riraevents

Rí Rá Events wins prestigious NZEA Award

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 09:17:14 GMT

Mid Canterbury’s event management and promotions company Rí Rá Events, working in partnership with the Ashburton District Council has picked up a prestigious New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) award for, “Best Local Government Event” for their production of the ANZ Business of The Year Awards 2024. Rí Rá Events attended the NZEA awards gala dinner in Palmerston North on Tuesday 27 ^th August to collect the award. The event also received “special mention” in the “Best Business Event” category on the evening.

The ANZ Business of The Year Awards was held in February 2024 at the Ashburton Aviation Museum and 375 guests attended the gala awards dinner. The overall objective of the event was to promote the Ashburton District as a great place to do business. Rí Rá events have already commenced work on the 2026 Business of the Year Awards event welcoming ANZ Bank onboard once again for the journey.

Speaking about the awards, director Colm McGrath said, “We’re delighted to win a New Zealand Event Association Award for this event. We believe it proves that Mid Canterbury can and does deliver great events. It was a pleasure to work with the economic development and events team from Ashburton District Council on this project”

Rí Rá events & Ashburton District Council were shortlisted as finalists in July and competed against the following events, Local Wild Food Festival, Whakatāne District Council, Taste Hastings, Hastings District Council , TSB Festival of Lights Winter Pop Up, New Plymouth District Council and Waitangi Day 2024, Porirua City to win this award.

Founded in 2019 by two Irish kiwis, Gary Manning & Colm McGrath Rí Rá Events produces and promotes events predominantly in the Mid Canterbury region. It’s key clients include The Embassy of Ireland, The Ashburton District Council, ANZ Bank, Ashburton Toyota and The New Zealand Law Society. The phase Rí Rá roughly translates from Gaeilge to English as ‘fun’.

ANZ Business of the Year Award winners fly high

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 09:05:19 GMT

Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa, sourced by the mountains and powered by the sun, has been crowned the Ashburton District's supreme winner at the ANZ Business of the Year Awards 2024.

The new and hugely successful tourism business opened in November 2021 and more than 100,000 people visited in its first year. It has grown from strength to strength, helping drive tourism in Methven and in the whole district.

Ashburton District Deputy Mayor Liz McMillan announced the supreme winner at the business awards gala dinner at the Ashburton Aviation Museum on Friday night.

“It is a real pleasure to see this new tourism operation excel. The idea for hot pools in Methven started in the community and grew and evolved over time, resulting in this fantastic new facility that is drawing local, regional, national and international visitors year round.

“The words vision, courage and perseverance come to mind, as well as congratulations and well deserved.”

The 2024 Business of the Year Awards were once again sponsored by ANZ, as well as a host of supporting and category sponsors. The awards were first held in 2022 and are a biennial event.

Ms McMillan said the Ashburton District had a diverse and successful business community, using technology and new ideas to take products to markets around New Zealand and the world, while providing great customer service locally.

“I want to thank our generous sponsors and congratulate all the local businesses that entered and put themselves out there, as well as all those that open their doors every day to serve the public. Our district’s economy and community depends on you.”

For more information on all the finalists and winners, visit businessoftheyear.nz .

Category winners –

Excellence in Primary Industry

Small: Potato Cooperative
Judges said: Stand-out great business, well connected with local producers and large scale manufacturers.

Large: May Brothers Contracting
Judges said: Showcased themselves as enabling and helping other Mid Canterbury businesses flourish.

Excellence in Customer Experience

Small: Escape Adventures
Judges said: An outstanding business that goes above and beyond for its customers on cycle tours all over the world.

Large: Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa
Judges said: The customer experience systems at Ōpuke are world class.

Excellence in Wellbeing

Small: Juice Signs
Judges said: They showed a robustness in the care and support they provide their team, which then clearly translates to business success.
Large: RX Plastics

Judges said: They really showed fantastic systems and care for workers, changing the way they do things following a tragic incident.
Highly commended: Tavendale and Partners
Judges said: Their care for staff and fresh thinking in a traditional industry was a standout.

Excellence in Community Impact

Kai for Kids
Judges said: This field was full of immensely deserving organisations doing amazing things for our local community, but Kai for Kids was a standout for their structure and strategic direction and how they are responding to a really critical need in our community.

Excellence in Professional Services

Tavendale and Partners
Judges: Their fresh thinking and pivoting were immediately noted. Their questioning about what a local practice needs to look like in the future was evident and they were a clear winner.

Excellence in Tourism
Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa
Judges said: This is a relatively new business, already showing the way. The impact they have had as an enabler for other tourism businesses is phenomenal and they are making a huge impact on our tourism industry, delivering a world class tourism product.

