New Zealand entertainment venues conference heads to The Edge

The Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand (EVANZ) will be holding its annual conference at The Edge in Auckland from Monday 2nd to Wednesday 4th December.

With the theme 'Refresh', the conference will include a keynote address from Brett O'Riley, Chief Executive of Auckland Tourism Events & Economic Development (ATEED).

Other speakers and their topics include:

Brian Morris, Chief Executive Melbourne & Olympic Parks and President of the Venue Management Association (Asia and Pacific) - The Challenge of the Multi Facility Organisation

Richard Clarke, General Manager, NZ Breakers - Living Success, The challenge of staying on top

Richard Sutherland, Hamilton City Venues - Worklife Balance

Richard Benge, Arts Access Aotearoa - Venue Case Studies

Gwen Keel & Scott Ratuki, Tompkins Wake - Local Authority Alcohol Management Plans

Introducing the conference, EVANZ President Craig Goodall explains "although the economy is still skating on thin ice there are signs that the ice is getting thicker at last.

"The Association seems to be growing stronger every year (and by working with Skills Active and assisted by Robyn Cockburn the qualifications pathway has moved from the planning stage to being active.

"It is appropriate that the Industry takes stock and has a look at itself as well as celebrating some great success over the last year."

The conference will also include the inaugural EVANZ Awards, which will now be held each year to celebrate excellence within the New Zealand venue industry.

Nomination forms are available from the EVANZ and Association Secretary Miles Davidson and must be submitted by 15th November.

Winners will be announced during the conference on 2nd December at an awards dinner at the Auckland Art Gallery.

TicketDirect and Optimo business software have been named supreme sponsors for the event.

EVANZ is the peak body representing the venue industry in New Zealand with a membership of 88 venues nationally: including 40 theatres, 30 event centres, 10 outdoor stadia and eight convention centres.

EVANZ aims to provide leadership and builds excellence for entertainment venues and facilitates the collective sharing of information, enhancement of skills and development of best practice.

For more information contact admin@evanz.co.nz, www.evanz.co.nz/home

Image: Auckland Town Hall, courtesy of NZ History.