Working together key to success

18 June 2014

Working together key to success

New Zealand’s business tourism and events industry needs to work collaboratively if it is to successfully compete on the international stage, says Conventions and Incentives New Zealand’s new chief executive Sue Sullivan.

“We’re operating in a highly competitive, innovative market and if we want to punch above our weight we need to work together and, where necessary, pool resources. The new convention centres planned for the country will open up new opportunities for our industry and we need to be ready to respond in a co-ordinated, strategic way,” Ms Sullivan says.

Ms Sullivan was speaking today at the opening of MEETINGS 2014, New Zealand’s largest business events trade show.

“It is important that Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) and Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) work together strategically to promote New Zealand and that we also put resources into the industry to ensure it is performing at optimum levels.

“CINZ’s role is to lead advocacy, education and events, and MEETINGS is our premier industry showcase,” she says.

Ms Sullivan says up-skilling the industry is a key part to that, which is why Conventions and Incentives New Zealand has recently set up a mentoring programme aimed at professional conference organisers (PCOs).

“What we want to do is grow the skills of our conference and event managers and strengthen the networks within our industry so that everyone is at the top of their game. Buyers have high expectations of our industry and it is important we not only meet those expectations, but we exceed them.’’

More than 6,000 meetings are scheduled over the next two days during MEETINGS 2014 and they will provide an opportunity for New Zealand business operators to meet one-on-one with potential buyers.

Some 185 exhibitors representing every region of New Zealand are on show at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds, while more than 620 conference and event organisers are attending the event.

The buyers are all professional event organisers and decision makers who represent influential companies and associations from throughout New Zealand, Australia, China, North America, Japan and South-East Asia.

For more information go to www.meetings.co.nz

ENDS

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