Excellence in Manufacturing

RX Plastics
Judges said: There are a lot of things you can do with a plastic pipe! Their innovation and product design was outstanding.
Highly commended: Cullimore Engineering
Judges said: Their engineering products are different, but world class, and a phenomenal business.

Excellence in Emerging New Business

Berry Beauty
Judges said: An amazing team, led by an entrepreneur who has really understood the market and opportunity in Mid Canterbury, and who has continually reinvested capital into growing her business.

Excellence in Business Leadership

Graeme Kennedy
Judges said: Graeme has been a driving force in Ashburton businesses for decades. He has contributed both commercially and through his involvement in a variety of charities and philanthropic trusts. He is a clear Mid Canterbury leader and he has given so much to our businesses over that time.

Excellence in Emerging Business Leadership

Sam Cullimore
Sam is an up-and-coming leader and has achieved a lot in his short career. He is also a volunteer firefighter and works with charities, and continues to invest in his education and development, with a view to governance and directorship.

Excellence in Retail/Hospitality

Triangle Café
Highly commended: Stronecrubie and Cleavers Corner
Judges said: This category was massively contested and so close, with the Triangle Café having a slight edge. All three businesses are incredibly good and we struggled to separate them; they are all amazing businesses showing phenomenal customer service and we are proud to have them in Mid Canterbury.

Excellence in Technology and Innovation

Small: Cullimore Engineering
Judges said: The technology and innovation that was shown in the demonstration was mindblowing. To have a local business that can stand toe-to-toe with the best German precision and beat them in contracts was amazing to see.

Large: Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa
Judges said: This is a world class business that is using leading-edge innovation and technology to reduce its carbon footprint. The way they capture solar heat and store water is an environmental win.

Excellence in Export

Small: Quigley Feeds
Judges said: A company that has overcome some challenges and doing amazing things in Mid Canterbury.

Large: RX Plastics
Judges said: They clearly showed excellence in looking to develop markets and expand in the markets they have developed. They showed real innovation, a fresh approach and forward thinking in terms of how their products can be used in a different range of industries.

Excellence in Environmental Sustainability

Small: Jan Maree Cleaning Services
Judges said: This business operates in a sector that does not have the best environmental chops and some operators use a lot of chemicals. But she is really leading the way with the products she uses and how she operates.

Large: Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa
Judges said: Their commitment to being utterly the best extends to working in environmentally sustainable ways. They have lofty goals and they are hitting them; an exemplar for everyone in Mid Canterbury to follow.

Highly commended: Wrights Drycleaners

Judges said: An incredible business working in an industry which traditionally uses a lot of energy and chemicals. They are making strides to improve their footprint.

Supreme Award

Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa
Judges said: Just an outstanding business all round, a new business set up with very smart thinking and very clever people, and they have made some bold statements about what they are going to achieve. Their business model is firmly focused on their people and their customers, and they use technology to support this focus. Overall, inspirational.

ANZ Business of the Year Awards 2024 finalists revealed

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:42:41 GMT

The finalists have been shortlisted for the ANZ Business of the Year Awards and the all-important judging round will soon get under way, amid much excitement.

When entries to the event closed last month, organisers counted 122, which is a huge jump from when the Ashburton District awards were first held in 2022.

Council is partnering with Ri Ra Events to host the awards and Ri Ra marketing director Colm McGrath said the final count had exceeded both the target and expectations.

“We’re thrilled with the number and quality of entries, and they represent a great cross-section of our business community. We’ve seen a mix of established businesses, who’ve been doing well for a number of years, and some relative newcomers and start-ups, so we’re thrilled. We’ve shortlisted nearly 50 in the various categories, and some appear in more than one group because of their many talents.”

The next phase of the awards involves judges meeting with the shortlisted businesses to talk more indepth about what they do and what they have achieved. Winners will be announced at a gala evening at the Ashburton Aviation Museum superhangar on Friday 23 February - the aviation museum was a winner in the inaugural awards in 2022, taking top spot in the tourism category.

The gala evening is open to all businesses to attend. Category winners are eligible for the supreme business excellence award, which will be decided by Mayor Neil Brown.

The finalists are:

Excellence in Primary Industries: Agricultural Consulting Services (Canterbury) Ltd, Potato Seed Co-op Ltd, May Brothers Contracting Ltd, Veterinary Enterprises Group Ltd (VetEnt).

Excellence in Customer Experience: Big Al’s, The Dog House, Escape Adventures NZ, Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa, Wrights Drycleaners Ltd.

Excellence in Workplace Wellbeing: Jan Maree Cleaning Services Ltd, Juice Signs + Design, RX Plastics Ltd, Tavendale and Partners Ltd, Veterinary Enterprises Group.

