National Conference 2024
Rutherford Hotel, Nelson | 18 - 20th October
Welcome
Hello Delegates
I trust you are looking forward to our combined brands conference which is being held at the Rutherford Hotel, Nelson from 18th - 20th October 2024.
Your national conference presents one of the best opportunities to learn from others how to enhance the profitability of your business. Just as crucial is the ability to network with your fellow owners, suppliers and the franchise team all while taking a good break from the daily demands of your business. With Nelson/Tasman being a place of stunning natural landscapes – lakes, mountains, rivers, native bush, and beaches, it’s a great place for a well-earned holiday.
The conference spans two days and nights and we've arranged a special accommodation rate with the Rutherford. This rate can be used for up to five days, based on room availability. For SS FAC and EM marketing committee members, an extra night will be required on Thursday.
Senior staff and non-working spouses are warmly welcome at conference even if they only want to attend the social functions, but everyone wanting to attend any event must register.
Grant
Conference Outline
Friday, 18th October
Saturday, 19th October
7:00 AM - Breakfast at your leisure
Sunday, 20th October
Optional Breakfast. Checkout is at 10.00am
Speakers
Kevin Biggar (Keynote)
Taking Performance to the Next Level
Motivational speaker, Kevin Biggar, will be joining us as the keynote speaker at this year's national conference. He has been presenting at conferences and corporate events throughout New Zealand since 2004. Over the last few years, he’s spoken at nearly 900 events!
With a B.Sc degree from Auckland University and a Masters in Environment and Development from the University of Cambridge (UK), he worked for the NZ Treasury and the Boston Consulting Group before deciding to take part in the world’s toughest endurance event- the trans-Atlantic rowing race. Despite not having rowed before he won the race and set a new world record. Together with his rowing partner Jamie Fitzgerald he went on to become the first NZ team to trek unsupported and unresupplied to the South Pole. You might also recognise Kevin from his role as co-presenter of TVNZ’s ‘First Crossings’ and ‘Intrepid NZ’. He has also authored three books.
Kevin's presentation, titled "Taking Performance to the Next Level," is designed to tackle unspoken doubts, offer practical tips, and deliver proven strategies that will elevate your team's performance and lead to lasting success.
Every organisation faces moments when performance plateaus and teams settle into their comfort zones. In these times, a fresh perspective can serve as a powerful catalyst for change. Kevin Biggar's keynote promises to be just that—a spark that redefines challenges and reinvigorates enthusiasm, showing us how much more there is to achieve.
During his keynote, you will discover:
- Why performance requires a goal, what the real point of a goal is
- How to uncover and deal with the doubts that limit performance
- The winning attitude – how to get it, why it’s important, how it can backfire
- How to get the best out of your team mates
- How to improve your ability to persevere through adversity
- How to navigate through the mid-challenge ‘slump’
This presentation is more than just a motivational talk; it's a guide to unlocking your teams potential. Get ready to be inspired, energised, and empowered.
Steve Ballantyne
Elevating your Local Marketing
Join us as Steve Ballantyne, Principal of the renowned advertising agency Brand IQ, shares his cutting-edge insights on the latest marketing trends. With years of experience driving successful campaigns, Steve will reveal powerful strategies to elevate your local marketing game and give you the competitive edge. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the B2B industry's leading minds!
Grant Archibald
State of the Brands - From Good to Great
Ready to elevate your business to greatness? Join Grant as he dives into this year’s network performance, offering a comprehensive review of what’s working and where we’re headed. But the real game-changer is his focus on uncovering key opportunities that can propel your business from good to GREAT. Don’t miss out on Grant’s actionable strategies designed to help you thrive and outshine the competition!
Antony Joll
A 21-Year Journey: Valuable Lessons and Insights
Antony Joll has successfully owned and operated Speedy Signs Hamilton for over 21 years, expanding it into a business with an annual turnover exceeding $2.5 million. For a period he also managed an EmbroidMe business. Antony will share the invaluable lessons and insights he and his wife Toni have gathered from their extensive journey in business.
Evan Foster (MC)
We are thrilled to have Evan Foster, UFG's Global Director, as our Master of Ceremonies! With nearly two decades of franchising expertise, Evan brings a wealth of knowledge and a dynamic presence to our conference. Many of you may remember Evan from past events, including our memorable conference in Fiji.
Starting his journey with UFG in 2006, Evan quickly rose to lead the Australian operations across the UFG portfolio, showcasing his exceptional leadership for seven years. In 2017, he took the helm of the Signarama brand in Australia, driving its success until his appointment as Global Director in 2022. Now, Evan works with Master Licensees around the world, bringing his passion and vision to the international stage. Join us in welcoming Evan, and get ready for an inspiring and insightful conference experience!
