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VENUES WITH A DIFFERENCE

WHILE THE MOST OVERUSED ADJECTIVE TO DESCRIBE A VENUE IS WITHOUT DOUBT UNIQUE, THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT THIS IS WHAT PLANNERS WANT.

As meetings and events continue to gain importance for corporations and associations, it is logical therefore that more are being held annually. The more events there are the greater the desire to create a point of difference from one to the other. And that’s where unique venues come in.

In the UK almost one in five of all facilities registered with the British Association of Conference Destinations are classified as unique venues. This equates to 440 conference destinations, a number which is believed to be on the increase. Below is a small sample of some unique venues with details on what they offer in terms of events.

Auckland Museum
Standing in the heart of Auckland Domain, occupying one of New Zealand’s finest heritage buildings, Auckland Museum provides an elegant backdrop for any event. Seating 350 for dinner or allowing up to 700 for cocktails, the Grand Foyer with dramatic doric columns and ornate stained glass ceiling, is a stylish location for cocktail parties, product launches, banquets and weddings. In addition to the Grand Foyer, the Oceans Gallery, APEC Room and Centennial Street are also available for hire for after-hours events.

Due to open in December 2006 the museum’s Grand Atrium Project will mean a new events centre and auditorium available for both day and evening events in addition to new exhibition, curatorial, retail and entertainment spaces.

With panoramic views of Auckland and the harbour the 725 square metre circular Events Centre has a cocktail capacity of 600 guests and dining capacity for 400 with two pre-function lounges.

The 200-seat auditorium is ideal for plenary sessions, lectures and performances. There is a lobby which can be used for pre and post refreshments or as a stand-alone venue.

Manaia, the museum’s Maori cultural group can provide an insight into Maori tradition (korero), genealogy (whakapapa), and spirituality (taha wairua) through song, dance and stories – particularly popular with international guests.

Creativity assured
Whether it be a Russian train journey through central Auckland complete with costumed hosts and vodka shots, or a simulated dive bombing on the Waitemata Harbour with WWII aircraft, Auckland has the venues, experience and expertise to arrange themes to suit the wide-ranging needs of conference or incentive groups. The Auckland Museum is frequently used as a venue for progressive cocktail functions, showcasing local produce and seafood. Each area of the museum is themed with various foods to match the environment, including indulgent ice sculptures filled with giant prawns in the Oceans Gallery.

The recent highly successful exhibition “The da Vinci Machines” saw key sponsor, engineering firm Beca, host a number of events ranging from small dinners for 30 key clients to a staff Christmas function for 700 in the museum’s Grand Foyer. All attendees had a chance to view the exhibition, joining the 100,000 others who made this one of the most successful exhibitions the museum has hosted in recent times. Upcoming events include private views of the “Vikings” exhibition in July, a cocktail function as part of a World Health Organisation conference in September and the museum’s own opening events for the $64 million building expansion in December.

In other Auckland venues, groups can choose a seafaring theme at the National Maritime Museum, a sporting function in the Hall of Legends at the home of rugby in Auckland – Eden Park – or a cocktail party at the Auckland Art Gallery, amongst the largest and most comprehensive collection of local art in New Zealand.

Air Force Museum
Air Force Museum is a world-class museum showcasing New Zealand’s aviation history through the RNZAF.
The museum has more than 28 fully-restored aircraft from the very early Beloit to more modern day Sky Hawks and Iroquois. And it’s not only for aircraft enthusiasts. Three aircraft simulators provide for exciting hands-on flying opportunities for young and old, and it is also a striking venue to hold meetings, launches, functions and conferences – no matter what the size Air Force Museum can cater to any needs.

One company who has used the Air Force Museum to great effect is Eventionz (event convention and incentive management). They created an event for the annual Variety Children’s Charity Bash at Air Force Museum, aptly titled the “Squadron leader’s mess”, for 400 guests.Eventionz found the Air Force Museum as the ideal venue because it was not only spacious but ready-themed with vintage aircraft, helping to achieve the client’s objective. Runway lights ushered guests into a world of camouflage netting, sandsbags and war planes, while special lighting effects helped add to the overall look.

Air raid sirens throughout the night coupled with the music of the era kept the theme flowing.
Air Force Museum has six different venue options, catering for a maximum of 900 guests. The exclusive caterer at the venue is Continental, a long-standing, successful family company which prides itself on its experience, people and resources. The property is just 15 minutes from the Christchurch city centre.