New Zealand’s business events industry in action for Dunedin students

Tourism students from Dunedin’s Otago Polytechnic will be getting first-hand insights into the business events sector of the industry this week.

The 20 students are being hosted by industry association, Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) at its annual conference in Dunedin from 24 to 26 October.

Helen Geytenbeek, Tourism/Hospitality Lecturer at the College of Enterprise and Development at Otago Polytechnic NZ says the event creates valuable links for them between theory and practice.

“Attending the CINZ Conference is an exciting opportunity for our students to participate in thought-provoking sessions on relevant topics, and to meet leaders in this field.

“This will be the first time some of them have experienced a conference plenary session, and it promises to be a real learning curve for them,” she says.

The 20 students are qualifying for the New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5) at Otago Polytechnic. One full year of study contributes to the first year of the Bachelor of Applied Management.

Their ‘Tourism in Action’ paper includes learning to design and develop a business concept, and to analyse and critique the application of processes in tourism business ventures.

“We are focusing on the MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conferences and Events) industry in this paper, to expose them to the business-based side of the tourism industry. They will put together a business plan, organise and participate in an event, volunteer in a conference, event or festival, and critique the experiences.”

Kim Dodds, Business Development Manager at Dunedin Venues Management says Dunedin Venues’ successful relationship with Otago Polytechnic continues to grow across many areas of its business.

“Currently we employ five graduates in our event coordination and turf management teams. Working with Otago Polytechnic we are identifying innovative initiatives benefiting not only organisations, but also the students and city of Dunedin too,” she says.

More than 140 CINZ members including owners and managers of key venues, catering companies, accommodation providers, activity operators and regional convention bureaux will be meeting at the Dunedin Centre and Town Hall on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 October.

Keynote speakers include Deborah Sexton, CEO and President of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) who will be focusing on international trends, and Holly Ransom global strategist, looking at intergenerational planning.

Registrations can be made online at the CINZ 41st Annual Conference website.