Covid 19 coronavirus Delta outbreak: Rotorua conferences canned but event industry focuses on positive

It was meant to be one of the biggest weeks in conferencing in Rotorua since the last lockdown.

But now the local industry that helps put on business events for visiting groups is again playing the waiting game.

Conference and events companies say this time they are feeling more positive because they know they can come out the other side.

Several conferences planned in Rotorua this week were abruptly cancelled when New Zealand went into lockdown. One of the conferences being held at the Energy Events Centre was to cater for 500 people.

Jacqui Alexander from Event Impressions. Photo / File

Event Impressions director Jacqui Alexander said no one needed to tell the event industry about lockdowns.

"We all knew this was a likelihood and we have been working with a mindfulness of lockdowns for every event since March 2020."

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She said they had contingencies in place and would continue to adapt and evolve as the latest lockdown played out.

Alexander said this week was going to be one of the busiest since March last year.

"This is months of work on hold now, with a large conference due to start today at the Energy Event Centre and we are working hard to follow through to new dates. For Rotorua, these lockdowns evaporate income for many businesses in our region - from petrol stations to large hotels, catering to entertainment - as much as it costs individual companies."

Craig Murray from Intrinsic Events. Photo / Supplied

Craig Murray, from Intrinsic Events, said although he didn't have any conferences or events scheduled this week, he was worried about some big ones he had coming up.

"It's more important now than ever before for event organisers to be prepared for any circumstance, whether it's an immediate lockdown, forecasted weather anomaly or an act of God. The priority for our team is attendee safety, communication, empathy and being fair."

Activities and Events Unlimited owner Deb Gee. Photo / Supplied

Activities and Events Unlimited owner Deb Gee said they had lost three events this week alone and there were a couple of other bigger national corporate events in the future that they were nervous about going ahead.

"It's a bit of a worry moving forward but we will be reaching out to our clients and suppliers to look to other ways we can help with other events."

Gee remained positive.

"It bounced back so quickly last time and I'm sure it will again. Hopefully this is a little bump in the road and we can get back on track again really soon."

Audio visual specialist Kurt Rencher, from KRe8ive Tech, said this week's lockdown had a "significant effect" on his business.

"It is a difficult time for us having had several events cancel or postpone, and we are likely to experience many more in the days and weeks to come.

"But we have been here a few times before, so it comes as no surprise. We continue to be thankful to have had so many amazing events and clients over the past year or so, and we look forward to getting through this."