New Zealand convention centres

nelson convention bureau •
news from nelson

Summer 2009/10

From the Bureau Desk

Give yourself a pat on the back!  You’ve worked hard, made things happen, found solutions where no one else could, probably eaten one too many meals at your desk and you’ve made it to the end of another year!

Down here in Nelson, we know how hard you work and we value what you do.  So this festive season we thought we’d give a little something back to you.  So, put down that ‘list’ and treat yourself to summery and festive Blackcurrant Flambe - you deserve it!

We know all about life’s little indulgences here in Nelson Tasman, it’s pretty hard to avoid them in fact.  Read below how six conference organisers found out about the art of mixing business with pleasure in Nelson on a recent famil.

Also, in this month’s newsletter we also offer some ideas that will satisfy the most ‘blokey’ of conference groups, give you some dates to mark in your 2010 calendar and update you on some of the region’s favourite local products.

Enjoy!  From all of us in Nelson may you have safe and happy Christmas.

Nicki

Blackcurrant Flambe with Ginger Yoghurt      

Enjoy a taste of Nelson this Christmas courtesy of Nelson WineArt's latest calendar. Recipe by Seifrieds Vineyard Restaurant & Function Centre...

INGREDIENTS
10gm fresh ginger
600gm Greek style yoghurt
100ml (50g sugar 50ml water) sugar syrup
300gm blackcurrants
500gm sugar
25 gin
Mint for garnish
METHOD: Marinate blackcurrants and 300gm sugar overnight.  Place blackcurrant mix in a hot pan, add gin and then flame the berries in the pan.  Add sugar syrup to yoghurt and mix well. Set aside.
Prepare ginger caramel with fresh chopped ginger by adding remaining 200gm sugar in dry pan and melting. Add the ginger and stir.  Pour mixture onto baking paper to cool then break up into pieces.  Add to yoghurt.  Place yoghurt in a martini glass on top of the blackcurrant flambé. Garnish with mint leaves and sprinkle with remaining crumbled pieces of ginger caramel.

Just one of 12 mouth-watering recipes matched to Nelson wine in the 2010 calendar.  A great delegate or speaker gift for early new year conferences.  Purchase online at www.NelsonWineArt.co.nz

TO WIN a Nelson WineArt calendar email meet@NelsonNZ.com with ‘WineArt Comp’ as your subject.

Conference organisers get a taste of Nelson      

In just two short days, six conference organisers from around the country got to find out first-hand why mixing business with pleasure is inescapable in Nelson. 

Although everyone arrived with serious research in mind, there was no shortage of enthusiasm for the opportunity to sample first-hand some of the experiences usually reserved for the delegates.

“Fun aside, first-hand knowledge is imperative” says Nelson Tasman Tourism's Nicki van Asch.  “It helps instil confidence in the venues and products our conference organisers are recommending to their own clients.  With this in mind, we are very pleased with the bookings and inquiries received from this most recent famil already”

Visit NTT's facebook page to see some pics of the recent famil

Nelson to visit Auckland again in 2010      

For those of you based in Auckland, your friends from Nelson & Marlborough are making plans to visit you once again.

Mark it in your diary - 28 April 2010!

Nelson Convention Bureau and partners will travel to Auckland with their Marlborough counterparts to host you for an evening of ‘Top of the South’ hospitality.   We will be in touch with more details in the early new year, but in the meantime you can register your interest by emailing meet@NelsonNZ.com

Something for the Blokes      

Nelson Tasman is abundant with delights that will put a smile on the faces of the 'blokiest' of 'blokey' conference or incentive groups. Her are a few ideas for your own 'tool kit'...

• Being NZ's ‘home of hops’ Nelson offers a trail of craft breweries abundant with tasty brews and tall tales.  Match fresh Tasman Bay seafood with local beers or inject a few craft breweries into a popular wine tasting tour.

• Collect the boys from the airport in a convoy of classic cars, followed by a tour of the World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum.  Treat them to a viewing of the extended collection of cars owned by the Museum and see the restoration process in action.

• Every good kiwi bloke loves an invention and the Nelson-born SKYWIRE won’t fail to capture their intrigue.  Strap them in and watch them fly 3.2km across a forested valley at speeds of up to 100kph.

• Or if a salty day on the high seas is what they need, we’ll coordinate a hands-on sailing experience on Simply Wild's 50ft Beneteau yacht.

• And for a finale that will leave the lads on a 'high' visit Skydive Abel Tasman.   A jump at 13,000ft over the country’s favourite national park will give them something to talk about for a few beers to come!

Update on Proposed Convention Centre      

Work continues on finding the right location and configuration for a new Conference Centre for Nelson.

With much research, consultation and ground work complete, Nelson City Council’s challenge now lies in addressing these key issues. 

Research done to this point has suggested that the optimal size for a conference facility in Nelson would be 700pax and additional quality hotel accommodation would be necessary to make a facility of this size work in Nelson.  The initial site proposed for the facility was alongside Rutherford Hotel Nelson.  After a thorough consultation process, last week Council made a decision not to proceed with development on the Selwyn Place site. This shows Council has listened to the concerns of the industry and submitters. 

It's clear to us that the focus now needs to be on developing an iconic, publicly owned regional conference facility which meets the demands of current and future conference market sand puts Nelson on the map as a preferred regional conference destination.

Team Building that is Simply Wild!      

A new range of team building and leadership training options is now available in Nelson combining an ‘inspirational outing’ with Simply Wild with experienced teambuilding and leadership training from Teamworks Pacific. There are a series of half to full day adventures from Nelson or the Abel Tasman that are able to be combined with formal team building activities designed to inspire, refocus and reward. Options start from a half day sail from Nelson (including gourmet buffet lunch) from $75 per person, or a helihike and gourmet picnic at Mt Richmond from $200 per person. Team building activities can be built in to any adventure option....on sea, land and even in the air!

Call Simply Wild on 03 548 8500, email info@simplywild.co.nz or visit www.simplywild.co.nz for more information.

News from Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco      

The Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco's elegant marquee is the ideal venue for gala dinners, awards evenings, weddings, cocktail functions or any special events where you want to ‘wow’ your guests. The marquee provides a unique setting with its dramatic high ceiling, lanterns, ivy climbers and shady outdoor area for groups of up to 180pax.

Venue hire includes wait and bar staff, tables, chairs, cutlery, crockery, linen, lighting, heating, setup and pack down, so you can relax and enjoy the function. The marquee also has its own sound system for use free of charge. Catering is provided by the onsite award winning Orangerie restaurant.

Contact Chelsea, Conference & Events Co-ordinator, for a tour of the facility, or for any further enquiries. Phone: 03 547 0794, Email: events@monacoresort.co.nz

Contact Us      

Nelson Convention Bureau offers a number of FREE services to conference, incentive and event organisers.  For an obligation-free quote or to discuss an upcoming event contact us today:

Nicki van Asch
meet@NelsonNZ.com
+ 64 3 545 6854
www.ConferencesNelsonNZ.com
www.NelsonNZ.com