Excellence in Community Impact: Kai for Kids Charitable Trust, Safer Mid Canterbury – Hakatere Haumaru, Staveley Ice & Curling Rink, Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.

Excellence in Professional Services: Chilton + Mayne Architecture Ltd, Crispin Design, Rushton Marketing, Tavendale and Partners Ltd.

Excellence in Tourism: Escape Adventures NZ, Hemsworth Estate, Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa, Staveley Ice & Curling Rink.

Excellence in Manufacturing: RX Plastics Limited, Smith Attachments Ltd, Cullimore Engineering.

Excellence in Technology & Innovation: Agricultural Consulting Services (Canterbury) Ltd, Baskiville Ltd, Cullimore Engineering, Diesel-Tech Machinery, Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa.

Excellence in Export: Hemprino, Quigley Feeds NZ, Creepers Socks, RX Plastics.

Excellence in Environmental Sustainability: Jan Maree Cleaning Services Ltd, Hemprino, Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa, Wrights Drycleaners Apparelmaster.

Emerging New Business: Berry Beauty Co. Ltd, Fern and Feta Platters, Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa, Quigley Feeds NZ.

Emerging Business Leader: A Team Construction, Berry Beauty Co. Ltd, Cullimore Engineering Ltd, Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa.

Excellence in Retail/Hospitality: Berry Beauty Co. Ltd, Big Al’s, Cleavers Corner Gastro Pub, Stronechrubie Restaurant & Accommodation, Triangle Espresso.

Excellence in Business Leadership: To be announced at the awards evening.

Twelfth Hour Gin Experience

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 03:46:42 GMT

Trackside racing action, high fashion, gin and music are set to fuse and create the Twelfth Hour Gin Experience at the Methven Christmas race meeting on Sunday 3 ^rd December.

The Twelfth Hour Gin Experience will be an exclusive red carpet marquee event overlooking the racing action. Patrons will be treated to a Twelfth Hour gin cocktail on arrival, their own Twelfth Hour gin glass to keep, a gin, wine & beer EFTPOS bar, live entertainment and a chance to win a best dressed ladies & gents prize package valued in excess of $ 2,000.

The event is being hosted by Ri Ra Events. Event manager Laura Day said, “We’re excited to bring this event to Methven. Methven Racecourse is widely regarded as Aotearoa New Zealand’s finest harness racing venue and we’re working closely with Methven Trotting Club to offer a new choice and customer experience for racing patrons at this meeting. We can’t thank them enough for all their support with this event’.

The Twelfth Hour Distillery is co-owned by Methven local Andrew Shannon and is an exclusive small batch gin. Ri Ra Events have partnered with other local businesses to help produce the event including Silk Estate, The English Garden, Berry Beauty, Sparrows, Tegan Clarke Photography, Fable Terrace Downs, Sabelle Skin Products and Methven’s first brewery Southface Brewing.

“We’re keen to test market demand for this type of fashion/racing event in the region and if our guests enjoy the afternoon and experience we will certainly look to host another in 2024” said Day.

Ri Ra Events is a local event management company whos’ recent events have included the The Ōpuke Beer & Food Truck Friday series, The Ōpuke Gathering cultural festival and the upcoming Battle of the Alps event. They were recent finalists for ‘Best Business Event’ in the national New Zealand Events Association Awards for their production of the district’s ANZ Business of The Year Awards 2022.

Tickets are available via rira.co.nz

How to choose the right menu for your event

Mon, 08 May 2023 22:00:29 GMT

Choosing a menu for an event can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and tricks, it doesn't have to be. In this article, we'll provide you with all the information you need to choose the perfect menu for your event

We'll start off by discussing why it's important to choose the right menu for your event. We'll then move on to some key considerations when selecting a menu, including budget, dietary restrictions, and food preferences. Finally, we'll provide some tips and tricks on how to make sure your guests are happy with their meal choices.

Why Is It Important To Choose The Right Menu For Your Event?
When it comes to hosting an event, there's nothing more important than making sure your guests are satisfied with their experience. One of the most crucial elements of any successful event is providing delicious food that everyone can enjoy. That's why it's so important to choose the right menu for your event – if you don't get it right, it could ruin the entire experience for everyone involved.

Choosing a menu that appeals to all of your guests is also essential from a financial standpoint. If you don't plan carefully, you could end up paying too much or not having enough food available for everyone. That's why it's so important to take time in advance of your event to plan out what kind of food will be served and how much will be needed.

Key Considerations When Selecting A Menu
When selecting a menu for your event, there are several key considerations that must be taken into account in order to ensure success:

Budget:
Before selecting any specific dishes or ingredients, it's essential that you determine how much money you have available to spend on food and drinks. This will help ensure that you don't overspend or end up short-changing yourself when it comes time to pay the bill at the end of the night.

