3 Nov - The acquisition includes Convene in Auckland, Convene South in Christchurch, Convene Q in Brisbane and the Pacific Area Incentives and Conferences Expo (PAICE). It also covers Convene South East Region (SER), due for launch in 2019.  ProMag Publishing director Stu Freeman says the sale to Convene Group headed by Eastaugh ensures the future of the expo series will be delivered with continued vision and integrity. “Ally has been with ProMag for over four years and during that time has successfully launched Convene South and Convene Q as well as building on the strengths of the existing shows…

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 sees young contestants going for gold at the world's biggest vocational skills competition There are competitions for 51 vocational skills at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 this week. Can one man watch them all? Entering the main halls at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the task seems daunting. Not for nothing is this known as the world’s largest vocational skills competition. It fills Adnec and then some. There are competitors as far as the eye can see, and then beyond that, even to the other side of Khaleej Al Arabi. If this is the skills Olympics, attendance…

The NZITP Skills Team flew out of NZ on the 10th of  October bound for the  WorldSkills International Competition in Abu Dhabi this month. Thirteen young people from a variety of trades have been selected for the New Zealand Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (NZITP) Skills Team to attend the 44th WorldSkills International Competition. This will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 15-18 October 2017. The 2017 NZITP Skills Team members are: Andrew Champion – BOC Welding competitor from Feilding, employed by RCR EnergyAlex Banks – Resene Automotive & Light Industrial…

 Leinster Leader - The latest in sensor technology systems, seed drills, rotary milking systems and even a dual electric drive utility bike will be on show as New Zealand agritech returns to Ireland following a successful presence at the National Ploughing Championships in 2016. The strong agricultural partnership between New Zealand and Ireland will continue to prosper as 13 leading New Zealand agricultural companies descend on Screggan for the 2017 National Ploughing Championships. Companies such as world-leading in-shed farm automation technology provider LIC Automation (Saber) and specialist seed drill manufacturers, Duncan Ag and Aitchison will return for the second year…

World changing Kiwi innovations finalists have been named for the big annual New Zealand Innovation Awards. The finalists represent game-changing innovation from every corner of the country, with new ventures, products and services from a broad range of industries and business disciplines, the New Zealand Innovation Council’s founder and chief executive Louise Webster says. “They all demonstrate in their own way that Kiwi innovation has come a long way with a vibrant and active innovation in the business community. “Included in the finalists are an exciting range of entries such as quiet drones, solar-powered cow collars, smart trampolines, Te Reo…

Judges for the 2017 NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards have announced the line-up of finalists after a record year of entries. CEO of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN) Rachel Brown says these organisations and individuals are leading the transformation to a more sustainable New Zealand. “This year we have had the highest number of entries in the 15 years of the Awards, reflecting the growth in sustainability initiatives across New Zealand businesses. “These Awards recognise outstanding achievement in making New Zealand a more sustainable nation. Over the years we have seen a movement from efficient resource management into real system…

Tim Flannery is one of the world’s leading environmentalists and a former Australian of the Year. He is travelling to Auckland on 29 August to speak to businesses about what they should be doing to restore the nation’s waterways. Flannery will be a keynote speaker at The Inconvenient Conference, organised by the Sustainable Business Network. The award-winning author will speak on the Vitality of Water, one of four key trends that are creating massive change – and opportunity – for business. Tim Flannery was appointed Australia’s first Climate Commissioner. He has named 25 living species and 50 fossil mammal species.…

New Zealand will host APEC in 2021, with Leaders’ Week to be held in Auckland from November 8 to 14, Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee says. “With Auckland also set to host the America’s Cup, 2021 will be a big year for the country’s biggest city,” Mr Brownlee says. “We are announcing the dates as early as possible to provide some clarity for planning, which is already under way. “APEC 2021 will be the largest event ever hosted by the New Zealand government and is a wonderful opportunity for New Zealand to shine on the international stage. “APEC will bring world…

Entries are now open for New Zealand’s longest-running and pre-eminent sustainability awards. The Awards are now in their 15th year. They recognise businesses, local government, social enterprises and individuals for success in sustainability. Entry to the awards is free. It is open to all organisations and individuals in New Zealand. Rachel Brown is CEO of the Sustainable Business Network. She says, “Given the rather grim global climate, sharing stories of positive action addressing social and environmental issues is more important than ever. Entering these Awards is a quick and easy way to celebrate your achievements.” This year the Awards have…

New Zealand was on display to crowds of nearly 9,000 buyers at IMEX, Europe's leading business and incentives trade show this week. 'New Zealand is trending as a business events destination because of our integrated approach and how easy we make it for international events to be held here. Our unique manaakitanga - which translates in to our unique hospitality of delegates, alongside new convention centre facilities being built in Auckland and Christchurch is gaining increasing international attention,' says Lisa Gardiner, Manager Business Events and Premium, Tourism New Zealand. New Zealand took the stage in front of global media to…