Conferences Incentives and Business Events Conference Operators Network

Conferences, Incentives, and Business Events Conference Operators Network Meeting 1 October 2015

Tonight • EDC Presentation (17 August) o Background o Who I met o Themes / Other Considerations o MBIE - Convention Activity Statistics / Potential for the Coromandel o What is a Convention Bureau o Creating a Profile o Convention Bureau Proposal o Benefits for the Economy o Options • EDC Feedback

Tonight • Workshop Solutions to Raising the Coromandel’s Profile • Questions for Conference Operators to Consider • Coromandel Convention Bureau – Partnership Structure and Funding Model • Next Steps

Conference, Incentives & Business Events EDC Presentation – 17 August 2015

Conference Venues Flaxmill Lodge Sunlovers Retreat South Pacific Motel and Conference Centre

Conference / Function Rooms Oceans Resort Flight Club Ballroom Tangiaro Retreat

Corporate Visitors – 2015

Themes • Conference Ready • New Venues / Owners Lakes Resort • Few bookings – mid-late April onwards • Staffing Issues • Suppliers and Commitment

Themes • Industry Networking / Training • Peak Period • Team Building Activities • Advertising Puka Park

Unique Coromandel Experience • ATEED – said: o 'the people, o the food, o the scenery; and o accommodation were outstanding'.

MBIE Convention Activity – March 2015

MBIE Stats – Potential for Coromandel • 1, 685, 291 total delegates – 3 regions • Target 1% Delegates – 16, 852 extra visitors per year • 1 night, 2 days - $300 person • Approximate $5, 055, 600 extra spend in the Coromandel

MBIE Convention Activity – Events by Size

Other Considerations Pauanui Lodge • Niche for Every Market Pauanui Glades

Other Considerations • Transport o Ferry o Air o Take the Scenic Route

Convention Bureau • Non-profit • Division of RTO or TLA • Promotes it’s Discover Region • National and International Profile • Client Database • Supports Conference and Event Planners • Incentive Packages • Famils • Membership -v- Brand

Creating a Profile • Enhance Web Listing • CINZ Membership • Qualified Leads / Telemarketing • Convene / Meetings Trade Shows • Networking and Marketing • Famils • Targeted Advertising • Dedicated point of contact

Proposal

Benefits for the Economy • Longer Seasonality = More People = More Spend = More Return • Keeps locals employed • Viable businesses open all year round • More choice for visiting absentee ratepayers • Utilises conference infrastructure • Not just a summer destination • Visiting delegates return for leisure and recreation.

Options to Workshop • Do nothing • Separate Platform – Convention Bureau Website • Increased Level of Service – DC or TCDC • Joint Venture with ATEED

EDC Feedback • Coromandel Profile – is it a wider issue? • Is it a Council responsibility? • What can conference operators do? • Who will benefit directly?

Raising the Profile • Discussion: What Can Conference Operators do to Help Raise the Coromandel’s Conference Profile?

Questions to Think About? • Do conference operators want: o A conference profile to be created? o A convention bureau division to be established? o To become a financial partner? o TCDC/Destination Coromandel to do nothing?

Partnership Structure • Tiered Membership Structure • Who can be a Partner? • Partner Benefits • Estimated Budget - $75, 000 divided equally between:

Funding Options To establish a Coromandel Convention Bureau: • Current Position o 100% financial commitment – 25 -30 operators • Potential for EDC to Consider o Minimum 67% financial commitment – 17 -20 operators

Next Steps • Finalise and send draft Partnership Structure and Funding Proposal • Your Feedback and Confirmation How You Wish to Proceed – 23 October 2015 • Present to Economic Development Committee to Workshop – 10 November 2015 • Post EDC - Update Conference Operators

Questions?