From Setbacks to Success: The 2023 Nuffield International Triennial Conference, New Zealand.

Event planning

for an international conference is no small feat, and when you factor in the challenges of a global pandemic, it becomes an even greater task. The 2023 Nuffield International Triennial Conference was a journey marked by resilience and determination. The conference not only represented a significant triumph for Rural Leaders but also for New Zealand's food and fibre industry.

Nuffield's History

Founded in the United Kingdom by Lord Nuffield, the Nuffield Scholarship began with a vision to advance food and medicine production through philanthropy. Over more than seven decades, it has garnered participation from 18 countries actively supporting the scholarship programme, fostering an extensive alumni network dedicated to enhancing global food production. The Nuffield International Triennial Conference fosters the alumni through human connection and is hosted every three years in a different participating countries.

The last time the Nuffield Triennial Conference was held in New Zealand was in 2008, a significant year when HPCE's Director, Deb Wootton, first met Geoff Mathis from Nuffield. The meeting marked the beginning of a lasting friendship and business partnership between both individuals as well as between HPCE and Nuffield as organisations.

This partnership held deep meaning for Deb and HPCE as they embarked on the considerable challenges of bringing the 2023 Nuffield Triennial Conference to New Zealand. It also brought great satisfaction in overcoming those challenges and successfully bringing the conference to life.

Navigating Challenges 

Organising the 2023 Nuffield Triennial Conference in New Zealand was a remarkable achievement for our event management company. 

The path was far from straightforward, as the initial planning in 2020 took an unexpected turn when the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, disrupting the conference just days before it was scheduled to start. 

Our team faced the task of cancelling the entire event. Beyond being emotionally difficult, it presented us with a unique set of challenges. We had to negotiate with suppliers, manage financial considerations, and work out the logistics of getting event attendees back home, especially those who had already arrived in New Zealand. Amidst the chaos, the committee recognised that postponing the event was the only viable option. 

The Road to Success 

Thanks to the dedication of our team and the committee of 10, the event was successfully rescheduled for March 2023. This endeavour was far from simple, as prices for essential elements, including travel and accommodation, had surged. The team rose to the occasion, adapting to these changes and devising creative solutions in the event management process. 

The Power of Collaboration 

Sponsorships played a pivotal role in transforming the event into a reality. A total of 51 sponsors supported the event and were actively engaged in the event management process, working closely with our organisers to establish meaningful partnerships. 

Celebrating New Zealand's Food and Fibre Sector 

In the vast landscape of Conferences in New Zealand, the Nuffield Triennial Conference was an incredible opportunity to showcase New Zealand's food and fibre sector. The event provided a platform for networking, idea exchange, and an unparalleled experience of our country’s diverse offerings. 

A central component of the event was the 2023 Rural Leaders Agribusiness Summit, themed 'Forefront.' This theme celebrated businesses at the forefront of change, offering solutions to the sector's most pressing challenges and opportunities. The Summit aimed to promote global vision, leadership, and innovation by showcasing practical solutions for the challenges facing agribusiness today. 

The Rural Leaders Agribusiness Summit comprised just one day of the conference, during which we extended invitations to the New Zealand Agribusiness sector to participate and become part of our alumni. 

The full triennial event spanned 11 days, offering attendees the freedom to choose from various tours and activities, including visits to grain and seed farms, dairy operations, and captivating tourism-related experiences. This flexibility catered to attendees with unique interests, and that were naturally curious about business. 

The event attracted a diverse audience. Of the 243 Nuffield Triennial Delegates, 57 were from Australia, and 37 were from the United Kingdom. Almost 500 people attended the Rural Leaders Agribusiness summit, including 243 Nuffield Delegates and 51 Sponsors. 

Feedback from both sponsors and delegates was overwhelmingly positive, with highlights including visits to Mount Nicholas High Country Station and a truffle farm known as King's Truffles. The Agribusiness Summit Day featured world-class speakers, which was a highlight for many. 

Simon Derby from the UK said "thank you for the amazing conference. You have showcased brand New Zealand, and you should be immensely proud of your achievements. New Zealand has much to show the agricultural world." 

Ben Hancock from New Zealand expressed his gratitude, “thank you for organising a flawless conference to showcase our country and industry – and uplift and stimulate constructive conversations.” 

Adelle Burtic from Canada said "I continuously saw the immense effort put into this conference. The attention to detail and the passion to share and engage with the people. Being 'a partner' of a Scholar, I was able to learn and grow my own knowledge, and I am so grateful. The people and sense of community were honest and world-class." 

 
These are a few examples of the incredible feedback we received from attendees who joined us from all corners of the globe to participate in the conference. 

Looking to the Future 

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand's stunning landscapes, the Nuffield Triennial Conference not only showcased the country's food and fibre sector but also facilitated networking, idea exchange, and exploration of our region’s rich offerings. The event's success is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the agricultural community and the dedication of our event management team. 

Looking ahead, the Nuffield Triennial Conference is scheduled to take place in Ireland next in 2026, promising another exciting destination for agricultural enthusiasts worldwide.