Meet our people: Brad Isherwood
Introducing Brad Isherwood, our Business Development Manager for NZ Associations & Government.
I have just ticked over my 5th anniversary with Te Pae Christchurch having initially joined during pre-opening. Prior to joining Te Pae I was doing a similar role for Venues Otautahi for 3 years looking after business events across their diverse venue portfolio.
My background is in Sales and Marketing having completed my degree with a double major in Sales & Marketing and Project Management. I also had a brief stint as a Travel Agent in my early 20’s which helped me clock up a fair few travel miles.
What inspired you to be a Business Development Manager at Te Pae?
Working in the business events sector provides a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse array of people across every industry you could think of. This has allowed me to learn about different professions and meet some incredibly talented New Zealanders. Working for Te Pae Christchurch also gives me the opportunity to give back to our city I so dearly love. Watching local businesses and our city prosper as a direct result of all our hard work here at Te Pae Christchurch is truly humbling and makes it easy to come to work each day.
What do you like most about your job and working at Te Pae?
It has to be the people. Te Pae Christchurch has so many talented people who are all invested in making Christchurch a better place. I absolutely love working in the Business Development team as well. Being the only office-based male in the team creates a very fun dynamic and I truly consider all my team mates to be friends. Is it really work if you are having fun…
How working at Te Pae is different from working at other venues?
Working in a world class venue like Te Pae Christchurch is unique for our city. We have not seen a venue built to this standard in Christchurch before so why settle for less when you can work for the best!
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud when I see our delegates roaming around the city and reflecting back on the work which led to that moment. In my role, sometimes there is a 2-3 year build up to the actual event taking place, from the time we first start talking to the client. Witnessing delegates enjoying the best our city has to offer is therefore the fruition of all the work behind the scenes. Knowing I had a small part to play in that certainly makes me proud.
Any hobbies/interests that mean alot to you?
Travel and football would have to be my biggest passions (huge Chelsea supporter). I have ticked off over 40 countries now, but the travel bug never really goes away so I am planning to add a few more to the list yet! Cuba, Colombia and Brazil have to be my standout destinations to date, with the Inca Trail being one of my favourite travel experiences.
What's next for Brad?
Tough to say what is next as life is truly a rollercoaster ride with many twists and turns. Working for a global venue management company provides so many great opportunities, so the options are endless really…
