5 May 2006 Thrive Mainland re-energises business

New Zealand's biggest business event is coming to Christchurch next month, with a superb line-up of speakers, trade expo, networking and entertainment. Thrive Mainland is presented by the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce and will be at the Christchurch Convention Centre, 10am - 5.30pm on 22nd June.

From New Zealand's $700 million man, Sam Morgan, to the inside story of how New Zealand won the Rugby World Cup 2011, to the successful launch of a budget airline that was profitable in its first year, and a chilling story of Arctic survival, Canterbury businesses will get ideas, inspiration and motivation to last them through the winter and beyond.

Presented in a multimedia theatrical environment, Thrive Mainland is entertaining, action packed, and loaded with practical advice. Featuring some of New Zealand's hottest entrepreneurs, Thrive Mainland is focused on inspiring the South Island business community to focus on growth.

Speakers also include mover, shaker and NZ Herald Businessman of the year, Craig Norgate, Swanndri chief Julian Bowden and start-up eco-products queen Brigid Hardy, as well as four local heavyweights – Richard Ballantyne, Michael Chick, Mike Pero and Tony Sewell. Ex-Christchurch four-piece band Opshop will be providing entertainment.

“The Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be presenting Thrive Mainland,” says Chief Executive Peter Townsend. “We have a wealth of business talent in the South Island, and Thrive is an exciting opportunity for us to bring people together and provide them with an opportunity to hear some inspirational speakers. Thrive Mainland 2006 will build on our culture of success in the South Island.”

“We are also really pleased to have attracted a range of sponsors – Telecom, Southern Cross, Lincoln University, Newstalk ZB, Brannigans, Environment Canterbury, Wired, Hertz, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Rangiora Print and Simes – which enables us to keep prices accessible for a wide range of businesses”, said Mr Townsend.

Peter Townsend, Chief Executive, Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, Christchurch, New Zealand