How to Plan for an Epic Conference in Rotorua
If you’re planning a company conference in Rotorua, you’ll be trying to think of a way to keep your delegates buzzing with energy. Rather than a typical evening of networking drinks, why not give them an afternoon away from the Rotorua conference venue, with a 4WD Bush Safari or Raceline Karting to stretch their comfort zones, followed by good food and drinks at a rustic bush camp? It might be just the meeting-room-antidote you need for a truly engaged, energised team – as has been the experience of companies like Air New Zealand, Deloitte and ICANZ.
Off Road NZ is based just 20 minutes’ drive west from central Rotorua amongst gorgeous volcanic plateau forest and countryside. It provides that peaceful revitalisation that the outdoors always delivers, yet manages to pair it with a bit of adrenaline.
From here, you can choose what your delegates will do, from 4WD Bush Safaris to Monster 4×4 Thrill Rides, Raceline Karting, Claybird Shooting, Archery and Team Building challenges. Each activity differs in skills exercised and adrenaline levels, but they are all great ways to unwind and for individuals and teams to bond. In the early evening, still on a high from tearing around the forest in a 4WD or other activity, delegates can enjoy a feast at the rustic-style Native Bush Camp that can accommodate up to 120 people. For larger groups we can add a marquee. How you run the evening is all up to you, so either make this a tranquil night out in Mother Nature with gorgeous food from a caterer of your choice (or bring in your own food), or step it up and bring in a live act for a night of entertainment in the bush.
Companies of all types and sizes from chartered accountants to the steel construction industry have spiced up their conferences this way. Rob Fyfe, former CEO of Air New Zealand, said the night at Off Road NZ was one of the highlights of his conference. “The setting, food, music and activities were a great hit for a group with diverse interests and it was clear people would’ve partied all night if we had allowed them. Particularly pleasing was that instead of people turning up on Tuesday jaded by the previous night’s activities, they were still buzzing and remained energised by the Off Road NZ experience.”
New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants’ Karen Buysman said “The day was fantastic. We are a small team and the challenges required us to support and encourage each other. We had an amazing day and we will be talking about it for a very long time.”
Get in touch if you’d like to transform your own conference – we’re always happy to help with all aspects of your event including logistics advice, catering, music and entertainment options.
