Waikato Business News | March 1, 2024

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12 CONFERENCES MAY 2024 Your guide to: Conference, Venues and Events Quick points • Does the venue size fit the numbers? • Too big a venue will dampen the ambience of your event and too small will make it uncomfortable and crowded – make sure you choose a venue that fits the number of your guests comfortably, from seating to parking. • Think about what you will need when choosing a venue – not all will come complete with everything you need from the basics of tables and chairs to tablecloths, cutlery and crockery – even portable loos may be required. This is aside from whatever theme decorations you may use. Be sure all these are included, or are in your list of budgeted items you know you need to cater for. • Check that everyone will be able to see well any speechmakers or ceremonies. Also look at how having a photographer or videographer in place might impact on your guests’ ability to see if the area is tight or narrow. • Is catering provided or required? If required, make sure your venue has an appropriate kitchen setup so that your chosen caterer can organize courses and clearing of past ones efficiently and well. And, if you are providing your own, always make sure you have a Plan B. • If your venue is shared and you intend to have children attend, be comfortable that the area you will use can remain private from other users of the venue. • Cleaning – it’s important to know who is responsible and what time it needs to be done by. Some venues will want it done before you leave, and others will have a team to do it once you have gone. Be sure you know whose responsibility it will be and if it’s yours, make sure you have a team on standby. • Make sure you book well ahead. Popular venues are often booked a year or more in advance. Interactive venues an emerging trend An emerging trend when it comes to venues and fun events is that of the interactive. What this means is the event isn’t just one where people get together and intermingle, and celebrate – there is an activity based format which can range from anything from cooking classes, games, through to paintball or even a murder mystery. And the equally exciting trend of using the different interactive realities created by 21st Century technologies. Interactive venues are more than just spaces; they are dynamic environments that engage, inspire, and connect people in various ways and are often used by workplaces for teambuilding environments, as well as wider family events – even weddings with a difference. From interactive museums and art installations to immersive theatres and themed entertainment centres, these venues are designed to captivate audiences and provide a whole lot of entertainment. One of the key features of interactive venues is their ability to blur the lines between spectators and participants. Unlike traditional venues, interactive venues depend on active engagement. Guests are invited to touch, manipulate, play, and become part of the experience. This hands-on approach not only enhances the enjoyment but also deepens the learning and understanding of the subject matter if used in a learning environment. Technology plays a significant role in shaping interactive venues. Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies are frequently utilized to create immersive and interactive experiences, for example. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins in VR, interacting with virtual creatures in an AR exhibit, or participating in a simulated space mission, these technologies transport visitors to new worlds and realities. Interactive venues often leverage gaming techniques to enhance engagement. By competition, exploration, and achievement elements, guests are motivated to actively participate and explore the venue’s offerings. Whether it’s completing challenges, earning points, or unlocking rewards, gaming adds an element of fun and excitement to the experience. SKYCITY HAMILTON IS THE IDEAL VENUE FOR YOUR NEXT CONFERENCE OR EVENT WAIKATO SUITES CONFERENCE CENTRE MARBLE ROOM We are the “Home of Entertainment”, conveniently located in the heart of Hamilton’s CBD. With multiple venue options, catering for up to 500 guests, chef-curated functions menus, 300 underground carparks, and several onsite dining and entertainment options, SkyCity Hamilton is the ideal location for your next event. Talk to our dedicated functions team about your conference and event requirements. 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton hamilton.conferences@skycity.co.nz skycityhamilton.co.nz +64 7 834 4989
MAY 2024 FEATURE CONFERENCES ADVERTORIAL Host an unforgettable event at Hobbiton Movie Set 13 Collaboration is another key aspect of interactive venues. Many of these spaces are designed to facilitate social interaction and collaboration among guests. Whether it’s working together to solve a puzzle, create a piece of art, or navigate a virtual environment, collaboration fosters teamwork, communication, and creativity. These venues often serve as platforms for experimentation and innovation. Artists, designers, and technologists are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, creating new and innovative experiences that challenge perceptions and expand horizons. From interactive light installations to multisensory performances, these venues serve as incubators for creativity and innovation. In addition to entertaining and Getting to grips with the catering educating, interactive venues also have the power to inspire action and drive social change. By immersing visitors in thought-provoking experiences that address pressing social and environmental issues, these venues can spark conversations, raise awareness, and inspire positive action. In this way, interactive