UK associations dine out on New Zealand

Tourism New Zealand provided food for thought for UK-based association executives as it hosted a New Zealand feast at The Providores restaurant in London (May 15). Ahead of the IMEX meetings trade show in Frankfurt, 16 association executives were invited to enjoy a New Zealand-themed menu prepared by acclaimed New Zealand chef Peter Gordon – complete with New Zealand lamb, Ōra King Salmon, pavlova, and matched wines. Tourism New Zealand Business Events Global Manager Anna Fennessy said the dinner was an opportunity to position New Zealand as a compelling business events destination to CEOs and senior members of associations headquartered in the UK, and to encourage them to support specific New Zealand conference bids. The invited guests included representatives from associations in key growth sectors where New Zealand is seeking conference business – agribusiness, earth sciences, high value food and beverage, health sciences, advanced manufacturing, IT and tourism. These included the International Union of Nutritional Sciences, World Travel and Tourism Council, International Sailing Federation, International Coral Reef Symposium, International Symposium on Electronic Art, and International Society of Hypertension. Attendees also learned about the new convention centres opening in New Zealand next year – the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland, and Te Pae in Christchurch. Fennessy said: “This was an excellent opportunity for the New Zealand Business Events team to educate key UK decision-makers about the local knowledge, venue infrastructure and warm welcome that New Zealand can offer international association conferences.”