Another rebranding on its way
Thursday, 19 July 2007
PNCC Press Release:
Extensive experience in entertainment and venue management is what a crucial City Council appointee will bring to the job.
David Walsh, Manager of the Convention Centre and Acting Manager of Arena Manawatu, has been appointed Manager of Venues, Palmerston North.
The position is new and encompasses responsibility for both the Convention Centre and Arena Manawatu.
Last year the City Council decided that the synergies between both venues were very similar and one administration for both would benefit the city. The position was advertised nationally and David Walsh was appointed late last month.
“There has been an immediate benefit for the Council and ratepayers in having one administration and its resources to manage and promote both venues,” David says.
He has been in venue management for 30 years including managing the Odeon Cinema, the Opera House, the Convention Centre and being interim manager of the Regent On Broadway during its redevelopment phase.
“I’ve developed an intimate knowledge of the city, what works here and what events attract customers and local audiences,” David says.
Since the Convention Centre was upgraded six years ago, the venue has achieved record bookings. Again in the last financial year (2006/2007) the Convention Centre recorded 550 bookings, up 110 on the previous year. Events ranged from the Scrapbook Expo and Quilting Symposium to the Alpaca Conference and Anglican Synod.
“Our challenge is to build on the ever increasing bookings and ensure our reputation is enhanced,” he says.
A priority for Arena Manawatu is the establishment of a master plan for the next 10-15 years.
“We have the pre-eminent outdoor/indoor venue in New Zealand in the heart of the city that can cater for a huge range of sporting codes but is versatile enough to attract conferences, entertainment and exhibitions,” he says.
“The master plan will ensure that the status of the venue and what it offers is maintained.”
A further priority is a rebranding to feature Venues Palmerston North which will allow David and his team an
opportunity to more effectively promote both facilities locally, nationally and internationally.
Lynne’s comment:
I congratulate David on his appointment and wish him all the very best. I do, however, have concerns about "Venues, Palmerston North". First, we had the Palmerston North Showgrounds. Then, as the arenas grew to encompass more than just the showgrounds, money was spent on rebranding for Arenas Manawatu. This was intended to reflect the importance of all the arenas, including Manfield, to the wider Manawatu. Now, it seems we will be spending yet more money on a branding exercise with the creation of "Venues, Palmerston North".
"What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." William Shakespeare, in "Romeo and Juliet"
My answer to Shakespeare in this instance would be - more ratepayer’s money!
