NAME: World and Australasian Extrication
Challenges, and Staying Alive Expo, at Mystery Creek
Events Centre
TYPE: Competition event, expo, gala dinner, awards
presentation, opening ceremony
CLIENT: NZ Fire Service and United Fire Brigades
Association
NO. ON ORGANISING TEAM: 16
PAX: 24,000
BUDGET: TOP SECRET

WHAT YOU DID: We assisted the NZ Fire Service with their bid to the World Rescue Organisation to obtain the rights to host the event in New Zealand. Mystery Creek Events Centre took care of the venue and event operational requirements and provided event management guidance. We also created competition pits (the first time the three pits have been adjacent and in the same building) and assisted in planning the expo area. Mystery Creek provided a storage and preparation area for 150 Holdens and organised the hospitality/food and beverage requirements.

SPECIAL TOUCHES: This was the first time the Austra lasian and World challenges and the expo have ever been held back-toback which is attributed to the unique capabilities of the venue. Combining the venue with the event management team skills, the organisers were able to create a super-sized, multi-faceted event not seen before.

CHALLENGES: It was a unique event and the team f rom the Fire Service were not professional event organisers. There was no indication of possible visitor numbers as this was the first time the Staying Alive Expo had ever been held.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES: The NZ Fire Service had complete support from the Mystery Creek event management team and the two worked cl osely together to create a seamless event. There were contingency plans in place that covered any possible risks.

CLIENT’S COMMENT: “The event was a total success in all facets and it set new benchmarks and standards for the competition. It was a fun learning environment for everyone involved and the international visitors were very impressed. The facilities were world-class, and it was great to have a venue with a high level of security and lockdown considering we had over 150 near new Holden cars on site.” Chris Walbran, project manager for the New Zealand Fire Service.