The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has strengthened its International Sales Team with the appointments of Irette Ferreira and Xanthe Smythe, as the venue builds momentum in its first year of operation.
The appointments of Ferreira as international sales consultant, and Smythe as sales manager – international, mark the next step in NZICC’s expanded sales strategy, strengthening the ability to attract international conferences, major events and new business from key growth markets.
Ferreira brings more than 20 years of global business events expertise across South Africa, Qatar, the UAE and New Zealand, with specialist knowledge in the international association market, bid strategy, global relationship management and destination development.
Most recently, Ferreira was with Business Events Wellington, where she supported the strategy to build the pipeline for Tākina, Wellington’s new convention centre.
Smythe also joins NZICC with more than 20 years’ experience in hospitality, sales, and events, bringing a strong understanding of client needs in the business events sector. Known for her collaborative approach and strength in strategic partnerships, Smythe completed the ICCA Skills Programme in 2024.
They join a team led by Alana Bicknell, director of sales, whose 17 years of cross-sector experience spans business events, hospitality, venue sales, operations and complex stakeholder environments.
The team is focused on growing NZICC’s global event pipeline, with Eloise Barnes, business development executive, supporting stronger university and research sector relationships, and Jessica Carlson, sales manager, Australia, who brings more than 15 years’ experience across the business events sector in New Zealand and Australia.
