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Case study: Flagship event combines learning, fun and networking.

For the more than 1200 delegates at the New Zealand Dental Association, NZDA annual conference, held over three days in August 2024 at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, the event was not only an opportunity to share knowledge and catch up on the latest scientific and technical developments, but to also enjoy a few days of wellness, networking and business opportunities.

A diverse event

NZDA Chief Executive Dr Mo Amso says with a concurrent plenary and scientific programme, business meetings, a products and services expo, an employment fair and packed social programme – ranging from a comedy night to an awards dinner – the annual conference is a diverse event. This made Te Pae Christchurch a natural choice to host the event for the second time in three years.

“Te Pae has a wide array of rooms and spaces that cater to our different requirements,” says Dr Amso. “The venue is purpose built, so it suits our full range of needs.”

Although the conference has a number of moving parts, the overall event, which was organised with the support of Conference Innovators – a Professional Conference Organiser partner of the NZDA for around two decades, ran very smoothly.

“We were just talking at our debriefing about how non-stressful the whole event was, helped by the support of the venue,” says Dr Amso.

Professional support

As well as the four separate conference programmes, which included 36 speakers from around the world, and over 55 presentations held in Te Pae Christchurch’s auditorium and meeting rooms, the conference also included a jobs fair for the next generation of industry professionals.

“New Zealand only has one university that graduates dentists, so we have them all fly up to the venue, and they have an entire afternoon of what’s been called ‘speed dating’ – interviews with private and public sector employers seeking to hire new graduates,” says Dr Amso.

“These are all student members of the Association, so we support them by trying to connect them with jobs, as well as providing a scientific programme for them on ‘Young Dentists Day’, held the following day– it’s about supporting the future of the profession.”

Flexible event design

Other unique aspects of the programme included a change to the way catering and breaks were run, a popular move that provided two longer breaks throughout the day where delegates could have more time to interact and visit the expo, and a President’s Shout event, held in one of the venue’s large foyers.

The sold-out expo, which featured everything from specialist supplies to a Kia electric vehicle, also included an opportunity for non-delegates from the sector to engage with the range of industry representatives and other service providers, with over 100 people attending the expo only.

“As an association, we are quite open to trialling things,” says Dr Amso, “The President’s Shout event in particular in the Dobson Room foyer was very successful.”

A walkable advantage

This year’s event also saw a larger than expected number of delegates take part, something Dr Amso puts down to ‘the Christchurch factor and the Te Pae factor’.

“We need a large venue that’s big enough to accommodate a very diverse range of events and it needs to be well connected to a bustling scene because you want people to have fun, you don’t want to lock them indoors for two days listening to lectures. And so Christchurch delivers, and Te Pae delivers,” says Dr Amso.

“When you arrive in town, you’re likely to be staying at a hotel which is walking distance – all the hotels within walking distance are lovely and reasonable value. There are restaurants and bars and social activities in the precinct where some people hosted events. This year we had a fun run in Hagley park, which was a short walkaway, and I attended an affiliate event in the art gallery – again a short walk away.”

“A lot of this you just couldn’t do at other venues.”

Successful opportunity to connect

Ultimately, the event at Te Pae Christchurch was considered a major success for the Association.

“Quite a few of the delegates we surveyed wrote that it was the best conference ever – so that’s quite telling,” says Dr Amso.

Dr Amso says the conference, which attracted people from across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, as well as guests from around the world, represents the opportunity to do a lot more than share knowledge.

“When we surveyed our members earlier this year, they told us the best thing they like about our Association are the opportunities for collegiality, networking and connection,” says Dr Amso. 

“We think conferences deliver more than just an opportunity to learn and the way we’ve tried to design them is for you to connect, catch up with mates, do a bit of shopping, have some food, have a bit of a dance and a laugh and just go back refreshed.”

“It’s not just a two-day lecture fest. What we try to deliver is learning, fun and networking.”

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Embarking on a Te Reo Māori Journey: A Beginner’s Perspective

Written by Danielle Thompson – Director of Business Services

A while ago, I set myself a meaningful goal for the year—one that was more than just a fleeting New Year’s resolution. My aim was to deepen my understanding of te reo Māori.

Learning a language is about more than just words; it involves embracing values, heritage, and a sense of understanding. It’s not just about impressing others with a few well-practiced phrases but about embodying the concepts of aroha (love) and respect.

