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About the Organisers

The NZ Business Games are run by Fordward Thinking Ltd www.fordwardthinking.co.nz

Contact us and be up with the play.

If you have a query about the Games generally, just get in touch with us via e mail or phone.
Our contact details are - info@businessgames.co.nz , or for human contact - phone 04 389 4496.

Principal founder

Jill Ford, MBA (Distinction) BSc Hons, Certificate of Direct Marketing, Certificate of E marketing
jill@fordwardthinking.co.nz

Jill has a mixed background (some would say dubious) started off in science (in search of the truth) then ended up in sales and marketing (shades of the truth).
Travelling is her passion and she has been to most continents and seen some terrible toilets! When not sitting at a computer she is outdoors - preferably mountain biking or diving and has done some silly, but awesome events like the Coast to Coast and Oxfam Trailwalker.
Jill's marketing background includes sales, account management, direct and internet markets, sponsorship and of course events! She has worked in International companies, New Zealand business, Government and now small business.

Awesome Marketing assistant and general crazy person

Susan Wilson BFA, Certificate in Adult Teaching
susan@fordwardthinking.co.nz

Susan is local to Wellington. That's not to say she isn't transient, having lived in a variety of places around New Zealand and spent time (though not enough!) travelling in South East Asia, India and Europe. Susan has predominantly worked in the Arts sector since graduating, supporting and teaching people from all walks of life before venturing into events. She is often found making creative messes, bum up in the garden or a skip, op shopaholic and owner of manic dog! A wine never goes astray or a good local band.

Fordward Thinking specialise in the key areas of; project management, sponsorship, events, cause marketing, social marketing, promotion, E & Direct marketing.

We have 25+ years experience in sales, marketing, social marketing, events, sponsorship and project management and have worked in government, corporate, non for profit and charitable sectors.
Our expertise is in the design and implementation of events, sponsorship and integrated marketing programmes, including social marketing integrating with other marketing disciplines such as; promotional marketing, E / Direct marketing.

We specialise in ‘thinking outside the square’, coming up with innovative solutions, followed by action plans and well executed implementation.
Whether you are a non for profit, government or a corporate we will develop innovative and exciting ways to get your message / brand across through genuine ‘integrated experiential marketing’. No matter whether the project is small and internal for staff, families or selected clients or national involving several centres, and thousands of people, we can assist.

Projects include

Over the years these have been a wide variety including children’s, sports, corporate, conferences, cultural, involving the whole marketing mix from web sites to PR, merchandising, street signage, advertising etc

NZ Business Games

Based in Wellington this has grown over 14 years to be the single largest business house event in New Zealand, involving over 50,000 competitors during that time. Major sponsors have included WestpacTrust, TMP Worldwide, Computerland, Brookers, LIQUID.co.nz, SPARC, ACC.

Meridian Kids Mountain Bike Jams

This event was originally coordinated for the Health Sponsorship Council, with the aim of encouraging more young children to get ‘on their bikes off the road’. 2009 is the ninth year and the 4th year with Meridian as the naming sponsor. The Jams are held in 7 centres throughout NZ, during March to May each year. www.kidsbikejams.co.nz

Wild Wellington Mountain Bike Relay

In the heart of Wellington in Mt Victoria - hundreds of bikers take to the tracks of Mt Victoria for 12 / 6 hours of non stop mountain biking, adrenaline, fun, action, music and socialising.
www.wildwellington.co.nz

Interislander Teddy Bears Picnic

After the Christmas Parade this is the largest children’s event in the City, it attracts thousands of families to the Botanic Gardens, for free entertainment and activities. Acts are brought from around NZ and there is something new each year.

http://www.teddybearspicnic.co.nz/

PREVIOUS EVENTS

Wellington Chinese New Year Festival
This was done in partnership and in just 4 years became a major cultural festival in Wellington. In Jill’s final year (2005) it involved 10 days of activity including Festival Day, Schools Programme and a Kite Festival. Acrobats from China and a massive Fireworks display were highlights of the festival in 2005. Numerous organizations are involved ranging from all local Chinese groups to the Zoo, Te Papa and Capital E. www.chinesenewyear.org.nz

Smokefree National Schools Aerobics
This was initiated by Jill Ford in response to the Health Sponsorship Councils desire to target teenage girls with a trendy Smokefree ‘product’. Jill ran it for four years growing it to include hundreds of students from the majority of schools in NZ. The national body NZ Aerobics now runs this. Major sponsors included Reebok, Yoplait, and Mainland