We breathe a big sigh of relief that Rugby World Cup is over, and as you can imagine, we are all ecstatic with the result! What an incredible atmosphere throughout September, October, and we look forward to a similar atmosphere when many Australians return for a conference!
In this month’s newsletter we update you on MEETINGS 2012, our presence at AIME, people on the move, and relevant product updates. Plus - this will be the last newsletter from us for 2011, so we wish you a very Merry Christmas, and look forward to saying Happy New Year very soon!
Sharon & Heidi |
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MEETINGS 2012
Dates have been confirmed for MEETINGS 2012, being held at SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre on 13 – 14 June 2012. This is the annual C & I industry event you don’t want to miss!
You will be inspired with hundreds of wonderful ideas for your next conference or event. MEETINGS 2012 will showcase the very best that New Zealand has on offer - more than 170 of the finest suppliers all under one roof over two days! Don't forget to 'Like' MEETINGS on facebook!
Register your interest now for our Hosted Buyer programme by emailing info@meetings.co.nz
SEE YOU AT AIME 2012!
New Zealand’s conferencing industry will be putting its best foot forward when it steps out at AIME 2012 – the premier meetings and incentives event for the Asia Pacific region.
Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) plans to use AIME 2012 to show Australians why they should choose New Zealand as the destination for their next meeting or incentive event.
“There will be a lot of key decision-makers at AIME 2012 and we want to make sure they leave the expo assured in the knowledge that New Zealand not only offers the WOW factor, but it is also a cost-effective destination”.
100% Pure New Zealand will showcase 16 New Zealand suppliers, all but one of whom have exhibited at AIME in past years.
PCO Conference Reminder – The Langham Hotel, Auckland, 4-6 December
This year's theme is ‘Adapt, Improvise, Overcome - Identifying Risk and Opportunity’ and will be held at the award-winning Langham Hotel, Auckland. This year's conference includes an extensive range of pre and post famil opportunities including Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Wellington.
Full details from the PCO website www.pco.asn.au/
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New Role Established to Drive Trans-Tasman Conventions
Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT), Positively Wellington Venues (PWV) and Te Papa have partnered to establish a new Business Development Manager position in a bid to drive trans-Tasman business to the capital.
Sydney-based Business Development Manager Andrea Werner will work 30 hours a week for the Wellington Convention Bureau. Originally from New Zealand, Andrea has extensive experience in the C&I market from working with Focus New Zealand, Shoal Bay Resort & Spa and Four Seasons (Regent Hotels). She will be helping our Australian friends' conference in the ‘coolest little capital in the world’.
Glenys Coughlan, Chief Executive of Positively Wellington Venues, says having just integrated six of the city’s best venues under the new umbrella makes now the perfect time for the new partner initiative.
Contact Andrea Werner at Andrea.Werner@WellingtonNZ.com
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NEW SALES MANAGER FOR AUCKLAND CONVENTION BUREAU
Lee Watkins, who was previously Sales Manager – Meetings & Events with Accor Hotels, has joined the team at the Auckland Convention Bureau as Sales Manager.
Lee has been with Accor for eleven years and has joined the bureau team to cover Eloise Barnes as she takes maternity leave. Lee’s focus is on assisting event organizers from Australia to bring their conference, incentive or other business events to Auckland and is looking forward to meeting and assisting you.
Lee Watkins can be contacted on email at lee.watkins@aucklandnz.com
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Accolades for NZ Speakers - The National Speakers Association of New Zealand (NSANZ) Annual Awards
Congratulations to Ngahi Bidois who was presented with the award of Speaker of the Year at the NSANZ National awards recently.
Also, a double award for Greg Ward, achieving NSANZ Master of Ceremonies of the Year 2011 and NSANZ Entertainer of the Year 2011. |
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Product Updates
Viaduct Events Centre making a big impression
Auckland Conventions newest venue, the stunning Viaduct Events Centre is proving popular with both clients and the general public. The venue has hosted a range of public and private events including Auckland Art Fair, New Zealand Fashion Week and the Auckland International Boat Show.
Built to a five-star environmental standard the 6000sqm stand alone venue makes an impressive addition to the Viaduct Harbour precinct. The Centre offers eight different sized rooms suitable for a wide range of events. Its modern design takes advantage of Auckland’s beautiful landscape with every room boasting an incredible vista of the waterfront, creating a stunning backdrop for events.
