New Zealand convention centres

Welcome to the lastest newsletter from the Nelson Convention Bureau. New Zealand convention centres, conference facilities and general information for the Nelson region. Local resources and New Zealand convention centres for Nelson meeting venue facilities including exceptional quality accommodation with a huge range of pre and post conference activities and conference partner programmes.

The latest news on conference planning and management to audio visual professionals and other technical equipment services.

- new zealand conference venues and accommodation
- NZ tourism business plans and activities

nelson convention bureau •
news from nelson

summer 07

from the bureau desk

Kia ora,

Welcome to the last newsletter from the Nelson Convention Bureau for 2007. I'm sure all those involved in organising and running events have a few parties of your own to attend this festive season - enjoy!

It's been a busy time for us here at the regional tourism organisation that runs the Nelson Convention Bureau. Formerly known as Latitude Nelson, our new trading name - Nelson Tasman Tourism - came into effect last week. Our logo (pictured) has been developed to represent our values of quality, sustainability and manaakitanga (welcoming and looking after visitors).

As you'll read below, it's been an equally busy time for Nelson's premier conference venues - Rutherford Hotel Nelson, Monaco Hotel & Resort, and Trailways Hotel. Make sure you get in touch with them to see what they can offer you for your events in 2008 and beyond.

All the best for a safe and fun festive season,

Angela

rutherford refurb

The revamp of Nelson's largest conference facility continued this winter.

The Rutherford Hotel - a Heritage Hotel is looking as good as new thanks to an exterior paint job (pictured) and completion of the fourth floor refurbishment.

The hotel now has just 17 rooms (one floor) left to upgrade from standard to executive. They are on schedule to have all of their 113 rooms upgraded to executive style by the end of winter next year.

General Manager Bevan McGillicuddy said this winter's refurb took just over three months, with the rooms and bathrooms being completely stripped and re-fitted. 32-inch plasma TVs have also been placed in each of the rooms.

"Looking forward business levels are on par with last summer, which was a record summer for the hotel, and conference business is looking strong for next winter."

The Rutherford caters for groups of up to 400. Contact the conference team now for a quote for your next event: enquiries@rutherfordhotel.co.nz

new planner for 07/08

The Nelson Tasman Conference Planner 07/08 is now available.

If you haven't received a copy and would like to have a guide to venues, activities and professional services in Nelson Tasman, please email meet@NelsonNZ.com.

You can also find listings and web links at www.ConferencesNelsonNZ.com.

food for thought

You might have the best venue, inspirational speakers and an incredible programme, but if the food isn't up to par at your conference, all your hard work goes out the window.

Monaco Hotel & Resort's on-site restaurant The Orangerie opened in March this year (along with its 65 pax conference room) and it didn't take long for its food and service quality to be recognised.

The resort took out the Hospitality Association of New Zealand prize for Best Beef over $20 this year, and were also finalists in Best New/Redeveloped Bar/Restaurant and Excellence in Customer Service.

On completion of the last phase of its expansion, the handcrafted village will be able to accommodate up to 280 guests. Its new 180 pax conference centre opens in November 2008.

For enquiries contact Managing Director Clare Davies on 03 547 8233 or email clare@monacoresort.co.nz.

wellington winner

Jo-Anne Arthur of Assure NZ Ltd was the lucky winner of the trip to Nelson from the Wellington Conference & Events Expo.

There were hundreds of entries into the prize draw, for which entrants had to answer three questions about Nelson - one from each of our region's exhibitors.

Congrats to Jo-Anne, we look forward to hosting you in Nelson!

corporates driven potty

The Nelson Convention Bureau teamed up with Heritage Hotels Management and Air New Zealand to host a famil for Auckland corporates recently.

Five corporate event organisers attended the famil, which was timed to coincide with the Nelson Arts Festival in October.

As well as site visits at the Rutherford Hotel Nelson - a Heritage Hotel, The Cellars at Woollaston Estates, and the World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum; the group threw pots at MacMillans Hand Thrown Ceramics and competed in a treasure hunt around the city sights with onCue.

The group also got the chance to taste a range of Nelson Tasman wines and cuisine at Saltwater Cafe on the Quay and BarDelicious.

A big thanks to Sally Moyes and Carl Amos for their assistance, and to the ladies for such a great time!

Pictured: Sharon Edwards of BNZ was clearly forewarned of the scheduled activities and snuck in some potting practice before her visit - her bowl was not that of a beginner!

trailways renovations go swimmingly

Trailways Hotel has completed the final stage in its renovation programme, and a new heated swimming pool is being installed this month.

The accommodation wing has been rebuilt internally, and the last of the eight rooms have been upgraded to Executive Studio Spa units. New carpeting and paint throughout the public hallways, an expanded office area, landscaping, and an external paint job have also been carried out.

Trailways Hotel has three meeting rooms, with a maximum capacity of 100. For details visit www.trailways.co.nz/conference.html