November Meeting – Opportunities for Auckland ICT companies in the World Rugby Cup 2011

Auckland ICT November event focuses on commercial opportunities for the Rugby World Cup. Sharon Hunter, an outstanding entrepreneur and a member of the 2011 Group established by the Government, will deliver a presentation. There is now just under two years before the RWC 2011 starts.

Remember – both knowledge sharing and ‘who you know’ play a big part in business success. Be sure to pass this invitation on to your colleagues and contacts.

RWC 2011 will be held across New Zealand over a six-week period in September and October 2011. Twenty countries will participate in the 48-game Tournament.

But the eyes of the world will be on Auckland for the business end of the Tournament when Eden Park plays host to the final on 23 October as well as both semi-finals the weekend before. Auckland will also host eight pool matches including the opening match at Eden Park on 9 September.

Held every four years, RWC is the third-biggest sporting event in the world. The 2011 Tournament will have an estimated television audience of more than four billion people, and we expect at least 60,000 international visitors to come to New Zealand.

The RWC 2011 is far more than 48 rugby games, as it represents a truly unique opportunity to showcase NZ and to foster personal as well as business relationships. We all have a role to play in ensuring that all visitors leave our shores having enjoyed the best-ever Rugby World Cup.

The Government has established the 2011 Group – a body of eminent and energetic New Zealanders who will advise and work with RWC Ministers and the New Zealand 2011 Office. This group will be led by Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and includes Sharon Hunter, Michael Hill, Wally Stone, Bob Harvey, John Hart and Sir David Gascoigne.

Sharon Hunter will talk about the goals and aspirations of this group. She will also give her views on:

– What this event means for NZ and in particular the Auckland Region.

– Why it is a great opportunity for local SME businesses to get involved including networking and collaborative initiatives.

– Some entrepreneurial insights that could ignite and inspire Auckland ICT members to get involved with the opportunities brought by the tournament.

– The AucklandPlus presentation will cover the following topics:

– Auckland ‘s opportunity (economic/business potential – the numbers)

– Business opportunities guide (a publication designed to get businesses thinking about how they can capitalise on RWC 2011)

– Getting involved (what are the opportunities?)

– Tenderlink (the new tender site for RWC 2011 opportunities)

– Major Events Management Act (the legislation that protects RWC sponsors – what businesses need to know)

– Planning and Training

– Getting started (start planning now)

– See Auckland 2011 Countdown to Rugby World Cup for more information on what is happening in Auckland over the next two years.

As part of the evening discussion groups will explore;

– How do you think Auckland ICT members could make the most of the opportunities associated with the RWC2011?

– Each discussion group can choose whatever topic the participants consider relevant.

– Report back on the top three ideas from each group.

– We will summarise the feedback and make this available on the member area of the Auckland ICT website.

“RWC2011 Business Opportunities”

When – Thursday, 26 November

Where – Auckland Town Hall Reception Lounge, 301 Queen Street , level 2

(Clock Tower entrance on Queen Street ), Auckland

Schedule

5.00pm Registration, drinks & finger food

5.45 Welcome

5.50 Presentation by Sharon Hunter

6.10 Five one-minute presentations by Auckland ICT members

6.15 Presentation by AucklandPlus

6.35 Breakout groups

6.50 Report back

7.00 Member prize draw and further networking

7.30 Finish

Event Cost

We have introduced two new rates. Payment is by Direct Credit or cheque in advance.

We do not accept payment by credit card.

Cluster Members – $15

Full-time students – $10

Members of NZICT Group – $20

Non-members – $25

Prepay Event Attendance

Instead of paying $15 for each event, all financial members can pay $100 at any time for one person to attend one event a month for the following 12 months. This is transferable to another person from the same member company.

Registration:

If you have not already done so, you will need to register and add your Offer & Seek details on the new website. You will automatically be registered upon confirmation of your email address. You will then be able to register for events.

Please register for this event by 6 pm on Tuesday 24 November. Contact Debbie Hassell at admin@aucklandict.org.nz if you have any problems or questions.

We will circulate the Offer & Seek list to all those who have registered prior to the event to help everyone make the right connections.

Auckland ICT wishes to thank Auckland City Council for hosting this event and for providing the food and drinks.

Posted by Kevin Andreassend, President, Auckland ICT,

Managing Director ICE AV Technology Ltd

http://www.iceav.co.nz