Dietary Restrictions:

Make sure that all dietary restrictions are taken into consideration when creating your menu. You don't want anyone feeling left out because they can't eat certain foods due to allergies or other dietary restrictions – so make sure there are plenty of options available for everyone!

Food Preferences:
When creating your menu, try to include something for everyone – even picky eaters! Ask around beforehand about any special requests or preferences people may have so that no one feels left out come mealtime.

Tips And Tricks For Making Sure Everyone Is Happy With Their Meal Choices:
Once you've chosen a menu that fits within your budget and takes into account any dietary restrictions or food preferences, there are still some steps you can take in order to ensure everyone is happy with their meal choices:

Offer Variety:
Try offering several different options so that guests have plenty of choices when deciding what they'd like to eat – this way no one feels limited by their selection!

Provide Alternatives:
Have alternative dishes available in case someone isn't able to eat something due to allergies or other dietary restrictions – this way they won't feel left out come mealtime!

Ask For Feedback:
After the meal has been served, ask around and see what people thought about their selections – this will give you valuable insight into what worked well and what didn’t go over as planned so that next time around things go even smoother!

Choosing the right menu for an event doesn’t have to be difficult – just follow these simple tips and tricks and you’ll be well on your way towards creating an unforgettable experience for all involved! So don’t hesitate – get started today on finding the perfect selection of dishes for your next big gathering!

Creating the ultimate Gin & Tonic!

Mon, 01 May 2023 08:38:11 GMT

When it comes to crafting the perfect gin and tonic, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. With a seemingly endless variety of gins, tonics, garnishes, and other ingredients available, it can be difficult to know where to start. But don't worry - we've got you covered! In this article, we'll provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to craft the ultimate gin and tonic.

From choosing the right gin to selecting the perfect garnish, we'll cover everything you need to know about creating a delicious gin and tonic. So grab your favorite glassware, get ready for some serious mixology experimentation, and let's get started!

Choosing Your Gin
The first step in crafting a great gin and tonic is selecting the right gin. There are hundreds of types of gins available on the market today, so it can be tough to decide which one is best for your drink. To make things easier, try breaking down your choices into two categories: London Dry Gins or New Western Gins.

London Dry Gins are classic gins that have been around for centuries. They tend to be dryer in flavor than New Western Gins and feature a strong juniper flavor profile. Popular London Dry Gins include Beefeater 24, Tanqueray 10, and Bombay Sapphire East.

New Western Gins are more modern expressions of gin that often feature unique botanical blends such as lavender or citrus peel. These gins tend to have sweeter notes than their London Dry counterparts but still maintain a juniper base flavor profile. Popular New Western Gins include Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin, Hendrick’s Gin, and Aviation American Gin.

Picking Your Tonic Wate r
Once you've selected your gin of choice, it's time to pick out a tonic water that will complement its flavor profile perfectly. While there are many different types of tonic waters available on the market today (including diet versions), we recommend sticking with traditional Indian Tonic Waters for their classic taste and subtle sweetness. Popular Indian Tonic Waters include Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water or Q Drinks Indian Tonic Water - both excellent options for making an amazing G&T!

Mixing It Up
Now that you've chosen your ingredients it's time to mix up your drink! Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes - this will help keep your drink cold without diluting its flavors too much. Next add 2 ounces of your chosen gin followed by 4 ounces of tonic water - feel free to adjust these measurements according to personal preference but keep in mind that adding too much alcohol can overpower the flavors of your drink while adding too little may cause it to taste flat or dull. Finally stir gently before adding any garnishes or extra ingredients such as lime juice or simple syrup (optional).

Finishing Touches
Finally it's time for those all-important finishing touches! A great way to add visual appeal (and even more flavor!) is by adding fresh herbs or fruits as garnishes such as lime wedges or sprigs of rosemary or thyme - just make sure not to overdo it as too many ingredients can detract from the overall flavor balance of your drink. If desired you could also add a dash of bitters for an extra kick but this isn't necessary if you're looking for something simpler - either way enjoy!

Conclusion
Creating an amazing gin and tonic doesn't have to be complicated - all it takes is knowing what ingredients work best together and taking some time experimenting until you find what works for you! By following our tips above on choosing quality ingredients like London Dry Gin or New Western Gin paired with traditional Indian Tonic Water plus some creative garnishes thrown in for good measure; you'll be well on your way towards crafting an unforgettable G&T experience every single time!

