HSBC 2020 Gala Dinner

One of the highlights on the Southland Chamber of Commerce calendar is the biennial HSBC Gala Dinner. Organised by the Export Southland Committee, the dinner has become a prestigious and popular event. It features a variety of quality local export food, an evening of entertainment and presentations. Formed in 2000 as ‘The Southland Export Forum’ and re-branded in 2012, Export Southland works to achieve four main purposes:

1. Represent exporters’ views on policy issues
2. Promote networking, educational and social events
3. Recognise significant business and individual contributions to the export sector
4. Assist start-up export orientated businesses

The Dinner offers the exporting industry a chance to acknowledge exporters who best characterise the values of the exporting industry. The presentation includes the announcement of recipients of the Southland Export Trust Grant and the 2020 inaugural Graham Dick Memorial Trophy. In past years the grant has assisted many local export businesses towards developing their products and chosen international markets. The evening also provides an opportunity to recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution within the Southland export sector.