NZ event planners play ball in Brisbane

NZ event planners play ball in Brisbane

Eight New Zealand event planners were swept up in rugby fever last weekend as Queensland’s capital felt the footy fever during the inaugural Brisbane Global Rugby Tens.

In partnership with Business Events Australia, the Brisbane Convention Bureau hosted the guests on a three-day business event incentive familiarisation (10-12 February) during the action-packed tournament.

Pictured above: Adair Cameron (Williment Event Management), Shelly Atkinson (HOT Events), Israel Dagg (NZ Crusaders), Trish Panapa (Parnell Partners Group), EJ Westein (Event Dynamics), Brendan Drury (Orbit World Travel)

Brisbane Convention Bureau general manager Rob Nelson said the famil showcased how aligning a meeting, conference or incentive program with a major event could offer delegates an unforgettable experience.

“Our New Zealand guests saw Brisbane transform into rugby heaven as the world’s best rugby players competed in the first ever Brisbane Global Rugby Tens tournament,” Nelson said.

“This experience demonstrated how an international sporting tournament or other major event can be leveraged to add value to an incentive program, drive meeting attendance or engage with key delegates and sponsors.”

The Brisbane Global Rugby Tens saw more than 300 star players from all 10 Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby clubs and four elite international teams compete over two days in a 10-players-per-side, 10-minutes-per-half, knockout tournament.

Between bespoke dinners, activities and visits to vibrant bars and venues, the event planners attended a star-studded Brisbane Global Rugby Tens gala dinner at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, and cheered from the stands at Suncorp Stadium as an all-New Zealand grand final saw the Chiefs emerge victorious over the Crusaders.

“Among the colour and excitement of the rugby, our New Zealand guests also experienced the best of our city’s thriving dining scene, cultural offerings and outdoor activities under typical Brisbane blue skies,”  Nelson said.

“From a tour of the internationally acclaimed Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art to breakfast at Brisbane’s oldest surviving residence Newstead House, and a Scenic Rim helicopter ride, our guests were treated to a truly Australian experience that only Brisbane can offer.”

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

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