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Creating Magic: My Time as Awards Convenor and Intro to Event Management


Recently, I stepped slightly sideways from my usual tourism marketing work to take on the role of Awards Convenor for the 2025 Unison Great Lake Taupō Business Awards. I’ve attended a lot of awards nights over the years, and I knew exactly what I wanted to bring to this one: warmth, personality, and a true sense of Taupō.


Three events, one big celebration


The Awards weren’t just a one-night affair. They were an entire series of moments designed to build momentum and connection.

  • Launch Function – to build excitement, announce key dates, and get our business community buzzing.

  • Finalist Function – to celebrate and announce those who made it through Stage One judging, keeping the energy alive before the big night.

  • Gala Awards Night – the spectacular finale, celebrating the best of the best.


Adding those personal “wow” moments


Guests on Gala night arrived through a twinkling fairy light tunnel into a room dressed in sophisticated navy and silver. Tables featured subtle touches of pumice and ferns - a nod to our region - and as the evening unfolded, surprises kept coming.

Winners chose their own walk-up songs, and when their names were announced, balloons and champagne were delivered straight to their tables - making it instantly clear who was celebrating.


Our MC, Will Martin - who once called Taupō home before becoming the youngest man in history to top the UK Classical charts - didn’t just host, he performed. From heartfelt ballads to upbeat crowd favourites, by the end of the night guests were calling out for more.


And yes, we had an ice cream cart tucked at the back of the room as a secret treat. A DJ kept the celebrations rolling into the night.


Engaging the whole community


Midway through the campaign, I introduced a People’s Choice Award to build wider community engagement. The results were incredible:

  • 105 businesses nominated

  • 18 shortlisted

  • Over 4,500 public votes cast


We even got Turangi businesses and locals involved. After presenting at their Business After 5, they rallied behind People’s Choice and brought two full tables of supporters to the gala.

On social media, we achieved record engagement – over 60,000 views in one week – and the Awards became a true talking point in our community.


Setting entrants up for success


I also created a series of on-demand webinars to help entrants put their best foot forward, sharing tips and insights on creating strong awards submissions. The goal was to make the process less intimidating and give businesses the tools to shine.


Behind the scenes – the less glamorous but equally important work


From start to finish, there was an incredible amount of moving parts:

  • Negotiating with suppliers to stretch budgets without compromising quality

  • Coordinating sponsors so they got genuine value and visibility

  • Managing website updates, PR, media releases, and early-morning radio chats

  • Overseeing the judging process, with independent out-of-town judges across two stages (online and in-person)

  • Endless checklists, runsheets, technical specs, and logistics to ensure nothing was left to chance


Wrapping it all up


Even now, after the last balloon has floated away, my work isn’t done. I’m wrapping up with sponsors, suppliers, and winners to ensure they can leverage their involvement or their win to its full advantage. Awards shouldn’t just be a great night – they should create lasting value.


What people said


The feedback from businesses, sponsors, and attendees was humbling:

“You were amazing! Every little detail you had sorted!! Loved working with you.”
“It was such a beautifully run event from start to finish, with divine food, awesome atmosphere, and a real sense of celebration. The MC was a standout, something fresh and different from previous years, and the way the evening flowed made it such an enjoyable experience for everyone.”
“We’ve genuinely enjoyed the full process from the application stage to the judging, and then the awards night itself. It’s been a privilege to go through the full journey. To come away with the Strategy & Planning Award, Highly Commended in Innovation, and then the Overall Business Award was beyond what we could have hoped for.”
“Fantastic night Michelle, it was incredible – you are all about the details and it shows.”
“Best Awards night ever – thank you so much.”
“Thanks very much for all the work you put in to make this year’s awards programme such a success. The Gala Night was a fantastic way to top it all off, and you deserve to be proud of it.”

What I learned (and loved) along the way


I was reminded that small details matter just as much as big ones. The right MC can shift a mood from “formal dinner” to “unforgettable celebration.” Personal touches – like customised music, surprise ice cream, or a champagne moment – turn an event into a story.


And, just like in tourism, the magic happens when people feel truly connected. You’re not just organising events; you’re creating pride, joy, and moments people will talk about for years.


While my full-time focus will always be helping tourism businesses shine through smart marketing and strategy, this project reminded me just how much I enjoy creating experiences that tell a story, reflect a brand’s personality, and leave a lasting impression.


If you’re looking for someone to help create an event series with heart, style, and a few “wow” moments – whether it’s an awards night, product launch, or corporate celebration – I’d love to chat. Because the best events, like the best marketing, are all about moments people remember.


Photos by the incredibly talented Lisa Robinson Photography.


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