Penang joins big players

October 4, 2012, 11:34 am

≫ Next: Torrington managing C&I for Stay and Play NZ

$

0

0

The island of Penang in Malaysia is set to join the large international meetings market, with two major convention centres opening in the middle of the decade. The first is the subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (spice) – one of the few completely underground convention centres in the world. Set to open in 2015, it is being privately built on state land and will be just a few minutes drive from the international airport.

The following year a large privately developed centre will be open in what is known as The Light Precinct, an area which includes residences and a commercial centre. Four new hotels are being built, with at least one earmarked to open with the convention centre.

OOI Geok Ling, managing director of Penang Gobal Tourism, says Penang has built a strong reputation for boutique meetings and incentives – many based around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgetown and others at beach resorts. The new developments, combined with accessibility through the international airport will put the industry on a different scale. (Among others, the island is connected 17 times a week to Hong Kong, 66 times to Singapore and 214 times to Kuala Lumpur).

Currently OOI is part of a steering committee looking at the formation of a Penang Convention Bureau – likely to be established in the next six months.

---

Torrington managing C&I for Stay and Play NZ

October 9, 2012, 3:04 pm

≫ Next: Tap into emerging knowledge, urges speaker

≪ Previous: Penang joins big players

$

0

0

Auckland based Georgina Torrington of Velox Group (NZ) Ltd is managing the conference and incentive sector for Stay and Play NZ. Velox Group (NZ) Ltd will be responsible for representing members of Stay and Play’s collective of local tourism attractions, activities, accommodation providers and transport operators, to corporate event planners, and professional conference organisers throughout New Zealand.

Stay and Play has been in operation since 2007, providing promotional and representation services on behalf of a collective of businesses throughout New Zealand.  Other market sectors it works with include New Zealand-based inbound tour operators, i-SITEs and information centres, China, Australia, and western markets (including Europe, UK and North America).  Stay and Play’s aim is to bring more visitors to its member businesses by providing information that will encourage visitors to Stay longer and Play more in the region.

Tap into emerging knowledge, urges speaker

October 1, 2012, 8:27 pm

≫ Next: PCOs see what's hot in Hawke's Bay

≪ Previous: Torrington managing C&I for Stay and Play NZ

$

0

0

Personnel in the meetings industry need to be finding out about what areas of excellence are emerging in universities and medical research institutes, says Martin Winter, chairman of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), pictured left. During a keynote address at Incentive Travel and Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) in Bangkok, he stressed the need to be building stronger and stronger connections with these organisations. ‘This way we can become more aware about the areas of knowledge that are going to become the hottest topics and the biggest and best-funded events in the future. It is our greatest opportunity.

Winter, who is also chief executive officer of Gold Coast Tourism says this is the framework within which the sector should view potential growth in the Asian meetings business.  ‘Over the next decade some of the biggest technological and scientific advances and innovations are going to originate from this region.  Instead of Western-based associations and companies bringing meetings here in order to transfer knowledge to Asia, Asia is going to be where papers are developed and delivered to delegates from other parts of the world. In many fields this will be where people will come to hear what the future might look like.

‘And we will see more. We are going to see more frequent rotation of global meetings into Asia; we are going to see vastly more home-grown Asian regional meetings; more Asian events are going to attract international audiences; and, importantly, there will be many more opportunities for entrepreneurs and destination marketers to create new meetings to exploit the opportunities that will emerge in the wake of new science and technologies. In turn, total participation numbers will increase year on year, second and third tier cities will join the market and other stakeholders in the meetings industry will benefit. ‘

IT&CMA is held in conjunction with Corporate Travel World (CTW) at Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.

