Tonkin founded The Conference Company in Auckland in 1990 and grew it to span both Australia and New Zealand.
She was twice a member of the board of what is now Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) and is, to date, the only New Zealander to be president of the International Association of Professional Conference Organisers (IAPCO).
Tonkin helped set up BEIA’s mentoring program and chaired IAPCO’s Training Academy. For the global association, she also helped grow membership in Asia Pacific. Earlier this year, IAPCO gave Tonkin Honorary Membership, recognising her extraordinary contribution to the global PCO community and establishing a lifelong connection to the association.
In New Zealand, Tonkin also played a part in the design of all three of the country’s new convention centres.
“How special to have been included amongst those honoured on the King’s Birthday!” said Tonkin.
“To say I was overwhelmed when I was contacted by the Prime Minister’s office about the nomination is quite the understatement.
“It’s been truly rewarding seeing, over the years, how hugely collaborative and dedicated industry partners, including all those who have been and are currently part of The Conference Company, support organisations as they bring their communities together in the way that only business events can.
“I’ve been so lucky to have had a career in this sector and see just how much it is flourishing as the need for connection with one another remains so incredibly important,” she said.
Both BEIA and Tourism New Zealand Business Events congratulated Tonkin.
“Her impact can be seen not only in the conferences and events she has delivered, but in the careers she has shaped, the professional standards she has championed and the international reputation she has helped build for New Zealand,” said BEIA.
“In doing so, she has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues across New Zealand and around the world.
“This honour recognises an outstanding career, but it also acknowledges something more: a lifetime of leadership, service and commitment to an industry, a community of professionals, and a country that has benefited enormously from her efforts.”
Tourism New Zealand called her “a true industry leader who has helped advance New Zealand’s business events sector in innumerable ways”
“It is wonderful to see her many achievements recognised,” the organisation said.
Tonkin sold The Conference Company to Uno Loco Group in 2025.
