Staying Ahead of the Conferencing Curve

To make the most of any event, small or large, you need the right location, the right venue, the right atmosphere and the right support team. Team members want to feel that coming together has a clear purpose and impact, and that it differs from business-as-usual.    

That’s where EVT Hotels and Resorts, with their comprehensive brand portfolio comprising of QT, Rydges, Atura, Museum Apartment Hotel, Arawa Park Hotel Rotorua and LyLo come in.  

Over the past few years, conferencing and events have seen a significant change in trends. There was, of course, the Covid-19 pandemic. Then, pent-up demand flooded back into the market. Looking ahead to 2025, the EVT team are looking forward to being in full flow, curating events unique to any business’s needs. They know that, by leaning into conferencing trends, they can provide the best experiences.  

With a range of properties across New Zealand, EVT can accommodate anything from an intimate team meeting to a large national conference for 500+ attendees and multi-day trade shows. With conference and events specialists at each property, the company has built a strong reputation in the industry for executing high-quality functions, providing incredible service and value. The nature of EVT venues means guests can work, stay and eat on site, with exceptional food and beverage offerings and quality accommodation.  

Value is king

Each property in EVT prides itself on offering a personalised approach to event organisers and guests alike, says National Director of Sales & Marketing, New Zealand, Tracy Martin. She says EVT understands that value will always be a deciding factor in decision-making, while recognising that how value looks is different for everyone.  

“We’re a company that knows customers and communities,” says Tracy. “We understand and appreciate that no two events are the same, and everyone wants to make sure they get great value from a conferencing partner – and that doesn’t always mean a lean price. 

“We work with clients on what’s important to them. Whether that’s flexibility in cancellation or payment terms, a menu designed to keep the brain functioning through complex sessions, special surprises for VIP clients, or a breathtaking Queenstown waterfront location to inspire and reward a team – we’ve got you covered.

“Working with organisations to understand what value means to them, and designing bespoke packages that meets those needs, is what we do.” 

Technology is here to stay

While personal connection is still the number one priority, EVT understands that, as businesses grapple with the cost of domestic and international flights, inflation and the increased cost of living, the hybrid model still has a place in the conferencing scene. Excitingly, this means ample opportunity to make events unique and unforgettable.  

Having the right technology is now a baseline for conferencing, including having skilled technicians on site. The emergence of AI in this space is something everyone is keeping an eye on, to see how it develops and how it can assist, says Tracy.

Ultimately, whenever technology is being utilised, a venue is only as good as the technology allows, she says. “Not all tech is equal, nor is the training for how to properly use it. Each EVT property has a dedicated IT technician who can be on-call for your event to ensure seamless delivery, whether the guests are beaming in from that city or across the globe.”

Sustainability impacts decision-making

Sustainability is increasingly important in the conferencing space. “Like EVT, many New Zealand businesses are values-driven, and for some, sustainability is a non-negotiable. Many want to make sure that the environmental cost of bringing their team together for a large function is considered by the venue”, says Tracy.

“At EVT, we value sustainability and are continuously making improvements. We are always happy to share and discuss with clients how we can prioritise sustainability for their events to ensure how they bring together key stakeholders is aligned with their values.”

Central point of contact 

QT Hotels and Resorts, Rydges Hotels and Resorts, Atura, Museum Apartment Hotel, Arawa Park Hotel Rotorua and LyLo are all part of EVT Hotels and Resorts. This ensures there are options fit for every budget, taste, industry and location. As well having properties in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, EVT is an Australasian brand. This means the group can also offer access to sister hotels in Australia and Singapore for conferences, meetings or incentives.  

“Whatever takes your fancy, this is your opportunity to put ‘above and beyond’ on the agenda,” says Tracy. “Get in touch! We’ll make sure we create your event – elevated.”   

See this advertorial on page 21 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 33 Issue 3

Contact details for EVT Hotels and Resorts

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