Tourism New Zealand Knowledge & Destination Hub

Day Two

With over 10 years’ experience in the events industry, from running the retail outlets and corporate catering at Forsyth Barr stadium to welcoming 12,000 beer enthusiast over two days at the Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival, Sarah’s passion and enthusiasm for all elements that make up an event has created a colourful and varied career in the industry.

Stepping away from front line, Sarah is now part of the Destination Queenstown team as Manager of the Queenstown Convention Bureau. Sarah and her team are passionate about showcasing why the Queenstown lakes region really is a world class business events destination, with that passion driven even deeper when working with groups wanting to ensure their event encourages all attendees to really experience all facets of the destination while leaving only positive impacts in our community.

Sarah is a strong advocate of not only the Queenstown region but our business events industry in NZ and further. As a SITE Global member and Young Leader, Sarah sits on the Australia New Zealand SITE Board as Young Leader elect and contributes in steering groups encouraging more opportunities and gateways for young talent considering a career in Business Events.

Steven Dixon took the role of General Manager Qualmark in November 2021 after returning to New Zealand from over 10 years offshore.

Prior to his current role, Steven held senior roles with Tourism New Zealand in Asia leading a team of marketers as Tourism New Zealand’s Trade Marketing Manager Asia, Regional Manager South and Southeast Asia where he oversaw TNZ’s activity across trade, marketing, public relations and stakeholder engagement.

Steven also worked in Tourism New Zealand’s Los Angeles office as the Business Events Manager driving visitors from the high value business events sector in the North American markets. Before joining Tourism New Zealand, Steven worked in the hospitality and tourism industries in marketing, management and development roles both in and outside of New Zealand. In addition to his current home of New Zealand, Steven has lived in Singapore, England, Japan, Taiwan, and the USA.

Business Development Manager Auckland Convention Bureau

Planning a business event can be daunting especially in a city you are unfamiliar with. Let Gemma Wood from the Auckland Convention Bureau assist. She’ll provide impartial advice, unlock hidden gems, source proposals and quotes and arrange site inspections. If you’re in a bidding situation, she’ll work with you to implement a strategy and develop a winning bid. The best part, Auckland Convention Bureau’s service and support is completely free!

Rotorua is renowned for its unique blend of natural beauty and rich Māori cultural heritage. But there’s one very special thing that makes Rotorua stand out, and that’s our people. Ngahihi Bidois, acclaimed leader, speaker, and author, embodies profound wisdom deeply rooted in our heritage. Engage with Ngahihi as he shares insights into cultural capability and the cultivation of meaningful connections.

Ngahihi champions the importance of nurturing human potential, echoing the Māori proverb: " He aha te mea nui o te ao? What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. It is the people, it is the people, it is the people".

Through his work, Ngahihi fosters environments of authenticity, respect, and belonging, strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and leaving a lasting impact. Join us and be inspired to cultivate these connections in your personal and professional endeavours.

Fay, the Business Events Development Manager at Destination Marlborough, brings a wealth of experience in travel, event, and venue management. Recognizing the variety of challenges faced by event planners, Fay is dedicated to crafting bespoke solutions for your next business event, conference, convention, or incentive program. Let Fay be your guide in creating unforgettable Marlborough experiences tailored to your needs.

Aimee Tyson, Event Manager for Hamilton & Waikato Tourism will be joined by fellow Waikato event professionals for this inspirational and educational session on the mighty Waikato.

Marketing & Events Executive – Toitū Envirocare

Portia Foley is a passionate marketing and events professional with a focus on sustainability and the carbon sector. As the Marketing and Events Executive at Toitū Envirocare, Portia works to engage and educate New Zealand businesses on how to navigate the transition towards a low carbon economy, ultimately protecting our precious natural environment.

Portia has created and delivered numerous Toitū net carbonzero events, undergoing audit and certification processes. This hands on experience has highlighted first hand opportunities for emission avoidance and measurement streamlining.

Asheel is a Partner at Matley Chartered Accountants with 17 years of experience.

He has a diverse professional background with a lot of experience from New Zealand and overseas servicing businesses of all sizes from sole traders to FTSE250 listed companies. His experience includes tax compliance, business advisory services, financial due diligence, governance, and helping international companies do business in New Zealand.

Asheel has held senior positions at PwC, ANZ, BDO, BakerTilly Staples Rodway, and led the New Zealand operations of TMF Group (a multinational professional services firm). He is a member of the Institute of Directors (IoD).

Asheel’s expertise includes assisting conference organisers and multinational companies with their GST obligations in New Zealand. The largest successful GST claim to date was arranging for a GST refund of over $200,000 for an incentive conference held in New Zealand.

Marketing Manager Sustainability Pou Ārahi Māori, Tourism New Zealand

Cam Hayes is a tourism marketer passionate about using the power of storytelling to affect positive change. As Marketing Manager Sustainability at Tourism New Zealand, Cam has the privilege of working on a special kaupapa called Tiaki – Care for New Zealand.