Surge in interest for Michael Hill NZ Open

Surge in corporate interest for Michael Hill New Zealand Open

Such has been the surge in interest from the corporate sector for the Michael Hill New Zealand Open, that Mainstreet, the hub for spectator activities on the course, has been dramatically enlarged for this year’s event in Queenstown from March 12 to 15.

This year Mainstreet has been extended to stretch over 300 metres and there will be 40 tenants flanking the main street.

Mike Godinet, sales and marketing manager for Tuohy Associates New Zealand, promoters of the event, said that the number of corporate displays and activities had more than doubled from the last event and now included a Heineken bar, coffee shops, wine outlets, retail displays, event merchandising outlets, and a kid’s sandpit.

“There’s even a Koru Lounge for Air New Zealand Airpoints Gold, Gold Elite, or Koru members, and guest, to enjoy some hospitality while each evening the Lynch Mob, a very popular band, will be entertaining on Mainstream as soon as play finishes for the day.

“i-SITE New Zealand's marquee will create plenty of interest. It has
a plasma screen playing videos, interactive touch screens which allow visitors to search and choose New Zealand
experiences as well as a
wine tasting area.

“The open attracted over 30,000 spectators in 2007 and this year looks as though it will be even bigger. It is more than a golf event in the same way that New Zealand Cup day at Addington is more than a horse race. It is a social event and people are just looking forward to coming to Queenstown for that reason,” he said.

As an indication of the level of activity expected around Mainstreet over the four days of the event, plus the Pro-Am day, an overview of the tasks undertaken by event caterers, Continental, at the last Michael Hill New Zealand Open in 2007, makes interesting reading.

• a BBQ on the Sunday before the Open for around 60 organisers and Michael Hill staff;
• the Open's welcome cocktails for 200 on the Tuesday evening;
• breakfast, lunch and dinner for 100 Pro Am players on the Wednesday;
• a special menu and snacks daily for The Club House (up to 50 VIPS);
• the Open players (breakfast and lunch for up to 160 for four days);
• the volunteers (packed lunch for the entire 10 days - up to 400 people on the four main days);
• the media (lunch and am/pm teas for 50 for the duration);
• 640 corporate attendees daily in three different marquee venues (lunch, am/pm teas plus extra platters, etc for smaller gatherings);
• cocktail food for each of the four main nights out-catered for 60;
• cocktails and a 4-course plated dinner for 130 VIPS in honour of Sir Bob Charles on the Friday night;
• celebratory cocktails for 100 organisers and players on the Sunday evening;
• a BBQ for 400 volunteers on the Sunday night;
and lunch and dinner for 100 corporate golfers on the Monday following the finish of the Open.

ENDS

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