Business stars in the hot seat

2nd July, 2008

Business stars in the hot seat

Thrive New Zealand 2008, the premier business gathering for opinion leaders and decision-makers, announces today the lavish array of speakers and performers for the event, which is taking place at the Aotea Centre, Auckland, Thursday 14th August.

Thrive New Zealand has become the well established day out for the business community, with business leaders featured as show time stars. The spotlight in 2008 falls on some of the country's famous organisations going global, from George Adams, managing director of Coca Cola Amatil (NZ) on the L&P story, through to Dion Nash of 42 Below and the iconic Bro'Town crew.

Delegates can expect to gain unique insights on the knowledge and expertise that transforms national business triumphs into global successes.

Alasdair Thompson, CEO of the Employers and Manufacturers Association (Northern), believes New Zealand businesses can continue to achieve worldwide success as they embrace the great Kiwi 'can do' spirit.

"We operate in a global economy which is increasingly competitive," he says. "If we are bold, creative and confident, the essence of what makes us uniquely Kiwi will help us shine both at home and abroad.

"The speakers at this year's event have a tremendous record of achievement and it's exciting for delegates to have the chance to sit down with New Zealand's best in business."

The event MCs are actors Robyn Malcolm and Oscar Kightley.
The full list of speakers is as follows:
* John Key - Leader of the Opposition
* Andrew Ferrier - CEO, Fonterra
* George Adams - managing director, Coke Cola Amatil (NZ) Ltd
* Dion Nash - international marketing manager, 42 Below
* Sam Knowles - CEO, Kiwibank
* Temepara George & Stefano Olivieri - Dancing with the Stars 2008 Champions
* John Hart - director of football, Vodafone Warriors
* Derek & Geoffrey Handley - The Hyperfactory
* Mai Chen - partner, Chen Palmer
* Martin Snedden - CEO Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd
* Carmel Fisher - managing director, Fisher Funds Management Ltd
* Al Brown - Logan Brown/Hunger for the Wild/Grillslinger
* Mark Inglis - mountaineer
* Bro' Town: Morningside 4 Life - Elizabeth Mitchell, Oscar Kightley, Shimpal Lelisi & Mario Gaoa
A special guest performance will be from Cindy Fila (Stars in their Eyes) as Tina Turner.

Thrive New Zealand 2008 is sponsored by Telecom, Barter Card, Southern Cross Corporate Solutions, DB Breweries, Newstalk ZB, The Goodwater Company and Discover Distant Land Wines, reflecting the national and international reach of New Zealand companies.
For more information on the programme and speakers visit www.thrivenz.co.nz
-Ends-

NOTES TO EDITORS
Picture available: General image of conference delegates.

About Thrive New Zealand:
Thrive New Zealand (previously Thrive Auckland) is the nation's biggest show for business, attracting over 9,000 visitors over the past seven years.

Thrive is about celebrating NZ business success, innovation and inspiration. It is an entertaining, action packed experience, which showcases kiwi businesses that have achieved international success. It is packed with practical tips and proven ideas on how to grow a business of any size.

Thrive also includes a business expo of over 50 exhibitors. No other event in New Zealand offers exhibitors the ability to connect face to face and live with a captive business audience of this size.

Previous speakers include:
Rt Hon Helen Clark - Prime Minister, New Zealand
Stephen Tindall - The Warehouse Group Ltd
Julie Christie - CEO, Eyeworks Touchdown
Steve Hansen - Forwards Coach, the All Blacks
Joan Withers - CEO, Fairfax New Zealand
Michael Hill - Michael Hill Jewellery
Trelise Cooper - fashion designer
Greg Murphy - driver, Greg Murphy Racing

ENDS

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