Rugby World Cup - the ultimate networking event?

Wednesday 28th April 2010

New Zealand businesspeople wanting to fully exploit the commercial opportunities of the 2011 Rugby World Cup are being invited to join a newly launched New Zealand 2011 Business Club.

Associate RWC Minister and Minister for Economic Development Gerry Brownlee announced the initiative today, saying international businesspeople visiting for the Cup were already being approached about membership by New Zealand 2011 Ambassadors offshore.

"Now local businesspeople need to do their part in signing up to host them during the Rugby World Cup," Brownlee said.

The club operates as an online networking platform, allowing foreign business visitors to nominate their industry sector, where they will be in the country, and what they'd like to do while in New Zealand next year, beyond watching rugby.

Businesses will have access to information on the visitors coming to their area, so they can offer to host them at events and make business connections in the process.

"The government is committed to increasing New Zealand's export base, and the Rugby World Cup is a great platform from which to better connect with potential international customers and distributors," said Brownlee.

The New Zealand 2011 Office has been working with Business New Zealand, regional economic development agencies, and chambers of commerce to develop a business engagement programme, while New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has developed a guide to the opportunities in 2011 and a procurement opportunities website.

Businesswire.co.nz

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