If you didn’t make it across the ditch for Meetings NZ, read on for this year’s big announcements and attractions.
1. Fun: Hobbiton’s life-sized Hobbit Hole
Hobbiton Movie Set general manager Russell Alexander, The Hobbit Trilogy art director Brian Massey, head joiner Peter Hawke and local builder Darren Roa built a full size Hobbit Hole on the exhibition floor.
The Hobbit Hole features a door that was originally constructed as the entrance to The Green Dragon Inn and used during filming of The Hobbit Trilogy, but was removed when the set was transformed into a functional part of the Hobbiton tourism experience.
This is the first time the Hobbit Hole has been on display in NZ. The Hobbit Hole was constructed late last year and has been used on international campaigns in London and more recently Singapore.
2. Smart: CINZ announces Emerging Talent series
Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) has launched a new networking and educational series aimed at developing the careers of its members’ future leaders.
Targeting up-and-coming professionals in New Zealand’s business events industry, the ‘Emerging Talent’ initiative combines professional development with network building opportunities.
CINZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan said that the program will tick all the boxes for people like event coordinators and sales account managers, who are looking to take their careers to the next level.
The first presenter is Laurel McLay, an accredited thought leader mentor, successful entrepreneur and personal brand specialist. The first event starts at 4pm on Monday July 27 at the Bluestone Room, Darby St, Auckland. Please email Amy Griffith to register – amy@nzconventions.co.nz.
3. New: The Kinloch Club to open a new lodge in July 2015
The new lodge is onsite at The Kinloch Club, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course on the shores of Lake Taupo.
Created by the much-awarded Treetops Lodge and Estate, The Lodge at Kinloch features one-bedroom junior suites and luxurious two or three-bedroom villas.
The villas were designed by Andrew Patterson, one of New Zealand’s best internationally known architects. Interiors have been created by Virginia Fisher, and feature her signature expansive spaces, log fireplaces, vista windows, furnished terraces and marble bathrooms.
The lodge will have a restaurant using produce reared from the private 2000 ha owner’s estate, an onsite spa specialising in sporting therapeutic and organic wellness treatments, an infinity pool, a gym and tennis courts.
4. Inspiring: Celebrity Speakers showcase day one wrap-up
The annual Millenium Hotels lunch, followed by the Celebrity Speakers showcase, was a hit with presentations from adventurer Jamie Fitzgerald, INXS’s Ciaran Gribbin, Suzanne Paul of Natural Glow fame and B2B social media expert Tom Skotidas.
5. Relaxing: Exhibition Hire Services and Displayworks host the Recharge Lounge
In one of the most popular places on the exhibition floor was the Recharge Lounge where delegates could grab a fresh juice, get a massage from one of two therapists or get a manicure. This was an excellent example of a intelligent use of resources within a sponsored space to add value to the delegate experience.
