually better suited than hotels.

Catering should still be considered, but is obviously less essential for a shorter, smaller event than is the case with a convention. Auditorium seating is always highly useful for a lecture or seminar, so if you can find a conference centre that offers such a service, give it serious consideration. Be sure to keep in mind the needs and expectations of your guests.

Social events such as banquets, reunions and parties are arguably less restrictive in their potential locations. Sydney itself offers a mix of straight-up and less conventional locations for these kinds of events. Consider whether you're looking for formal dining, a unique themed experience, or perhaps an awards ceremony and be sure to shop around for the best quote per head. Your guests may want to indulge in something unique to Sydney or just be looking for a good time, so consider carefully what is truly essential to your audience when planning your event.

One final word of warning; it may seem obvious, but Sydney is very busy during the Christmas season so when booking any Sydney conferences or Sydney conference accommodation at this time of year, be sure to start around August. Anything attached to New Year celebrations, particularly close to the famous Harbour district (home of spectacular and free fireworks, a surefire way to wow your guests) is bound to be extremely popular, so if you're planning your corporate or Christmas party heed that warning.