Meet our people: Genevieve Molyneux
Genevieve (Gen) Molyneux has spent the past two and a half years contributing her expertise and passion to Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. Starting as an Event Coordinator and now serving as Event Coordination Manager, she brings a wealth of local and international experience to the team. With a Bachelor of Commerce, double majoring in Marketing Management and Tourism, Gen began her events career in Marlborough’s wine industry before spending five years in Edinburgh as Operations Manager at a five‑star exclusive events venue. After returning to New Zealand and working independently as an Event Manager, she later settled in Canterbury with her family, now proud to call the region home.
What inspired you to work in events?
I was inspired to work in events because of the unique power they have to bring people together and create meaningful shared experiences. From early on, I was drawn to the idea that an event is more than just a gathering, it’s an opportunity to connect people, spark ideas, and create moments that leave a lasting impression. I loved the idea that behind every seamless event is a huge amount of planning and teamwork that most people never see.
What do you like most about your job and working at Te Pae Christchurch?
What I enjoy most about my job is working with our clients to facilitate unique and premium events, exceeding their expectations and seeing an event come to life and run so seamlessly. There’s a huge amount of planning and coordination that happens behind the scenes, so seeing and hearing the delegates connecting, learning, and enjoying the experience as well as the satisfaction from the client of a job well done is incredibly rewarding. No two events are ever the same, which keeps the role exciting and constantly challenges you to think creatively and find new ways to deliver great outcomes for clients.
Working at Te Pae makes that even more special. We have a fantastic team, that paired with a stunning venue there’s a real sense of pride in delivering world-class events. Everyone is genuinely passionate about what they do, and that collaborative spirit makes a big difference.
How is working at Te Pae Christchurch different from other venues?
Working at Te Pae is quite unique for me compared to other venues I’ve been involved with. Being that its purpose built, everything has been designed with the delegate and organiser experience in mind. From the flexible spaces to the integrated technology and thoughtful layout, it allows us to deliver events in a way that feels seamless for both clients and attendees.
What also makes Te Pae stand out is the level of collaboration across the team. Delivering large-scale conferences and events requires many departments to work closely together, and there is a real culture of teamwork and pride in creating exceptional experiences.
What project or event are you most proud of?
Being involved in the IWA Aspire 2025 and Water New Zealand Conference and Expo is an event I am very proud of. Working closely with Avenues Event Management this conference was the largest ever water sector event in New Zealand bringing record-breaking delegate numbers to Otautahi Christchurch. With 2,494 delegates from 50 countries, 13 streams, 273 exhibition stands it was the largest conference I have been involved in.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the people I work with, from my colleagues, PCO’s and clients. The events industry is full of passionate, creative individuals who are constantly striving to deliver something better than the last event. That shared energy and commitment to excellence is very motivating. On a personal level, I’m inspired by creating experiences that people remember. Whether it’s a large international conference or a more intimate gathering, knowing that we’ve helped create a meaningful experience for delegates is what continues to drive my passion for the industry.
Any hobbies or interests?
For me, it’s about stepping away from screens and devices and making the most of the beautiful outdoors we have right in our backyard. As a family, we love adventures, from camping and diving to hunting. Being near the ocean is where I feel completely happy and relaxed.
Interesting event trends?
One of the most interesting trends in the events industry at the moment is the move toward more experience-led conferences. Delegates want more then just simply sitting in a room listening to speakers, they’re looking for interactive and immersive experiences that encourage connection, collaboration, and engagement. This can include things like creative networking spaces, wellness sessions and technology-driven experiences that make events more memorable.
What’s next for Gen?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing in the events industry and finding new ways to create meaningful experiences for clients and delegates. I’m focused on further developing my leadership skills, particularly in supporting and mentoring my team of Event Coordinators. I also want to explore innovative approaches that make every event memorable, while continuing to nurture and strengthen our relationships with clients, PCOs, and associations to ensure ongoing successful events.
