In a bid to build interest in this annual awards event, the Foundation contracted Convergence in early 2010 to boost its profile via media relations, trouble-shoot solutions to certain issues, and source new event and media sponsors. The 2010 Awards were a huge success with an increase in non-solicited entries, strong media coverage and a significant strengthening of sponsor relationships.
Convergence was retained to project manage the 2011 South Island Farmer of the Year competition. We grew the number of sponsors, managed sponsor relations, identified leveraging opportunities, managed advertising promotions and provided independent event management advice. The profile of the competition grew again with significant coverage throughout targeted South Island rural media. We look forward to the 2011 South Island Farmer of the Year (the Bowan family) Field Day in Geraldine on 2 March 2012.