Mentor programme grows conference organisers' skills

Mentor programme grows professional conference organisers' skills

Following the success of its inaugural Mentorship Programme, Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) is now calling for more potential mentors and mentees.

The 2015 Mentorship Programme will be launched in June at CINZ MEETINGS in Auckland.

Leading New Zealand PCOs Megan Crum, Sally Bary and Jan Tonkin were instrumental in developing the programme and are now joined on the Mentorship Committee by CINZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan.

She says the aim of the Mentorship Programme is to provide PCOs with additional personal, career and professional guidance and advice.

“What we want to do is grow the skills of our PCOs and strengthen the networks within our industry so that everyone is at the top of their game.”

The programme will be open to all CINZ members from the many industries it represents.

Sue Sullivan says the response from both mentors and mentees who took part in last year’s programme was outstanding.

“It is helping PCOs reach their full potential while at the same time building valuable relationships with one another,” she says.

Meredith Drucker, General Manager of The Events Group says the programme has been a career highlight for her.

“Still, on a daily basis, I draw from the time with my mentor. Having a mentor in my industry was amazing as she understood everything I was going through, because she had been in my shoes.”

Mentor Megan Crum from Conference Innovators, who helped found the programme, says it offers mentees the opportunity to develop their careers, build valuable relationships and broaden their experience within the industry.

“Many mentors also develop as a result of working with their mentees and find significant personal growth,” she says.

Based on registration information from participants, appropriate mentor and mentee matches are made to ensure everybody gets the most out of their Mentorship Programme.

CINZ has contracted the services of The New Zealand Coaching and Mentoring Centre to support the programme with mentor and mentee training and consultancy services.

The programme will run over a seven-month period commencing at CINZ MEETINGS 2015 in June, with a formal mid-point session during September in Auckland.

“If you think you are right for this, have the time to commit and most importantly the enthusiasm and energy we would love to hear from you,” Sue Sullivan says.

PCOs interested in taking part in the Mentorship Programme, either as a mentor or mentee, can register through CINZ's website <>
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