Tips on how to create and plan a great cultural event

colm@mthuttdigital.co.nz (Colm McGrath) — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 08:38:11 GMT

Are you looking to plan a successful cultural event? Whether it's a music festival, art show, or film screening, there are certain steps you need to take in order to ensure that your event goes off without a hitch. Planning a cultural event can be overwhelming, but with the right strategies and tips, you can make sure that your event is one that people will remember for years to come. In this article, we'll provide an overview of how to plan an amazing cultural event from start to finish.

Introduction
Planning a great cultural event takes time and effort. It requires careful planning and organization in order to ensure that everything runs smoothly. From choosing the right venue and securing permits to managing volunteers and sponsorships, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when planning an event. But with the right approach and guidance, you can create an unforgettable experience for your guests.

Choosing the Right Venue
The first step in planning any great cultural event is finding the perfect venue. When selecting a location for your event, consider factors such as size, accessibility, parking availability, cost, and amenities. You should also think about whether or not the venue has adequate space for all of your planned activities. Once you've chosen the ideal location for your event, it's important to secure all necessary permits from local authorities before proceeding with any further planning.

Managing Volunteers & Sponsorships
A successful cultural event relies heavily on volunteers and sponsorships in order to run smoothly. Volunteers are essential for helping with tasks such as ticketing, registration desk management, crowd control and more. To find volunteers for your event, reach out to local organizations or post ads online or in newspapers. As far as sponsorships go, look for companies who share similar values as yours and would benefit from being associated with your event - this could include media outlets or other businesses related to the arts or culture industry.

Promoting Your Event
Once you have secured volunteers and sponsorships for your cultural event it's time to start promoting it! Create a website dedicated solely to your upcoming event where potential attendees can learn more about what they can expect when they arrive at the venue on the day of the show. Additionally, use social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to get people excited about attending your show by posting updates regularly on these channels leading up to the big day!

Preparing For The Day Of The Show
When preparing for the day of your show it's important that you have all necessary supplies ready ahead of time so nothing gets forgotten at the last minute! Make sure you have enough tickets printed out (or digital tickets if applicable), food/drinks available if needed (consider hiring caterers if necessary), staff uniforms prepared (if applicable), audio/visual equipment set up correctly etc.. Additionally make sure all volunteers know their roles ahead of time so everyone is clear on their responsibilities during the show itself!

Conclusion
Planning a great cultural event takes careful preparation but is ultimately very rewarding when done correctly! By following these tips on how to plan an amazing cultural experience from start-to-finish you’ll be well-prepared for whatever comes up during the process – allowing you focus on creating an unforgettable experience for all involved! Don't forget - once everything is ready don't forget promote your upcoming show through social media platforms like Facebook & Twitter so everyone knows about it!

A beginners guide to craft beers

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 20:46:40 GMT

Beginner's Guide to Craft Beers: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Whether you're a novice or an experienced craft beer enthusiast, this beginner's guide will provide you with all the information you need to learn about craft beers and get started on your journey.

Introduction
Are you looking for something new and exciting to try? If so, then craft beer is the perfect choice! It offers a wide variety of flavors and styles that are sure to please even the pickiest of palates. From IPAs to stouts, porters, lagers, ales, sours, and more – there's something for everyone when it comes to craft beers. In this guide, we'll explore what makes craft beer so special and how you can get started on your own journey into the world of craft beers.

What Is Craft Beer?
Craft beer is defined as any beer made by an independent brewery that produces fewer than 6 million barrels of beer annually. This means that most smaller breweries producing high-quality products are considered "craft" brewers. The term was created in the late 1970s as a way to differentiate between large-scale commercial brewers and small-scale artisanal ones who were creating unique flavor profiles with their beers.

The main difference between craft beers and mass-produced beers is the quality of ingredients used. Craft brewers use only the finest ingredients available such as locally sourced hops and grains, which gives their beers a unique flavor profile not found in mass-produced beers. Additionally, many craft brewers experiment with different styles of brewing such as barrel aging or using wild yeast strains which further enhances the complexity of their beers.

Different Types Of Craft Beer
There are many different types of craft beer available today ranging from light lagers to dark stouts and everything in between. Here are some of the most popular styles:

IPAs (India Pale Ales):
These hoppy ales have become increasingly popular over the last few years due to their intense hop flavor profiles and high alcohol content (typically 5% - 7% ABV). They range from light golden hues all the way up to deep amber colors depending on how much malt is used during brewing process.

Porters & Stouts:
These dark ales typically have a roasted malt flavor profile with notes of coffee or chocolate depending on what type of malts were used during brewing process. They range from 4% - 8% ABV depending on style.

Lagers:
These light-colored ales are usually crisp with subtle hop character due to cold fermentation temperatures used during brewing process (typically 45°F - 55°F). Most lagers range from 4%-6% ABV although some stronger versions can reach upwards of 8%.

