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Leslie to move to new travel role 

 

Travelwise has appointed Adam Leslie as its new general manager, following a recruitment campaign that attracted a strong field of candidates.

New GM for The Clements Hotel

 

Angela Galbraith is the new general manager for The Clements Hotel in Cambridge. 

New Leadership Appointment at GCCEC

Experienced industry executive Avril Harris has joined the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) as director of event delivery.

Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa welcomes new general manager 

 

 

Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa has appointed Fiona Winger as its new general manager, marking a homecoming for the Queenstown local who returns to the resort town after leading some of New Zealand’s most celebrated luxury lodges. 

New at Trinity Wharf Tauranga

 

Jasmin Cooke is Trinity Wharf’s rooms & sales coordinator, looking after group accommodation, key client relationships and supporting the hotel’s wider sales activity.

Promotion for Nand

Emma Nand has  been promoted to director of sales & marketing – New Zealand.

NZICC appoints Pou Tikanga to strengthen tikanga across venue operations

 

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has announced the appointment of Te Raukura Hawke as Pou Tikanga, making NZICC the only convention centre in New Zealand with a dedicated cultural advisor embedded within its core team. 

NZICC strengthens international sales team as global event momentum builds

 

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has strengthened its International Sales Team with the appointments of Irette Ferreira and Xanthe Smythe, as the venue builds momentum in its first year of operation.

Hitchman back at Event Revolution

Event Revolution have welcomed Teri Hitchman back to the team.

With over 16 years in the events industry, Hitchman has successfully delivered conferences, exhibitions, incentives, gala dinners and large-scale events across Australasia. Known for her calm approach, exceptional organisation and ability to deliver seamless event experiences, Hitchman brings a wealth of experience, professionalism and a genuine passion for creating exceptional events. 

Tonkin recognised for services to Business Events

 

Jan Tonkin has been recognised for services to the business events sector in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List becoming a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Updates and promotions at Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre

Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre have had some changes and promotions recently.

New appointment at EVT

 

EVT has appointed Brett Forer to the newly created role of chief development officer, Hotels & Resorts – Asia Pacific, as the company accelerates its hotel growth strategy across the region.

New role for Sturrock at Waka Pacific Trust

Waka Pacific Trust has announced the appointment of Angharad Sturrock to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer, effective from Monday 4 May.

OneNineFive - setting up in the (far) North!

 

With a series of confirmed incentive groups into Europe over the months ahead, Jamie Norris has moved to Italy to “set up basecamp", to use the words of director, Greg Norris (aka Jamies Dad).  

Explore Group Team Update

 

Samantha (Sam) Maidment has recently been appointed to the role of sales manager New Zealand & Australia, replacing Chris Kurien who stepped away at Christmas.

New at Fortis Events

 Fortis Events have welcomed two new event managers to the team – Bianca Bettini and Dean Josephs.

New Senior Account Director for The Unique Tourism Collection

 

Victoria Jaworskyj has been appointed senior account director for The Unique Tourism Collection.

New role for Patten at Scenic Hotel Group

Scenic Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Debbie Patten to the role of business development manager enterprise, recognising her long standing contribution to the business and her strength in building trusted commercial relationships.

New at OneNineFive

Terri Antunovic has joined the team at OneNineFive as event manager & travel designer.  

Woods joins Cordis, Auckland

 

Steve Woods has joined Cordis, Auckland as their new director of Sales and Marketing. 

Louise Ryburn celebrates 25 years at Celebrity Speakers

This year, Celebrity Speakers marks a milestone celebrating 25 years of Louise Ryburn, a career that has grown in step with the speakers industry itself.

Business Events Wellington Announces Leadership Appointments

 

Business Events Wellington has announced two key leadership appointments, strengthening its capability to attract high-value national and international business events to the capital.

Langelaan joines QT Queenstown

 

After 2.5 years with Destination Queenstown, Jessica Langelaan has joined QT Queenstown as Director of Sales.

New Group GM for Island Hotels Group

 

Island Hotels Group have announced the appointment of Jerry Crump as its new group general manager, marking an exciting new chapter in the organisation' s long legacy of hospitality leadership and services to the Cook Islands community.

New hotel manager for Hilton Karaka

 

DoubleTree by Hilton Auckland Karaka is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Cleasby as its new Hotel Manager.

Annand joins Carnmore Hotel Collection

 

Nikki Annand has joined Carnmore Hotel Collection as group marketing manager based at Chateau Marlborough, in Blenheim.

