NEW ZEALAND cities Queensland and Auckland welcomed 10,000 incentive qualifiers from Amway China on five-day itineraries with event production expertise provided by Encore Event Technologies Asia Pacific whose star line-up included Mandarin-speaking singer Lawrence Larson.
The Amway Diamond qualifiers were flown to New Zealand in 12 waves over two months last October and December for the 2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar.
Encore produced the seminar and leadership sessions along with ”moments that matter” including cocktail receptions and 15 banquets featuring gala performances.
Backgrounder… Queenstown wins 10,000-strong incentive
The whole event resulted in 20,000 hotel nights in the two cities while setting a new benchmark for incentive travel in New Zealand and generating about US$24.9 million into the economy.
Queenstown Convention Bureau and Auckland Convention Group managed the pre-event activities including tourist activities to showcase each local area.
TECH-STUDDED GALAS
The event highlight was a farewell gala dinner held 15 times throughout the period at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland and Queenstown Ice Arena to visitor groups of about 600 per event.A wide range of innovative technologies were used with panoramic scenes of New Zealand’s natural wonders played across a 3D-mapped 180-degree projection screen via 80 table projectors (below).
Snow machines, special effects and multi-sensory interactive displays (above) of earth, water, fire and air impressed guests. More than 600 hours of motion-design content was created across the two locations in Auckland and Queenstown.During meal service the room underwent a dramatic transformation with lava projections oozing over the stage, creating an impressive backdrop for performers, Strings of Fire, who combined pyrotechnics and acrobatic stunts.
Entertainment included trio JGEEKS who combined traditional Māori moves with modern dance techniques and humour. New Zealand singer Laurence Larson, who is a star in China, and multimedia performers Vosper Tron also starred.
“Encore’s successful involvement in Amway China’s Leadership Seminar demonstrates how far business events can go beyond mere logistics to leave a lasting impact on attendees,” said Scott Nodsle, Encore’s managing director for Asia Pacific.
Nodsle said corporate incentives were evolving from transactional to transformational. “Rewarding high performers beyond cash bonuses with an experience is invaluable,” he said. “Colleagues having the time of their life with like minds is a proven motivator that enriches brand allegiance.
“Events can be a catalyst for change, whether it’s inspiring new ideas, fostering meaningful connections, or driving positive transformation within an organisation. So, it’s important to create an environment that encourages growth, innovation, and personal development.”
“Post-Covid, events have redoubled their power to connect and inspire. When people come together, ideas take flight and relationships strengthen. Even more so when the experiences fuse imagination, ingenuity, and innovation in culture-rich destinations that elevate a brand’s emotional resonance. What you see is teams buzzing with energy and enthusiasm – both for the company and the country they’ve visited.”
Ken Pereira, head of Auckland Convention Bureau at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said the galas were a highlight of the itinerary.
“Delegates were wowed by the gala dinners. The evenings showcased Aotearoa New Zealand’s culture and spirit, brought to life through a dynamic setup of lighting, sound and visual elements. A key point of difference for hosting an incentive trip in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the contemporary Māori culture at the heart of the region, and we were thrilled to see this celebrated at the dinners.”
