Julie Taylor: Timing right for maximum exposure

Rotorua is centre stage in New Zealand's forestry sector and is making its mark in the Auckland tourism market just as Rugby World Cup fervour reaches fever pitch.

The PF Olsen Forestry Industries 2011 Expo on Monday and Tuesday saw an impressive array of massive machines at the Energy Events Centre as national and international forestry delegates gathered for the one of the first events in the seven-week Winning with Wood Festival.

At the same time, top-notch speakers were updating the industry on everything from technology and research to international markets at the BNZ Forestry Industries 2011 Technology Clinics Programme.

Yesterday, the industry held its annual one-day conference looking at the changing role of wood in the building industry, with the Christchurch rebuild to the fore.

Hosting these events and the national Fitec forestry training awards last night, as well as local involvement in the National Wood Innovation Showcase, has really put Rotorua in the spotlight in an industry that contributes significantly to the regional and national economies.

Tourism is another of our key sectors and tonight Destination Rotorua Marketing will make its presence felt in its target domestic market - Auckland.

The regional tourism organisation is creating a little bit of Rotorua at the well-positioned No. 1 Queen Street cafe from tonight through to the end of the summer cruise season, encouraging Aucklanders, Rugby World Cup visitors and cruise passengers to travel south and experience all Rotorua has to offer.

Rotorua's tourism history also featured in another event this week.

The Agrodome began its 40th anniversary celebrations with a BA5 networking event to coincide with the opening of its new reception building.

The Harford and Bowen families have adapted to changing business conditions and fickle visitor behaviours to survive four decades, and are still looking ahead to develop the business further with Ngai Tahu Tourism.

While the Rotorua Multicultural Business Council still has a long way to go to match this grand old age, this week it marked its second anniversary.

Efforts to make immigrant business owners and employees feel a welcome part of the Rotorua business community, despite language and cultural barriers, should be recognised and applauded.

Now, how will we top that next week?

- Julie Taylor is the business editor at The Daily Post