Ringa Hora, Services Workforce Development Council, and Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) are coming together to develop vocational education and learning for the business events sector.
Ringa Hora will be adding its voice to the Workforce Steering Group, one of the key focus areas industry highlighted as part of Pīata Mai – the strategic direction for New Zealand’s business events industry to 2035.
BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins said that the Workforce Steering Group was established to provide a collaborative forum for cross-sector industry representatives who are part of BEIA’s membership and subject-matter experts in areas of shared interest.
“Collaboration is at the heart of the development of the steering group that will include broad expertise from the industry representing small and large businesses and those in a leadership or management roles,” she noted.
Ringa Hora is focused on responding to industry needs by developing fit for purpose qualifications and standards. Initial feedback from industry is a desire to explore micro-credentials in the workplace that blends experiential learning and practical application based on business needs.
“This ties back to Pīata Mai’s vision of creating a resilient sector, attracting and retaining talent,” Hopkins said.
“Talent attraction firstly relies on people knowing the sector exists. Traditionally, the sector has attracted people from hospitality, tourism and PR, but there is additional breadth of variety and challenge which only business events offer. There is something so satisfying about delivering an incredible event which leaves a lasting impression on its audience, and having the opportunity to rub shoulders with truly fascinating people.
“We hope that people from these sectors will see it as a next step in their career, and the vocational training supports this.”
Ringa Hora will have four representatives on the Workforce Steering Group including a cross-section of senior and operational kaimahi (staff) with expertise ranging from relationship management, qualifications, product development and moderation in the vocational education area.
Mel Harrington, general manager, partnership & engagement for Ringa Hora told industry leaders at MEETINGS 2024: “This supports the broader vocational education and training priorities outlined in the business events industry’s strategic direction to 2035 (Pīata Mai) and our own strategic vision.”
Ringa Hora will assist with insights from industry into upcoming qualification reviews for the industry, informing and critiquing existing or new product developments relating to skills and qualifications needed by industry.
“Our role is advocating on behalf of industry to contribute strategically to design qualifications and skills aligned with the strategic direction and national priorities.
“Importantly, in working with industry we want to showcase and celebrate role-models in businesses to recognise best practices and encourage future employees to be part of an exciting, fun and rewarding career in the business events sector,” Harrington said.
During his career, Chavy has held leadership positions with groups such as Travel+Leisure, Mövenpick, and Hilton.
He has held key positions in some of the group’s most prestigious properties during his tenure.
He joins The Sanchaya from his previous tenure as director of sales – Asia at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Bangkok.
Onyx Hospitality Group has unveiled Shama Hub – an extension of its serviced apartment brand, Shama – which offers a lifestyle that celebrates creativity, flexibility, and community engagement.
Strategically located in vibrant neighbourhoods, Shama Hub properties are easily accessible to attractive areas, allowing guests to seamlessly connect with the pulse of the city and explore its local culture.
Each Shama Hub property offers an array of amenities designed to enhance both convenience and social interaction for residents. These include self-service laundry facilities, a fitness centre, communal hub spaces, and self-service business cabins.
In addition, these Shama Hubs offer the exclusive Shama Social Club lifestyle programme, an initiative that enriches the guest experience by fostering a sense of community and connecting residents to the unique essence of each locale.
Shama Hub Qiantang Hangzhou, China and Shama Hub Metro South, Hong Kong are two new properties that have been added to the Shama Hub portfolio.
Shama Hub Metro South, Hong Kong is located in the Hong Kong Southern district and is an ideal hub for individuals or families seeking long-term accommodation close to the city while being surrounded by nature. The property features 26 floors and 139 rooms, with seven room types ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. Just a two-minute walk from Wong Chuk Hang MTR station, guests enjoy easy access to attractions like Ocean Park, Hong Kong Island, Aberdeen district, and more.
A new addition in the heart of Hangzhou, Shama Hub Qiantang Hangzhou, China features a variety of room types that cater to short- and long-term residents. Guests can choose from studio kings, one-bedroom suites, or studio flex twin rooms.
Situated in the Dajiangdong area, Shama Hub Qiantang Hangzhou, China is just a short walk from Dongsha Lake Park and the Grand Convention and Exhibition Centre, and is also within close proximity to shops, malls, restaurants, and major transport hubs. The property is only a 40-minute drive from the city’s international airport.
Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of Onyx Hospitality Group, shared: “At Shama Hub, we believe in providing more than just a roof over your head; we offer an experience that defines you.
“It is not just a club; it’s a community that fosters connection, exploration, and a sense of belonging.”