Ales:
These full-bodied ales tend to be more flavorful than lagers due warm fermentation temperatures used during brewing process (typically 60°F - 75°F). Ales range from 4%-8% ABV depending on style with some stronger versions reaching upwards 10%.

Sours:
These tart ales have become increasingly popular over recent years due their unique flavor profile created by wild yeast strains or bacteria added during fermentation process (such as lactobacillus or brettanomyces). Sour ales typically range from 3%-7% ABV depending on style with some stronger versions reaching upwards 10%.

How To Enjoy Craft Beer
Now that you know what types of craft beer are available let’s explore how best enjoy them! Here are some tips for getting started:

1) Start slow: Don’t jump right into drinking strong IPAs or sours – start off by trying lighter styles such as lagers or wheat ales first before moving onto more complex flavors such as stouts or sours. This will help build up your palate so you can better appreciate all types of craft beers!

2) Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things! There are so many different styles out there – don’t limit yourself by sticking only one type! Try different breweries too – each one offers its own unique take on classic styles which can be quite fun!

3) Pairing food & drinks: Craft beer pairs well with food just like wine does! Try pairing different flavors together – for example an IPA goes great with spicy dishes while a stout pairs nicely with desserts like brownies or ice cream!

4) Take notes & share your experiences: Keep track of what you’ve tried by taking notes about each one – this will help you remember which ones you liked best so you can buy them again later! Also don’t forget to share your experiences online – whether it’s through social media posts or reviews – this helps other people discover new favorites too!

Conclusion
Craft beer is an incredibly diverse beverage that offers something for everyone no matter their tastes preferences or experience level. By following these tips and exploring different styles & breweries you'll soon find yourself enjoying all sorts of delicious brews! So go ahead – grab yourself a pint glass & get started on your journey into the wonderful world of craft beers today!

How to plan a fundraising event

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:23:36 GMT

Organising a successful fundraising event in Aotearoa New Zealand can be an overwhelming task. From budgeting, to finding sponsors, to marketing the event, there are many moving parts that need to come together in order for the event to be successful. But with the right planning and execution, you can create an amazing experience for your guests while raising money for your cause. In this article, we’ll explore how to plan and execute a successful fundraising event.

Planning Your Fundraising Event
The first step to planning a successful fundraising event is setting clear goals and objectives. What do you hope to accomplish? How much money do you want to raise? Who is your target audience? Answering these questions will help you determine what type of event you should host and how much time and resources you’ll need to make it happen.

Once you have your goals in place, it’s time to start budgeting for the event. Create a detailed list of all expenses including venue rental fees, catering costs, decorations, entertainment, etc., so that you know exactly how much money needs to be raised in order for the event to break even. You may also want to consider seeking out sponsorships from local businesses or individuals who are interested in supporting your cause.

Next, decide on the type of event that will best suit your needs. Will it be a dinner gala or silent auction? A comedy show or 5K race? You should also consider the location of your event as well as any permits or licenses that may be required by local authorities.

Executing Your Fundraising Event

Once all of the details have been p lanned out, it’s time to start executing them! Start by creating promotional materials such as flyers and posters that can be distributed around town or posted online. You should also consider setting up a website where people can purchase tickets or donate directly towards your cause. Social media is another great way to spread awareness about your event – create an official hashtag and post regularly on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

When it comes time for the actual day of the event, make sure everything runs smoothly by having volunteers on hand who can assist with setup/cleanup tasks as well as answer any questions guests may have about the fundraiser itself. During the actual fundraiser itself, keep track of donations received so that you know exactly how much money has been raised at any given moment throughout the night – this will help ensure that all funds are accounted for once everything has wrapped up!

Wrapping Up:

Planning and executing a successful fundraising event requires careful consideration and attention-to-detail but with proper preparation and execution it can be done! By following these steps – setting clear goals & objectives; budgeting; deciding on an appropriate type of event; creating promotional materials; managing donations; having volunteers on hand – you can ensure that your fundraiser is both enjoyable for attendees while raising money for your cause! So get started now – good luck!

How to choose the perfect wines for your event

colm@mthuttdigital.co.nz (Colm McGrath) — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 20:35:46 GMT

Are you planning a special event and want to make sure you pick the perfect wine?

Whether it's a wedding, birthday party, or corporate gathering, selecting the right wines can be a daunting task. With so many different types and styles of wine available, it can be hard to know which ones will best complement your menu and impress your guests. Fortunately, we've got you covered! In this article, we'll provide some helpful tips on how to pick the perfect wine for your event.