PCOs see what's hot in Hawke's Bay

October 13, 2012, 8:28 pm

≫ Next: CINZ’s racey start

≪ Previous: Tap into emerging knowledge, urges speaker

$

0

0

A group of professional conference organisers experienced the best of Hawke's Bay's conference facilities, renowned winemaking, and background behind the region's historical icon that is Napier, during a two day inaugural famil hosted by Hawke's Bay Tourism and sponsored by Air New Zealand. Grant Radovanovich, trade marketing and conference manager, Hawke's Bay Tourism, says the generally sunny weather in Hawke's Bay is a bonus for event organisers, as is the ability to draw on a plethora of local wineries for venues, catering or wine tasting and blending experiences. Left: Winery, winery, wineries; Hawke's Bay isn't shy when it comes to vineyards and associated wine experiences on offer

The PCO group were taken to the New Zealand Wine Centre, an ideal attraction for visitors such as cruise passengers with not enough time to visit Hawke's Bay wineries firsthand, as the centre screens a choice of four 20 minute clips that incorporate simulated scenic flights and interviews with six different winemakers, while the audience can sample a taste from each winery simultaneously. Similarly, the Art Deco Centre offers 20 minute movies into the history of Napier's fatal earthquake in 1931, and the rebuild of the city in the art deco style that would eventually become what the destination is foremost known for. The group also enjoyed a walking tour around Napier's CBD with Art Deco Trust guide, Kathy Hill, who pointed out examples of the famous architectural styles and explained how the city rose from the ashes of the earthquake and resulting fire to rebuild in only two years. As well as winemaking and art deco, Hawke's Bay is also known for its variety of off-road bike trails around the flat-landed city. Tākaro Trails arranged a 16km limestone path bike ride and team building challenges for the PCOs, beginning with an olive pit spitting competition (won by Andrew Barker of The Orange Group) and candle making exercise at Arataki Honey Visitor's Centre, with a wine guessing challenge at Black Barn Vineyards. The number of bike trail offerings has recently grown in Hawke's Bay thanks to government funding.'Around $5.5 million has been spent in the last 12 months and we now have 187km of cycling tracks on offer,' says Jenny Ryan, director Tākaro Trails. 'It's going to be a big part of Hawke's Bay moving forward.' Radovanovich says the trails are ideal activities for delegates to take a break in between conferencing and clear their heads. 'The conference centres are so handy to many bike trails and about 90% of accommodation providers have bikes available. Everybody's embraced the cycling here, even cafes have bike racks outside and some cafes have popped up along tracks. The flat limestone paths mean cycling here is an all abilities option; we call them the lycra free trails,' adds Radovanovich. The group's accommodation was split between 4.5 star The Crown Hotel, Scenic Hotel Te Pania and Quest Apartments. Hawke's Bay venues and attractions visited included Hawke's Bay Opera House, War Memorial Conference Centre, Sileni Estate, Masonic Hotel, Church Road Winery, The Old Church, Globe Theatre and more. See more coverage of the famil in the November/December Meeting Newz.

A team building cycling challenge organised by Tākaro Trails	Julie Abbot, Groundwork and Andrew Barker, The Orange Group attempt guessing what wine they're sampling at Black Barn Vineyards	Rachel Banks, Cliftons; New Zealand Wine Centre manager, Grant Radovanovich, Hawke's Bay Tourism and Julie Abbot, Groundwork
Geraldine Hutchinson, Air Zealand and Rachael Speedy, Conference Innovators are chauffeured by Graham Hollie, Art Deco Vintage Car Tours	Julie Abbot, Groundwork and Geraldine Hutchison, Air New Zealand check out the Bertie's...er.. trunks	Valentina Monchieri, Soiree and Rachel Banks, Cliftons try out the art deco fashions at Charleston Chic
James Chatterly, Event Dynamics pours his own Church Road chardonnay	Andrew Barker, The Orange Group presents Team Poison's  'Belladonna' and 'Ivy' blends as part of a bordeaux blending challenge at Church Road	The Old Church is an fine dining restaurant set in an opulent church

CINZ’s racey start

November 6, 2012, 12:18 pm

≫ Next: Outstanding contribution recognised

≪ Previous: PCOs see what's hot in Hawke's Bay

$

0

0

It was Melbourne Cup day when Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) members arrived for their annual conference in Queenstown. Race day arrival drinks were held at prime waterfront Restaurant and bar, kicking off a couple of days of that include keynotes, an annual general meeting, presentations from CINZ and Tourism New Zealand, networking functions and activities around the region. For more on what's going on at CINZ visit Meeting Newz social scene from here Alison Rodgers and Lisa Tully of Millennium welcomed delegates (including Australian David Hall, of David hall & Associates, in style when they arrived checked in and registered at Millennium Hotel Queenstown.

