The Tourism Chat Show

In this TRENZ Unpacked episode, Michelle is joined by Geraldine “G” McMillan, Western Markets Sales Manager at RealNZ, to unpack what really drives results at TRENZ.

Responsible for revenue across the UK, Europe, USA, Canada and Mexico, G shares an inside look at how one of New Zealand’s largest tourism operators approaches the biggest onshore trade show of the year — and why the real value of TRENZ extends far beyond the 15-minute appointments.

From pre-show preparation and strategic appointment planning to follow-up discipline and measuring ROI through CRM systems like HubSpot, this episode is packed with practical advice for both first-time exhibitors and seasoned operators.

They discuss:

Whether deals are actually “done” at TRENZ

Why follow-up is where the real money is made

How to maximise ROI (even as a smaller operator)

The risk of not showing up

Western market trends, including changing lead times and strong US performance

The power of inbound partnerships and trade relationships

If you’re wondering whether TRENZ is worth the investment — or how to get more traction from it — this episode is essential listening.

___________________________________________________________

Powered by https://www.destinatenz.com 

If you, or someone you work with has a great tourism story to share, and would like to come onto the show, please get in touch!

This is an independent podcast by tourism strategist Michelle Caldwell. We are absolutely dedicated to bringing you the best tourism business stories and sharing marketing tips and strategies to your ears each week! The best way you can support The Tourism Chat Show is by subscribing, leaving a (rave!) review, (five star!) rating and spreading the word on social media with your friends, family, and colleagues- we love you for that! 🥰

Today's Guest

Geraldine McMillan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-mcmillan-a4a2a8b0/

For more info on TRENZ: https://www.trenz.co.nz/

 

 

Resources and Links to connect with us:

Love the show? You can support us by buying a coffee ☕️ here — https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DestinateNZ

Share you thoughts and say hi to us on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetourismchatshow

Michelle Caldwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekcaldwell/

Website: www.destinatenz.com

If you'd like to advertise or feature on the show, please check out our media kit - https://www.destinatenz.com/podcast

In this episode, Michelle sits down with Paul Button, General Manager of Rotorua Canopy Tours, to unpack one of New Zealand’s most remarkable tourism success stories.

From his early days as a whitewater raft guide chasing winters and summers around the globe, to leading one of New Zealand’s most awarded visitor experiences, Paul shares his journey into tourism leadership and the culture that drives Rotorua Canopy Tours.

This conversation goes far beyond ziplining.

Paul reveals:

How founder James Fitzgerald set out to create “the most engaging zipline experience in the world” - and why the zipline itself only makes up three minutes of the tour.

How conservation became central to the business, removing 800 pests in the first week and sparking a long-term biodiversity commitment.

Why visitor experience excellence is simple - but incredibly hard to deliver consistently.

The power of emotional “spikes” in creating unforgettable family moments.

How a tourism business is now contributing to cutting-edge carbon sequestration research, potentially reshaping how New Zealand values native forest restoration.

With over 9,000 TripAdvisor reviews and global accolades under their belt, Rotorua Canopy Tours proves that tourism can do more than entertain - it can restore ecosystems, build legacy, and create meaningful human connection.

This is a powerful conversation about leadership, culture, conservation, and the role tourism can play in shaping a better future.

___________________________________________________________

Powered by https://www.destinatenz.com 

If you, or someone you work with has a great tourism story to share, and would like to come onto the show, please get in touch!

This is an independent podcast by tourism strategist Michelle Caldwell. We are absolutely dedicated to bringing you the best tourism business stories and sharing marketing tips and strategies to your ears each week! The best way you can support The Tourism Chat Show is by subscribing, leaving a (rave!) review, (five star!) rating and spreading the word on social media with your friends, family, and colleagues- we love you for that! 🥰

Today's Guest

Paul Button - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-button-93241b187/ 

More about Rotorua Canopy Tours - https://www.canopytours.co.nz/ 

 

Resources and Links to connect with us:

Love the show? You can support us by buying a coffee ☕️ here — https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DestinateNZ

Share you thoughts and say hi to us on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetourismchatshow

Michelle Caldwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekcaldwell/

Website: www.destinatenz.com

If you'd like to advertise or feature on the show, please check out our media kit - https://www.destinatenz.com/podcast

In the first TRENZ Unpacked episode for 2026, Michelle Caldwell is joined by industry stalwart Michel Adolphe, Chief Commercial Officer at Hind Management (home of the Sudima Hotel Group).

With more than two decades of TRENZ under his belt, Michel shares a refreshingly honest look at how the event has evolved - and why its core purpose hasn’t changed. From handwritten appointment requests and queueing at buyer booths, to today’s slick digital scheduling, Michel reflects on what’s different, what still matters, and why TRENZ remains a long-term game.

This episode goes beyond nostalgia. Michel offers practical, grounded advice for accommodation providers and operators at every stage - from first-time exhibitors to seasoned sellers - covering ROI expectations, trade-readiness, presentation tips, and the importance of doing your homework before you walk into a 15-minute appointment.

It’s also a timely snapshot of what’s happening in international markets right now, how distribution has shifted with the rise of OTAs, and why relationships with inbound operators and agents remain critical.

If you’re heading to TRENZ, thinking about it for the future, or just want a reality-check from someone who’s truly seen it all - this is a must-listen.