Agenda
Friday, 18 October 2024
| 9.00- 10.30 AM | Registration Desk Open | Reception @ Maitai 2 |
| 10.00 - 10.30 AM | Arrival Morning Tea | Reception @ Maitai 2 |
| 10.30 - 10.50 AM | Welcome | Evan Foster |
| 10.55 - 11.40 AM | State of the Brands - From Good to Great | Grant Archibald |
| 11.45 - 12.45 PM | Elevating your Local Marketing | Steve Ballantyne - Brand IQ |
| 12.45 - 1.45 PM | Lunch | Restaurant |
| 1.45 - 3.45 PM | Supplier Speed Networking (SS) | CPL, Total, PSP, Mulfords & Aarque |
| 1.45 - 3.45 PM | Supplier Speed Networking (EM) | Fashion Biz, Trends, JB's Wear |
| 3.45 - 4.05 PM | Afternoon Tea | |
| 4.05 - 4.50 PM | A 21-Year Journey: Valuable Lessons & Insights | Antony Joll |
| 4.55 - 5.00 PM | Days Wrap Up | Evan Foster |
| 6.10 - 6.30 PM | Coaches Depart for Welcome Reception | Meet in lobby by 6.00 PM |
| 6.30 - 10.00 PM | Welcome Reception | Classic Car Museum (Dress: smart casual) |
Saturday, 19 October 2024
| 7.00 AM | Breakfast at your leisure | Restaurant |
| 8.45 - 9.00 AM | Warm Up | Evan Foster |
| 9.00 - 9.55 AM | A Global Perspective | Evan Foster |
| 10.00 - 10.40 AM | Owners Panel | |
| 10.40 - 10.50 AM | Group Photo | |
| 10.50 - 11.10 AM | Morning Tea | |
| 11.10 - 1.00 PM | EmbroidMe - Operations | Offsite. Meet in lobby at 11.10 AM |
| 11.10 - 1.00 PM | Speedy Signs - Workshops/General Sessions | |
| 1.00 - 2.00 PM | Lunch | Restaurant |
| 2.00 - 3.30 PM | Speedy Signs - Operations | Offsite. Meet in lobby at 2.00 PM |
| 2.00 - 3.30 PM | EmbroidMe - Workshops/General Sessions | |
| 3.30 - 3.45 PM | Afternoon Tea | |
| 3.45 - 4.45 PM | Taking Performance to the Next Level | Kevin Biggar |
| 4.45 - 4.50 PM | Survey & Close | Evan Foster |
| 5.50 PM | Coaches Depart for Dinner | Meet in lobby by 5.45 PM |
| 6.30 - 11.00 PM | Gala Awards Dinner | Vineyard (Dress: Business attire, ties opt.) |
Accommodation & Travel
ACCOMMODATION
We have a group booking at the Rutherford Hotel with a limited amount of standard rooms due to it being a busy conference and tourism season. Saturday breakfast is provided. Sunday breakfast is optional and on a pay-own-way basis.
All accommodation bookings are to be made using the Hotel Booking Form and returned to the franchise office. We will collate them, note the date they are received, and forward them to the Rutherford Hotel.
We encourage you to register early as rooms at the Rutherford Hotel will be allocated on a first in first served basis. Once our allocation is exhausted your choices will be Rutherford’s higher priced rooms (suites) or you will need to book direct with an alternative accommodation provider (see below choices all within walking distance to the Rutherford Hotel).
| Admirals Motor Inn | 0800 745 755 | stay@admiralsmotorinn.co.nz |
| Palazzo | 0800 472 5293 | info@palazzomotorlodge.co.nz |
| Century Park | 03 546 6197 | info@centuryparkmotorlodge.com |
| Hotel Nelson | 03 548 2089 | stay@thehotelnelson.co.nz |
| Tides | 03 548 7049 | enquiries@trailwayshotel.co.nz |
| Quest Apartments | 0800 944 400 | host@questnelson.co.nz |
TRAVEL SUBSIDY
To ensure we start conference on time we ask that you book flights to ensure you arrive at Nelson airport by 9.30am on Friday 18th October. The airport is only a 15 minute taxi/uber drive from to the hotel.
For those flying or using the Cook Strait ferry, a $200 pp travel subsidy will be paid (or $300 pp if two flights are required to get to Nelson) following full attendance at conference. Maximum of two travel subsidies per store.
Sign & Branding Awards
The Sign & Branding Awards ceremony will be one of the most important ways you can cultivate pride amongst your team and their hard work, long hours, and skills are rewarded. It's no coincidence that those stores that enter awards like this enjoy higher staff loyalty and overall business performance.
For your convenience, no entries need to be physically sent in they only need to be submitted electronically via Dropbox. Entries must be submitted no later than Saturday, 31st August 2024. We look forward to receiving your entries and seeing some of the great work completed across the group.
Refer to Dropbox for a copy of the entry criteria:
- Speedy Signs -> Sign Awards -> Entry Form & Criteria
- EmbroidMe -> Branding Awards -> Entry Form & Criteria
Sponsors
Key suppliers are financially supporting your national conference so please ensure you attend all the events where they will be present. And following conference take the time to thank them for their support.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Committee Meetings
For those on the Speedy Signs FAC or EmbroidMe Marketing Committee, you will be required to arrive in Nelson the day prior to conference (accommodation for Thursday night will be complimentary).
Thursday 17th October
- Speedy Signs FAC Meeting – Starts with a working Lunch at 12.30pm
- EmbroidMe Marketing Fund Meeting at 3.00pm
- SS FAC & EM MF Dinner at 6.00pm
Register Now!
Please help us by getting your conference registration in as soon as you can.