2023 NZ Event Awards winners thrive in the face of adversity

Sunday, 12 November 2023 22:18

2023 NZ Event Awards winners thrive in the face of adversity

Brent Spillane of XPO Exhibitions received the award from BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins NZEA

New Zealand Events Association’s (NZEA) annual Event Awards were celebrated at a gala dinner in Ōtautahi Christchurch on Thursday 9 November.

NZEA joined with ChristchurchNZ in a successful partnership to host the Awards at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, and over 350 people from the events community came together to reward success. Journalist and TV presenter, Miriama Kamo was Master of Ceremonies.

Elaine Linnell, NZEA’s General Manager said a record 118 entries were received and the winners of each category stood out for various reasons but, for many, it was a case of overcoming adversity in significant and very effective ways.

Ali Adams, Chief Executive of ChristchurchNZ, said it was wonderful to partner with NZEA to host the Awards in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

“Events help make our vibrant new city a balanced place to live and visit, both for business visitors and tourists. Our city knows about challenges and the power of events to help lift both a community’s spirits and its economy,” Adams says.

A new category this year, Outstanding Contribution to Business Events was sponsored by Business Events Industry Association (BEIA). Brent Spillane of XPO Exhibitions received the award from BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins, after being acknowledged by judges for the daunting task he faced common to the entire events industry: to survive, rebuild, and find a new normal in the aftermath of Covid-19. However, XPO faced the additional difficulty of having just doubled its consumer events business pre-Covid.

“Then came the massive blow that New Zealand was set to lose its largest purpose-built venue for events, concerts and exhibitions - the Auckland Showgrounds. Brent recognised the grave repercussions of losing such a crucial venue and fought tirelessly on behalf of the industry to successfully secure the showgrounds. This monumental achievement stands as one of his most significant contributions to the events industry during this challenging period,” Linnell says.

The winner of Best Venue 2023 is encouraging to smaller entrants, said Linnell, because it proves you don’t have to be big to stand out. “When Northland Events Centre hosted 11 out of 12 international teams at the 2021 Rugby World Cup, ticket sales exceeded all expectations. It could have been a victim of its own success, but the team showed exceptional leadership and innovation in seamlessly managing more than 150,000 attendees when only 87,000 were predicted to attend.”

The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 also won Best Major or Mega Event 2023 and Best Sports Event 2023.

Christchurch events won two awards: Best Arts or Cultural Event 2023 - Bread & Circus - World Buskers Festival, and Best Event Marketing and Creative 2023 for ON SHOW Spring Campaign run by ChristchurchNZ.

Shane Harmon, CEO of Wellington’s Sky Stadium, was crowned winner of the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry category for 2023, sponsored by ChristchurchNZ.

“Shane’s leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment have set a standard for stadiums and venues nationally. In his 20-year career, Shane has made a huge impact on the Wellington and national events scene,” Linnell says.

“We extend our heartiest congratulations to all our deserving winners who have managed to survive adversity and come out thriving and still smiling.”

2023 Winners:

Best Established Event Professional 2023