The Convention Bureau is well and truly up and running in the Bay of Plenty. Local operators have embraced the concept and it’s fantastic to see so many conference and incentive businesses working together. The bureau is receiving an increasing number of requests each month from corporate companies and PCO’s looking at hosting meetings and conferences in the Bay of Plenty.
The bureau is happy to offer support with free and impartial advice when you are organising your next meeting, conference or incentive activity. Please contact Esther Goldsworthy the Convention Bureau Manager at esther@bayofplentynz.com or Heather Gerritsen the Conference Co-ordinator at heather@bayofplentynz.com or call (07) 577 6234.
MEETINGS 2010
The Bay of Plenty Convention Bureau had a strong profile at MEETINGS last month, taking out the runner-up title in the Meetings Newz Stand of the Year regional category. The bureau attended the 2010 event at the Skycity Auckland Convention Centre June 22-24, alongside local operators Bella Vista Lodge and Baypark.
It was a busy and successful time in Auckland with a full schedule of 38 appointments over the two days and additional meetings with some interested day buyers.
Bay of Plenty Stand - photo by Christine Syme
MEETING NEWZ
The bureau hosted Stu Freeman, the editor of Meeting Newz, earlier this month for a whirlwind visit to the region. Keep an eye out for the Bay of Plenty feature in the July 2010 edition with information on new offerings and developments, from high end luxury properties through to a large sports and events facility.
CONFERENCE AND EVENT PLANNER 2010/2011
The bureau has just completed an updated version of the Conference and Event Planner for 2010/2011. The planner provides detailed information on venues and services in the region, including a venue capacity chart and ideas for partner and incentive programmes.
View or download the electronic Conference and Event Planner here or email Esther@bayofplentynz.com your postal address if you would like a hard copy.
Venues
BAYPARK
With three distinct venues and soon to be four, Baypark is one of the most flexible and multi-purpose event venues in the region.
Function and Conference Centre: The spacious 744 square metre function room can accommodate seating for up to 600 delegates. The versatile venue is ideal for anything from a conference to a banquet dinner.
The Stadium: Baypark stadium has a 17,700 seat capacity, 15,300 of which are covered. It is a superb venue for those big events where people want comfort and a great view.
Pavilions: Three pavilions provide 3,150 square metres of indoor space ideal for exhibitions, trade shows, stock sales and indoor sports.
Baypark Sport Centre (opening August 2011): The sports centre will be capable of hosting exhibitions, conferences, international and regional sport events, and indoor concerts. The total ground floor space exceeds 7000 square metres and seating for 3000 plus. The second floor will be available for conferences and corporate hospitality.
For any enquiries please contact Amy Kemeys on (07) 574 6009, email: amy@baypark.co.nz or visit www.baypark.co.nz.
BELLA VISTA LODGE
Bella Vista Lodge is nestled in the hills of Ohauiti, 10 kms from Tauranga, which is just a 25 minute flight or easy three hour drive from Auckland.
The lodge, with has four luxury suites and is perfect for meetings, small conferences, an upmarket dinner or your next board meeting. The spacious function centre is great for team building exercises and can accommodate conference and corporate functions up to 250 delegates. Equipped with audio-visual and interactive multi-media the venue offers full support including onsite catering.
With packages starting from $35.00 per person Bella Vista Lodge could be the perfect venue for your next event.
For any enquiries please contact Dolly Gray on (07) 570 0100, email: inquiries@bellavistalodge.co.nz or visit www.bellavistalodge.co.nz
THE PACIFIC APARTMENTS
The Pacific Apartments is Mount Maunganui’s newest apartment complex situated at the foot of Mount Maunganui. The complex facilities include a heated swimming pool, spa, sauna and gym. The Pacific boasts a purpose built air-conditioned conference room catering for up to 75 delegates theatre style or 25 board room style. With a separate breakout room and onsite cafe The Pacific is a one stop shop for your meeting requirements.
For any enquiries please contact Tara Moffat on (07) 929 7474, email: stay@thepacificapartments.co.nz or visit www.thepacificapartments.co.nz.
Activities
NO.8 FARM AND MOUNTAIN BIKING TOURS
Let No.8 Farm Tours host your team or event on real working farms. A variety of rural experience packages are offered. These include fun informative tours of the varied businesses that make up our agriculture and horticultural industries, mountain biking over exclusive picturesque rural landscapes and original special interest tours.
You could also include these as part of a teambuilding challenge, such as the No.8 Finishing School which is designed to provide fun 'hands on' rural challenges involving stock handling and daily farming tasks.
Consider a unique location for your social event or special occasion such as a woolshed or a plateau with beautiful vistas and qualities only the country has to offer. Catering and Accommodation can be provided on request.
For any enquiries please contact Andy Somerville on (07) 579 3981, email: info@no8farmtours.co.nz or visit www.no8farmtours.co.nz.