venues offer a unique and immersive way for people to engage with the world around them. By combining technology, gamification, collaboration, and innovation, these venues create memorable experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire. Whether it’s exploring distant galaxies in VR or collaborating with strangers to solve a puzzle, interactive venues have the power to transport us to new worlds and unlock endless possibilities. Hobbiton Movie Set offer a range hosting options to ensure that whether your next event is a large scale affair or an intimate gathering, it is a success and your guests are given an experience to remember. Work with the friendly events team to tailor your experience to your group’s needs in one of the unique venues on offer located on the famous Movie Set including; The Green Dragon Inn, The party Marquee, The Millhouse or Yard Flat. Also available is The Hub conference rooms, a flexible meeting space located at The Shire’s Rest with stunning views overlooking the surrounding farmland and rolling green hills of the mighty Waikato. Add to the magic of your Middleearth event with showstopping event additions on offer from interactive market places bursting with Hobbit fare, water screens ascending from the lake to drone shows illuminating the skies above The Shire, your guests are sure to leave your event with an unforgettable experience. Groups are also welcome to join one of the special events on offer throughout the year including the Mid-Winter Feast which will be held on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 July 2024 and welcomes guests to escape the winter chill and warm up with a special feast in the Shire. All events hosted at Hobbiton Movie Set begin with a Hobbiton Movie Set Tour where guests will journey around the movie set, past colourful Hobbit Hole doors including the iconic Bag End, before arriving at Bagshot Row for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. The tour concludes with a journey past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where guests will enjoy a complimentary, exclusive beverage from our Hobbit Southfarthing range. Add some Middle-earth magic to your next business event Choosing the right venue is just one aspect of your day – making sure the catering is taken care of is equally as important. While many venues have their own in place, quite a few will also allow you to engage your own. Selecting the right caterer for your event at a venue is crucial to ensuring a memorable experience for your guests. There are several key factors to consider when making your choice. Menu variety and flexibility: A good caterer should offer a diverse menu to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions – there will be those in your group who will have requirements such as gluten free or be vegetarians for example. Look for a caterer who is willing to customize menus to accommodate specific preferences or dietary needs of your guests. Quality of food: The quality of the food served can make or break an event. Request tastings from potential caterers to evaluate the taste, freshness, and presentation of their dishes and above all, look for reviews of their work from previous customers. Ask for referrals, and enquire about their experience working at your chosen venue. Logistics and staffing: Ensure the caterer has the capacity to handle the size of your event. Ask about their staffing levels and inquire about their ability to handle setup, service, and cleanup efficiently. Attention to detail: A great caterer pays attention to the little details that make an event special. Consider factors such as presentation of their meals, garnishes, and serving utensils when evaluating potential caterers. Budget: Be upfront about your budget with the caterer right from the beginning to ensure they can provide options that align with your financial constraints – this is one of the biggest costs of your event and you’ll need to up with the play as to how much per head this is likely to cost you. Be wary of caterers who try to upsell you on unnecessary items. Communication and responsiveness: Effective communication is essential throughout the planning process. Choose a caterer who is responsive to your enquiries and can provide timely updates on menu options, pricing, and logistics. Licensing and insurance: Verify that the caterer holds all necessary licenses and permits required by the local district council and/or central government and other agencies. Additionally, ensure they have liability insurance to protect against any unforeseen incidents. Flexibility with venue requirements: Some venues may have specific rules or restrictions regarding catering arrangements. Choose a caterer who is familiar with the venue's policies and can adapt to any requirements or limitations. Backup plans: Mishaps can occur, so it's important to enquire about the caterer's contingency plans in case of emergencies such as equipment failures or inclement weather – or if the worst should happen and they can’t fulfil their contract. Celebrate your next event in the pictureqsue setting of The Shire Experience the real Middle-earth with a tour of Hobbiton Movie Set as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. WWW.HOBBITONTOURS.COM
Page 1 and 2: MAY 2024 Fosters - thriving at 50 F
Page 3 and 4: MAY 2024 Briefs… Truckin’ on On
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Page 7 and 8: MAY 2024 Resthaven development open
Page 9 and 10: MAY 2024 OUR ENVIRONMENT ADVERTORIA
Page 11: MAY 2024 TOURISM How we rise the ti
Page 15 and 16: MAY 2024 CONFERENCES Your guide to:
Page 17 and 18: MAY 2024 HUMAN RESOURCES & RECRUITM
Page 19 and 20: MAY 2024 Out and about… More Out

Waikato Business News | March 1, 2024

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