New Look Business Development Team at Vbase

The Vbase team at the Christchurch Convention Centre is now back to full strength with the arrival of Catherine Lee from Rydges Hotel Christchurch to fill the role of Business Development Manager (BDM), Christchurch.

Lee replaces Janelle Frost, who has moved into the role of BDM National, while Hayley McKay has stepped up to the role of BDM International.

The trio are the driving force behind the strong growth in conference bookings into the Christchurch Convention Centre, owned and operated by Vbase.

Vbase General Manager, Business Development Alan Garner says it's very satisfying to promote staff from within the team. "Hayley and Janelle have a real passion for what they do and they've achieved great results. They've each earned the right to move onto a bigger stage."

Garner says Lee brings strong sales experience to the role after five years with Rydges Hotels in Australia and New Zealand.

Another recent addition to the Vbase team is Stephanie Gale who is the Researcher (part-time) in the Business Development team. Stephanie is new to the meetings industry but has a background in business lead development.

The other key member of the team is sales administrator Val Sisson. Val has a wealth of experience after eight years with Vbase in operational and sales support roles.

One of the biggest challenges the team faces is finding space for the conference business that fills the convention centre and much of the Christchurch Town Hall for Performance Arts, also operated by Vbase, for two thirds of the year.

The solution could well be a major expansion of the convention centre, which has been included in the Christchurch City Council's new draft long- term plan.

As well as the Christchurch Convention Centre and Town Hall, Vbase also owns and operates AMI Stadium and Westpac Arena. A major redevelopment of AMI Stadium will be completed by the end of the year and features conferencing facilities in the new Deans Stand, including a lounge that can host dinners for over 600 guests.

Garner says the mix of venues is attractive to conference organisers in bringing events to Christchurch, concuding "we've had conferences using all four venues which adds variety to the programme and gives delegates a range of different experiences."

14th April 2009 - DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR CHRISTCHURCH VENUES