The Conference Company acquired by Uno Loco Group

The Conference Company has been acquired by creative agency - the Uno Loco Group - bringing together two highly regarded organisations in the New Zealand industry.

Combining the industry experience of both organisations – which collectively spans six decades – will strengthen offerings for business events, conferences, exhibitions, awards and creative brand experiences.

Jan Tonkin, Managing Director of The Conference Company, and Blair Glubb, Chief Executive of Uno Loco Group made the announcement yesterday.

Tonkin, a former President of the International Association of Professional Conference Organisers (IAPCO) and past BEIA Board Member is widely respected for her contributions to the business events sector in both New Zealand and Australia. Tonkin founded The Conference Company in 1990 and is proud of its track record of creating exceptional business events that help forge genuine connections.

Tonkin noted “the Uno Loco team shares those same high standards, and they also bring specialist capability spanning marketing, data and digital expertise that will help enhance client outcomes and create a strong future for The Conference Company and the talented team we have grown.”

Uno Loco Group Chief Executive Blair Glubb added “The Conference Company’s expertise and experience are the perfect complement to our existing suite of businesses within the Uno Loco Group and we see this acquisition as creating a real growth opportunity for our teams and for our clients.”

Chief Executive of Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), Lisa Hopkins welcomed the news, paying tribute to the impact The Conference Company's founder has had on the sector and enthusing “this is an incredibly exciting time for both organisations. Jan Tonkin is synonymous with the term Professional Conference Organiser (PCO), and many in our industry owe their knowledge and passion to her leadership and influence.

“There is no doubt that Jan has created an incredible legacy. She has been a true pioneer of our sector, playing a pivotal role in its growth. With today's world-class infrastructure supporting business events, Jan's influence has been instrumental in shaping the industry's success. BEIA celebrates this new chapter for both organisations.”

The Conference Company will continue to operate as before, with key senior management roles remaining unchanged. Stephen Noble will continue as Manager Asia Pacific, and James Brehaut as General Manager.

Jan Tonkin will gradually transition out of The Conference Company over the next six months but will remain available in an advisory capacity. Uno Loco Group’s Head of Commercial, Thea Farrant Adam, will take on the role of Chief Executive for The Conference Company from 1st April.

Farrant Adam brings extensive experience in management, marketing and communications, having previously held senior agency and client-side roles in Australia and New Zealand.

Uno Loco Group is a creative agency group made up of two sister studios – Uno Loco specialising in business events and experiences, and Hula helping build brands, stories, content and communications for some of Australasia’s most established businesses.

More information on BEIA https://www.beia.co.nz/

More information on The Conference Company 

Image from left.  James Brehaut, Thea Farrant Adam, Stephen Noble, Jan Tonkin, Blair Glubb