November 08 More+ Informed - Convention Centre and Catering & Events

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Our first class operating systems and history of excellent performance have been rewarded with the Gold A food hygiene rating from the Auckland City Council. We’re delighted with this rating which is a huge achievement considering the numbers of people we cater for in a year. By the end of this financial year (June 08) we had served 40,000 dinners at banquets alone! We anticipate this number to increase to 50,000 over the next year. I’m extremely proud of our team and congratulate them on all their successes. This rating is one example of our continued leadership in the industry. We refresh our strategies constantly, always looking at ways to grow and improve not only our business, but also the industry. We have also won the People’s Choice Award for the 3rd year running. Thank you for recognising our efforts in voting for us. At the recent CINZ Conference in Napier, the need to further embrace the international market was highlighted. In response, over the next couple of months we will provide our sales team with extra resources to focus on attracting Australian conventions and conferences. The potential impact on New Zealand’s economy through this market is huge. But as always, we need to work together. The summer holidays are just around the corner so from the team at SKYCITY Auckland have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Warm wishes Peter Zielke email: peter.zielke@skycity.co.nz phone: +64 9 363 7158
James Bond - Quantum of Solace
	SKYCITY offers you the ultimate in thrill and excitement, as the latest James Bond film Quantum of Solace reaches our screens. Enjoy your screening in the height of luxury in the Gold Class cinema setting, accompanied with a glass of Bollinger or two whilst you satiate your appetite with canapés from dine by Peter Gordon.
SKYCITY Convention Centre wins Gold
	The SKYCITY Convention Centre has been awarded a Gold A Grade food hygiene rating, the highest rating possible, from the Auckland City Council. Ross Hannah, Executive Chef for the SKYCITY Convention Centre said the rating is a huge step up from the Grade A rating previously achieved by the centre. “We’ve maintained a Grade A rating for the last five years which reflects the dedication of a lot of people including management, kitchen staff and back of house stewards. We’re thrilled to be awarded the Gold A rating this year which can be attributed to the team’s shear diligence and hard work and which recognises the Centre’s first class operating systems.” The food grading system is a Council initiative designed to improve food safety. All businesses providing food to the public must display a licence that shows their grade. The ‘Gold A Grade’ rating is one of a few in Auckland and was introduced this year to recognize and reward businesses in Auckland who have a history of compliance and who continue to strive hard to ensure they comply with the regulations. back to top
Partnership with Auckland Museum to continue
	The successful delivery of first-class catering for more than 100 events at Auckland Museum last year has resulted in SKYCITY Out catering securing another two-year contract with the Museum as preferred caterer. SKYCITY Out catering offers culinary flexibility to people organising events, small or large, at any one of 25 venues in Auckland or to a specific venue of your choice anywhere in the city. Lynley Cunningham, Head of Commercial at The Auckland Museum, said "The Auckland Museum's event centre is a spectacular space and we have been delighted with the events SKYCITY has created both in that venue and throughout the museum. The excellent feedback from clients says it all."
Louis Vuitton, here we come
	SKYCITY Out catering is gearing up to cook up a storm during the inaugural Louis Vuitton Pacific Series Regatta in Auckland in February next near. Up to 12 international America’s Cup syndicate teams will take part in the match racing series. As the boats follow the course set within the inner harbour from Orakei Wharf to Rangitoto, the Viaduct Basin will be a centre of activity due not only to the teams based there but also the viewing public. As a key partner of the event, SKYCITY Auckland will be celebratory leading up to and during the event. Keep an eye out for exciting offers and up-to-date news in our January newsletter.
People's Choice Award 2008
	SKYCITY has won Best Auckland Convention Centre for the 3rd year in a row, a fantastic achievement. Thank you to all of you who voted for us.
Meet Jo Meredith
	As someone who thrives on project management and putting on a creative cap, Jo Meredith is perfect for her role as Sales Manager Conventions, Incentives & Events at SKYCITY. “I love the satisfaction you get from working alongside the customer to plan an event and watch it come to fruition. Every event is different and challenging and requires a certain amount of creativity which is what I really enjoy,” says Jo. Jo has been working in the conference and events industry for more than 10 years, first as a sales assistant and event co-ordinator at The Edge, then as a Sales Manager at Staging Connections. Now at SKYCITY Convention Centre Jo says her job is made easy because she believes in what she is selling. “We have a fantastic premium range of products.” A born and bred Auckland girl, Jo gets creative in her spare time too, either with food or dabbling in art. She also enjoys getting out on Auckland’s waterways fishing with her husband in their modest boat - ever hopeful of catching the big one. back to top
Onwards and Upwards
	Congratulations to Tava Feagaiga and Rakesh Sood who have each accepted internal promotion at SKYCITY Auckland. Ms Feagaiga is our new Conventions & Outcatering Operations Manager and will be responsible for all service delivery aspects for events in the Convention Centre as well as off-site venues. Before appointment to this role, Ms Feagaiga had consistently delivered results during seven years with SKYCITY Auckland.
	Our new Revenue Manager of the SKYCITY Conventions Centre, Rakesh Sood joined SKYCITY Auckland three years ago as a Management Trainee, gaining valuable knowledge in cross selling and departmental operations. A combination of successful initiatives and the introduction of new products, as designed by Rakesh, has yielded great results making him an exceptional choice for this role. Peter Zielke, Conventions and Outcatering Manager, said, “Both Tava and Rakesh demonstrate exemplary attention to detail, and we’re excited to have two talented and motivated individuals within our team.”
Making a difference with Sir Bob Geldof
	SKYCITY Auckland is proud to present An evening with Sir Bob Geldof, a special gala dinner focused on “Making a Difference.” Hosted by the SKYCITY Convention Centre on 14 November, Sir Bob will speak candidly about working with some of the world's most powerful figures. If his reputation as a speaker is anything to go by, guests should expect some hilarious lighter moments! The serious side of Sir Bob’s address will deal with the need for change, and how to make a difference at all levels including government, industry, family and self. The evening is a fundraiser with the proceeds going to the Manukau Community Foundation, which supports many causes including projects focused on youth, English literacy, senior citizens, rape prevention and parenting programmes for migrant women.
Tech Heads enjoy Tech Ed
	SKYCITY Convention Centre played host to one of the largest IT gatherings in the country during Microsoft’s Tech Ed 2008 event in September. A raft of high profile speakers and more than 2,000 IT professionals attended the three day event which sold out within three weeks. The annual conference provides training for IT developers and others who use or on-sell Microsoft technologies. Scott Wylie, Director Developer & Platform Strategy, Microsoft New Zealand said “Each year we run New Zealand’s largest technology conference (and possibly the largest conference in NZ!), Microsoft TechEd, event in Auckland. We’ve developed a strong working relationship with SKYCITY which, together with an excellent venue and outstanding service, keeps us coming back year on year.” back to top