__________________________________________________________________

Powered by https://www.destinatenz.com 

If you, or someone you work with has a great tourism story to share, and would like to come onto the show, please get in touch!

This is an independent podcast by tourism strategist Michelle Caldwell. We are absolutely dedicated to bringing you the best tourism business stories and sharing marketing tips and strategies to your ears each week! The best way you can support The Tourism Chat Show is by subscribing, leaving a (rave!) review, (five star!) rating and spreading the word on social media with your friends, family, and colleagues- we love you for that! 🥰

Today's Guest

Michel Adolphe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michel-adolphe-70967225/ 

More about TRENZ - www.trenz.co.nz 

 

Resources and Links to connect with us:

Love the show? You can support us by buying a coffee ☕️ here — https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DestinateNZ

Share you thoughts and say hi to us on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetourismchatshow

Michelle Caldwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekcaldwell/

Website: www.destinatenz.com

If you'd like to advertise or feature on the show, please check out our media kit - https://www.destinatenz.com/podcast

Welcome Back!

In this episode, Michelle catches up with Tony Laskey, Executive Director of ServiceIQ, to talk about the state of the tourism and hospitality workforce and why investing in people has never been more important.

Tony breaks down what ServiceIQ actually does in plain English, how on-the-job training works, and why it’s designed to fit real workplaces without pulling staff off the floor. They explore practical training pathways, leadership development, and how structured learning can improve staff confidence, retention, and customer experience.

The conversation also touches on post-COVID workforce changes, new government direction, and how businesses of all sizes can access affordable, NZQA-recognised training with local, hands-on support.

If you’re a tourism or hospitality operator wondering how to build a stronger, more capable team in 2026, this episode is a great place to start.

__________________________________________________________________

Powered by https://www.destinatenz.com 

If you, or someone you work with has a great tourism story to share, and would like to come onto the show, please get in touch!

This is an independent podcast by tourism strategist Michelle Caldwell. We are absolutely dedicated to bringing you the best tourism business stories and sharing marketing tips and strategies to your ears each week! The best way you can support The Tourism Chat Show is by subscribing, leaving a (rave!) review, (five star!) rating and spreading the word on social media with your friends, family, and colleagues- we love you for that! 🥰

Today's Guest

Tony Laskey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonylaskey/

Service IQ - https://www.serviceiq.org.nz 

 

Resources and Links to connect with us:

Love the show? You can support us by buying a coffee ☕️ here — https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DestinateNZ

Share you thoughts and say hi to us on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetourismchatshow

Michelle Caldwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekcaldwell/

Website: www.destinatenz.com

If you'd like to advertise or feature on the show, please check out our media kit - https://www.destinatenz.com/podcast

In the final episode of our TRENZ Unpacked series prior to the big event, Michelle chats with Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), just weeks out from TRENZ 2025.

Together, they dive into:

What’s New at TRENZ 2025
More informal networking time, a refreshed welcome function, a rejigged TRENZ Talks format, and better flow across the full event programme based on industry feedback.

Behind the Scenes of Planning TRENZ
From technology and appointment-matching algorithms to catering, media, risk management and ministerial hosting – it’s a team effort at every level, with planning already underway for 2026!

Real ROI for Operators
TIA’s impact research shows 74% of sellers expect to generate over $50K in revenue from their TRENZ appointments – and for many, it’s six figures or more. A compelling case for why TRENZ is a no-brainer in your annual sales strategy.

Quality Match Making
Over 37,000 meeting requests were made this year, with 99.6% of mutual appointment requests fulfilled thanks to the locally built TRENZ Connect tech platform.

Why Post-Event Feedback Matters
TIA actively uses your survey responses to shape future events and improve the experience year-on-year – including catering upgrades and sustainability practices.

Beyond TRENZ – The Role of TIA
Michelle and Bex also chat about the wider mahi of TIA – advocacy, member support, sustainability, and the newly announced TIA-TNZ marketing working group designed to strengthen industry input into TNZ’s campaigns.

Hope for the Future
Despite global uncertainty, Rebecca shares her optimism for NZ tourism, powered by values-driven people, manaakitanga, and the deeply personal nature of the experiences we offer.

Final Thought:
“Diversity is good” – Rebecca encourages tourism operators to embrace new markets and build resilience by diversifying their trade relationships at TRENZ 2025.

__________________________________________________

Powered by https://www.destinatenz.com 

If you, or someone you work with has a great tourism story to share, and would like to come onto the show, please get in touch!

This is an independent podcast by tourism strategist Michelle Caldwell. We are absolutely dedicated to bringing you the best tourism business stories and sharing marketing tips and strategies to your ears each week! The best way you can support The Tourism Chat Show is by subscribing, leaving a (rave!) review, (five star!) rating and spreading the word on social media with your friends, family, and colleagues- we love you for that! 🥰

Today's Guest

Rebecca Ingram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ingram-8450208/ 

Resources and Links to connect with us:

Love the show? You can support us by buying a coffee ☕️ here — https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DestinateNZ

Share you thoughts and say hi to us on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetourismchatshow

Michelle Caldwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekcaldwell/

Website: www.destinatenz.com

If you'd like to advertise or feature on the show, please check out our media kit - https://www.destinatenz.com/podcast