The Big Cheese with The Orange Group chief executive Tony Gardner

The Big Cheese with The Orange Group chief executive Tony Gardner
By admin


a

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

The Big Cheese with The Orange Group chief executive Tony Gardner

The Big Cheese with The Orange Group chief executive Tony Gardner
By admin


The great thing about my job is… The people I work with and the work we create as a team. I love that everything we create is an experience.

The challenge for industry is … Evolution. Encouraging clients to explore and use new ideas, technology and knowledge. Events no longer need to exist at one time in one place. Now they can exist over an extended period of time, be more deeply engaging at their peak, and have stronger legacy benefits for the client.

My greatest achievement is … Personally, my family. It’s love, and some work, but you learn so much about life and yourself that it has to be a great achievement in anyone’s life. Professionally, my growing ability to help others, and so organisations, succeed.

The biggest thing in MICE this year will be… How well the NZ market embraces the opportunities to create multi-dimensional experiences rather than time and place-bound events. If we explore and succeed here our domestic and international markets will grow more quickly.

I try to relax by … Playing with my kids, going to the gym, taking photos, climbing a mountain or going sailing.

I don’t understand why … There hasn’t been more regulatory change as a result of the GFC.

Currently the album playing on my iPod  is … Bowie.

My favourite venue is… The outdoors.

I am scared to death of … An empty fridge.

I can’t live without … My dreams.

Blackberry or iPhone… iPhone, although Samsung is making technically superior phones and I’ll own one very soon.

I really wish I had … A mint 1992 Saab convertible.

If I could invite four people to a dinner party, they’d be… Martin Sorrell, Mikhail Gorbachev, Charlize Theron and my wife.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest News

  • Conferences

Cvent Accelerate Sydney finds event growth will come from pre-, during and post-event data

Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider, has concluded its third edition of Cvent Accelerate in Sydney, where technology’s role in catapulting growth was front and centre. The 341 attendees were challenged to think how they are currently using data and additional ways to unlock its potential, particularly across marketing, in scaling event […]

  • Food & Beverage

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney popular Aperitivo returns to Grain Bar

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is relaunching its popular Aperitivo, now located in the George St venue’s award-winning Grain Bar. Originally launched into Mode Kitchen & Bar in 2023, Aperitivo is inspired by the classic Italian evening ritual where guests enjoy a cocktail, paired with traditional Italian antipasti bites. It became a much-loved offering for Sydneysiders […]

  • Hotels

nb_ OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa completes US$60 million renovation

Hawai’i’s OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa has completed its US$60 million (AU$90 million) renovation as is once again ready to welcome guests to Keauhou, a name that signifies “New Era”. The revitalised 511 guest rooms/suites and meeting spaces blend the property’s heritage and reverence for voyaging with modern aesthetics. The concept of “koi au” inspired […]

  • Events

Merlin Venues Sydney partners with bespoke catering

Merlin Venues Sydney, the events arm of Merlin Entertainments, has announced a new partnership with Sydney-based culinary experts, Bespoke Catering ahead of its event season. Merlin Venues Sydney hosts a range of unique public and private events across their four leading attractions in the city. These include the iconic SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE […]

  • Business
  • Events
  • Exhibitions

Sprintr launches world’s first 100% recyclable kiosk for delegate registration

Sprintr has launched its sustainable, lightweight, modular EcoKiosk for delegate registrations, to support the events industry in reducing its carbon footprint. Made from Re-Board® Technology, a durable, versatile, lightweight, printable and 100 percent recyclable product, this impressive design gives the business events industry the option to reduce their environmental impact and deliver on sustainability KPIs. […]