cinz 2015 conference attracts industry leaders

Claire Smith, Vancouver Convention Centre’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing will ask delegates “Are we getting our share of international conventions?”.

CINZ Chief Executive, Sue Sullivan says Claire has built a strong reputation as an involved and informed leader in the global meetings industry over the last 25 years. She is a recognised expert in her field and has been a featured speaker and facilitator at industry conferences throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

“Vancouver has been named this year as North America’s top destination for international meetings by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and we are excited to find out why,” Sue Sullivan says.

Over 120 CINZ members including owners and managers of key venues, catering companies, accommodation providers, activity operators and regional convention bureaux will meet on 29 and 30 September at Christchurch’s new Hadlee Pavilion in Hagley Park.

The conference begins on Monday evening 28 September with welcome drinks at Christchurch’s Transitional Cardboard Cathedral. The newly restored Isaac Theatre Royal will host the event’s gala dinner on 29 September.

This year’s theme ‘Growing Together’ fits perfectly with the conference host city Christchurch, Sue Sullivan says.

“Christchurch is rebuilding and developing a vibrant offering for the conference and events sector which we will witness first hand.

“It is an exciting time for CINZ. As a strong sector, with a strong voice we are moving together on a major growth curve.

“New Zealand’s business events sector is growing as a collective. We see growth in large organisations providing opportunities for growth in smaller businesses,” she says.

Claire Smith is also running one of eight workshops where industry leaders will share their knowledge on convention business strategies, leadership, real world health and safety, and business-to-business social media.

Speaker, author and mentor Laurel McLay, who recently launched the successful CINZ Emerging Talent series, will run two workshops on building business through thought leadership.

To register attendance go to www.cinzannualconference.co.nz


About Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ)

• Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) is the official, membership based association of New Zealand’s conference and business travel industry. www.conventionsnz.co.nz
• It has 400 members across a broad range of sectors, including venues and suppliers to the business events industry.
• A fully incorporated non-profit society, CINZ takes a leadership role in increasing meetings, incentives, conference and events business for the benefit of its members, principal stakeholders and the New Zealand economy.
• CINZ works actively to market the sector, providing advocacy with central government, and offering assistance, information, professional development and real business opportunities to its members.
• CINZ head office is in Auckland, and it also has an office with two staff in Sydney.