Nelson Events & Venues: Elevating Experiences

Nestled in the picturesque city of Nelson, Nelson Events & Venues stands as a beacon of excellence in event management. At the helm is Shelley Haring, who has transformed the company into a powerhouse for unforgettable events. Shelley’s journey from a tourism professional to a renowned event manager and entrepreneur is a testament to her dedication, passion, and unyielding drive.

Shelley Haring’s foray into the world of event management was neither planned nor traditional. Born in Greymouth, Shelley moved to Nelson at the age of 13. Her career began with a role as a flight attendant for Air New Zealand, a job that honed her customer service skills and introduced her to the intricacies of logistics and planning.

After seven years in the airline industry, Shelley transitioned to various roles in tourism and hospitality, including positions at luxury lodges & boutique hotels. It was during this time that she developed a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of what makes an experience memorable. This background seamlessly led her into event management, a field where she could blend her organisational prowess with her creative flair.

The turning point in Shelley’s career came when she joined OnCue Conferences, a local conference management company. “I was looking for a new challenge, and the opportunity at OnCue came at the perfect time,” Shelley recalls. Her talent for managing business events & conferences quickly became evident, and after ten years as a PCO (Professional Conference Organizer, she found herself presented another opportunity: taking over another local company – Nelson Venues & Events.

“Nelson Venues and Events was initially focused on venue management, but I saw an opportunity to expand it into a full-fledged event & festival management company,” Shelley explains. The previous owner was ready to step down, and Shelley was eager to take on the challenge. “It was the steepest learning curve I’ve ever had, but I’m proud to say that six years later, we’re still here and still smiling.”

Shelley’s journey has not been without its hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, especially for the events industry. “We were just in the process of purchasing Marchfest a local craft beer festival when the pandemic hit. It was heartbreaking to cancel it, but we knew we had to stay resilient,” Shelley shares. The cancellation was a significant setback, but it also served as a catalyst for innovation and adaptation.

“We explored all possible options, from virtual events to modified in-person gatherings with strict regulations. It was tough, but we knew the value of our events and were determined to come back stronger,” Shelley asserts.

Nelson Events & Venues are the proud owners of 2 of Nelson’s largest 1-day festivals, The NZ Cider Festival, and Marchfest (‘NZ’s Big Little Craft Beer Festival’) having run these 2 events for 7 & 10 years respectively.

Last year they added Feast Whakatū to their portfolio, a 7-day calendar of food & beverage experiences across the Nelson/Tasman region.

Up next on the calendar is The New Zealand Cider Festival, scheduled for 2nd November 2024 at Founders Park, Nelson. This festival is a celebration of all things cider, featuring over 100 varieties from New Zealand’s top cider makers. “We’re excited to bring together cider enthusiasts from all over the country for a day of tasting, learning, and enjoying great entertainment,” Shelley enthuses. The festival promises a family-friendly atmosphere with live music, local artisan food trucks, and live music all day. In its 8^th year, the NZ Cider Festival is a firm favourite to kick off the start of summer festivals.

Following close behind will be Feast Whakatū also in November this year, “we can’t wait to bring this event to life again for a 2^nd year, we have lots of fun and unique foodie experiences to deliver”

Rounding out the summer, will be Marchfest on 29^th March 2025, this will be the 16^th iteration of Nelson/Tasman’s favourite (and only!) craft beer festival.

Shelley Haring’s impact extends beyond her company. She is a passionate advocate for Nelson’s growth and development as a premier destination for events. “Nelson has so much to offer, from its stunning natural beauty to its vibrant community. I believe we can position Nelson as the go-to place for unique and unforgettable events,” she says.

However, Shelley also acknowledges the challenges that need to be addressed, such as regulatory hurdles and the need for more green spaces in the city. “There’s a lot of potential here, but we need to streamline processes and create more inviting public spaces to truly capitalize on what Nelson has to offer,” she notes.

Under Shelley Haring’s leadership, Nelson Events & Venues continues to set the standard for event management in the region. Her ability to navigate challenges, coupled with her unwavering commitment to excellence, has earned her the respect and admiration of peers and clients alike. “Seeing the end product and the joy on people’s faces is what makes it all worthwhile,” Shelley reflects.

If you are interested in find out more about Nelson Events and tickets for the New Zealand Cider Festival check out www.nelsonvenues.co.nz and www.nzciderfestival.com.