While it’s rewarding to string together new words and phrases, the true significance lies in engaging with the essence of what we’re learning. It’s about understanding and living the values embedded in the language and integrating them into our daily lives.

My initial exposure to te reo was quite limited – just a few hesitant words from my high school days. However, as I’ve progressed through my career, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by some knowledgeable individuals who are eager to support a beginner like me. With a wealth of resources available, I’m steadily building my kete (basket of resources). My next challenge is to move beyond the jumble of bits and pieces and organise these resources into a practical and effective toolkit.

Being an adult learner comes with its own set of challenges. The many distractions and competing priorities often take precedence. Yet, taking up this wero (challenge) is rewarding. My goal is straightforward: to continue learning and growing, even if it’s just one word at a time. I aim to listen to those around me, give it a go, and watch my kete grow.

Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei.

Aim for the stars, and you might reach the moon.

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What’s cooking in the catering world of events

What’s Cooking in the Catering World of Events

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner—these three meals are more than just routine; they are moments that bring people together, whether it’s a social gathering, a family reunion, or a romantic dinner. Food has evolved from being a basic necessity to a central part of our social experiences, where the act of preparing a meal becomes an art, and the enjoyment of it, a sensory delight.

In the world of events, the quality of food often sets the tone for the entire experience. The success of an event is frequently judged by the culinary offerings, with catering playing a pivotal role in shaping guests’ satisfaction. With such high stakes, it’s no surprise that the restaurant and catering industry is fiercely competitive, where only the best survive. Guests today demand not just good food, but an exceptional dining experience, and anything less simply won’t cut it.

When people think about memorable meals, they often picture their favourite café or restaurant, not a conference venue. However, large venues catering to significant numbers of delegates are just as immersed in the high-pressure world of catering. For conference centres, the challenge intensifies when international guests are involved, as their culinary experience is measured against global standards.

Our Executive Chef at Te Pae Christchurch, Desmond Davies puts it best: “I’m always mindful of who we’re catering for. It’s important to create menus that resonate with the diverse backgrounds of our delegates while showcasing local flavours. Like a well-composed piece of music, our menus need to be both creative and familiar, with a local twist that makes the dining experience unique and memorable without alienating international guests.”

The kitchen team at a conference venue plays a crucial role in ensuring that delegates not only enjoy their meals but are also transported into a sensory experience that leaves a lasting impression. The goal is to earn glowing reviews and encourage repeat business. This requires impeccable timing and precision, especially when serving large numbers of attendees within a tight schedule.

However, even the most talented chefs face limitations—chief among them, the budget. No matter how creative or capable a venue’s catering team is, there’s always a cost factor that must be balanced. Clients often have high expectations but limited budgets, creating a challenging scenario for chefs who must deliver exceptional meals within financial constraints. It’s akin to asking a painter to create a masterpiece with just one tube of paint.

The reality is that when a meal falls short, it’s often the venue that bears the brunt of the blame, not the budget-conscious client. This makes the Executive Chef’s job even more demanding, as they must consistently innovate, accommodate diverse tastes, and stay within budget without compromising quality. To stay ahead, chefs must experiment, learn about different cultures, and continuously refine their menus—sometimes even testing new dishes in the staff canteen to gather honest feedback from a diverse group of “demanding patrons.”

So, the next time you savour a perfectly cooked meal at an event, whether it’s herb crusted lamb shoulder or a salted caramel cream patisserie, take a moment to appreciate the culinary professionals behind the scenes. The Executive Chef and their team work tirelessly, amidst the heat of the kitchen and the clatter of pots and pans, to transform a simple meal into an unforgettable experience.

Written by Nicolette Elia – Director of Event Services, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre 

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Case study: Te Pae Christchurch hosts Southern Hemisphere’s largest surgical meeting

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre welcomed surgeons and healthcare professionals for the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-disciplinary surgical meeting, held across five days in May 2024.

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The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) 92nd Annual Scientific Congress (ASC) attracted over 1,500 delegates – including 1,350 from outside of New Zealand. The event marked the first time in 17 years the congress had been held in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

RACS Manager of Conferences and Events Ally Chen said “Te Pae’s central location and its new facilities made it the choice to host RACS ASC 2024.”

Careful organisation

Bringing together some of the world’s leading surgeons and health professionals across a week-long programme, which included over 900 presentations and 18 special interest programmes that utilised spaces throughout whole centre, required careful organisation.

