Irette Ferreira and Xanthe Smythe have joined the international sales team at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland.
Ferreira joined the team in April, working remotely, after moving back to South Africa earlier this year from Wellington, where she was head of Business Events Wellington.
Smythe moves over from Sudima Hotels, which has a property across the road from the convention centre. She was sales manager for conference and business groups at Sudima.
Both Ferreira and Smythe each bring over two decades of experience to their new roles.
“Having spent the past six years focused on growing Wellington’s global footprint, I’m feeling energised to continue that work with NZICC,” said Ferreira.
“My focus is on leveraging the international association market to secure events that deliver meaningful impact, not just for Auckland, but for the economic, social and knowledge benefits they can bring to New Zealand.”
Smythe said it was a privilege to join the convention centre team.
“I’m looking forward to showcasing the value NZICC can offer international clients and delegates, while building strong, long-lasting relationships that deliver real value for the city and the wider business events industry,” she said.
After a decade of construction, the NZICC opened in February, and has already held several pivotal events for Australia and New Zealand, including TRENZ in May, MEETINGS in June and New Zealand’s first MICHELIN Guide restaurant selection ceremony last week. The convention centre will host its first major global conference later this month when the 16th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) is held in Auckland.
“Our first six months have shown the role NZICC can play in bringing business events, international visitors and global conversations into the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland,” said NZICC’s director of sales, Alana Bicknell.
“Irette and Xanthe’s impressive track record, knowledge, networks and commercial insight will be incredibly valuable as we continue the momentum of competing for high-impact, dynamic events on the world stage.”