Understanding Different Types of Wine
Before you start shopping for wine, it's important to understand the different types of wines available. There are two main categories of wine: red and white. Red wines are typically bolder in flavor and body than white wines, with varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot being popular choices. White wines tend to be lighter in body and flavor than reds, with varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc being popular choices.

In addition to these two main categories, there is also sparkling wine (such as Champagne) and fortified wine (such as Port). Sparkling wines are effervescent beverages that have been carbonated through fermentation or added carbon dioxide. Fortified wines are made by adding distilled spirits such as brandy during fermentation, resulting in higher alcohol content.

Pairing Food with Wine
Once you understand the different types of wines available, you can begin exploring food-and-wine pairings. The key here is to match flavors that complement each other – for example, a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with fish dishes while a full-bodied red such as Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with steak dishes. You should also consider any sauces or seasonings used in your dishes when selecting a wine – for instance, if your dish contains spicy ingredients then a sweeter white or rosé might be more appropriate than a dry white or red.

It's also important to consider how much food you're serving when selecting your wines – if you're hosting an intimate dinner party then one bottle per person should suffice; however if you're hosting a large gathering then several bottles per person may be necessary. Finally, don't forget about dessert! Sweet dessert wines such as Moscato or Sauternes pair wonderfully with desserts like chocolate cake or crème brûlée.

Selecting Wines for Your Event
Now that you know how to pair food with wine let's talk about selecting the right bottles for your event. When shopping for wine it's important to read labels carefully – look out for words like “dry” (less sweet) or “fruity” (more sweet) which can help guide your selection process. It's also important to consider price points – budget accordingly depending on the size of your event and don't forget about taxes! If possible try tasting different bottles before making any purchases; this will help ensure that what you select is something that both yourself and your guests will enjoy drinking!

Conclusion
Choosing the perfect wine for an event doesn't have to be difficult – just remember these simple tips! Understand different types of wines available; pair food with appropriate wines; select bottles based on price points; taste test before purchasing; and budget accordingly taking into account taxes! With these steps in mind, picking out the perfect bottle(s) should be easy peasy!

5 Tips for planning the perfect wedding event

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:23:45 GMT

5 Tips for Planning the Perfect Wedding

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and tricks, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a bride-to-be or an event manager looking to make sure your client’s big day goes off without a hitch, these five wedding planning tips will help ensure that your special day is truly perfect.

Tip 1: Set a Budget and Stick to It

The first step in planning any wedding is setting a budget. This is one of the most important aspects of wedding planning and should not be taken lightly. It’s important to determine how much money you have available for the event and then create a plan for how it will be allocated. Make sure to include all potential costs such as venue fees, catering, decorations, entertainment, etc. Once you have your budget set, stick to it!

Tip 2: Choose Your Venue Carefully
Choosing the right venue is essential for any successful wedding. When selecting your venue, make sure that it fits within your budget and can accommodate all of your guests comfortably. Additionally, consider factors such as location (is it easy for guests to get there?), ambiance (does it fit with the style of your event?), and amenities (are there enough bathrooms?). Taking time to carefully select the perfect venue will pay off in spades on the big day!

Tip 3: Don’t Forget About Catering
Catering is often overlooked when planning weddings but can easily become one of the biggest expenses. To keep costs down while still providing delicious food for your guests, consider using local caterers or even friends or family members who are talented cooks. If you do decide to hire a professional caterer, make sure they understand exactly what type of cuisine you want served at your event and ask them about their pricing structure before signing any contracts.

Tip 4: Get Creative With Decorations
Decorations are an important part of any wedding but they don’t need to break the bank! Get creative by utilizing items from around the house or borrowing from friends and family members instead of buying new decorations every time. If you do decide to buy decorations, look for sales at local craft stores or shop online for discounted items.

Tip 5: Hire Professional Help if Need ed
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all of the details involved in planning a wedding, don’t hesitate to hire professional help! Event planners can take care of everything from finding vendors to managing timelines so that you can focus on enjoying this special time in your life. Just make sure that whoever you hire has experience with weddings so that they understand exactly what needs to be done in order for everything to run smoothly on the big day!

Conclusion
Planning a perfect wedding doesn't have to be difficult - just follow these five tips! Start by setting a budget and sticking with it; choose your venue carefully; don't forget about catering; get creative with decorations; and if needed hire professional help who has experience with weddings. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to plan an amazing event that everyone will remember fondly for years to come!

How to Plan the Perfect Event:

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 13:23:18 GMT

How to Plan the Perfect Event: Essential Event Management Tips for Businesses

Are you looking for ways to plan the perfect event? Whether you’re planning a business conference, a corporate retreat, or a product launch, it can be overwhelming to think about all of the details that go into making an event successful. But with the right event management tips and strategies, you can ensure your next event goes off without a hitch.