Olivia Bowers-Gaiy, Destination Marlborough; Bree Jones, Dunedin Convention Bureau; Nicole Wood, Dunedin Venues; Melanie Galt, Scenic Hotel Group	Ready for business, Ali Copeman, akB Conference Management Limited and Stu Robertson, Corporate Challenge	It was spring market time when delegates had a lunch break at Millennium Hotel Queenstown - Jessica Carlson, Accor and Jo Finnigan, M Gallery St Moritz Queenstown; check out the signage

Outstanding contribution recognised

November 7, 2012, 1:58 pm

≫ Next: CINZ in Nelson 2013

≪ Previous: CINZ’s racey start

$

0

0

William Goodfellow, Corporate Explore, has been named the fourth winner of the Conventions & Incentives NZ (CINZ) Annual Outstanding Contributors Award. He was presented the trophy (which also comes with a dozen Hunters Wines) by David Hall, of David Hall and Associates.

CINZ in Nelson 2013

November 8, 2012, 6:18 pm

≫ Next: Auckland's annual get-together

≪ Previous: Outstanding contribution recognised

$

0

0

Nelson has been awarded the Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) conference for 2013. It will be held in November, with the exact dates to be confirmed soon. Lynda Keene, of Nelson Tasman Tourism, says the main venue for the conference will be The Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel, which has new conference facilities. The 'secondary' hotel for the event will be the Grand Mercure Monaco Resort Nelson. Delegates at the Queenstown conference this year, including Murray Jeffrey of Claudelands, received a gift from Nelson Tasman Tourism's Angela Hunter (left) and Lynda Keene.

Auckland's annual get-together

November 19, 2012, 6:13 pm

≫ Next: PCO Conference underway on the Gold Coast

≪ Previous: CINZ in Nelson 2013

$

0

0

The Auckland Convention Bureau hosted a networking lunch at Britomart's Australis House yesterday, providing a chance for Auckland's corporates and business event planners to mix and mingle with the industry's event suppliers. Six professional conference organisers from Wellington, New Plymouth and Palmerston North joined the get-together, concluding a two-day famil of Auckland. During their visit to The Big Smoke, they experienced sailing on the Waitemata Harbour, jet boating, SkyJumping, Harley Davidson rides and site inspections of Auckland's key conferencing venues. See photos from a snippet of the Auckland famil here.

The networking function was themed with help from The Events Group, with Urban Gourmet providing catering.

Amanda McCullough from Pavlovich Coachlines (second from left) catches up with some out-of-towners: Sarah Holbrook, Conference Connexions (WLG), Viviane De Jesus, Auaha (WLG) and Sue Peck, SP Conference Management (PNR)	Rebecca Swaney, Plant & Food Research; Ryan Mikkelson and Marija Gecan, both Hilton Auckland and Yvonne McDiarmid, Plant & Food Research	Melanie Whittaker, Melcom Communications and Louise Ryburn, Celebrity Speakers
Tracy Smith, Adecco Personnel and Polly Markus, The Britomart Hospitality Company	Olwyn Morgan and Cyril Brace, Austins Food Design Events with Abbie Rutlidge and Rosie Condon, APRA	Rachel Leitch, Holiday Inn and Carla Childs, AON New Zealand
Niki Dowe, Hallmark Chauffeur Drive with Susan Woodroffe and Christine Mowbray, both Lowndes Associates	Louisa Dempsey and Jaclyn Dinnan, both SKY Television with Jen Southan, Ergo Consulting	Donna Harper, Arnott's and Dinna Sansalvador, Corporate Explore
Jo Moses, NZ Transport Agency; Kelly Marsden, The Events Group; Kelly Horan, Bayer New Zealand and Heather Shaw, The Events Group	Viviane De Jesus, Auaha gears up for a ride with Bularangi Motorbikes to an Auckland Museum site inspection	And they're off...

