Corporates line up for Fiji retreat
Repeat customers an indication of event’s success, John Anthony reports.
Acorporate wellness retreat started by two Kiwi entrepreneurs is returning bigger and better this year after the inaugural event proved a hit with professionals.
Organised by Sunday Star-Times columnist and business coach Zac de Silva and lifestyle entrepreneur Steve Pirie, the Nurture Change retreat is a five-day event in Fiji designed for corporates looking to recharge, learn, network and be inspired.
Now in its second year, the retreat is held at five-star InterContinental Golf Resort & Spa from November 2 to November 6.
In 2015 the event sold out, attracting about 140 guests and included speakers like Xero managing director Victoria Crone, former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry and tech entrepreneur Dan Khan.
Speakers this year include successful businesswoman Diane Foreman, Olympic gold medallist Hamish Carter, author Murray Thom and Icebreaker founder Jeremy Moon. This year organisers were hoping to attract 250 guests, which would be a mix of about half business owners and half employees of larger corporates. Early bird tickets start from $4397 for a single room or $3897 for a twin room (return economy flights included).
De Silva said the retreat was different from regular conferences because guests chose to pay money to be there and be inspired.
‘‘You have a very like-minded group of people,’’ de Silva said. ‘‘It just makes it hum really well.’’
About 70 per cent of those who attended last year had already bought tickets to the 2016 event, he said. A satisfaction survey at the end of last year’s event returned with an average overall guest experience of 9.8 out of 10.
The challenge for this year was to keep it at that level or better, he said. One of the areas they worked on improving was increasing the amount of down-time people had because that was when some of the most valuable networking happened, he said.
‘‘It’s kind of half business, half chill.’’
Conversations between guests last year had resulted in significant business outcomes including millions of dollars in capital raised, the sale of a business and the creation of new ones, he said.
‘‘There’s been real serious impact from their time there.’’
Another improvement would be an increased focus on the health and wellness element after it proved so popular last year.
‘‘We were encouraged with how many people cared about health and wellness.’’ Watch next week to find out how to win one of four spots on the 2016 Nurture Change retreat.