Partners join The Wave: Westcon’s big beachy bash

Westcon decided it was high tide time to start the year with a partner appreciation event and Waves seemed like the perfect theme for a summer party.

"We wanted to create a colourful New Zealand beach party - something that was fun and memorable for both our reseller and vendor partners," says Westcon-Comstor marketing team lead Rochelle Carlyle.

"It was our way of saying 'thank you' to those that have shaped our business over the past year.

The events kicked off in Christchurch, with the event held at The Fermentist and was well attended by partners in the Christchurch area.

Colourful branded bean bags adorned the deck area, and a local Gelato cart provided cool refreshments after the BBQ.

Platinum Plus sponsors Check Point and VMware sponsored signature cocktails for the events.

Cisco sponsored the entertainment.

Juniper sponsored the ice cream carts and Philips Monitors provided hats for attendees.

There were also a number of Gold sponsors, with branded bean bags or loungers at the events for attendees to relax on.

The Wellington party was held at Victoria Bowling Club, where partners enjoyed a game of lawn bowls, followed by a BBQ and Mr Whippy ice creams.

The series of events finished on a high with the Auckland Beach Party held at The Maritime Room, decked out with colourful lanterns, a mechanical surfboard, gelato cart, DJ, beach scene and just over 200 attendees last Friday evening.

"We really wanted to thank our partners in style, and I think we achieved that," adds Westcon sales and marketing director Simon Goode.

"Feedback from the events has been very positive".

As well as the theme, attendees commented on the value of the networking using this opportunity to catch up with others in the industry and re-kindle relationships.