In this article, we’ll provide essential advice on how to plan the perfect event. We’ll cover topics such as creating an event timeline, budgeting for an event, and finding vendors. We’ll also discuss how to manage logistics and ensure your guests have an enjoyable experience. Read on to learn more about how to make your next business event a success!

Developing an Event Timeline
When it comes to planning any type of business event, one of the most important steps is developing an event timeline. This timeline should include all of the major tasks that need to be completed in order for your event to run smoothly. It should also include deadlines for each task so that you can stay on track and avoid last-minute stress.

Your timeline should start at least six months before the date of your event, as this will give you plenty of time to research venues, find vendors, and create promotional materials. During this time period, you should also create a detailed budget that outlines all of your expected expenses and allocate funds accordingly.

Budgeting for Your Event
Budgeting is one of the most important aspects of planning any type of business event. Before you begin booking venues or hiring vendors, it’s essential that you determine how much money you have available for your project and stick within those limits. To do this effectively, create a spreadsheet that outlines all expected costs associated with your event such as venue rental fees, catering costs, audio/visual equipment rentals, etc., so that you can easily keep track of where your money is going.

Once you have determined how much money is available for your project, set aside 10-20% of that total amount in case there are any unexpected costs or issues arise during the planning process. This will help ensure that there are no financial surprises down the line and allow you to stay within budget throughout the entire process.

Finding Vendors
Once you have created a budget and timeline for your project, it’s time to start researching vendors who can help make your vision come alive. When selecting vendors for any type of business events it’s important to look at their portfolio or previous work samples so that you know what kind of quality they offer before signing any contracts or agreements with them. You should also ask questions about their experience in similar types of events so that they understand exactly what type of services they will be providing before committing them to work on yours.

Additionally, make sure that all contracts are signed well in advance so there are no misunderstandings between parties later on down the line regarding payment terms or expectations from either side regarding deliverables or services rendered during the course of working together on this project.

Managing Logistic s
Once all vendors have been secured and contracts signed off on it's time to move onto managing logistics which includes everything from coordinating transportation needs (if applicable) ensuring accommodations are booked if needed (hotel rooms/airfare), ordering supplies/equipment necessary for running activities during the course of day(s) leading up until actual day(s)of events takes place etc.. Additionally if food/beverages will be served at some point during course proceedings then these items need be taken into consideration when setting up catering menu options etc..

Finally don't forget about creating promotional materials such as flyers/posters/social media posts which can help generate interest from potential attendees prior leading up until actual day(s)of events takes place . These materials should contain pertinent information regarding dates

Mid Canterbury Conference Planning Guide

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 08:38:11 GMT

Conference Planning Guide for Mid Canterbury, New Zealand

Are you looking to plan a conference in the Mid Canterbury region of New Zealand? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of planning a successful event in this beautiful part of the world.

From selecting the perfect venue to finding local vendors and entertainment, we’ll provide all the information you need to create an unforgettable experience for your guests. Whether you’re organizing a corporate retreat or a family reunion, our guide will help make sure everything goes off without a hitch.

Introduction
Mid Canterbury is one of New Zealand’s most picturesque regions and offers stunning landscapes, rich culture, and plenty of activities for visitors. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale event, this region has something for everyone. With its diverse range of venues and attractions, Mid Canterbury is the perfect place to host your next conference.

Selecting Your Venue
The first step in planning any conference is selecting the right venue. When it comes to choosing a location in Mid Canterbury, there are plenty of options available. From luxurious resorts to rustic barns and historic buildings, there’s something for every budget and style preference.

When selecting your venue, be sure to consider factors such as size (how many people can it accommodate?), amenities (does it have enough parking?), and accessibility (is it easy to get to?). Also be sure to check with local authorities regarding any permits or restrictions that may apply.

Finding Vendors & Entertainment
Once you’ve chosen your venue, it’s time to start looking for vendors and entertainment that can help make your event extra special. From catering services to florists and photographers, there are plenty of local businesses that can provide everything you need for an amazing conference experience. Be sure to shop around for competitive rates and read reviews from previous customers before making any decisions.

If you want some added excitement at your event, why not hire some live entertainment? There are lots of talented performers in Mid Canterbury who specialize in music, comedy, theater, dance – whatever type of show you’re looking for! Do some research online or ask around town – chances are someone will know just the act you need!

Conclusion
Planning a successful conference in Mid Canterbury doesn't have to be difficult – with this guide at your side every step of the way! From selecting the perfect venue to finding vendors and entertainment that fit within your budget – we hope this guide has provided all the information needed so that your event is truly one-of-a-kind! So what are you waiting for? Start planning today!