Nelson Venues & Events Gets a New Director

Ali and co-Director Lea Boodee founded the company in 2013 to provide Nelson’s unique venues
with a range of support services and enable them to make better use of their facilities.
“Ali has been instrumental in getting Nelson Venues to where it is today, I sincerely thank Ali for her efforts over the years and wish her all the best, and a well-deserved break.” – Lea Boodee
Over the years the business has grown and works with many of Nelson’s iconic premises including Old St John’s, NMIT, Annesbrook, Founders Heritage Park and the Trafalgar Centre. It has evolved its range of services to include event management and now provides a range of support services for many major events in the region, including the 2015 Cricket World Cup, The New Zealand Cider Festival, Black Caps ODI events, Superclub Netball and the forthcoming All Blacks v Argentina event.
With a strong focus on sustainability, they have enabled major regional events to improve their
profile by providing a more environmentally focused approach to event delivery, including the utilisation of reusable cups at the recent ODI series at Saxton Oval in Jan 2018, The NZ Cider Festival and Marchfest 2018 with the intention of reducing single-use plastics to zero at events.
Shelley joins the team with a wealth of event and administration management experience. She is a creative problem solver with a keen eye for detail and exceptional time management skills. Shelley has been with OnCue Conferences for 10 years and will be continuing her role there as Conference Manager in addition  to managing Nelson Venues & Events. Her years of experience in conference management, and hospitality provide an ideal complementary skill set to the Nelson Venues & Events team.
“I am looking forward to expanding my horizons and taking a new and exciting next step in my career as the new director alongside Lea. We have some big plans in place for the future of Nelson Venues & Events” – Shelley Haring
Lea and Shelley’s existing relationship at OnCue has allowed them to develop an understanding of each other’s individual skills and abilities and will ultimately enable them to make a smooth transition into the new roles of Co-Directors at Nelson Venues & Events. Lea’s existing understanding of Nelson Venues & Events will ensure continuity for clients and business partners.
“I have worked with Shelley for the past four years and am thrilled about the potential she will bring to Nelson Venues & Events. We have several exciting initiatives planned for the coming years”. – Lea Boodee
With the business evolving and taking on more events work they have also had a name change to Nelson Venues and Events, which better represents their full range of services and will be implementing some new and exciting plans for the future with Lea and Shelley at the helm. Shelley’s previous event management and hospitality experience make her the ideal partner to move the business forward, alongside Lea.
Ali will be using her free time to spend more time with her husband and son as well as visiting family overseas and making more time to enjoy the many recreational activities Nelson has to offer.
“I am delighted to be leaving Nelson Venues & Events in such capable hands. Shelley brings a wealth of experience to the business and a fresh energy. I am sure the new director partnership will continue to deliver the Events and Venue Management expertise which we have successfully developed over the last 6 years” – Ali Lawley