 For the first time participants from the New Zealand business events industry were represented at the Australian Events Expo in Sydney. The trade show was held in late May and is strongly represented by a majority of New South Wales exhibitors and representatives Australia-wide. However, this year Lake Taupo, Rotorua and the Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau were flying the flag for New Zealand.
The 100% Pure New Zealand stand reported two successful days with the consensus that it was a worthwhile trip across the Tasman. The New Zealand Convention Bureaux were delighted with the invitation to be a part of AEE and it was a good opportunity to stand alongside key Australian destinations.
Chirstchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau manager and chair of NZCB Annette Pendergast, said the New Zealand influence at the show was a hit with visitors.
“The response from visitors to the show with interest in New Zealand was overwhelming with many of those being corporate meeting planners keen to learn about the options available; especially to provide new and different venues for their events,” she said.
The hope for the NZCB is that the enthusiasm from visitors at AEE will carry through to influencing decisions as to where to stage conferences and events in the future. Ms Pendergast said the feedback was positive, with many visitors learning how easy it was to cross the Tasman and how cost-effective and dynamic New Zealand can be.
The 100% Pure New Zealand stand was managed by Ms Pendergast who was joined by Melissa Gray from Rotorua and Di Christie from Lake Taupo, with support from Air New Zealand, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Rotorua Events & Venues and Christchurch Convention Centre.
Over the two days of the show more than 3500 people visited AEE and many stopped off at the 100% Pure New Zealand stand. The NZCB is looking forward to working with Conventions & Incentives New Zealand which has indicated it will co-ordinate the 100% Pure New Zealand stand at AEE 2009. This year’s New Zealand participants are hopeful that positive feedback from this show will see more NZ representatives taking part in 2009.
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