Meet the Committee
The Bizzies are Aotearoa’s first awards dedicated to recognising the people, partnerships, and events driving the business events industry forward.
At the heart of this initiative is a group of passionate industry leaders, united by a shared goal: to acknowledge the talent, dedication, and impact of those working behind the scenes across our sector.
These individuals are the driving force behind The Bizzies — committed to shining a light on the people who make business events in New Zealand world-class.
The driving force behind the awards
Steering Committee
Rachel Cook
A long-standing leader in PCO services, Rachel is committed to creating meaningful connections through expertly delivered events.
Conference Innovators
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As a Director at Conference Innovators, Rachel brings over two decades of experience across hospitality, corporate travel, and event management. She leads a talented team delivering professional, well-executed events across New Zealand and Australia. Known for her calm and practical approach, Rachel is passionate about the business events industry in Aotearoa and creating experiences that connect people and leave a lasting impression.
Alana Bicknell
Alana leads high-performing sales with a focus on global partnerships, innovation, and sector growth.
NZICC
Marketing / Communications Committee
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With a career that’s spanned major events, front-line hospitality and destination marketing, she brings a broad perspective and deep appreciation for how hard our industry works to deliver world-class experiences.
After time with the Dunedin and Queenstown Convention Bureaus, Sarah now runs her own DMC, Roam, continuing to champion Aotearoa as the ultimate business events destination.
As a Young Leader on the SITE Australia New Zealand Board, she’s passionate about ensuring the next generation of voices are heard. Sarah loves being part of the Bizzies steering group, celebrating the incredible people and stories that make our industry shine
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Alana is responsible for building and leading the NZICC sales team, cultivating partnerships with local and international suppliers and maximising revenue opportunities for the NZICC.
Sarah McDonald
For anyone who knows Sarah, getting amongst and supporting the industry is her jam.
ROAM DMC
Brooke Bateman
Brooke is the Business Events Sales & Development Manager at Venues Wellington, part of WellingtonNZ, where she leads the Business Events team and drives growth across the organisation’s portfolio of premier venues.
Venues Wellington
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With a focus on strategy, partnerships, and people, she plays a key role in shaping Wellington’s position as a leading destination for conferences and business events. . Her work spans venue management, stakeholder engagement, and event strategy, with a strong emphasis on creativity, innovation, and impact.
Passionate about the intersection of people, purpose, and place, Brooke was drawn to the business events industry for its power to bring communities together, strengthen local economies, and showcase what makes a city unique. She believes that events are among the most effective tools we have to inspire, educate, and move people forward.
Irette Ferreira
Irette is the Manager of Business Events Wellington, bringing extensive international experience from South Africa and the Middle East prior to moving to New Zealand at the start of 2020 to take up this role.
Business Events Wellington
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Passionate about the transformative power of business events, Irette has led convention centre sales teams and now drives strategy, stakeholder engagement, and marketing to position Wellington as a leading conference destination.
Gillian Officer
A business events professional of more than 20 years, Gillian specialises in venue management and has worked for a number of well-known New Zealand venues, including the SKYCITY Convention Centre, The Edge Auckland Convention Centre, and The Wellington Convention Centre.
Te Pae Christchurch
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From kitchen management to event planning, right through to business development, Gillian has a wealth of knowledge in events and venue management.
Jan Tonkin
Past-President of IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers) and a former Chair of the association’s Training Academy
Advisor (former Managing Director),
The Conference Company
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Jan has worked in the meetings business all her professional life, both in the UK and New Zealand. She founded The Conference Company in 1990 and until recently was the hands-on managing director of the busy company which has offices in Auckland and Sydney. With the acquisition of the company by the Uno Loco Group in April this year, Jan has taken on the role of strategic advisor, assisting the Group’s management with the transition.