Q: How is business in New Zealand right now?
A: During the first half of 2008 Staging Connections NZ has experienced significant growth. The outlook for the balance of the year is encouraging, however we are not anticipating the strong growth to continue into the second half.
Q: Does SC deal generally with domestic business or are you seeing a growing number of international clients holding events in NZ?
A: Our business is a mix of domestic and inbound clients. Australia continues to be the source of a significant portion of our international business as is the case for the wider New Zealand convention and event industry. The current strength of the New Zealand dollar is having an impact on New Zealand as an event destination. If you add into the mix the rising cost of international travel and financial uncertainty in global markets there are some short to mid-term challenges on the horizon for the local industry to embrace.
Q: What destinations in New Zealand are performing well at present in terms of business events?
A: The Staging Connections business in NZ has historically been focused on the Auckland and Wellington regions with a lower level of activity outside of these cities. We are currently experiencing strong demand for our services from Queenstown and regional North Island destinations.
Q: What areas of growth does Staging Connections foresee in say the next five years?
A: Taking a view beyond the short term economic challenges, New Zealand is a compelling destination choice for business events. Staging Connections plans to gradually expand its geographical footprint in regional New Zealand to include Queenstown and the Waikato by 2010.
Q: How important is what you do to the success of a conference or event?
A: Essentially every aspect of an event is necessary to its overall success, however with event staging elements these are [the] catalyst to the audience receiving the key information and messages. The premise for every reason is a face to face gathering and sharing of information. If you have a poorly lit room, or your AV equipment breaks down or doesn’t work when it needs to, or a speaker and his presentation aren’t cued properly, or the crew isn’t experienced, doesn’t know his or her equipment and panics if something doesn’t go to plan - then really this could spell disaster foran event. You only get one chance to do it right. Additionally, we have coverage and knowledge of regional venues which really does help when you’re delivering an event. You know where everything is, how it works, what you need to bring in, whether the technology that’s there will support any technology that you bring in. All of these factors really do go a long way towards ensuring an event runs smoothly and to plan. So essentially I think that the right staging and AV services are critical to the overall success of an event.
Q: Is AV an area that event planners can save money on?
A: It all depends on what you want to achieve. A successful event starts and ends with clear messaging and objectives. How we deliver that depends on a number of variables including the budget. For example, some events are conceptualised for large spaces and req uire a blank canvas from which you can create something stunning and contemporary – whichcan be expensive. However, if you look at an established space and work with the existing infrastructure in terms of existing technology and décor - this can sometimes save money. Bringing technology and props into a blank open space can be really impactful but expensive. The best way to save money on each event is to talk to your staging expert and let them know what you want to achieve. He or she will give you a number of options to choose from to suit all budgets. Starting with the idea of saving money isn’t always conducive to staging a great memorable event!
Q: There has been a lot of talk about a new convention centre in Auckland. What are your thoughts on this? Is it necessary to grow the business events pie in New Zealand?
A: A new convention centre will boost New Zealand’s profile as a truly international destination choice. However, the hotel developments currently scheduled for the Auckland market will significantly boost capacity levels and broaden the appeal of Auckland as an event location.
Q: What, in your opinion, could New Zealand operators be doing better both domestically and internationally?
A: Think global, act local is the Staging Connections motto. New Zealand is a unique destination and we need to focus on that as part of our “brand standard”. New Zealand has a great product that is well priced and we need to focus our initiatives around what we have to offer and not dwell on what we lack in terms of infrastructure or scale.
Q: What can Staging Connections offer clients that other companies cannot?
A: Precisely what I’ve mentioned above: access to an incredible inventory; and a skills base and unique knowledge of events that we produce around the world every day.
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