Taupo welcomes Eventing the Future Conference

A line-up of top international speakers combined with workshops, forums and breakouts has been announced for Eventing the Future 2009, the New Zealand Association of Event Professionals Conference.

The Conference, to be held on 6th and 7th August at the Bayview Wairakei Resort in Taupo, New Zealand is offering a varied program for event professionals with streams covering marketing & sponsorship; logistics and planning; and management. It also offers delegates the opportunity to rub shoulders and discuss with leading event organisers from the World Winter Games, Rugby World Cup, Rowing World Cup and the FIFA Under 17s Women's World Cup.

Keynote speakers at the conference include:

•  Steve Schmader, President and Chief Executive of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA). Steve is also an expert in sponsorship and will run a workshop on this topic;
•  Sukhy Johal, MBE, Executive Director of Culture East Midlands, a leading British international speaker on building cultural partnerships and cultural integration through festivals, events and the arts;
•  Australia's Bill O'Toole speaking on how events should be managed as assets and will then run a workshop on event auditing. Bill will share his experience in working in the Middle East and Asia in event development;
•  Other speakers include Martin Snedden, Chief Executive of Rugby World Cup 2011; Derek Fry, Director Parks and Recreation for Wellington City Council; as well as SPARC and NZ Major Events representatives including the Gerry Brownlee, Minister of Economic Development.

A draft programme and more information is on the conference website.

Taupo is one of New Zealandâs top visitor destinations and, for international visitors, is easily accessible from Auckland.

The Bayview Wairakei Resort Stay at a top conference location that offers free golf, hot pools, tennis and gym facilities

For more information contact Leigh Manderson, Eventing the Future Conference on + 64 (0)3 981 2556, E; info@eventingthefuture.co.nz, www.eventingthefuture.co.nz