“The event planning process with the team was very smooth and the team was open to ideas to make things easier for us,” says Ally.

A taste of the region

Delegates were able to experience Christchurch’s dynamic food and entertainment scene with eleven section dinners held at central city venues – each within walking distance of Te Pae – over the course of the congress.  As well as catering for delegates throughout the events programme, Te Pae Christchurch’s team also had the chance to demonstrate their own culinary flair at the Congress Dinner, attended by over 400 delegates, held in the Rivers Room.

“We were very well looked after by the culinary team,” says Ally. “Their quick response to our additional requirements was greatly appreciated and their initiative was excellent.”

Range of activities
For networking opportunities, the trade exhibition hall proved to be a popular attraction, offering delegates the chance to interact with leading industry suppliers and explore the latest advancements in surgical technology and practice. Attendees also got the chance to experience more of the inner city’s unique environment with a fun run through Hagley Park, located less than 10 minutes’ walk from Te Pae Christchurch. A morning yoga session, held at Te Pae Christchurch, also gave delegates the chance to get active before the busyness of each day.

Unparalleled success

The event in Christchurch was acknowledged by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons as an ‘unparalleled success’.

“The overall feedback we received from the delegates indicated that this is the best ASC they have been to,” says Ally.  “I know very well the huge amount of effort that goes into these events. The entire crew at Te Pae provided great support over the week for the RACS ASC 2024. I will definitely recommend Te Pae as a great venue option for others.”

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International Architecture Awards win for Te Pae Christchurch 

Designed by Woods Bagot in collaboration with Warren and Mahoney, Te Pae Christchurch stood out for its unique architectural approach and its role in Christchurch’s recovery and revitalisation.  

Bruno Mendes, Project Leader at Woods Bagot says “Te Pae Christchurch was informed by Christchurch’s rich tapestry of unique geography, abundant cultural narrative, and shared local history. The result really speaks to the value of designing with an intimate understanding of place and people.”  

Completed in 2022, Te Pae Christchurch spans 28,000 square meters, incorporating design elements that reflect the local iwi, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and the history of the region. The fluid façade features nearly 43,000 tiles in a herringbone pattern, inspired by the Canterbury Plains and braided rivers, with the building’s silhouette echoing the Southern Alps. 

Te Pae Christchurch is a testament to thoughtful design and its ability to heal and rejuvenate a community, marking a significant milestone in Christchurch’s ongoing recovery. 

Other architectural award wins for Te Pae Christchurch 

• 2023 ArchDaily Building of the Year (BOTY) – Public & Landscape Architecture, Nominee
• 2023 WAF – Completed Buildings (Office), Shortlist
• 2023 New Zealand Institute of Architects, Canterbury Architecture Awards – Public Architecture, Winner
• 2023 New Zealand Architecture Awards – Public Architecture, Shortlist
• 2024 International Architecture Awards – Civic Centers, Winner   

Case study: Showcasing our sporting best on the international stage

Held outside of Auckland for the first time in more than eight years, the annual event was hosted at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in March 2024, after a successful bid from the city, supported by the Canterbury Cricket Association and the Canterbury Cricket Trust.

New Zealand Cricket General Manager Venues, Facilities and Events Graham Parks says the event was a great opportunity for NZC to bring the awards to Christchurch, to showcase the city and the region.

“Te Pae Christchurch is such an amazing venue, not only aesthetically, as an incredibly fantastic venue to hold such an award, but also with the ability for us to broadcast the event,” says Graham. “The scale of the venue was a real point of difference, giving us the ability to dress, design and utilise the space differently from the traditionally smaller venues we have used in the past.”

Flexible planning

Planning for the event took place over more than five months, involving a large group of stakeholders, including major sponsors, with the added complexity of working through a jam-packed summer of cricket.

“End-to-end, the planning process was really positive and a credit to all members of the Te Pae team – from the business development group when we started with the concept, through to the facilities management team on how we were going to use the space, how our broadcast was set up, how our production partners would use it, all the way through to the catering team, designing a delicious menu that enabled us to serve within tight timeframes, to get meals out and have them cleared and ready to go to broadcast.”

“The size and the scale of the venue just supports the ease of delivering an event like this, especially with the broadcast component,” says Graham. “And that’s the point of difference here, bringing an outside broadcast (OB) truck on site, setting up the links – the build and the design of Te Pae allows that process to be integrated. The venue is unique in the New Zealand landscape, given its functionality and the ability to operate with ease.” 

