About Us
Founded in Northland in 2008 by Kate Blundell, The Event Collective (formerly Collective Concepts) has been proudly based in Christchurch since 2013, delivering exceptional events across Aotearoa for corporate, local government, and private clients.
We specialise in crafting events, conferences, brand activations, weddings and hospitality experiences that are meaningful, memorable, and measurable – from our first conversation through to post-event wrap-up.
Our team of internationally experienced event professionals offers bespoke event management services tailored to each client’s goals. We go beyond the creative, offering expert guidance on event strategy, ROI, compliance, technology, and sustainable delivery, ensuring every event is as impactful as it is seamless.
Events are designed and managed in-house by The Event Collective, alongside our trusted network of talented industry suppliers. This collaborative approach ensures every detail is executed with care, purpose, and precision.
Known for our personal and professional approach, we’re proud to deliver unforgettable event experiences—where guests are engaged, stakeholders impressed, and results speak for themselves. With The Event Collective at the helm, your event won’t just run smoothly – it’ll leave a lasting impression.
Our Vision
To craft unforgettable events that connect people through powerful storytelling, meaningful experiences, and lasting impact.
Our Values
Excellence is in the Details
We don’t just tick boxes—we sweat the small stuff (and love it). Whether it’s double-checking the floorplan or choosing the perfect shade of napkin, we believe excellence lives in the details. Strategy, innovation, and high standards? Always.
We Create with Heart (and Smarts)
Every decision we make considers people and the planet. From sustainable choices to thoughtful planning, we’re all about impact- less waste, more purpose, and events that feel good to be part of.
We’re Here to Make Your Day
Happy clients make our world go round. We’re the kind of team that remembers your coffee order, cheers you on, and makes magic happen behind the scenes – because the success of your event is our favourite thing to celebrate.
Collaboration is Our Superpower
We’re big on connection. We listen, learn, share, and support – whether it’s with clients, suppliers, or each other. We bring good vibes, real talk, and open minds to every project, and always lift each other up.
Kate Blundell – Founder and Director
As Founder and Director of Collective Concepts, I have extensive experience working with corporate and private clients in event management, wedding planning, brand engagement, digital marketing, PR and sponsorship management, and vocational and management training in tourism and hospitality; in New Zealand and offshore.
After graduating from Christchurch Polytechnic (CPIT) I began my career in the hotel industry for international hotel group Millennium Hotels and Resorts as a food and beverage supervisor quickly working my way up the ranks holding positions such as Restaurant Manager, Conference Sales Manager, Hotel Sales Manager and Food & Beverage Manager. In 2003 I moved to Northland and fell in love with the beautiful region I was proud to call home for many years.
During my time in Northland my focus moved from food and beverage management and hotel sales, to creating unforgettable bespoke events and experiences using a winning combination of the stunning location, locally inspired food & beverage, exceptional service and world class experiences – a simple philosophy I now follow no matter the event, location or client.
Having gained further experience in Australia as the Meeting & Events Director for Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sydney I returned to Northland and established Collective Concepts Ltd in 2008, with the goal of providing specialist services to the events, weddings, hospitality and tourism sectors throughout New Zealand.
In 2010, alongside Collective Concepts, I began working as a tutor on the Hospitality Management program at NorthTec. The opportunity to work with upcoming tourism and hospitality professionals in the classroom, restaurant, at events, and in the regional & national competition arena reignited my passion for personal learning and development resulting in the completion of a Graduate Diploma in International Hotel Management in 2013 through AUT.
In 2013, after 10 years away, I returned home to Christchurch with my husband Jason, to continue my work at Collective Concepts and take up the role as a Hospitality Management tutor at Ara Institute of Canterbury (formerly CPIT). My specialist teaching and knowledge areas are human resource management, strategic leadership, event management, food and beverage control systems, guest experience, sales skills, and digital marketing.
My extensive background in adult education and vocational training is now utilised by our Collective Concepts clients as part of our tourism and hospitality specific consultation and training offering, both privately and within the Regional Business Partner Network.
In August 2014, Jason and I welcomed our daughter, Jessica, into our busy lives and in February 2018 completed our family with the arrival of our son, Harrison. When our children are not in school or preschool, they may be found as part of the back of house team – it’s fair to say that a love of food, events, travel and hospitality is firmly ingrained in our family!
As a passionate tourism and hospitality professional I have a desire to use my wealth of knowledge and experience to ensure every client I work with is delivered a truly memorable service that exceeds their expectations every time.
Qualifications:
- Graduate Diploma in International Hotel Management
Graduated December 2013 through AUT - National Certificate in Adult Teaching
Graduated November 2012 through NorthTec - Diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking (Culinary Arts)
Awarded December 2011 through City & Guilds - Level 4 Cookery with strands in Seafood & Pasta
Awarded July 2011 through HSI - New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management
Graduated March 2002 through CPIT - Certificate in Cookery
Graduated March 2002 through CPIT & City & Guilds
Current Memberships:
- ChristchurchNZ
- Business Events Industry Aotearoa
- SKAL International Christchurch
- New Zealand Event Association
- New Zealand Chambers of Commerce Northland
Meet the team
Stephanie Mitchell, Event and Wedding Coordinator
Stephanie is a born and raised Cantabrian with a true passion for creating memorable guest experiences within the hospitality and tourism industries. Our resident go getter went straight from school
to Thailand for two years to work at a luxury hotel as a management trainee – working in all aspects of the hotel including kitchen, front of house, housekeeping and front office. On her return to Christchurch, Stephanie completed her Diploma in Hospitality Management at Ara Institute of Canterbury, graduating in 2017, and has since been gaining valuable experience in some of Christchurch’s best hospitality destinations.
Since meeting Kate during her time at Ara, Stephanie has been on the casual event and wedding team roster, and we are now delighted to have her as a permanent team member supporting our clients on their event and wedding planning journey.
Qualifications:
- Diploma in Hospitality Management
Graduated December 2017 through Ara Institute of Canterbury
Banner image by Krystle Photography