Change in ownership at ForumPoint2

 

ForumPoint2 Conference Partners have announced a change in ownership, effective 1 February 2026, with the business transitioning to new ownership under Paula Armstrong.

New at BEIA

 

Jasmine Deacon has joined the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) team as events and communications coordinator. Deacon is new to the Business Events industry and brings a background of marketing and communications academically and from her previous role at Remuera Rackets Club.

Rosewood Hotels NZ updates

 

Natasha Little-Weastell has been promoted to the position of cluster director of sales, New Zealamd Collection.

New at ID New Zealand Incentives team

 

Brie LaPlante and Estelle Johnson have joined the ID New Zealand Incentives team.

SITE Australia & New Zealand - Young Leader

 

SITE Australia & New Zealand Celebrates Sarah McDonald as Recipient of the 2026 SITE Young Leaders Scholarship.

New General Manager at Four Points by Sheraton Auckland

 

 
Raul Calderon has recently been appointed General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, New Zealand.

New General Manager at Millennium Manuels Taupō

 

Kath Clarke has accepted an internal appointment as General Manager at Millennium Hotel & Resort, Manuels, Taupō

Love Taupō recruits Victoria Jackson

 

 

Victoria Jackson recently joined the Love Taupō team as PR & Communications Coordinator.

New at TFE Hotels' New Zealand

 

TFE Hotels' New Zealand have welcomed Stuti Kumar and Lindsay David to the group.

Goddard joins Taupō Motorsport Park and Events Centre

 

 

Rebecca Goddard has joined the Taupō International Motorsport Park and Events Centre as sales executive.

Jones Joins ChristchurchNZ in BEM role

 

Bree Jones will be joining the ChristchurchNZ team as Business Events Manager, commencing on 10 November, 2025.

New Zealand contracts support to grow SEA business event leads


Tourism New Zealand’s Business Events team has welcomed Esther Ng and Annie Tay as contract market support to grow incentive and association conference business from Southeast Asia (SEA).

H3’s New Client Relationship Executives

 

H3 have welcomed two new team members to the Business Events team: Robyn Spong and Tiana West, who step into the role of Client Relationship Executive.

New at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel & Ibis Rotorua

Ingé Waghorne has been appointed the new corporate sales manager for Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel & Ibis Rotorua.

Hospitality New Zealand announces appointment of new Chief Executive

  

Kristy Phillips has been appointed by Hospitality New Zealand as the next Chief Executive of the association.

Megan Crum Appointed General Manager of PCOA

 

The Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA) has appointed Megan Crum to the newly created role of General Manager, effective 7 October 2025.

Millennium Hotels & Resorts New Zealand appoints new Vice President Operations

 

Millennium Hotels & Resorts New Zealand have announced the appointment of Hani Daher as Vice President Operations, effective 3 November 2025. 

Motive Events on the move

 
Motive Events has advised of a  change in leadership and Leadership Growth, with new talent joining the team following the Launch of Roam DMC earlier this year.
 

New BDM Australia for Wellington

Business Events Wellington has appointed Belinda Yeo as its new Business Development Manager – Australia.

Matheson Passes Baton at Conferences & Events

Janet Matheson has stepped back from her long-running position as founder and managing director of Conferences & Events Limited in favour of general manager Drew Matheson, who took over on 01 August.

Ken Orr appointed GM of Millennium Hotel Queenstown

 

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand Limited have announced the appointment of Ken Orr into the role of general manager at Millennium Hotel Queenstown. 

Air New Zealand appoints next CEO

 

Air New Zealand has today announced the appointment of Nikhil Ravishankar as its next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Greg Foran who steps down in October after almost six years leading the airline through one of the most challenging periods in aviation history.

New events manager at Waitangi

Angharad Hinemoa Dare (Ngāpuhi) is the new events manager at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Taylor returns to Trinity Wharf Tauranga

Kelly Taylor has returned to Trinity Wharf Tauranga after being on maternity leave.

New at Great South

Amy Hibbs has joined the Business Events team at Great South as a part-time events marketing coordinator.

Nash joins Hawke's Bay Tourism

Hawke’s Bay Tourism is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Nash as its new PR and Media Specialist. 

Matthews joins Tourism Waitaki

 

 Tourism Waitaki Appoints Heather Matthews as General Manager – Regional Tourism Operation

Nunes joins Wairakei Resort Taupo

Maxson Nunes has joined Accor as business development manager for Wairakei Resort Taupō.