I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. It certainly helped to have the sun shine this year. Nothing like a bit of sunshine to recharge the batteries.

Another exciting year lies ahead of us and one thing is for certain – it will fly by!

So give some thought to your meetings and conferences and let me know if you would like me to start the ball rolling. There is no obligation but always good to get a feel for what is out there.

I look forward to working with some of you this year. I have quite of lot of updates to do which I will do with following blogs and also a newsletter later in the month.

In the meantime enjoy the sun, let me know how I can help and a very good 2015 to you!

Jude

I have just had a few days in Hawke’s Bay exploring conference and incentive opportunities.

What a great place for a conference. I know it requires a bit of travelling but I am sure you will agree when you go there it is well worth while.

It is such a beautiful and relaxing place – and so different to the main centres.

What better way to unwind after a conference than to go for a bike ride. Hawke’s Bay now has over 200 kms of cycle track and all flat. You can choose which one you want to go on and there is always a van nearby in case anyone needs some assistance. Many of the trails go to the vineyards – a wonderful and picturesque way of touring that wonderful wine area.

With all the wineries in the region there are plenty of venues for dinners that have a point of difference.

If you would like me to make some inquiries on your behalf I will do so with pleasure.

Give it some thought- it is a real treat!

It might be worth your while to consider planning your conference in months other than February and March. Those are also very popular dates for tourists and weddings so accommodation is hard to get and consequently the rates are sometimes eye watering and not good value.

As soon as April approaches things calm down, the prices are fairer, the choices of rooms greater and the staff have more time to give you their full attention. In addition the weather is usually more settled and reliable

Food for thought! I am very happy to get a March price for you and an April price so you can see the difference.

Try it for a year and see what happens!

Hi Everyone

I hope all is well with you all. I must admit I am finding the wet and cold a bit tedious. I took myself off to the Gold Coast last week to explore what is going on there. With our high dollar this is such a good time to visit our neighbours.

The first thing to notice -the temperature was wonderful. It ranged between 24 and 27 degrees and I never had to wear a jersey the entire time I was there.

The second thing I noticed was that there are some superb hotels and resorts over there. Some of them are simply gorgeous. On the other hand some of the hotels have managed to put together some very interesting information and images on the internet which grossly misrepresents the hotel! So it was a very worthwhile visit to see them first hand.

I was there for the opening of the new tram system which is wonderful. It goes from the university in the North to Broadbeach in the South and a tram runs every 7 minutes. It is such an asset to the area.

As the Gold Coast is hosting the Commonwealth games in 4 years’ time the area is having a good make over so a good time to get there. No doubt prices will start rising as the time approaches the games.

Please get in touch with me if you want any information on any of the hotels.

I look forward to hearing from you

 

 

The Distinction Hotel in Rotorua has completed a full refurbishment of the suites and they really are looking stunning.

They have one Penthouse 2 bedroom apartment which is looking very smart and then their suites, although not quite as lavish as the Penthouse, are looking very crisp.

The conference suite is going to get a new face lift soon but still very presentable and with the conference suite being in a building of its own with a large prefunction area, its own entrance, a lovely little courtyard for those sunny breaks it really is worth considering. The Distinction group – pure NZ owned- is a “can do” company where they will go out of their way to make things work.

You may also have read the group has bought the Palmerston North central hotel which has a good ballroom for conferencing but also it is an easy walk to the convention centre.

If you would like any prices from either hotel please let me know.

What a stunning day today! But yes it is winter and the time when the hotels are not full and really very eager to have you to stay and to conference! There are so many deals out there in Australia and New Zealand.

To mention a couple: Stamford Plaza in Melbourne, a stunning hotel, is offering free day delegate rates if you stay in one of their suites. Their rate including breakfast is not bad at all and with our dollar it is such a good time to explore Australia.

Hilton Taupo is celebrating 125 years of their Heritage building (used to be The Terrace Hotel) so they are offering an amazing rate for accommodation as well as reduced pricing for breakfast and day delegate.

There are many more so if you are interested in an area let me know and I can let you know the good deals in that area.

 

Last month I popped in to see Copthorne Waitangi as I was in the area.

It would have to have one of the best locations for a hotel in the country. It is surpassed maybe by its sister hotel in Hokianga which is right on the beach.

Copthorne Waitangi is looking very good and their prices in winter are just amazing. As we know the “winterless North” has some lovely winter days. It really is worthwhile considering going up there. It takes no longer than going to Taupo and a lovely part of the country.

Please get in touch if you are interested in getting some prices. 

I have been doing a bit of travelling around the country to update myself on hotels and their staff.

2 weeks ago I walked the streets of Wellington having a look at all the hotels to refresh my memory. 

There are certainly some exciting things happening in Wellington and many of the hotels are upgrading which is exciting to see. If anyone is thinking of possibly having a meeting in Wellington please let me know and I can give you the latest update and get some prices for you.

I look forward to hearing from you. Don’t forget if you don’t need me at the conference itself I offer a free service. (One of the advantages of being the Grandmother of the industry!)

With our rising dollar and the falling Australian dollar this is the perfect year to put Australia on your conference agenda. While I was in Melbourne eerlier in the year I was able to talk to a lot of Australian suppliers and their prices are now very favourable for the New Zealand market. 

Don’t forget about the Coolangatta Airport which takes you directly to the lower half of the sunshine coast and the lovely Byron Bay. So this eliminates the long drive down from Brisbane

During our winter months the Sunshine Coast airport is open. So once again it reduces the bus ride from Brisbane. Their low season – and therefore cheaper prices are around June to August. Just the very time your delegates would really appreciate a bit of summer sun!

Please get in touch if I can assist with any pricing.

Sofitel Auckland is offering a wonderful winter special. They are offering either a reduced delegate rate

or a reduced venue hire whichever suits you.

As you all know the hotel is exquisite and prides itself in its service and presentation. All your

delegates will feel very spoilt there. They also have an excellent chef.

So get in quick! Please let me know if you would like me to get a quote for you before they get 

fully booked out. With that deal they will get very busy.