Rebranding for function centre

ATTRACTION: The newly rebranded Conference and Function Centre. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The Convention Centre has had a makeover, and the newly rebranded Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre looks forward to reintroducing itself to the Palmerston North community.

The rebranding exercise has been more than two years in the making after a review commissioned by the Palmerston North City Council, which took a look at the business and how it could operate more effectively.

It identified key areas that included a need to freshen up the tired and dated brand and building.

Venues and Events manager John Lynch says the new name better describes what the centre provides.

"We do so many different things here and the word 'convention' really didn't promote any kind of inspiration when it comes to how our community can use our facilities."

The centre is used for anything from conferences, meetings, tradeshows, exhibitions, weddings, dinner functions and community or business events.

"No matter what your event is, we've got the extensive resources, experience and facilities to help ensure successful events for our clients and satisfaction of their guests," Mr Lynch says.

The newly-branded centre has increased the number of conferences from nine in the previous year to 17 booked this year already.

"The benefits of this increase to the wider community is huge. We are surrounded by all these incredible local businesses that also thrive as a result of the added business the Palmerston North Conference and Function centre brings into the region."

Mr Lynch says it is estimated the additional bookings have bought $3.8 million dollars into the local economy through accommodation, hospitality and retail.

"However, the value we bring to the wider city is not just monetary.

"The centre brings a wide range of activity to the region, providing attractive and exciting things for residents and out-of-towners to do in our city." With a versatile range of function spaces, the centre can accommodate from six to 600 guests.

"We are here for everyone. We want people to think of this as a part of the community. It's owned by the ratepayers and is everybody's resource.

"We welcome people to come in and take a look around and see what we offer here."

The Palmerston north Conference and Function Centre is at 354 Main Street, Palmerston North. Phone (06) 358-0000 or email info@venuespn.co.nz for information.