Following a vigorous start the Marlborough Convention Centre is halfway through its first busy year and future business prospects are looking just as bright. Since opening in late November 2007, local business has already begun to enjoy the positive flow-on effects from events and they can expect this to continue with back-to-back bookings for the next four months, and future spaces also filling up fast.
The picturesque and centrally located Marlborough region is perfect to cater for the MICE market but lacked a suitable venue. Marlborough District Council identified this opportunity and through the building of the Marlborough Convention Centre the region now has the infrastructure sorely needed to rival other popular conference destinations such as Hawke’s Bay and the Bay of Islands.
With the vast availability of epicurean delights in the area plus water-based activities such as cruising or kayaking and eco tours, the Marlborough region is unrivalled for a selection of delegate activities once leaving the conference.
Scenic Circle Hotels, through its subsidiary Scenic Circle Conventions Services, has been enlisted to manage the centre and drive business into the region. The dedicated team that Scenic Circle Convention Services offers, both on a local and national level, means the convention centre receives the specialised management and organisation a high-class facility like this requires.
Brett Inkster took over from Mark McLean as general manager in April this year, having being transferred from Scenic Circle Te Pania Hotel in Napier. Mr McLean had been engaged to open and manage the convention centre initially, and Brett says “an enormous vote of thanks is due to the council in having the foresight to bring this initiative to the region, and also to Mark and Destination Marlborough whose efforts ensured that the centre got off to a flying start.”
Situated on the banks of the Taylor River in central Blenheim, the Marlborough Convention Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art convention facilities and technology to be able to cater up to 750 delegates theatre-style or 400 in a banquet setting.
This diverse venue can be opened up to become one large pillarless space perfect for exhibitions, or transformed into more intimate areas by ceiling mounted, acoustically-rated wall partitions. With all rooms fitted with Seabus Control Systems and wireless broadband throughout, management of the audio, visual and ambient aspects for individualised events becomes effortless.
Catering for events such as banquets, gala dinners or cocktail functions is made easy with spacious kitchen facilities with modern equipment conveniently located on-site at ground level. Alternatively, local award-winning wineries can also provide unique dining experiences for visitors.
Within walking distance of the centre are three of the main hotels in Blenheim for delegate accommodation: the Scenic Circle Blenheim Country Hotel, Copthorne Hotel Marlborough, and the Chateau Marlborough. Plans are already underway at the Scenic Circle Blenheim Country Hotel and the Chateau Marlborough to expand and upgrade hotel facilities in anticipation of the increased visitor numbers the centre is going to bring.
Telephone (03) 579 5047 or visit www.marlboroughconventions.co.nz for more information.
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