Unique functionality

The awards event is divided into two parts, with the first segment – including the ‘blue-carpet’ arrivals and interviews of the players and special guests, filmed off-air and packaged as part of the broadcast, and the second segment featuring the live awards.

“The functionality of the space meant we had guests in the room, which gave great depth and a sense of occasion for the media,” says Graham. “Moreover, we were able to facilitate the news crews, to do their crosses to the news hour and drop into the sports news, while also being able to cater to all the other guests.”

After the live broadcast awards segment, which is tightly run over 90 minutes, the players and guests then had the opportunity to relax and mingle and mark the occasion with a photo wall.

“The overall design of the room made it feel intimate, but still provided people with space.”

Ideal location

For the VIP guests, including the international players, getting to-and-from the venue was also easy.

“Early on in the process, we were able to identify and hold multiple hotels within walking distance,” says Graham. “And that kind of access and movement within the city made it very user friendly.”

Direct access to the city was also an important consideration, particularly given the players’ international schedules.

“More often than not, the day after the awards, several of the Black Caps need to leave to fly to the IPL in India,” says Graham. “Now the nature of the city is that you can get outbound international flights from Christchurch into Singapore or into Dubai via Sydney.”

Showcase event

Overall, response to the event was extremely positive. 

“There was unanimous support from our board and CEO by way of a fantastic event,” says Graham. “There was also a really high level of compliments from TVNZ and our production partners, in terms of the ease with which they were able to set up, run and deliver in that venue.”

“I think the key thing that stood out, which is so important in the event world and when you’re planning an event, is the ability to anticipate requests and help facilitate a resolution in quick fashion. There was always a willingness to help us adapt through the design and the delivery phase, which is a real credit to the team at Te Pae.”

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Matariki celebrations at Te Pae Christchurch

 For the month of June, the team at Te Pae Christchurch celebrated Matariki, the start of the Māori New Year. 

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Signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in our night sky, this is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead. Ways to celebrate Matariki include remembering those who have passed, sharing kai(food) and spending time with whanau (family). 

During the month, 15 of our team members attended an educational day at our local marae (meeting house), we learned about the four pillars of Māori health, and we held te reo Māori (Māori language) lessons. 

To complete our Matariki celebrations, we held a mid-winter family picnic in our exhibition hall, with lots of fun activities for employees and their families to enjoy.

Discovering my passion: Why I chose a career in the events industry 

Written by Nicolette Elia – Director of Event Services

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When I was contemplating my career, the events industry never crossed my mind. I didn’t I even know about the many conferences, exhibitions, and tradeshows happening worldwide. To be fair, this was the early 1990s, a time when kids were simply kids. The World Wide Web had just launched in 1993, and there were no smartphones, tablets, Facebook, or TikTok. Unlike today’s teenagers, I was far less aware and connected to the world. 

My journey into the exhibition industry began a few years after I started work. Once I dipped my toe into this unknown territory, I was instantly captivated. With both creative and academic qualifications, the exhibition world offered a perfect balance of both. What thrilled me most was witnessing an empty exhibition hall transform into a vibrant world of colourful displays, exhibition booths, and creative pavilions. The energy on the trading floor was electric, intense, and infectious, and I quickly became immersed in the industry. Within months, I was designing exhibition floorplans, rolling out marketing campaigns, and negotiating contracts with suppliers to maximise budgets and profit margins. 

The deeper I delved into the industry, the more I craved. Soon, I was travelling internationally to manage country pavilions aimed at attracting business and boosting economies. It was at a business tourism tradeshow in Geneva when I realised the events industry was far more significant than I had ever imagined. Despite being confined within four walls, exhibitions and tradeshows had limitless reach. The introductions, negotiations, and networking had a higher purpose—they created wealth, raised awareness, and impacted lives. 

But how do events such as exhibitions, tradeshows and conferences have such an impact?  

Consider a consumer exhibition, an event with a common theme, open to the public. People stroll through aisles filled with hundreds of shopfronts. Exhibitors have a captive audience eager to meet them and purchase their goods. Visitors enjoy the convenience of shopping with ease, exploring a wide variety of options in a climate-controlled venue offering snacks, meals, and refreshments, encouraging them to linger longer. This perfect formula often results in visitors (consumers) getting caught up in the bright lights, appealing colours, and “show-only” promotions, leading them to spend more than planned. 

