Geoff Bone on the New Zealand Agricultural Show and how to create meaningful events

Seeds

Geoff is the event director for the New Zealand Agricultural Show (formerly the Canterbury A&P Show). In this interview we talk about Geoff's childhood and years overseas in Australia and London, what it is that makes a great event, cultural differences between New Zealand and overseas, how to succeed while dealing with rejection, the history and what goes on at the New Zealand Agricultural Show which gets 100,000 visitors over a few days in November as well as the nature of it and being a social enterprise.

New Zealand Agricultural Show: https://www.theshow.co.nz

Beck & Caul: https://www.beckandcaul.co.nz

From the New Zealand Agricultural Show website:

"Welcoming over 100,000 visitors through the gates, the New Zealand Agricultural Show brings a touch of tradition to the city and celebrates all that is great about rural life. With a packed schedule of top livestock and equestrian events, live music, Endurocross, fun-filled family entertainment, an indulgent Food & Wine Village and so much more, you really will be spoilt for choice at this spectacular Show.

The Show is hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association, a charity whose aim is to promote the importance of farming, produce and innovation to New Zealand as a whole. The Association’s annual event is one of New Zealand’s oldest A&P Shows and remains a traditional agricultural Show at heart. The decision was taken by the Association in 2017 to rebrand the Show, to ensure its longevity and continued support to the communities at its core for many more years to come. You can read more about this journey here.

The New Zealand Agricultural Show offers a memorable mix of competition, culture and entertainment – a celebration of everything great in New Zealand and one not to be missed!"