Empty venues generated an extraordinary idea that reconnected Waikato businesses with people

When events were cancelled during the lockdown, this top Hamilton venue lay empty and with it, the themers, production services and caterers they would usually work with had their work grind to a halt.

Brighter days ahead: The winning Fieldays team reunite over lunch at The Atrium.

A seed of an idea changed that and for two weeks they worked together on a feel-good plan to bring life back into the venue, get people working together and reward Waikato business partners affected by COVID-19.

It all started from a suggestion by Leanne Morris of The Event Company to Wintec Venues Coordinator Kate Laurich that  it would be great to host for free, a series of lunch events for their most deserving Waikato clients to reunite after the COVID-19 lockdown.

Laurich says the seed of an idea grew into a collaboration with other Wintec Venues partners, Phoenix Decoration Hire, lighting and production company ACLX, and Hamilton caterers Montana, Hazel Hayes and  Kerr and Ladbook.

With people behind it, the Reunite lunch series took shape.

“It was a big ask,” says Laurich. “These companies had little or no income for the past three months, but when we put out a call, they jumped at the chance to take part and they contributed everything. We were frankly, just blown away with their generosity.”

Two weeks, 120 entries and a draw later from Wintec’s event client list revealed the winning teams: Fieldays, Waikato Hospital and Winger. They reunited with their colleagues at a series of special lunches at the Atrium for 12 people, from 10-12 May after New Zealand officially entered Alert Level 1 and social events were back on.

To enter, they contributed their lockdown stories and the challenges they faced.

“There were so many heart-warming stories about the adversity our business partners were facing that it made choosing just three, pretty tough,” says Laurich, who added that high proportion of entrants nominated their IT teams who were integral in helping the shift to online working.

“It became obvious at the events that many of these people had been working from home and they clearly enjoyed connecting in person again. The big smiles were worth it for all of us involved.”

The Reunite event partners came to the party and everything from the venue, staff, theming, food and wine, and lighting was laid on for free including entertainment by soloist  Dan MacIntyre and folk-pop duo, Looking for Alaska.

Guests were treated to an exquisitely decorated long table, stunning lighting and a three-course banquet matched with wine and served by trained waitstaff. Wintec Venues and ACLX staff worked in the background to ensure everything went like clockwork.

Ironically, the first event on Wednesday 10 June would have been the day the Fieldays launched New Zealand’s biggest annual agricultural event.  It was a small consolation for a team from Fieldays as the first corporate team to be treated to a Reunite lunch at the Atrium.
The experience was a celebration for everyone adds Laurich.

“We’re not going to forget the past three months in a hurry and for our business partners and clients, it has been tough in so many ways. This whole experience has taught us the importance of reconnecting in person and the value of good technology when we can’t.”

The Atrium at Wintec House is a sought-after venue for weddings, conferences and event of all sizes. The complex is managed by the Wintec Venues team along with a suite of events and training rooms at Wintec City and Rotokauri campuses in Hamilton. Find out more about  venues at Wintec.

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