Exhibitors (retailers) benefit from increased sales, leading them to purchase more merchandise from suppliers. This increase in demand prompts suppliers to expand their stock and hire additional employees, positively impacting employment and boosting economies. 

The events industry also profoundly impacts the world through conferences, congresses, conventions, meetings and seminars. These gatherings provide a platform for professionals, academics, governments, and others to deliberate on the latest innovations, debate hypotheses, discuss cures, and find solutions to global challenges. 

As an example, the UN Climate Change Conference, known as the Conference of the Parties (COP), attracts approximately 20,000 delegates annually to address the critical state of our changing climate and its devastating environmental impacts. Similarly, the International Aids Society (IAS) conference draws over 25,000 global participants to accelerate scientific discovery. 

I was privileged to work as the Director of Operations for Africa’s largest convention centre, when we hosted both COP17 and the IAS Conference. Being at the heart of such significant work and witnessing the passion of people from different nationalities, races, and cultures united by a common goal was humbling. I realised we were facilitating events that could change the course of history. Understanding this, I recognised the immense role that conferences and tradeshows can play in shaping the world. 

Twenty-five years later, the transformation of an empty exhibition hall still excites me. However, I have grown wise to the fact that as industry professionals, we are not just building exhibitions or providing meeting rooms—we are changing lives. This makes me proud of choosing this career as my destiny. It is why I remain loyal and wake up each morning with genuine passion and exhilaration, eager to embrace the potential of a new day and the start of another conference. 

08/07/2024

Courtney Schimanski joined Te Pae Christchurch in 2021 as a Pastry Chef. Courtney’s culinary career began at Ara, studying part-time while she was still in high school, eager to kickstart her career. Courtney honed her pastry skills at The George Hotel and Christchurch Casino, learning invaluable skills, especially in catering for large numbers.  

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Courtney grew up in a family of chefs, with her passion for desserts starting as a young girl, when each week Courtney and her Gran would pick a recipe to bake together. The freedom to use your imagination and creativity to craft unique dishes, and seeing the joy they bring to people, continues to inspire Courtney as a Pastry Chef. 

“I love seeing people’s reactions when they receive their food, especially when one of my dishes, like ‘The Shroom’, lights up their faces. The diversity of events at Te Pae means I’m always learning and pushing creative boundaries.” 

Courtney enjoys the challenge of making each dessert unique and using quality ingredients and equipment in the Te Pae pastry kitchen. Being part of a large culinary team provides the opportunity to bounce ideas off each other, enhancing creativity. The sense of camaraderie and the collective celebration of achievements makes it a unique and fulfilling experience. Te Pae offers a dynamic environment where attention to detail and innovation are always at the forefront. 

One of Courtney’s favourite desserts created for Te Pae is ‘The Shroom’, which is special for its theatrical presentation and the joy it brings to people. The team at Te Pae have recently launched our new menu, which features the ‘Red’ dessert. This dish was a great accomplishment for Courtney, due to the complex balance of hay smoke, peppercorns, and tart berries.  

Courtney draws inspiration for her desserts from various sources: mentors, other innovative pastry chefs, and the ingredients sourced from the Canterbury region. Showcasing local products in her dishes is a significant inspiration. In addition, the resilience of Christchurch after the earthquakes and the revival of the hospitality industry have fuelled Courtney’s desire to create desserts that bring joy.  

In terms of current dessert trends, Courtney has seen a growing focus on dietary and lifestyle requirements. This has challenged chefs to innovate and create dishes that are both safe and delicious. The new menu features more dietary options, ensuring everyone feels included. As someone with dietary issues herself, Courtney understands how important this is. 

In the future, Courtney would love to travel to Europe, home to some of the world’s most amazing patisseries and chefs. Being surrounded by incredible food and learning from the best pastry chefs in the world would be a dream come true. Then to bring back that knowledge to New Zealand to inspire the next generation of pastry chefs would be incredible. 

When Courtney isn’t busy crafting beautiful desserts, you may spot her out training for half marathons. Being outdoors and breathing in fresh air after a day indoors helps Courtney reset and prepare for new challenges. 

Te Pae is incredibly proud to have Courtney on our team, bringing passion, creativity, and joy to every dessert she creates. Keep an eye out for her delightful creations at your next event!