---

PCO Conference underway on the Gold Coast

November 29, 2012, 4:59 pm

≫ Next: PCO Association to introduce new membership category

≪ Previous: Auckland's annual get-together

$

0

0

The PCO Conference is underway at Jupiter's Hotel and Casino on the Gold Coast. Last night, Warner Bros. Movie World hosted a progressive dinner for the delegates with entertainment 'stars' including Madonna, Marilyn Munroe, Elvis Presley, Austin Powers and more, and PCOs were invited to brave a go on the Superman, Bat Man, Justice League and new Green Lantern rides.
Champagne Chandeliers (Way Out Theatreworks) with Richard Dodds, Rendezvous Grand Hotel Auckland, Tracey Thomas and Rachel Cook from Conference Innovators	Maxine Wallis, SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre, Lee Watkins; Auckland Convention Bureau; Sonya Anderson, Mystery Creek Events Centre and Dawn Farrell, Dawn Farrell Events Consultancy at the New Zealand booths	Joanne Kelly and Sharon Philp, Fraser Coast Conferences and Events with Caroline Duveau-Clayton and Michelle Sargent, Village Roadshow Theme Parks
Anna Case, Gold Coast Convention Bureau; Carol Podesta, Execugifts; Alan Trotter, CINZ and Allan Dawnson, Execugifts	Mike Taylor (magician and hypnotist) worked his magic into a Bruce Lee paper cut out for Lyn Rankin, University of Queensland	Marilyn Munroe enchants the PCOs at a progressive dinner hosted by Warner Bros. Movie World
Jane Yeaman, Tulips Meetings Management; Pat Strahan, Strahan Events and Janine Keating, Corporate Conference Solutions Ltd catch  up with Scooby Doo and Scraggy	The Village Road Show Theme Parks team that hosted the PCOs: Stacey Milne, Caroline Duveau-Clayton, Lisa Thomas and Michelle Sargent	Sally Brown, Sally Brown Conference Connections and Jenny Marsden, Plan Ahead Events with Tweety Bird

PCO Association to introduce new membership category

November 29, 2012, 9:04 pm

≫ Next: Day two of the PCO Conference

≪ Previous: PCO Conference underway on the Gold Coast

$

0

0

The PCO Association announced at the PCO Conference on the Gold Coast today that it will introduce a new membership category in 2013. The category will be called 'Corporate Partner', for industry suppliers across Australia and New Zealand such as those exhibiting in the trade component of the PCO conference. 'After five years of gaining credibility in the market place, we believe that now is the appropriate time to engage to a greater extent with our industry supplier partners,' said Rob Henshaw, president of the PCO Association at Jupiter's Hotel and Casino today. Right: Rob Henshaw, PCO Association president

The corporate partners members will not have association voting rights, however their input and contribution will be welcomed to the 'shaping of the association', says Henshaw. Benefits of being a corporate partner will include branding opportunities that come with the association's marketing efforts, attendance at key industry events at discounted member rates, and discounted sponsor and exhibitor packages.

More details and an official announcement will come in January 2013.

Day two of the PCO Conference

November 30, 2012, 4:16 am

≫ Next: French class at the PCO Accor cocktail function

≪ Previous: PCO Association to introduce new membership category

$

0

0

The fifth annual PCO Conference and exhibition held at Jupiters Hotel and Casino, Gold Coast incorporated the theme Transparency - Value strategies for PCO's and clients.  Event organisers took advantage of the networking opportunities and chance to source information from the exhibiting event suppliers during the catered breaks in between the seminar programme on Thursday November 30. Conference delegates and exhibitors will continue to receive professional development and inspiration in the seminars yet to come.

