Application and Assessment process

  1. Industry
  2. Thermal Explorer Highway Regional Events Fund
  3. Application and Assessment process

Evaluation Criteria

  • Eligible Expression of Interest applications will be assessed using the information given as answers to each question in the online application form.
  • Applicants are required to answer each question. Applications that do not address each question adequately will not be considered.
  • Additional supporting documentation and information may be requested at time of assessment.
Thermal Explorer REF 2023 Funding Application

VISITATION: How will your event stimulate additional visitation into the host region?

Detail: The applicant must demonstrate how the event will attract additional inter (from one region to another) and intra-regional visitation (within the same region, 50km from home). This can be highlighted by event strategies in place; who and where the target markets are from; what type of event is being hosted; and whether this is a new, one-off or existing event.

Considerations:

  • Size and scale of the event
  • Marketing strategies - local, regional and national campaigns
  • Seasonality - event held outside of visitation season
  • Statutory/school holidays
  • If an existing event, will need to highlight how funding will be utilised to stimulate additional visitation i.e. additional event day or event component; or marketing strategies that support this objective.
  • Expected visitors - who are they; what are they likely to spend; how long will they stay?

VIABILITY: How will your event be viable, feasible and financially sustainable?

Detail: The applicant must provide information to showcase the viability of the event; outline why this event is a good idea; outline how the region has the appropriate facilities to host the event and how the event will comply with applicable laws, regulations, rules and professional codes of conduct or practice; and demonstrate how the event has the potential to be financially sustainable

Considerations

  • Regions ability to host the event including having the appropriate facilities such as infrastructure, accommodation, waste management, and access.
  • Feasibility study
  • Business plan
  • Income source/s
  • Risks assessment of the event including funding, COVID-19, other events at same time, weather contingencies
  • Strategy to grow your event
  • Competitive analysis - in the region, within New Zealand (same events, like events, similar target market)
Other Evaluation / Eligibility Considerations

Event Profile

The applicant must be able to demonstrate the size of the event in terms of (historical information if existing event, or estimates if new or one-off event):

  • Audience
  • Spectator numbers
  • Participant numbers, and/or
  • Media profile

Status of Event Organiser

The applicant must be a legal entity – registered organisation, association or industry group (or be in the process of setting up as a legal entity)

Event Eligibility

Refer to Eligibility for eligibility criteria and considerations.

Timing of Event

  • Funding will not be granted retrospectively or outside of the 2023 event funding application round.
  • The event must take place in the timeframe relevant to the 2023 event funding application round (no earlier than Wednesday 1 February 2023 and no later than 31 December 2024 – subject to the discretion of the Panel)

Economic Benefit

If the proposed event is a new event, assessments may be made through comparison of events of a similar nature. If a previously held event, performance data may be used to assess the event.
Other economic benefit considerations include: impacts on the supply chain, events sector and wider economy, and how the event is broadcasted regionally and nationally.

Calendar Fit

The REF supports inter and intra-regional visitation strategies and objectives of each region - events need to demonstrate how the timing of their event meets the key visitation and economic drivers of the region.

Consultation

The Panel will take into strong consideration the endorsement of the event by RTO and regional stakeholders.

The Panel – Experience and capability

The Panel will utilise their background, skills/experience, events and tourism industry knowledge and contacts to assess and validate the application and information contained within.

Approval Process

The Panel will assess applications for event funding as per the application and assessment process and successful and unsuccessful applicants will receive an official notification from Hamilton & Waikato Tourism (Lead Entity) before any announcements are made. All funding decisions made by the Panel are full and final.