We are proud to say our events make business happen.
Our priority is providing thoughtful and important information to our members, offer the opportunity to listen to great speakers, as well as ensuring you make the connections you want. Please take a moment to explore the range of events offered below.
Chamber members have access to all our events at special member rates. The wider business community may also attend, at the guest rate.
We also offer an extensive range of high-impact, expert-facilitated professional development training programmes, courses, and workshops designed to develop skills and improve business performance, productivity and effectiveness. Click here to view the range of training we offer.
We look forward to welcoming you.
No one does networking like The Chamber.
Make new connections, raise your profile and expand your network.
New Member Mixer
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New members will be invited to attend a morning (or afternoon) tea with the Chamber team, where they get an opportunity to
- Network with other new members
- Introduce their business, and
- Learn more about Chamber membership benefits and our services.
Networking events
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Our networking events offer an opportunity to engage with the business community and build strong relationships in the region.
Business after Five (Ba5), Excellence BA5, or Breakfast before Eight (BB8) events are held monthly and are a great way to connect with other members. Ba5 events are generally hosted by a member and allows the opportunity for the host business to promote themselves, their services or products.
Events have been held in all sorts of locations from factories, building sites, workshops, warehouses – even on ships in Bluff Harbour.
Off the Clock
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Join us at our quarterly Off the Clock networking happy hour, held at a variety of local hospitality venues.
This is a casual get together, with no agenda. You are welcome to bring a friend, partner or colleague.
Westpac Smarts
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The Chamber together with Westpac are proud to deliver the Westpac Smarts speaker series.
Westpac Smarts provides a regular opportunity for Southland businesses to gain access to expert knowledge from a variety of speakers across different industries and specialisations, and insight on a wide range of thought leadership topics.
With the support of Westpac, Westpac Smarts are free to attend.
Women in Business
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Some of our events are designed to encourage women in business to excel and support others towards success.
Over the year’s these events have included a range of guest speakers including Indira Stewart, Papaya Stories, Ethan Flack, Kate Watkinson, Robin Rawson, David Galbraith, Genevieve McKay (Behrent), Lana Winders, Erin Cringlington, Hannah Pascoe, Jocelyn O’Donnell, Tania Kura, Rebecca Keoghan, Jackie Clark QSM, Angela Strang, Hon Paula Bennett, Di Foster, Gretta Stephens, Natasha King, plus many more.
Business events
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The Chamber provides regular opportunities for members’ to attend business briefings with Government ministers and business leaders providing access to insights and business updates.
Business Excellence Awards
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The highlight on the calendar is the biennial Southland Business Excellence Awards.
The Awards Dinner showcases the region’s business talent and capability. It also acts as a platform for paying tribute to local businesses helping to build our economy and community. As well as accolades for the winners the awards aim to highlight our outstanding local organisation’s and their achievements.
Export Awards
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One of the other highlights is the biennial Export Southland Gala Dinner.
This dinner has become a prestigious and popular event. It features a variety of quality local export food, an evening of entertainment and presentations.
The occasion offers the exporting industry a chance to acknowledge exporters who best characterise the values of the exporting industry.
Members will also be invited to a variety of other events throughout the year. These includes:
- Golf Tournaments
- Panel Discussions, and
- Events hosted in partnership with COIN South, Great South, Institute of Directors (IoD), Human Resource NZ (HRNZ), and other local businesses.
Click here to view our Events Calendar. Plus make sure you subscribe to our Events and Training e-Newsletter to keep up-to-date with upcoming opportunities.