Leanne Zeid, Event Assist; Lynn Simmonds, Air New Zealand; Jana Kingston, Queenstown Convention Bureau and Lee Watkins, Auckland Convention Bureau	The Association Specialists Emma Waygood and Jessica Abbey with Allan Dawnson of Execugifts	Millennium Hotels & Resorts Helen Bambry and Alison Rogers with Kate Murphy of YRD
Kathryn Hunter, ForumPoint2 and Rachael O'Connor, Corporate Challenge	Violeta Herrero and Jenny Ramos of Jupiters Gold Coast with Evi Knoeckel of Hilton Surfers Paradise	Lisa King, Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists Inc and Jennifer Milward, PCO Association
Laura McDougall, Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre and Imogene Thomson, Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau	Matt Hnatojko and Aimee McKechnie of Jomablue	Russell Bunnett from Microhire enjoying a massage by Sherie of Gold Coast Corporate Massage on the Amora Group exhibition stand

French class at the PCO Accor cocktail function

November 30, 2012, 5:16 am

≫ Next: Member networking underway at EEAA Conference

≪ Previous: Day two of the PCO Conference

$

0

0

Delegates attending the 2012 PCO Conference had the opportunity to establish new business relationships and network with industry peers from Australia and New Zealand at the Sofitel Networking Function Les Annees folles sponsored by Accor Hotels.  The cocktail function showcased the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach outdoor poolside event facility in french style with canapes, champagne, dressed for the occasion hosts and entertainers and interactive activities.

Ian Alexandre, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth; Jenifer Dwyer-Slee, Accor Asia Pacific and Darren Isenberg, Darren Isenberg Presents (PCO Conference MC)	Business Events Tasmania's Krystal James and Claire Harrington with Hannah Johnson (center) of Zest	Catherine Brook and Catherine Vo of The Pharmacy Guild with Warren Harvey of Events & Venues Rotorua
Violeta Herrero, Jupiters Gold Coast; Laura-Jade Hallion, Palazzo Versace; Peter Dunn, Gold Coast Convention Bureau and Katrina O'Donnell, Sofitel Gold Coast Broachbeach	Paul Philp and Helen Bambry of Millennium Hotels & Resorts with Caryn Morgan of CMA Events	Tracy-Lee Smith, Bond University Function Centre and Val Sanders, Conference Online
Craig Mathisen, Water Industry Operators Association and Dawn Farrell, Dawn Farrell Events Consultancy	Shannon Thwaites, Gold Coast Convention Bureau and Hayley Pena, O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard enjoying a game of croquet	Meg Fisher, Local Government Association of NSW and Jodi Hamilton, Quest Townsville

Member networking underway at EEAA Conference

December 3, 2012, 12:40 pm

≫ Next: EEAA Conference - time to rethink and reskill

≪ Previous: French class at the PCO Accor cocktail function

$

0

0

To reinforce the importance of face to face interaction gained from attending exhibitions and events, EEAA (Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia) members had the opportunity to establish and build relationships with industry peers at the welcome function. The networking event was held at the Meat Market, South Wharf Promenade prior to the EEAA Conference commencing on December 4.

Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia's Sarah Galbraith, Joyce DiMascio and Sandra Stocken	Ozren Vukelic, Circulations Audit Board and Ruchi Ladkani, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre	Paul Davas, Circulations Audit Board and Eddie Muto, Hospitality 1
Christopher Rubery, Display Resources Limited and Steve Duck, North Port Events	Jo Furphy of Furphy Media with Tracey Jacques and Richard Watt of Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre	Peter King, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre and Robyn Johnson, Business Events Sydney

EEAA Conference - time to rethink and reskill

December 4, 2012, 4:46 am

≫ Next: Spotlighting excellence events and exhibitions

≪ Previous: Member networking underway at EEAA Conference

$

0

0

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) annual conference held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, focused on rethink, reskill and reinvigorate ... the power of exhibitions.  The one day programme provided an interactive forum for event organisers and suppliers to gain new skills and insights to grow their professional development.

