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The New Zealand International Convention Centre has expanded its international sales team as it looks to build on a strong first year of operation and attract more international conferences and major events to Auckland.
The convention centre has appointed Irette Ferreira as international sales consultant and Xanthe Smythe as sales manager – international, strengthening its ability to compete for business events in key global markets.
The appointments follow a busy opening period for NZICC, which has hosted events including TRENZ, MEETINGS and the inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand ceremony, while securing conferences including the IDF World Dairy Summit, the Coral Reef Symposium and the International Symposium on Microbial Ecology.
Director of sales Alana Bicknell says the appointments reflect the venue’s growing momentum.
“Our first six months have shown the role NZICC can play in bringing business events, international visitors and global conversations into the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Irette and Xanthe’s impressive track record, knowledge, networks and commercial insight will be incredibly valuable as we continue the momentum of competing for high-impact, dynamic events on the world stage.”
Irette joins NZICC after six years with Business Events Wellington, where she helped develop the conference pipeline for Tākina, bringing more than 20 years’ international experience across South Africa, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand. Xanthe also brings more than two decades of experience in hospitality, sales and business events, including expertise in strategic partnerships and international client development.
The expanded team, led by Alana, also includes business development executive Eloise Barnes, who is focused on the university and research sector, and Australian sales manager Jessica Carlson, supporting NZICC’s growth in the Australian market.
