For The Interiors Group CEO Bryn Harrison, hosting an international business conference should be about bringing people together, not managing operations.
Convenience is key: direct flights are non-negotiable, while having accommodation, dining and event facilities under one roof means less time spent coordinating and more time focused on delegates.
After all, “as a CEO, you want to know the logistics are going to work”.
A platform set for conversation and fun
That’s where Fiji comes in. Just a three-hour flight from Auckland, Fiji is an accessible destination for conferences that deliver beyond the boardroom.
Its uniquely laid-back approach, combined with its beautiful scenery, beaches and world-class resorts, is what sets it apart from other international destinations.
While Fiji is close enough to Aotearoa to be practical, “you know you are somewhere completely different” from the moment you step off the plane, says Harrison.
“Fiji immediately creates a sense that this is something special and genuinely relaxed. People arrive excited to be there, and that gives you a great platform for both the business conversation and the fun,” says Harrison.
Creating the ‘right atmosphere’
Harrison says Fiji strikes the right balance between culture, quality and experience, but its signature island hospitality is what really sets the tone.
“The Fijian approach to hospitality makes people feel welcome very quickly, and that helps create the right atmosphere within the group.”
This “genuine sense of welcome and generosity” encourages delegates to unwind, he says, with barriers coming down and conversations becoming more natural.
“It’s the warmth of the Fijian people that really stays with you. When you are hosting a company event, that becomes part of your delegates’ experience.”
Productive conversations, true connections
Whether you’re reconnecting with colleagues or networking with new ones, time spent together away from the office and day-to-day responsibilities creates the space for genuine relationships to form, laying the groundwork for future collaboration.
“Fiji gave us the space to have those strategic conversations, while allowing people to reconnect with colleagues and suppliers in a far more informal setting,” says Harrison.
“For us, the incentive trip is not just about the reward; it’s about strengthening relationships and culture for the future. The warmth of Fiji complemented that perfectly.”
The serene, tropical surrounds also allow teams to recharge and return to the office with renewed energy, without compromising on productive business outcomes.
Premium experience, seamless execution
For The Interiors Group’s Gold Club event in early August, the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort on Fiji’s Denarau Island proved an ideal base, says Harrison.
Just 30 minutes from Nadi International Airport, the sprawling waterfront property offers a wealth of team-building activities, from tennis to an 18-hole championship golf course.
Cultural experiences – including its signature ‘Cola Vina’ welcome – reinforce that staff are far away from the day-to-day.
The resort also offers a versatile selection of on-site venues, from al fresco beachfront spaces to tranquil gardens. Fijian hospitality extends across every aspect, from the team of dedicated event planners to tailored catering services, with custom menus to fuel the day’s programme.
When business is done, guests can move seamlessly to dinner or drinks at one of the resort’s restaurants and bars before retiring to their accommodation — all without leaving the grounds.
“You expect Fiji to deliver the leisure experience exceptionally well, but the standard of conferencing and event delivery was equally impressive — there is a sophisticated business events capability sitting behind the relaxed destination experience,” Harrison explains.
Once you arrive, the quality of the hotels, meeting facilities, technology, dining and supporting event infrastructure means you can deliver a professional conference in a setting that feels a world away from the office, he adds.
A high-demand destination
Fiji is also highly accessible, an important consideration when travelling internationally with a large group. Direct flights operate from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, while pre-booked shuttle services and private transfers make the journey to your accommodation simple.
To make the experience as seamless as possible, Harrison recommends finding a reputable events agency to handle the management of your conference. He also advises booking early to secure preferred venues and activities.
“Fiji is a high-demand destination, particularly in August when we travel, so booking early is how you protect the budget and still build something special,” he says.
“Flights, transfers, accommodation and the conference programme need to work together rather than being planned separately. My advice would be to engage the hotel teams early, communicate clearly about what you are trying to achieve, and don’t underestimate their local knowledge.”
International shouldn’t equal difficult
Ultimately, Harrison says, “international” doesn’t have to be synonymous with “difficulty” – and Fiji shows how the right destination can make bringing business offshore not only straightforward, but worthwhile.
“This trip was about our people and about bringing them together, and Fiji is the perfect place to achieve that,” he says.
“When you consider the value of engagement, retention, culture and the quality of time people spend together, I think Fiji delivers a very compelling return on the investment.”
For more information, visit businesseventsfiji.com