Tourism Central Otago (TCO) officially launched “Central Otago Business Events” this week with the support and endorsement of Central Otago District Council and Tourism Advisory Board.

TCO’s Andrea Lauder will head up Central Otago Business Events (COBE). 

Andrea is an experienced and highly skilled business event professional and will run the business events programme alongside her role as Trade Marketing Manager. 

“There is an untapped opportunity for Central Otago within the conference and incentive market to co-ordinate, target and attract these, together with executive retreat groups, to the region,” Andrea says. 

“Over the last few months we have been in conversations with key businesses who acknowledged the benefit of setting up COBE as a conduit to tap into this market sector. 

“A paid membership model will be established, with seven founding business already confirming their support, and many more identified and likely to come on board over the next 12 months.

“One of the businesses who will become a member of Central Otago Business Events is Highlands. 

Chief Operating Officer Josie Spillane says the time was right, and “timing as they say is everything”. 

“We are delighted that Council and Tourism Central Otago have seen the benefit in establishing a Central Otago Business Events arm.  

“Central Otago is a world class destination and offers businesses a chance to step out of the ‘tried and true’ destinations and really deliver a bespoke experience crafted to meet their needs. 

“The charm of Central, our ability to be flexible and our central location to many other exciting destinations, really sets the scene for a winning formula.

“Over the years we’ve seen many of our corporate clients return again and again with their families, so not only do we get the direct benefit of having a business event, when we do a great job people want to return and share their experiences with their friends and family. 

“You could say that it’s the gift that keeps on giving.” 

“The TCO team is a strong, experienced team with a great board behind them, who are smart, commercial and relentlessly focussed on ensuring Central Otago remains true to brand, and that tourism continues to operate with a strong community social license.  

“We have full confidence in their ability to make this a success.”

Lisa Hopkins, Chief Executive, Business Events Industry Aotearoa says the establishment of Central Otago Business Events was a positive signal, not just for the region, but also the broader business events sector across New Zealand.

“It serves to strengthen and add flavour to an industry which pre-Covid was generating in excess of $1.5 billion and supporting around 22,000 jobs directly. 

“As we start to look towards the future, it will be important that New Zealand is seen as an ever-evolving land of discovery, particularly for the domestic and international corporate incentive market. 

“COBE has positioned itself well for this high value, high touch sector who will take full advantage of the magnificent cycle trails, exceptional wineries, exhilarating activities and true manaakitanga in the many accommodation and restaurant businesses across the region.” 

Central Otago Business Events will be introduced to event organisers at MEETINGS run by Business Events Industry Aotearoa in Auckland 2 - 3 June.