Auckland: 22-25 June 2010

June 30, 2010 | Filed under Travel

So, last week I went to Auckland for a trade show/convention/conference/exhibition. I was all geared up on the weekend to write a lengthy entry about how awesome everything was, but just to spite me, my website failed on me. So instead of an erudite entry on my first overseas trip as a working professional, you’re going to get a handful of dot points (and photos if you’re my Facebook friend):

  1. I was staying at The Langham Hotel in Auckland. It’s a five star property, and they put me in a Langham Club room, which meant I had exclusive club privileges like:

    • 24 hour access to the club lounge
    • Free continental breakfast every morning
    • Free canapes and drinks between 5pm and 7pm each evening
    • Icecream, fruit, yoghurt, and coffee and tea available 24 hours
  2. Upon my arrival on Tuesday evening, they had a chilled bottle of Moët & Chandon waiting for me in my room, along with a triple chocolate mudcake measuring 10cm x 10cm x 5cm. Mmm yum. They also had other freebies like a bottle of perfume, candy, etc.
  3. On both days of the trade show, I was spoilt with a limitless supply of hot chocolate (perfect for the cold Auckland winter), and an incredible variety and selection of food for morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea.
  4. I gained a Rolodex full of useful contacts in the New Zealand events industry, and a million useful tips and advice that I can apply to my work here in Australia.
  5. I spent Wednesday night dining with Darnielle, Amanda and eemusings, and continued on to drink alcohol out of teapots with Amanda. By the way, did you know I am a wingwoman extraordinaire? Amanda will vouch for me. I was also initiated into the wonders of pterodactyl sex. Don’t ask.
  6. I went to an incredibly impressive gala dinner on Thursday night with music and dancing.
  7. I went sailing on an America’s Cup yacht on Friday morning. Despite the horrendous wet and windy winter weather, it was incredibly fun.

And the best thing about it all, is that aside from a cursory $100AUD for flight taxes and the $100AUD I spent out eating and drinking on Wednesday night, it was all essentially free. I AM A CHEAPSKATE AND THIS APPEALS TO ME.

4 Responses to Auckland: 22-25 June 2010

  1. Lol. Cold Auckland winter? Such an Australian! :P

    I would like to add that Amanda enjoys inadvertently attempting to get waitresses fired by offering them bags of Jaffas as a tip. She was really just trying to be friendly… and offload the gross amounts of free candy she was given. :P

    Nellie on June 30, 2010 #

  2. Enjoyed meeting you and hanging out with all you guys :) Sale St was great as always. Take it you went on to Cassette? I still haven’t been there…

    eemusings on June 30, 2010 #

  3. Ah yes, business trips, paid by for the company… are so so nice :B

    200AUD for it all? Maaan you lucky gal!

    Vera on June 30, 2010 #

  4. How did you get put in a Langham Club room? That sounds so awesome! Definitely gonna try out Langham some time. (I have this thing for staying in hotels in Auckland when parents are away :P)

    Glad your Auckland trip sounded fun!

    Rilla on July 1, 2010 #

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