Eugene Fraser, EEAA New Zealand chapter president and Matt Pearce, EEAA president	Lisa Meehan, Diversified Exhibitions Australia and Tim Morgan, MP Expo	Helen Mantellato, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre and John Psalidas, Exhibition Consultant
Paul Baker, Debbie Evans and Brandon Ward of Reed Exhibitions Australia	Kathryn Rogers, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre; Sandra Klein, Adelaide Event & Exhibition Centre and Nga Nguyen, Melborune Convention & Exhibition Centre	Andrew Broekhuysen, Octanorm; Eugene Fraser, Peek Exhibition and Chris Davies, Octanorm

Spotlighting excellence events and exhibitions

December 4, 2012, 3:31 pm

≫ Next: Flying south

≪ Previous: EEAA Conference - time to rethink and reskill

$

0

0

The finalists and winners of the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) awards of excellence were announced amongst the stylish backdrop of the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.  The EEAA awards recognise and place the spotlight on event companies and individual's high achievements.  North Port Events organisers of Fine Food NZ won the 2012 Best New Zealand Show award and was a finalist for the Best Trade Show Under 10,000sqm category.  Pictured below Steve Duck, North Port Events with Minnie Constan, Diversified Exhibitions Australia.

EEAA 2012 award winners:

Best New Zealand Show - Fine Food NZ - North Port Events

Best Australian Show - Cellar Door Wine Festival - Adelaide - Adelaide Convention Centre

Best Consumer Show Over 10,000sqm - Grand Designs Live - Melbourne - Diversified Exhibitions Australia

Best Trade Show over 10,000sqm - Australian Fitness & Health - Diversified Exhibitions Australia

Best Supplier Team - Good Food & Wine team - ExpoNet

Best Venue Team - Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre team

Best New Product or Service - Tracker App - Info Salons

Best Green Initiative - Transformation Project - Reed Exhibitions Australia

Richard Geddes Young Achiever - Jessica Calder of Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre

Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign Trade Show - Life Instyle - Melbourne - Reed Exhibitions Australia

Best Consumer Show Under 10,000 sqm - Cellar Door Wine Festival - Adelaide - Adelaide Convention Centre

Best Trade Show Under 10,000 sqm - Australian Gas Technology Expo - Diversified Exhibitions Australia

Best Custom Stand - Vale Exploration at International Geological Conference - ExpoNet

Best Show Team - Australian Fitness & Health Expo Show team - Diversified Exhibitions Australia

Best Safety Initiative - Traffic Management System - Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre

Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign Consumer Show - Grand Designs Live - Melbourne - Diversified Exhibitions Australia

Best New Show - Entech Connect - Exhibitions and Trade Fairs

Trevor Riddell President's Award - Tonvan Amerongen - Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre

---

Flying south

December 4, 2012, 6:45 pm

≫ Next: Rail journey to Middle Earth

≪ Previous: Spotlighting excellence events and exhibitions

$

0

0

Scenic Hotels in conjunction with Air New Zealand and Tourism West Coast hosted a professional conference organisers (PCOs) to the luxury Te Waonui Forest Retreat at Franz Josef. Flying into Hokitika via Christchurch, the group was transferred by KEA Tours for the 90 minute drive to Te Waonui Retreat, travelling through the West Coast countryside dotted with snow-capped peaks and glacier fed rivers. Situated on the edge of the Westland National Park, Te Waonui Forest Retreat sits comfortably in the surrounding natural rain forest and eco system. The 100 room, four wing hotel was built using local timber, totara, kahikatea, matai and rimu, and New Zealand-manufactured soft furnishings, including the Scenic signature feather and down mattress topper. Each guest room overlooks native bush and features a king or two queen size beds, internet connectivity, and in the bathroom, underfloor heating and TV volume control. Dining fireside at Te Waonui Forest Retreat are Jim Little, chief cxecutive, Tourism West Coast; Natasha du Plessis, Scenic Hotels; Geraldine Hutchison, Air New Zealand and Catherine Barwood, Premium Incentive & Conference Management

