New Zealand’s biggest convention and event organiser, The Conference Company, has opened an office in Sydney.

Managing director Jan Tonkin says that the Castlereagh St office, headed by Asia Pacific manager Stephen Noble, is a significant investment for the company.

“Face time with clients and our industry partners is critical to the success of our business, so investing in Sydney bricks and mortar was a logical next step as we continue to develop our international connections,” said Tonkin.

“We are presently experiencing a strong growth phase following the announcement of Auckland’s International Convention Centre, which has put New Zealand on the global conference map, and the investment in Australia represents a major push for new regional and international business,” she adds.

The Conference Company has been operating in Australia since 2008 and establishing a physical presence in Sydney, with its infrastructural advantages, will open up more Australian, Asia-Pacific and other international opportunities.

“Logistics planning is but one part of running successful conferences,” said Tonkin.

“Where The Conference Company is adding value is through intelligent development of the strategic elements including the vision, the design and the creation of the environment to achieve the client’s aims.

“It’s the soft stuff, the intangibles that require significant face-to-face dialogue, consideration and realisation.

“That’s why we need a physical permanent presence in Australia,” she said.

The new Sydney office is located at Suite 601, Level 6, 1 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW.