EventsUpdate JULY 2018 BOOK NOW! NZEA’S NEW RISK SEMINAR — See page 3
editorial@nzea.co — New Zealand Events Association, C/- PO Box 24018, Auckland 1345 ISSN 1179-3678
ETF18 FIELD TRIP OFFER— See page 8
SEO TIPS FOR YOUR EVENT — See page 7
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Book now for risk seminars and earlybird conference rates! Managing Event Risk – book now! It’s no surprise that health and safety and risk management topics remain so popular in our seminar series year on year – it’s crucially important to keep expanding our knowledge and improving systems through continued professional development in this area. We’re pleased to be
bringing Michelle Macdonald to five centres in our upcoming seminar series, to give an enabling perspective on risk management for events. Michelle likes to make health and safety real, accessible, and solutions based. We’re sure you will find her perspective refreshing – see page 3 for details of the seminars or book here.
ETF18 – Early bird specials close 23 July If you haven’t secured your place at ETF18, do so while the early bird rate is still available. There are also some great offers for group bookings and of course, NZEA members receive $100+GST off every registration. Check out the programme and register here.
NZEA Event Awards 2018 Entries open 1 August, so please get thinking about the events you have delivered since April last year that may be eligible for entry in this year’s Awards. The entry window is eight weeks long, so you’ll have plenty of time to craft your submission. Warm regards, Ségolène de Fontenay NZEA General Manager
2018 Scholarship recipient announced
New Zealand Major Events and NZEA are delighted to announce that Lauren Karpik, Event Coordinator at Avenues Event Management is the 2018 recipient of the New Zealand Major Events Scholarship. The scholarship provides free registration to Eventing the Future 2018 (ETF18). This year’s scholarship was targeted at event professionals in the early stages of their careers i.e. recent (or soon to be) graduates and those with 1 – 3 years’ experience in the industry. Lauren graduated from AUT in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Event Management and
started working at Avenues in late 2015, whilst still studying for her degree. Susan Sawbridge, Manager, New Zealand Major Events says “the scholarship this year is an investment in the next generation of event professionals who will help New Zealand to maintain and grow its reputation as a world-class events destination. Lauren’s application stood out to us as someone who had a really good grasp of some of the issues and opportunities facing the events industry in New Zealand, although still at an early stage in her career”.
Lauren was delighted with the scholarship award. “I am very excited to be attending the Eventing the Future Conference this year as part of the 2018 New Zealand Major Events Scholarship. This is such a great conference to be able to attend with so many peers and leading experts in the industry and I am looking forward to expanding my network and knowledge base. I would like to thank the New Zealand Event Association and New Zealand Major Events for giving emerging event professionals the opportunity to take part in something as beneficial as this conference”. The scholarship was also promoted on social media this year and Ségolène de Fontenay, General Manager of NZEA, notes that this
meant the number of entries more than tripled from 2017. Ségolène says “not only did the number of applications increase this year, the quality was exceptionally high too. Lauren has done really well to come out at the top of such an exceptional group of young event professionals”. “New Zealand delivers world class events and this scholarship helps recognise the up and coming talent we have in the events sector. We are pleased to partner with New Zealand Major Events in providing this opportunity to our emerging event professionals.”says Andy Scotland, NZEA Chair. Further information on the scholarship and ETF18 Conference are available on www.nzea.co
Cover Image: The new Christchurch Convention Centre’s name has been revealed as Te Pae - See page 5
Events Update, July 2018
Page 2
Managing Risk at your Event with Health & Safety expert, Michelle Macdonald.
Health and safety for events is always a hot topic for our members. Each event’s unique conditions, risks, and circumstances means a one size fits all approach just doesn’t apply!
Tauranga: Tuesday 17 July, 2.00pm to 4.30pm 306 Cameron Road, Tauranga
Michelle Macdonald is the Managing Director at All About People. They are specialist in health and safety and emergency management with experience working with events such as the Volvo Ocean Race Series, Pride Parade, Festival One, Rugby World Cup and smaller community events to name a few.
Dunedin: Monday 23 July, 10.30am to 1.00pm Dunedin City Council Civic Centre, 50 The Octagon
Michelle is passionate about de-coding workplace health and safety information, creating a culture of safety within a team and leading people towards ‘lightbulb moments’ and practical solutions. Michelle’s hash tag is #keepclimbingtrees - it’s all about keeping health and safety real and relevant. Grab this opportunity to learn and network with your peers!
Blenheim: Friday 20 July, 12.00pm to 2.30pm ASB Theatre Marlborough, Blenheim
Wellington: Wednesday 25 July, 10.30am to 1.00pm. Lion Harbourview Lounge, Michael Fowler Centre Auckland: Monday 27 August, 1.00pm to 3.30pm MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Level 20, 88 Shortland St, CBD Christchurch: Tuesday 21 August, 10.30am to 1.00pm ChristchurchNZ, The BNZ Centre, 111 Cashel Street, CBD TICKETS: $45.00+GST for NZEA members $95.00+GST for non-NZEA members BOOK ONLINE AT: www.nzea.co/seminars CANCELLATIONS: 24 hours’ notice for cancellations must be given to secure a refund.
SEMINARS
Start planning your entries for the 2018 NZEA Event Awards! Entries open 1 August – 1 October 2018 for events that took place between 1 April 2017 & 31 July 2018. With a suite of exciting new categories, including Sponsorship, Local Government and Supplier Awards, you will have your chance to shine! Applications Open 1 August 2018
Judging begins 15 October 2018 Finalists announced 1 December 2018
Winners announced at Awards function, March 2019
Applications Closed 1 October 2018
We are delighted to announce the first of our category sponsors: Delivering world-class ticketing services for festivals, events, and venues. A dedicated professional event team backed by leading technology, integrated marketing, and nationwide sales channels. SPONSORING: Best National Event 2018 Best International Event 2018 Best Local Government Event 2018 – New Category! New Zealand’s leading event economists and strategists, providing high quality analysis and advice to public and private sector clients. SPONSORING: Best Sport Event 2018 – New Category! Best Arts or Cultural Event 2018 – New Category! Best Regional Event 2018 New Zealand’s largest, purpose built convention centre in the heart of Auckland City, opening in 2020. SPONSORING: Best Emerging Event Professional 2018 Best Innovative Event Product or Service 2018 – New Category! Best Business Event 2018
We still have a few categories up for grabs, contact us for more info. More on the 2018 NZEA Event Awards in our August Events Update, stay tuned!
Christchurch Convention Centre name unveiled Te Pae has been selected as the official name for the Christchurch Convention Centre opening in 2020. Unveiling the name at CINZ MEETINGS 2018 in May, Otakaro Limited Strategy and Property Opportunities General Manager, Keith Beal said Te Pae (pronounced te pie) references a gathering place. “The name is a unique yet simple way for domestic and international visitors to identify this premium, purpose-built convention and exhibition venue.” “We have worked with local cultural advisers, Matapopore on a name that reflects not only what this facility is, but also what makes it different from any other.” “The exterior design of Te Pae has been derived from the Ngai Tahu creation story of the Southern Alps in New Zealand’s South Island. The
429,000 individual panels that make up the façade will resemble the colours and curves of Canterbury’s iconic braided rivers that flow down from the mountains.” These features have been carried through to the branding to reinforce the importance of the surrounding area to the quality of visitor experience. In a globally competitive sector a range of factors will set Te Pae apart when it opens in 2020. “As a central city landmark supported by great hospitality or manaakitanga, Te Pae will be enjoyable and memorable. Accommodation, shops, bars, restaurants and parks are all a few steps away and drive less than two hours in any direction from Christchurch and you will find a scenic part of the South Island,” says Mr Beal. “Prior to 2011, Christchurch
was New Zealand’s business events capital, hosting 24 per cent of all conferences on a per-delegate-day basis. We are seeing that demand returning with international organisers telling us they are excited by an attractive, safe, compact city and the opportunity to experience New Zealand’s bucket list destinations.” Several prestigious events have been confirmed for 2021, including the fiveday Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB) conference, the first time New Zealand has
hosted this triennial event for 900 leading biochemists. The same year the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) International Biology Symposium will bring 350 of the world’s top Antarctic scientists to Christchurch. Te Pae will be capable of hosting up to 2000 delegates for a variety of national and international events. It will include a 1400-delegate auditorium, a 200-booth exhibition hall, banquet hall and 24 meeting rooms overlooking the picturesque Victoria Square and Otakaro/ Avon River.
Annual General Meeting of the New Zealand Events Association All members of NZEA are invited to attend our AGM: Tuesday 7 August 1.10pm to 1.30pm
Agenda: • Welcome • Apologies • Minutes of the 2017 Annual General Meeting
Rydges Latimer Square 30 Latimer Square, Christchurch
• Board Report 2017/18 Year
(During the Eventing The Future Conference)
• Appointment of Auditors for the 2018/19 Year
Please register your attendance online, or sign the register on the day.
Events Update, July 2018
• Presentation of Financial Statements for the 2017/18 Year
• Confirmation of Board Members for 2018/19 Year • General Business
Page 5
REGIONAL UPDATES
The latest from our NZEA Regional Reps
CANTERBURY: over the past year by the Venue Management Association (Asia and Pacific) [VMA] at its 2018 member awards. Presented during the 2018 Asia Pacific Venue Industry Gala Dinner and Awards Night held in Auckland on Tuesday evening, Burden was named Venue Professional of the Year. Jen Beatty - jennifer. beatty@ccc.govt.nz Vbase Chief wins Venue Professional of the year SOURCE: Excerpts from Australian Leisure Management, 24 May 2018 Respected venue industry professional Darren Burden has been recognised for his industry contributions
New addition to Town Hall strikes right chord Source: Excerpts from https://www.ccc.govt.nz/ news-and-events/newsline/ show/2755 The architectural firm that designed the Town Hall has released drawings of the new addition that will provide a home for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO). The new Warren and Mahoney designed addition replaces the Cambridge Room, which was demolished as part of the repair and strengthening of the Town Hall. The new three-storey building will connect into all levels of the Town Hall and provide views across the Avon River to Victoria
Events Update, July 2018
Darren Burden is the Chief Executive of Vbase, manager of Christchurch’s leading venues including Horncastle Arena, AMI Stadium, Hagley Oval, Air Force Museum Wigram and the Christchurch Town hall which is currently undergoing $140 million redevelopment. With such a diversity of venues the company delivers over 700 events annually.
In addition to his role at Vbase, in 2017 Burden was engaged by Venues New South Wales to provide consulting services on the development of the new Western Sydney Stadium. Before moving to Vbase Darren spent seven years in Dunedin, firstly working as the Chief Executive of the trust established to masterplan and build Forsyth Barr Stadium in time for Rugby World Cup 2011. Latterly he was the Chief Executive of Dunedin Venues, operator of the stadium as well as the Dunedin Centre and Town Hall. Welcoming his Award, Burden stated “I am extremely honoured to be recognised by industry colleagues from across the Asia Pacific region
Credit: Australian Leisure Management with this award. “This award is not just about me. It speaks volumes about the fantastic team at Vbase and I think it’s wonderful for us to get recognition at an international level.”
Square. As well as rehearsal and office space for the CSO, it includes offices for Vbase, the venue management company that operates the Town Hall, and public toilets. “As part of the strengthening and repair of the Christchurch Town Hall we have located the CSO administration, operations and rehearsal facilities within the complex,’’ says Warren and Mahoney principal Peter Marshall. “This is one of the most significant aspects of the project and takes the Town Hall into a new realm where performers are based within the performance venue, bringing further life and vitality to the building.’’ The main Town Hall restoration project is
Restoration of the Town Hall Auditorium is nearing completion. Credit: Christchurch City Council expected to be completed at the end of this year. The CSO addition is expected to be completed in early 2019. Councillor Tim Scandrett, Chair of Vbase, which owns and manages the Town Hall on behalf of the Council,
says the reopening is planned for March 2019. “We’re taking bookings and can’t wait to reopen the doors to the public again,’’ he says. For regular updates on progress sign up here.
Page 6
SPONSORED CONTENT
Get in front of people searching for events like yours on Google The team at Eventbrite are all about helping their clients achieve maximum marketing reach and ticket sales. Over the coming months, we will be sharing Eventbrite’s best marketing tips in the Events Update. For more like this visit the Eventbrite blog. More than 9 in 10 online experiences begin with a search. Is your event showing up in the results? The art that goes into showing up in search results is called SEO, or search engine optimisation. But what is SEO exactly? Google — the world’s most popular search engine — ranks your website by “relevance” and “authority” in its search results. And the higher your rank, the higher your website appears on its results page and the more likely people are to see and click. But wait — what do we mean by “relevance” and “authority”? Here’s a quick definition for both: Use relevant key terms without going overboard. Google judges your relevance to a search based on keyword matches. But it also demotes websites that abuse keywords, so don’t use too many on your listing page. Gain the trust of others to
establish your authority. The more “trusted” websites linking to your own site, the higher your SEO ranking and search performance. For example, Eventbrite is the most linked-to event discovery site on the planet, giving our pages more “authority” than digital veterans, like eBay. Now that we know what Google looks for (relevance and authority), here’s how to optimise for both. Plant popular keywords where they matter most Your event name is the most valuable keyword of them all. It’s what Google scans first in evaluating your site’s relevance to a search. First off, make sure your event name matches your domain. When attendees search specifically for your event, your listing should be the first to appear in Google’s results. But most of the time, eventgoers aren’t searching for your exact name but for relevant terms — like “things to do in Auckland this weekend.” Include popular keywords in your event title to help Google match your listing with these searches. That said, keep it short: Google downplays sites with cut off titles in their results. Don’t forget that Google also scans your event description, URL, and image caption, so
keywords are important to include in those spots as well. Share your event’s most important details Event-goers want to know the “when” and “where” of your event, and so does Google. The search engine knows events are timely, so in hopes of offering people the most relevant search results, it will use your event’s date and location to rank your listing. Forget to include this information on your listing and you might not make the cut. Give websites a reason to link Other websites linking to your listing boosts your credibility and SEO ranking. So it’s important to encourage people to share your listing online. Start by asking your speakers, vendors, and sponsors to promote your listing on their websites. Even a share on social media counts toward your SEO, so keep up those engaging posts! But beware: paying other sites to link can get you banned from Google, so be honest and authentic when using this strategy. Publishing quality content more frequently also helps boost your SEO because good content gets shared, and shares matter to Google. One easy way to produce more? Repurpose old content, especially if you’ve hosted this event before.
FOLLOW US:
For example, cut old videos into smaller clips to republish on social and drive to your listing. Keep posting articles, photo galleries, and videos, even once your event’s over. And by your next event, you’ll start to see some serious results. Buy keywords to capture immediate interest At the end of the day, you’re never guaranteed a top spot in Google’s search results. With more websites going up every day, the competition is stiff. Developing a strong search presence takes a lot of work and happens over time. If you’re eager to see more immediate results, consider investing money in paid search. Google AdWords enables you to buy keywords and features your listing at the top of relevant search results. And with AdWords, you only pay for clicks. You can also target people who match your attendee profile, helping you convert more searches into sales. Like social media, paid search performs best with experimentation, so adjust your keywords along the way, depending on which ones are driving the most results. For more on how to boost your event’s SEO, check out this SEO Cheat Sheet for Events.
TWITTER: Over 200 followers Visit our Linked In page HERE. LINKEDIN: Over 470 followers Visit our Linked In page HERE. FACEBOOK: Over 700 followers Visit our Linked In page HERE.
Events Update, July 2018
Page 7
EVENT TECH FOCUS
An industry of constant challenge – Event tech and more #eventtech. We all want the new New don’t we? Yet the cash flow is not seeing much in the way of new spend. Associated challenges facing #eventprofs and some good resources to solve them.
A special feature on event tech from NZEA’s Regional Rep for Auckland, and PwC’s Events and Markets Networks Specialist, Jon T Kemeys: #Eventprofs in recent times are being required to multitask more than ever before. #Eventtech has made the immediate impact on the industry. Through implementation and activation, #eventprofs can exhibit a level of versatility not seen before the days of schedules and templated processes. Yet its practice and use has shown us some real obstacles especially in the case of ‘making the case’ for the spend on it. The non-profit sector especially (charities, cause-driven and small enterprises etc.) have a tough time justifying #eventtech spend despite the positive impact it can have on events systems and processes and the frictionless magic it helps to create for consumers. In our innovation-driven and increasingly automated world, #eventprofs still struggle to make the case for allocating budget to #eventtech. Organisations and rights holders are under increased pressure to reduce overall spend – on everything. Event budgets overall are on a negative growth cycle. Large numbers of #eventprofs are facing the issue of customer demand for an upgrade to
Events Update, July 2018
Investment in new event technology - An investment worth taking a further look into, upgrading technology can ultimately be an inevitable part of holding pat as a success among the events community. There is no affording being left behind as technology continues to develop in our industry. See this good post from eventmanagerblog putting some point behind the process. Keeping up with the technological Joneses - Keeping pace with the constantly changing world of technology is something #eventprofs are not immune to. Nevertheless, careful evaluation of the motive behind the moves can point you in the right direction as far as setting a technology embracing mindset. An oldie but goodie approach from hospitalityupgrade to get you thinking.
convincing those individuals who are in control of the purse strings to continue to support your event’s growth in all phases. A great short sharp piece on 5 steps to good stakeholder buy-in management from chron. Event Security - The best ways to execute an appropriate level of event security should be a top of mind aspect to any event. The challenge remains, what degree of security is needed on an event-to-event basis? Great doc here from Auckland Council to get you started. Event budget - It is a reality that far too many #eventprofs are familiar with. Event budget cuts are increasingly the toughest nut to crack.
Here is some ideas about managing your event budget Less financial support from event sponsors - That moment when you are relying on an amount to come through after a previously successful sponsorship engagement and it does not. More events mean more fluctuation when it comes to working with sponsors. This is a great piece about negotiating from a weak position which many smaller operators often find themselves in. Our industry is in constant change, as are the societies we operate within. We should not fear it, but embrace it. Create connection and grow. Jon T Kemeys
Demonstrable ROI - Never the most fun conversations you could conjure up having, but this challenge will always play a pivotal role in boosting efficiency while saving some much-needed operational cash flow time after time. I am a fan of the approach outlined here by Bizzabo Top-level buy-in from stakeholders – That Innovative/unique/effective/ insertanotherpositiveframing wordhere idea of yours is still going to need some additional buy-in. A challenge facing #eventprofs globally is
Page 8
Eventing the Future has a sneak preview for you ETF 2018 conference announces a special treat! We are bringing back our popular fieldtrip programme taking the opportunity to visit the House of Travel Botanic D’lights in the Christchurch Arts Centre and Christchurch Botanical Gardens. ETF and Christchurch City Council have created this exclusive opportunity to learn about the event (now one of the most popular community events in ChCh) and view the event, the night before it opens to the public. Delegates will hear how it is being crafted to “escape your reality” - the event theme this year, and get to experience a colourful winter spectacle! Expect it to be a little chilly, for there to be a fortifying drink along the way and for this whole experience to culminate in a relaxing ETF Dinner at a secret location.
THE DEEP DIVE SESSIONS The conference this year offers a unique opportunity to immerse in an area of interest, spending 45 minutes exploring in-depth with an expert. Small session numbers (>20) guarantee the ability to interact, ask questions and consider expert advice specific to your particular need. The topics will be:
• Better presentation techniques Delegates can choose to do one or two sessions with repeats offered. We are looking forward to bringing the conference back to Christchurch where it all began in 2001. It will be the peak of the ski season so an opportunity to take in some skiing or experience the Adventure mountain bike park
or cultural activities in the many new venues around the city. Put the dates in your diary now. It’s a not to be missed opportunity for any professional running, funding or servicing the events sector. PROGRAMME ONLINE – registrations deals for groups, so bring your colleagues and share the learnings. Early bird discount ends 23 July.
• Enhancing you Social Media • Understanding and accessing the Music Industry • Structuring your event for Social Enterprise gains • Building events from scratch
Need advice on EVENT
SUSTAINABILITY for your EVENTS
> Resource Bank
Events Update, July 2018
Page 9
2018
EVENTING THE FUTURE CONFERENCE 6/7 AUGUST RYDGES LATIMER CHRISTCHURCH
#ETF18 JOIN THE CONVERSATION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE FOR THE CORPORATE, BUSINESS, INCENTIVE, AND EVENT INDUSTRY SECTORS. "New Zealand's premier conference for the event industry and the official conference of the New Zealand Events Association
Tahira Endean
Author & Event Producer
Kim Skildum-Reid Power Sponsorship
Kaila Colbin SingularityU
thought leaders | topic specialists | event trends PROGRAMME RELEASED Check out the programme online now for details
CONFERENCE OFFERS 3 or more from the same organisation discounts NZEA member rate Early bird savings until 23rd July
SPEAKERS & SPECIALISTS Strategically selected for their expertise on developments & issues relevant to the event industry