At the Glacier Hot Pools, Catherine Barwood, Premium Incentive & Conference Management; Lydia Broadbelt, HOT Events and Melanie Galt, Scenic Hotels, are keen to return to try out one of the three public pools…	...as are Suz Baker, Eventionz; Geraldine Hutchison, Air New Zealand and Julie Abbott, Groundwork	Dinner is served. The Scenic team, Melanie Galt, Richard Bungeroth, GM Te Waonui Forest Retreat and Natasha de Plesis on the deck where a barbecue dinner was prepared by resident chef, Charles Noville
Friends from way back, chef, Charles Noville and Julie Abbott, Groundwork catch up while the barbecue is underway	Julie Abbott, Groundwork; Jo Halley, KEA Tours and Natasha de Plesis, Scenic Hotels head to the buffet on the deck at Te Waonui Forest Retreat	Suz Baker, Eventionz;r is served a dessert taster on an unusual wooden platter by waiter Matthew

Rail journey to Middle Earth

December 5, 2012, 12:00 pm

≫ Next: Heritage Hotels lobs for St Johns

≪ Previous: Flying south

$

0

0

A group of corporates and event organisers experienced the new Northern Explorer trains and the latest attraction at Hobbiton on a KiwiRail journey to Middle Earth yesterday. Around 40 passengers rode in the new purpose built KiwiRail carriages that have been introduced to all Scenic trains (TranzApline, Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer) this year. The group enjoyed a new cafe menu and beverages before snapping their own scenic shots from the outside viewing car. It was the first time the new Northern Explorer carriages had travelled between Hamilton and Matamata, making a small part of New Zealand rail history. Right: Sharing an ale at the Green Dragon Inn: James Chatterley, Event Dynamics; Henry Horne, sales and operations manager Hobbiton Movie Set Tours; Ross McLauchlan, Tourism Consultants and Tom Evers-Swindell, business development manager KiwiRail Scenic Journeys

'The idea of the trip was to expose the carriages to this part of the industry in terms of the quality of travel we now offer for day trips and pre and post tour options,' says Tom Evers-Swindell, business development manager with KiwiRail Scenic Journeys. KiwiRail's fleet replacement was a $40 million investment and has upgraded the rail company's offerings to world class carriage standards. 'The up-to-date technology and airbag suspension make for a very smooth ride and the new carriages are a great link to the refreshed Hobbiton, travelling straight to Matamata.'

Evers-Swindell adds that the full service cafe, licensed bar and toilet facilities are key benefits of trains over coaches. 'For special groups, incentives and team building programmes this is a huge advantage for networking and interacting, and is a sophisticated and pleasant way to travel over a relatively short distance.'

Once in Matamata, a coach transported the group to thriving tourism attraction Hobbiton, where a tour of Bagend and the Shire took them around the famous hobbit holes that appear in the Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit films. The latest attraction at Hobbiton is the Green Dragon Inn, now a fully functional pub that serves a buffet menu plus Middle Earth wine, apple cider and Girdley amber ale from Good George Brewery, beverages exclusive to Hobbiton.

The oak tables, chairs and other decor all replicate the pub's setting in the movies. A permanent marquee area adjacent to the tavern makes for an event space of up to 250 pax seated. The Hobbiton movie set received close to 200,000 visitors in 2012 and is the largest movie set in the world, as well as the first permanent set to be created by Hollywood. More than 100 staff had worked seven days a week to meet the November 29 deadline where Prime Minister John Key officially opened the Green Dragon.

A menu and C+I brochure for the Green Dragon Inn will be available shortly. Contact Henry Horne for more details.

