Auckland bracing for biggest day out for business

Auckland bracing for biggest day out for business

Auckland is already bracing to weather the biggest day out for business this year.

The speaker line up for Thrive Auckland on April 22nd runs like a who's who of business mentors, coaches, gurus and other communicators of business common sense.

Mc for the day is UK showman Michael Barrymore. Others who'll raise eyebrows are Bob Jones, Australian rugby legend John Eales, All Blacks' coach Graham Henry and Dave Dobbyn.

Hundreds of entrepreneurs and wannabes have booked already.

The event last year attracted over 1200 business owners and managers from all sizes of firm.

This year we want to fill the Aotea Centre with over 2000, said Alasdair Thompson, chief executive of the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) running the event.

"The day will be a lot of fun but with the serious intention of motivating, inspiring and teaching about business development, innovation and growth," he said.

"This is no run-of-the-mill business seminar. It's about encouraging individual business owners and managers to go for growth and thereby growing the economy for the good of all kiwis.

"Our presenters are loaded with practical tips, proven ideas and inspirational anecdotes on how you can grow your business."

Warehouse founder Stephen Tindall described it last year thus: 'THRIVE is a wonderful initiative that encourages entrepreneurship and celebrates business success. The fact that 1,200 business owners and managers spend a whole day at Thrive Auckland is proof that kiwis want to be motivated and inspired, and they want to grow their businesses.'

Speakers include:

* Prime Minister Helen Clark

* Murray Thom, Entrepreneur

* John Barnett, Film Producer,(Whale Rider, South Pacific Pictures

* Auckland Mayor John Banks

* Karen Walker, Fashion Designer, plus fashion show

* Denis Orme, CEO, Bartercard

* Sir Bob Jones

* Diane Foreman, CEO, Emerald Group

* Geoff Ross, Founder, 42 Below Vodka

* John Eales, Former Australian rugby world cup captain

* Graham Henry, All Blacks Coach

* Michael Barrymore, Master of Ceremonies

* Dave Dobbyn, Entertainment.

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