The Centre is part of a greater development, Wynyard Quarter, by Waterfront Auckland. This exciting development aims to revitalise the area with unique shops, world class restaurants, and natural, open public spaces to make the area more accessible and enjoyable for both visitors to Auckland and its residents.
Rotorua: Mokoia Island functions
Mokoia Island, located in the middle of Lake Rotorua, has been the sacred home of the Te Arawa people of Rotorua for more than 700 years. Wai Ora welcomes visitors to embark on a unique experience for C & I groups - an eco-cultural guided tour, with the option to bathe your feet in one of the nine natural geothermal pools bordering the island. Guests also have the option to enjoy a relaxing Mokoia Island Cruise across Lake Rotorua, a delicious dinner incorporating indigenous herbs and spices from the island and a spine tingling Maori cultural concert with a unique view of Rotorua city, from the middle of the lake.
Another Skyline Queenstown Murder Mystery
A Skyline Murder Mystery dinner is an interactive evening event during which your guests witness and try to solve a fictitious murder. Hosted by professional actors, it’s hilariously entertaining and fun to play. We have two themed dinners to choose from: "Nightmare at the High School Prom", or "Casino Royale - Gambling with Murder". Each theme can be customised to suit the individual group requirements and size. For more information please email Kylie Elliott queenstownfunctions@skyline.co.nz
The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor in Wellington announces plans for a refurbishment early 2012
The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor in Wellington is excited to announce plans for a refurbishment of 200 accommodation rooms in its Lambton wing in early 2012. Refurbishment will include brand new bed coverings and throws, along with new decorative pillows. The minibar cabinets will be replaced with modern hip height minibar draws creating a sleek new look.
Located in the heart of Wellington's CBD, the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor has eight meeting and conference rooms, as well as 268 modern accommodation rooms and suites. The Qualmark rated 4 star plus hotel offers a diverse selection of meeting venues catering for up to 300 delegates with stunning city and harbour views.
Heritage Auckland Refurbishment making progress
The first stage of room refurbishments has now been completed at the Heritage Auckland Hotel. Guests will see a fresh new look for rooms and suites, with new LCD televisions, beds, carpeting and furniture introduced in rooms across the Hotel Wing, plus new beds and carpets in the Tower Wing and new iPod docking stations in many rooms.
New Name And New Look For Rendezvous Hotel Auckland
New Zealand's largest hotel, Rendezvous Hotel Auckland, is currently undergoing refurbishment as part of a multi-million dollar Group re-branding initiative announced earlier this month.
The refurbishment of Rendezvous Hotel Auckland follows the mid-October announcement made by Rendezvous Hospitality Group uniting Rendezvous Hotels and Marque Hotels into one Rendezvous brand. Rendezvous Hotel Auckland will become Rendezvous Grand Hotel Auckland.
The extensive refurbishment will distinguish Rendezvous Hotel Auckland through design, technology, amenities and brand identity as one of the most outstanding dining and premier accommodation experiences in Auckland. For futher information please contact Richard Dodds on email RichardDodds@RendezvousHotels.com
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Specials worth knowing about!
The Langham, Auckland:
Be rewarded with the "Double The Extra Mile" offer if meetings are booked before December 31, 2011 for events taking place between January 1 and August 31, 2012. Qualified events contracted at The Langham, Auckland which exceed US$65,000 in value will earn the additional gift of a Nespresso machine. (Terms & conditions apply)
Marlborough Vintners Hotel:
Consider the new Executive Retreat packages which will ensure your delegates enjoy the very best of Marlborough in the Vines and on the Sounds. Day delegate rate includes accommodation, transfers and cuisine, along with external optional activities to bring groups together and reinvigorate your team. Contact Jennifer, Sales Manager at Marlborough Vintners Hotel, jennifer@mvh.co.nz or visit the website to view the packages www.mvh.co.nz
Stamford Plaza Auckland:
Situated in the heart of Auckland’s CBD the renowned 5 star hotel Stamford Plaza Auckland has added one new meeting /conference room named "Lobby Room" with natural light from both sides, it is located at a very prime space at lobby level. BOOK NOW FOR EXCITING SAVINGS AND REWARDS (until 31 Mar 2012 for bookings made by 31 Dec 2011) to receive a "Nespresso coffee machine" or Ipod Nano for bookings of $4000 to $8000, or “Samsung computer tablet" for bookings above $8000. For more information please contact Sunny Kaushal at events@spak.stamford.com.au
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Wishing you a wonderful festive season and we look forward to the opportunity of welcoming you and your clients to New Zealand in 2012.
Kind regards,
Sharon & Heidi
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