Train managers Antonio Mangioni and David Radoru and manager scenic passenger group Tom Evers-Swindell welcome Swee McGowan from Mazda New Zealand as she boards the Northern Explorer	Jean Barr, Top Achiever Sales Training; Anna Ward, Tourism New Zealand and Kristina Parkinson and Mel Gimblett, Soiree Event Management	Alan Verry, Countdown; Shavourn Nelson, Twilight Travel & Tours and Kristina Parkinson, Travel Managers
Checking out the scenic surrounds aboard the open-air viewing car: Tom Evers-Swindell, KiwiRail; Ross McLauchlin, Tourism Consultants; Linda Wong, AUT and James Chatterley, Event Dynamics	Jeanette Lewis, Fletcher Aliminium; Rosaleen Sherman, SCA Hygiene Australasia and Jeanette Skewes, Barfoot & Thompson	One of the 44 hobbit holes scattered throughout the movie set
The rain doesn't deter Anna Ward, Tourism New Zealand and Mel Gimblett, Soiree Event Management	Swee McGowan, Madza New Zealand at Bagend	Henry Horne points out the hobbit holes where Bilbo and Frodo Baggins live
The Green Dragon Inn setting	Ali Walker pours a Girdley fine grain ale	Julie and Mike Clancy, Eden Event Management try some hard apple cider
The spread put on at the Green Dragon Inn	Clockwise from left: Anna Ward, Tourism New Zealand; Dee Radhakrishnan and Matt Ball, Ports of Auckland; Ross McLauchlin, Tourism Consultants and Mel Gimblett, Soiree Event Management	Vicki Reid, IFOMPT; Ali Walker, Green Dragon and Robyn Lane, NZMPA enjoy a Middle Earth wine

Heritage Hotels lobs for St Johns

January 3, 2013, 2:34 pm

≫ Next: Luxury hotel for Wellington

≪ Previous: Rail journey to Middle Earth

$

0

0

Heritage Hotel’s charity night in support of St John held during the ASB Classic Women’s International Tennis Tournament served up $18,500 for the charity. The funds go directly towards purchasing 25 new paediatric oxygen saturation probes. The evening includes the Heritage Auckland Lobbo event held on centre court between the evening’s singles and double match. Members of the audience have the chance to purchase and then ‘lob’ their numbered tennis balls at two barrels on centre court to be in to win a range of prizes at Heritage Auckland, the host hotel for the tennis events.  Following this was an auction of exclusive items, with all funds raised on the night going directly to St John.

Above: Lobbing for charity at the ASB Classic (Photo by PhotoSport)

Luxury hotel for Wellington

December 12, 2012, 1:30 pm

≫ Next: Heritage Hotels lobs for St Johns

≪ Previous: Heritage Hotels lobs for St Johns

$

0

0

Sofitel Wellington is scheduled to open in Bolton Street in 2014. The site was formerly the Apple & Pear Board Office Building, which will be stripped back and have extra floors added. It will include a ground floor restaurant, showcasing local produce and wines from the nearby Martinborough, as well as a good selection of French and imported wines. The hotel will also feature extensive function and meeting rooms, a fitness centre and indoor pool.

Heritage Hotels lobs for St Johns

January 3, 2013, 2:34 pm

≫ Next: Luxury hotel for Wellington

≪ Previous: Luxury hotel for Wellington

$

0

0

Heritage Hotel’s charity night in support of St John held during the ASB Classic Women’s International Tennis Tournament served up $18,500 for the charity. The funds go directly towards purchasing 25 new paediatric oxygen saturation probes. The evening includes the Heritage Auckland Lobbo event held on centre court between the evening’s singles and double match. Members of the audience have the chance to purchase and then ‘lob’ their numbered tennis balls at two barrels on centre court to be in to win a range of prizes at Heritage Auckland, the host hotel for the tennis events.  Following this was an auction of exclusive items, with all funds raised on the night going directly to St John.

Above: Lobbing for charity at the ASB Classic (Photo by PhotoSport)